One way of compensating for a disability is to try and overcome any features in the environment that are obstructive or challenging, however the other way is simply to change the environment and make it more disability friendly.
The second solution is something that governments and councils are continually trying to work at in most Western countries, however it is a much easier task when it comes to modifying your own home environment.
The big problem is of course budget and money. What you can spend limits what you can do and what you can do is restricted by the resources at your disposal. Even so there are many modifications, alternations and additions that can be applied to a home to make it more accessible, either to someone who uses a wheelchair, or for someone who finds walking and moving around physically demanding.
One of the big challenges is negotiating levels, be they a couple of steps into a house, or the stairs between floors and there are a number of solutions.
Perhaps the simplest step-overcoming solution is the ramp. Ramps can be temporary or permanent and they are perfect for dealing with small changes in height providing that there is enough incline for the slope of the ramp. For larger height differences there are lifts and more commonly stairlifts. These can be adapted to almost any house and they can be used by anyone whatever their mobility challenge.
Another good home modification is the application of different types of rail. Rails can be used in any number of places from bathrooms to hallways and they give someone a strong fixed tubular projection that they can hold on to. Rails can be simple straight tubes, or they can be curved, angled or project outwards beyond an object like a was basin.
Another part of the home environment that can be modified and adapted for someone with mobility challenges is the often forgotten about garden.
Gardens are a great source of pleasure for many people, but those in wheelchair, or those who struggle to bend down, often feel (wrongly) that this is a hobby that they cannot partake in anymore. This is an incorrect assumption and there are many ways in which a garden can be made disability friendly.
One easy option is to use planters and garden pots that bring the level of the garden up to the arm level of the hobbyist. Many standard pots satisfy this requirement, so there is not need to make special purchases or have bespoke planters made.
More ideas and information covering adaptations and modification for the home can be found here by searching the web. Examples includes things like adding a downstairs half bathroom and replacing standard switches with more tactile alternatives.
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
Thursday, December 01, 2011
Bed innovations
I have written about bed and mattress products before, however it is interesting, when looking at so many other product types, how little these particular ones have changed.
The last few decades have seen massive advances in so many industries with technological advances that would hardly have seemed possible just a few years earlier. Computers and wireless technologies are the obvious ones, but less obvious examples are how a domestic house is electrically wired or plumbed up. New flexible materials are used, fuse boxes are now “consumer units” and so it all changes.
What then of beds???
Well advanced foams in the form of visco elastic and a derivation of latex have changed the way that “some” mattresses are made, but there is not too much else to talk about.
Electric adjustable beds have certainly dropped in price, but there is no new radical design. Beds still look the same and work the same. They have a mattress and a frame.
If you look at beds made of springs, they may have stronger thinner wires, but the technology remains the same. In other words the changes are in the production techniques and refining the assembly rather than in radically new designs. An example being Talalay latex instead of Dunlop latex.
In other words, when it comes to innovations, most are aesthetic. Beds with unusually shaped frames, or beds that pop out of walls may look different, but the main part – the mattress - is pretty much standard. No one has yet come up with a bed that is pre-shaped to the curves of the spine (for back sleepers), or the curve between the hips and shoulders (for side sleepers).
If you look at orthopedic chairs, some researchers have started to develop chairs that have sensors that read the pressure point along the spine of the chair and adjust the chair’s curvature to the shape of the person sat on it. Other have multiple adjustments that make it possible to manually set the posture of the chair to the seated posture of any given individual. The same is not yet true of the bed.
So where does the future of the bed and mattress lie?
We have no shortage of mattress materials and constructions, but little in the way of radical new designs. Performing searches on the internet comes up with nothing. None of the major manufacturers seem to have anything new in the pipeline, so perhaps we need someone to take a very different view of the bed and to re-design it from scratch.
The last few decades have seen massive advances in so many industries with technological advances that would hardly have seemed possible just a few years earlier. Computers and wireless technologies are the obvious ones, but less obvious examples are how a domestic house is electrically wired or plumbed up. New flexible materials are used, fuse boxes are now “consumer units” and so it all changes.
What then of beds???
