Definitions - u

U-value applies the factor of time to the heat-loss measurement. U-values measure heat that escapes per hour through a window. Windows typically have two U-values: one for the glass and one for the window, including the frame.

Underfloor heating is where the method of heating a room is provided through the floor. In essence a heating element, be it electrical or water based is embedded into the floor during construction. Then when heat is required in the room this is turned on to slowly heat the floor itself, which then raises the temperature in the room.

The big advantage with this approach is there are no visible evidence that the room is heated (i.e. vents, A/C units, etc) - keeping things very neat and tidy. The other big plus is with the floor being heated it is actually warm to walk on bare foot.

The downside is that you can only really do this well with tiled floors as you need a good heat conductor immediately above the elements. Also it is not 'instant' heat rather it will take a good hour to get up to temperature in most cases.

Although given the high thermal mass of such a floor, you can use this to your advantage by heating the floor during 'off-peak' times to then slowly release the heat during the following day.

A method of land disposal in which liquid wastes are injected into known geological formations, generally at great depths.

All oils requiring further refinery processing, except those requiring only mechanical blending. Includes naphtha and lighter oils, kerosene and light gas oils, heavy gas oils, and residuum.

A territory with one or more features present throughout and absent or unimportant elsewhere.

The ability to increase a product’s performance or features without replacing the product.

Cork isn’t just for wine bottles anymore. Probably the most popular use of cork now is flooring because it provides natural thermal insulation, thus helping to lower energy consumption, and it also has the natural ability to absorb sound and shock. It is a type of flooring that suits most allergy sufferers and is very durable despite its rubbery feel. Did you know there is actually a Cork Oak tree? Well, there is and it’s a pretty cool tree that is responsible for all those wine corks and cork flooring. Cork is harvested by peeling away the bark from the trunk and branches every 9-12 years and does not necessitate the felling of the tree. And, Cork Oak trees do not die when their bark is removed like most trees.

An electric vehicle (EV) is a vehicle powered by electricity, offering an alternative to traditional gasoline or diesel-powered cars. EVs are broadly categorized into Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs), Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs), Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (FCEVs), and Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs).