Tag: Energy efficiency
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Projects update
A quick update on recent projects. Green roof on bike shed I have nearly finished a green roof on a bike shed in Stockwell. It is all ready for planting and the customer has a great plan for herbs and succulents in a geometric pattern. It looks pretty good at the moment but I will…
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The National Home Improvement Show
We headed off on our bikes to Olympia for the National Home Improvement Show with mixed feelings. I had bought tickets in a two for one offer a couple of months earlier and every week since they had sent me offers for free tickets so I was a bit annoyed with the organisers but the…
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The miracle of the Owl
I hadn’t realised quite how good my new Owl thermostat and heating control is until now. I have obviously been showing off to friends about the smartphone app showing how little electricity I am using etc which is all very exciting. However the cold weather has really bought it into it’s own. When I set it…
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Open House Weekend
Last week was Open House weekend as the 40,000 or so people that went to Battersea Power Station should know. Having had a quick peek at it recently as part of the improvement zone project I was able to visit a couple of eco homes instead. Having seen quite a number of architect led fantasy…
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Open House Eco Highlights
I have been planning a few visits for Open House this weekend as it is a great chance to snoop around and pick up tips for future projects. I have found 3 eco homes in South London and 4 in North London so you can choose, or get up early and do them all. The…
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Lime plastering course
I have spent the last couple of days on a lime plastering course in Bedford. I am learning this skill so I can deliver more retrofit services to the customers of www.ecoalex.com. One of the key ways to improve the energy performance of older houses is to add internal insulation to walls. There are lots…
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Draught proofing an old terrace house
For the last year or so I have been working on and off on an older property near Stockwell. It’s a lovely house but it does get pretty cold and draughty, especially in the harsh winter we have been having. Last year I fitted some secondary glazing on the stairs and in the bathroom reducing…
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Procrastination – the enemy of energy efficiency
I have a confession to make, my boiler is over 15 years old and spectacularly inefficient. Not a very good thing for Ecoalex. According to SEDBUK the database of boilers it operates at about 65% efficiency. A new condensing boiler could work at about 90% efficiency. I have known this anecdotally for about 3 years…