Well advanced foams in the form of visco elastic and a derivation of latex have changed the way that “some” mattresses are made, but there is not too much else to talk about.
Electric adjustable beds have certainly dropped in price, but there is no new radical design. Beds still look the same and work the same. They have a mattress and a frame.
If you look at beds made of springs, they may have stronger thinner wires, but the technology remains the same. In other words the changes are in the production techniques and refining the assembly rather than in radically new designs. An example being Talalay latex instead of Dunlop latex.
In other words, when it comes to innovations, most are aesthetic. Beds with unusually shaped frames, or beds that pop out of walls may look different, but the main part – the mattress - is pretty much standard. No one has yet come up with a bed that is pre-shaped to the curves of the spine (for back sleepers), or the curve between the hips and shoulders (for side sleepers).
If you look at orthopedic chairs, some researchers have started to develop chairs that have sensors that read the pressure point along the spine of the chair and adjust the chair’s curvature to the shape of the person sat on it. Other have multiple adjustments that make it possible to manually set the posture of the chair to the seated posture of any given individual. The same is not yet true of the bed.
So where does the future of the bed and mattress lie?
We have no shortage of mattress materials and constructions, but little in the way of radical new designs. Performing searches on the internet comes up with nothing. None of the major manufacturers seem to have anything new in the pipeline, so perhaps we need someone to take a very different view of the bed and to re-design it from scratch.
Friday, November 18, 2011
Different bed and mattress solutions
These days TV adverts, magazines and the internet are packed full of different offers on beds of every conceivable type, style and design.
Beds are sold in general furniture stores and departments stores, and also in bed superstores and through an ever increasing number of online stores. Many manufacturers now sell beds and mattresses direct via the internet and the number of sellers is more than equalled by the variety of bed types on display.
Which is the best type of bed is always open to debate and with options that include different types of bed frame and different types of mattress. Ultimately the choice is almost mind boggling.
When it comes to the bed frame or bed base, the main choices are between the divan base and the bed frame.
The frame has an open framed structure whilst the divan offers a boxed bed support where, more often than not, drawers provide a place to store bedding, duvets and quilts under the bed. The divan can have 2 or 4 drawers if it is in a double or king size format.
The bed frame has no storage, but it comes with attractive aesthetics that make it a visual focal point. Frames are made from wood or metal and sometimes fabrics can be used on head and foot boards.
Mattresses can come in a vast range of models. There are springs and a number of derivations of foam that range from manmade materials to natural processed latex, and then there are combinations of two or more of these components.
Most people who buy a divan buy the base and mattress together whilst those who buy a frame tend to buy the mattress separately.
Big sellers in the mattress showroom are the visco elastic memory foam mattress and the pocket spring mattress, often with a memory foam layer at the top. Budget mattresses are often made from lower quality foams or continuous wire coils and the quality is not as high.
Beds are sold in general furniture stores and departments stores, and also in bed superstores and through an ever increasing number of online stores. Many manufacturers now sell beds and mattresses direct via the internet and the number of sellers is more than equalled by the variety of bed types on display.
Which is the best type of bed is always open to debate and with options that include different types of bed frame and different types of mattress. Ultimately the choice is almost mind boggling.
When it comes to the bed frame or bed base, the main choices are between the divan base and the bed frame.
The frame has an open framed structure whilst the divan offers a boxed bed support where, more often than not, drawers provide a place to store bedding, duvets and quilts under the bed. The divan can have 2 or 4 drawers if it is in a double or king size format.
The bed frame has no storage, but it comes with attractive aesthetics that make it a visual focal point. Frames are made from wood or metal and sometimes fabrics can be used on head and foot boards.
Mattresses can come in a vast range of models. There are springs and a number of derivations of foam that range from manmade materials to natural processed latex, and then there are combinations of two or more of these components.
Most people who buy a divan buy the base and mattress together whilst those who buy a frame tend to buy the mattress separately.
Big sellers in the mattress showroom are the visco elastic memory foam mattress and the pocket spring mattress, often with a memory foam layer at the top. Budget mattresses are often made from lower quality foams or continuous wire coils and the quality is not as high.
Wednesday, October 05, 2011
Fitting a swimming pool liner
I may have touched upon this subject before as I have an interest in swimming pool components and performance and the lining used to cover the surface of a pool is an important element.
There are a couple of pool liner options and they are:
Ceramic tiles bonded to the structural walls and floor of the pool with a marine adhesive and a waterproof grout sealant.
Vinyl swimming pool liner.
The first of the two linings is the traditional hard wearing one composed of fired clay tiles that come in a huge range of patterns and sizes. Many companies make them and just as many will fit them. Installation costs are high and very labour intensive and there can be quite a bit of mess, mud and general mayhem produced around (and in) the pool during the work.
The result though is a tough, attractive and very hardwearing pool surface that can last for a heck of a long time. It also looks good and is resistant to almost any chemical and bacteria.
The second way to cover the walls and floor of a swimming pool is to use a vinyl based liner. In many cases these liners replicate the appearance of tiles and they come in a near unlimited variety of patterns. You can even have a unique design created for you and the cost is a fraction of that required to buy a tiled installation. Add to this the ability to have a liner made to order that can be fitted in one day and you start to see the advantages of vinyl in swimming pool applications.
Vinyl is not only cheap and easy to fit, it is also very durable. Most suppliers actually include a 5 or 10 year warranty and this is an indication of how tough and long lasting this material is.
A final and unique advantage of vinyl over tiles is its soft and slightly padded tactile feel. Tiles are hard, they have edged and hard surfaces and you can bang or knock yourself against them. Vinyl liners are much softer to the feel and they have a smooth surface that means that you are less likely to hurt yourself when swimming.
So when it comes to fitting the liner you have two choices. A prolonged, expensive and messy one, or a cheap and fast one. Which you choose will probably be down to a mix of available cash and a preference for tiles or vinyl, however both will provide a hard wearing and eye pleasing solution.
To get more information about different liner types, fitting a vinyl liner, or other pool plant (equipment) you can see any of the articles on sites like ezinearticles. Some info about items like heaters, filtration systems and pumps is also included, so you can get a good overview of what is required to enjoy and maintain an indoor or outdoor home swimming pool.
There are a couple of pool liner options and they are:
Ceramic tiles bonded to the structural walls and floor of the pool with a marine adhesive and a waterproof grout sealant.
Vinyl swimming pool liner.
The first of the two linings is the traditional hard wearing one composed of fired clay tiles that come in a huge range of patterns and sizes. Many companies make them and just as many will fit them. Installation costs are high and very labour intensive and there can be quite a bit of mess, mud and general mayhem produced around (and in) the pool during the work.
The result though is a tough, attractive and very hardwearing pool surface that can last for a heck of a long time. It also looks good and is resistant to almost any chemical and bacteria.
The second way to cover the walls and floor of a swimming pool is to use a vinyl based liner. In many cases these liners replicate the appearance of tiles and they come in a near unlimited variety of patterns. You can even have a unique design created for you and the cost is a fraction of that required to buy a tiled installation. Add to this the ability to have a liner made to order that can be fitted in one day and you start to see the advantages of vinyl in swimming pool applications.
Vinyl is not only cheap and easy to fit, it is also very durable. Most suppliers actually include a 5 or 10 year warranty and this is an indication of how tough and long lasting this material is.
A final and unique advantage of vinyl over tiles is its soft and slightly padded tactile feel. Tiles are hard, they have edged and hard surfaces and you can bang or knock yourself against them. Vinyl liners are much softer to the feel and they have a smooth surface that means that you are less likely to hurt yourself when swimming.
So when it comes to fitting the liner you have two choices. A prolonged, expensive and messy one, or a cheap and fast one. Which you choose will probably be down to a mix of available cash and a preference for tiles or vinyl, however both will provide a hard wearing and eye pleasing solution.
To get more information about different liner types, fitting a vinyl liner, or other pool plant (equipment) you can see any of the articles on sites like ezinearticles. Some info about items like heaters, filtration systems and pumps is also included, so you can get a good overview of what is required to enjoy and maintain an indoor or outdoor home swimming pool.
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Radiator designs and styles
Even now that a world recession has taken hold of international economies, people are still decorating and remodelling their homes. The reality is that with money being short, one way to cheaply improve your living quality is to develop your home. So, if you cannot afford to move, then why not improve.
One area where this remodelling takes place more than just about any other is in the bathroom. Bathroom fashions change, suite and tiles colours go in and out of fashion and home owners always know that kitchens and bathroom sell houses and have the “wow” effect. For this reason the bathroom is normally the first room to get any new treatment.
Replacing a bathroom suite and changing the wall tiles is one way of getting a new look, but the radiator replacement is another big way of improving and modernising any room.
In the case of the bathroom, radiator design offers a lot of choice and variety. The development of modern stylish radiators pretty much started off with the bathroom heated towel rail and now there are many versions. The basic, but still very attractive ones, are based on two vertical tubes with a series of horizontal cross members that one or more towels can be hung over. Their functionality therefore double as room heaters and towel driers and their smart tubular appearance makes them nice to look at.
In addition to the standard towel rail design, these radiators now come al narrow tall tower radiators, or with convex curves to their horizontal tubes – all adding an extra visual feature.
Colours vary, but most people go for a shiny chrome, a brushed steel, or a pure white colour. In nearly all cases these finishes will be in keeping with a bathrooms décor.
Away from the bathroom. radiators can add style and aesthetics to any room - that is if you can afford to pay out for one of the anthracite flat panelled radiators, or one of the complex tube and panel varieties. Ultimately there are masses of different designs and many are intended to be a feature of the room and in some cases their prices represent a very significant investment.
Most of these radiators will work off a normal central heating system, but some use electricity. Either way, connecting them is rarely a problem and once in place they are highly efficient at heating a room.
One area where this remodelling takes place more than just about any other is in the bathroom. Bathroom fashions change, suite and tiles colours go in and out of fashion and home owners always know that kitchens and bathroom sell houses and have the “wow” effect. For this reason the bathroom is normally the first room to get any new treatment.
Replacing a bathroom suite and changing the wall tiles is one way of getting a new look, but the radiator replacement is another big way of improving and modernising any room.
In the case of the bathroom, radiator design offers a lot of choice and variety. The development of modern stylish radiators pretty much started off with the bathroom heated towel rail and now there are many versions. The basic, but still very attractive ones, are based on two vertical tubes with a series of horizontal cross members that one or more towels can be hung over. Their functionality therefore double as room heaters and towel driers and their smart tubular appearance makes them nice to look at.
In addition to the standard towel rail design, these radiators now come al narrow tall tower radiators, or with convex curves to their horizontal tubes – all adding an extra visual feature.
Colours vary, but most people go for a shiny chrome, a brushed steel, or a pure white colour. In nearly all cases these finishes will be in keeping with a bathrooms décor.
Away from the bathroom. radiators can add style and aesthetics to any room - that is if you can afford to pay out for one of the anthracite flat panelled radiators, or one of the complex tube and panel varieties. Ultimately there are masses of different designs and many are intended to be a feature of the room and in some cases their prices represent a very significant investment.
Most of these radiators will work off a normal central heating system, but some use electricity. Either way, connecting them is rarely a problem and once in place they are highly efficient at heating a room.
Radiator designs and styles
Even now that a world recession has taken hold of international economies, people are still decorating and remodelling their homes. The reality is that with money being short, one way to cheaply improve your living quality is to develop your home. So, if you cannot afford to move, then why not improve.
One area where this remodelling takes place more than just about any other is in the bathroom. Bathroom fashions change, suite and tiles colours go in and out of fashion and home owners always know that kitchens and bathroom sell houses and have the “wow” effect. For this reason the bathroom is normally the first room to get any new treatment.
Replacing a bathroom suite and changing the wall tiles is one way of getting a new look, but the radiator replacement is another big way of improving and modernising any room.
In the case of the bathroom, radiator design offers a lot of choice and variety. The development of modern stylish radiators pretty much started off with the bathroom heated towel rail and now there are many versions. The basic, but still very attractive ones, are based on two vertical tubes with a series of horizontal cross members that one or more towels can be hung over. Their functionality therefore double as room heaters and towel driers and their smart tubular appearance makes them nice to look at.
In addition to the standard towel rail design, these radiators now come al narrow tall tower radiators, or with convex curves to their horizontal tubes – all adding an extra visual feature.
Colours vary, but most people go for a shiny chrome, a brushed steel, or a pure white colour. In nearly all cases these finishes will be in keeping with a bathrooms décor.
Away from the bathroom. radiators can add style and aesthetics to any room - that is if you can afford to pay out for one of the anthracite flat panelled radiators, or one of the complex tube and panel varieties. Ultimately there are masses of different designs and many are intended to be a feature of the room and in some cases their prices represent a very significant investment.
Most of these radiators will work off a normal central heating system, but some use electricity. Either way, connecting them is rarely a problem and once in place they are highly efficient at heating a room.
One area where this remodelling takes place more than just about any other is in the bathroom. Bathroom fashions change, suite and tiles colours go in and out of fashion and home owners always know that kitchens and bathroom sell houses and have the “wow” effect. For this reason the bathroom is normally the first room to get any new treatment.
Replacing a bathroom suite and changing the wall tiles is one way of getting a new look, but the radiator replacement is another big way of improving and modernising any room.
In the case of the bathroom, radiator design offers a lot of choice and variety. The development of modern stylish radiators pretty much started off with the bathroom heated towel rail and now there are many versions. The basic, but still very attractive ones, are based on two vertical tubes with a series of horizontal cross members that one or more towels can be hung over. Their functionality therefore double as room heaters and towel driers and their smart tubular appearance makes them nice to look at.
In addition to the standard towel rail design, these radiators now come al narrow tall tower radiators, or with convex curves to their horizontal tubes – all adding an extra visual feature.
Colours vary, but most people go for a shiny chrome, a brushed steel, or a pure white colour. In nearly all cases these finishes will be in keeping with a bathrooms décor.
Away from the bathroom. radiators can add style and aesthetics to any room - that is if you can afford to pay out for one of the anthracite flat panelled radiators, or one of the complex tube and panel varieties. Ultimately there are masses of different designs and many are intended to be a feature of the room and in some cases their prices represent a very significant investment.
Most of these radiators will work off a normal central heating system, but some use electricity. Either way, connecting them is rarely a problem and once in place they are highly efficient at heating a room.
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Osteopathy
Decorating and reworking things at home have prevented me from having the opportunity to make a new post for a few weeks and, with even more work to do, things will continue like this for a while.
This does however lead to a brief comment on, not an interesting product, but rather an interesting service or treatment – namely osteopathy.
I went to see an osteopath last week after having a few back problems. The problems actually started over 10 years ago following an accident and I put up with them getting progressively worse for several years.
When things became really bad I asked my doctor to refer me and I had tests, X-rays etc, all of which indicate that there was no major skeletal problem. Evaluations and courses of physiotherapy followed, all of which offered no relief.
I then tried a chiropractor (I had seen him several years earlier over a different back problem) and the treatments continued for almost a year. In the end I brought things to a close, largely because I got some temporary relief from the discomfort for a few days following each treatment, but the underlying problem still returned.
In January last year I finally saw an osteopath, a friend and colleague of my sister who had told her on several occasions that – “if my problem could be solved, he was the man to do it”.
I had three appointments with him and, by a couple of weeks after the final one, my back was not quite as good as new, but pretty close.
About 18 months of trouble free living have followed that, however I was aware that my back was tightening up a little over recent weeks, so I saw my osteopath again last week and I hope that (after possibly another appointment) my back issues will be pushed aside again.
Anyway, here is a link to some information about osteopathy via the osteopath I refer to (Nathan Reynolds)– or at least his page at the clinic from which he practices http://www.orchardleeds.co.uk/?page_id=123.
This does however lead to a brief comment on, not an interesting product, but rather an interesting service or treatment – namely osteopathy.
I went to see an osteopath last week after having a few back problems. The problems actually started over 10 years ago following an accident and I put up with them getting progressively worse for several years.
When things became really bad I asked my doctor to refer me and I had tests, X-rays etc, all of which indicate that there was no major skeletal problem. Evaluations and courses of physiotherapy followed, all of which offered no relief.
I then tried a chiropractor (I had seen him several years earlier over a different back problem) and the treatments continued for almost a year. In the end I brought things to a close, largely because I got some temporary relief from the discomfort for a few days following each treatment, but the underlying problem still returned.
In January last year I finally saw an osteopath, a friend and colleague of my sister who had told her on several occasions that – “if my problem could be solved, he was the man to do it”.
I had three appointments with him and, by a couple of weeks after the final one, my back was not quite as good as new, but pretty close.
About 18 months of trouble free living have followed that, however I was aware that my back was tightening up a little over recent weeks, so I saw my osteopath again last week and I hope that (after possibly another appointment) my back issues will be pushed aside again.
Anyway, here is a link to some information about osteopathy via the osteopath I refer to (Nathan Reynolds)– or at least his page at the clinic from which he practices http://www.orchardleeds.co.uk/?page_id=123.
Thursday, June 09, 2011
Swimming pool heater
Sticking with the theme of “cool summer” solutions, those who are fortunate enough to have their own swimming pool will require some kind of heating for the water.
Even on a warm sunny day an unheated pool can feel cool and on days where the air temperature is not so high outdoor swimming pools can feel positively cold.
The way to resolve this issue and to make a pool usable all year round is to use a heater. These special heaters come in many different forms. Some are intended for small to medium sized pools only, whilst others are for larger water expanses.
Some will use free or cheap energy like solar power or heat exchangers whilst others rely on burning a fuel like gas or propane.
What all of these different pool heaters manage to achieve is to raise the temperature of the water in the pool by a sufficient margin that bathing and swimming become pleasurable.
The types of heater that are used on a small above ground pool are cheaper and less powerful than those used on fully submerged pools and they are often portable and this means that they can be removed and packed away when not in use.
The heaters for in situ pools are permanent and often have a small hut or underground area in which they and the pump (and sometimes the filter) operate. These heaters can be costly depending on whether their use is for 365 days a year, or simply to give a temperature boost during the summer months.
The types of swimming pool heaters that are available include boilers, condenser boilers, heat exchangers, electric heaters and solar mats that convert solar energy into warm water. The pros and cons of each option may or may not suit different pool sizes, configurations and user requirements.
In buying a pool heater it is not only the initial outlay that needs to be considered, but also the ongoing gas, oil or electricity costs necessary for running the heater. With solar power these costs do not exist and with a boiler they can be very high.
A heater does of course require a pump and a filtration system in order to keep the water clean and circulating and these items make up the rest of the swimming pool’s permanent kit.
Even on a warm sunny day an unheated pool can feel cool and on days where the air temperature is not so high outdoor swimming pools can feel positively cold.
The way to resolve this issue and to make a pool usable all year round is to use a heater. These special heaters come in many different forms. Some are intended for small to medium sized pools only, whilst others are for larger water expanses.
Some will use free or cheap energy like solar power or heat exchangers whilst others rely on burning a fuel like gas or propane.
What all of these different pool heaters manage to achieve is to raise the temperature of the water in the pool by a sufficient margin that bathing and swimming become pleasurable.
The types of heater that are used on a small above ground pool are cheaper and less powerful than those used on fully submerged pools and they are often portable and this means that they can be removed and packed away when not in use.
The heaters for in situ pools are permanent and often have a small hut or underground area in which they and the pump (and sometimes the filter) operate. These heaters can be costly depending on whether their use is for 365 days a year, or simply to give a temperature boost during the summer months.
The types of swimming pool heaters that are available include boilers, condenser boilers, heat exchangers, electric heaters and solar mats that convert solar energy into warm water. The pros and cons of each option may or may not suit different pool sizes, configurations and user requirements.
In buying a pool heater it is not only the initial outlay that needs to be considered, but also the ongoing gas, oil or electricity costs necessary for running the heater. With solar power these costs do not exist and with a boiler they can be very high.
A heater does of course require a pump and a filtration system in order to keep the water clean and circulating and these items make up the rest of the swimming pool’s permanent kit.
Friday, May 13, 2011
Patio heater – a cool summer solution
If you have a garden or back yard now is the time to think about buying a patio heater.
One of the reasons why so many of us do not take full advantage of our garden and use it as often as we should is because it could do with a boost of heat.
Even in the summer, a breeze or the cooler evenings mean that many of us will retire to the warmth of the house even when it is dry and sunny outside. This means that we lose the opportunity to eat alfresco, socialise in the open air and enjoy an outdoor lifestyle.
The solution to gaining greater use of a garden is therefore to fend off any cool evenings and chilly breezes by adding a patio heater and, when it comes to patio heaters, there are plenty to choose from. Read on for a general idea of what is available.
One of the most common patio style heaters is the tower heater. This type of unit uses a gas bottle and has an open flame that burns some 2 metres (6 feet) above the ground. The flame and resulting heat are distributed via a conical head or cap and the strength or intensity of the heat can be controlled. These tower heaters are often quite cheap to buy an the propane or butane that they use can be replenished by having the bottle refilled. This type of heater offers a very immediate heat and it is stylish.
Another popular style of patio heater is the chiminea. These heaters are based on a design of South American bread oven and they are made of terra cotta or cast iron. Chimineas burn wood and this means that they have a nice woody scent. You can even influence the scent by adding certain types of wood like pear wood, or by the addition of herbs.
The chiminea needs fairly constant feeding and monitoring, but it looks good and the clay or cast iron body and chimney radiate and convect heat effectively.
The other type of patio heater is the infrared heater often called an infrared lamp. These heaters rely solely on radiation and they warm anything that their rays fall upon. This type of heater is probably the cheapest to run, but it depends upon sight lines and cannot distribute its heat by any means other than its rays.
Which heater is the best is a matter of personal choice and specific location. The tower heaters are perhaps the most popular with householders as they look good and attract attention, but the chimineas are increasing in durability and popularity.
One of the reasons why so many of us do not take full advantage of our garden and use it as often as we should is because it could do with a boost of heat.
Even in the summer, a breeze or the cooler evenings mean that many of us will retire to the warmth of the house even when it is dry and sunny outside. This means that we lose the opportunity to eat alfresco, socialise in the open air and enjoy an outdoor lifestyle.
The solution to gaining greater use of a garden is therefore to fend off any cool evenings and chilly breezes by adding a patio heater and, when it comes to patio heaters, there are plenty to choose from. Read on for a general idea of what is available.
One of the most common patio style heaters is the tower heater. This type of unit uses a gas bottle and has an open flame that burns some 2 metres (6 feet) above the ground. The flame and resulting heat are distributed via a conical head or cap and the strength or intensity of the heat can be controlled. These tower heaters are often quite cheap to buy an the propane or butane that they use can be replenished by having the bottle refilled. This type of heater offers a very immediate heat and it is stylish.
Another popular style of patio heater is the chiminea. These heaters are based on a design of South American bread oven and they are made of terra cotta or cast iron. Chimineas burn wood and this means that they have a nice woody scent. You can even influence the scent by adding certain types of wood like pear wood, or by the addition of herbs.
The chiminea needs fairly constant feeding and monitoring, but it looks good and the clay or cast iron body and chimney radiate and convect heat effectively.
The other type of patio heater is the infrared heater often called an infrared lamp. These heaters rely solely on radiation and they warm anything that their rays fall upon. This type of heater is probably the cheapest to run, but it depends upon sight lines and cannot distribute its heat by any means other than its rays.
Which heater is the best is a matter of personal choice and specific location. The tower heaters are perhaps the most popular with householders as they look good and attract attention, but the chimineas are increasing in durability and popularity.
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Efficient heating systems
Saving energy and keeping a home warm are paramount to most property owners. Heating costs keep rising, climate change keeps resulting in greater summer-winter temperature differentials and that all equals higher energy bills and more expense.
The good news is that there are a number of actions that can be taken to try to fend off these costs whilst not losing out on essential warmth and here are some of them.
To start with, lagging any pipes makes sense. Firstly, it keeps the heat in hot water pipes and secondly it will prevent bursts resulting from freezing. Using insulation in loft spaces and even fixing polystyrene tiles against cold outside facing walls will make a big difference. Double or triple glazing will also conserve heat and prevent condensation whilst reducing outdoor noise transmission.
Whilst it may not initially make sense, adding some extra radiators can actually save money if your boiler is under utilized. That is, if it is not being used to its full capacity. This is because the most efficient way of using the boiler is not being adopted.
Keeping close watch on the thermostat and adjusting it if the house feels too warm will always save money. Make sure that you do not have your heating set to come on too early or go off too late. If you do you are simply wasting energy and, more importantly, money.
Is your boiler running effectively and efficiently? When was it last serviced or maintained? Having a boiler serviced can improve performance or make you aware that you are losing money. Replacing an older boiler with a new “smart” one will often see savings that can pay for themselves fairly quickly. Check to see if this is an option worth considering.
Check if your radiators need bleeding, i.e. is the top section cold when the rest of the radiator is hot? If so, you have air in the system and you need to remove or bleed the air out by opening the radiator outlet on one of the upstairs radiators. Ideally it should be the last radiator to be fed from the boiler, but any top level radiator will do. You should have a special radiator key for this. If you do not, they are available from all DIY stores and plumbing retailers.
Finally, make sure that the back of your radiators (where the ribs or fins are) are not clogged up with dust or other rubbish. These fins are used to create convection currents that pull cold air up and across the radiator from where it then heats the room. If they are blocked your radiators cannot function correctly.
The good news is that there are a number of actions that can be taken to try to fend off these costs whilst not losing out on essential warmth and here are some of them.
To start with, lagging any pipes makes sense. Firstly, it keeps the heat in hot water pipes and secondly it will prevent bursts resulting from freezing. Using insulation in loft spaces and even fixing polystyrene tiles against cold outside facing walls will make a big difference. Double or triple glazing will also conserve heat and prevent condensation whilst reducing outdoor noise transmission.
Whilst it may not initially make sense, adding some extra radiators can actually save money if your boiler is under utilized. That is, if it is not being used to its full capacity. This is because the most efficient way of using the boiler is not being adopted.
Keeping close watch on the thermostat and adjusting it if the house feels too warm will always save money. Make sure that you do not have your heating set to come on too early or go off too late. If you do you are simply wasting energy and, more importantly, money.
Is your boiler running effectively and efficiently? When was it last serviced or maintained? Having a boiler serviced can improve performance or make you aware that you are losing money. Replacing an older boiler with a new “smart” one will often see savings that can pay for themselves fairly quickly. Check to see if this is an option worth considering.
Check if your radiators need bleeding, i.e. is the top section cold when the rest of the radiator is hot? If so, you have air in the system and you need to remove or bleed the air out by opening the radiator outlet on one of the upstairs radiators. Ideally it should be the last radiator to be fed from the boiler, but any top level radiator will do. You should have a special radiator key for this. If you do not, they are available from all DIY stores and plumbing retailers.
Finally, make sure that the back of your radiators (where the ribs or fins are) are not clogged up with dust or other rubbish. These fins are used to create convection currents that pull cold air up and across the radiator from where it then heats the room. If they are blocked your radiators cannot function correctly.
Monday, March 28, 2011
Beds - what to spend your money on
I was looking at the prices of some of the more expensive orthopedic beds recently and contrasting them with what you could buy in terms of some other bed types.
It proved an interesting exercise since many of the more expensive beds with very high pocket spring counts, high density memory foam, or composite constructions have price tags of £2,000 ($3,500) or more for a standard double.
In real terms this is a heck of a lot of money and, despite paying this kind of figure for our current bed, it is worthwhile looking at some of the other options that are available.
The first thing that struck me is that you can buy a good quality water bed for this kind of money – and one that is baffled and offers no “wave effect”. Water beds offer the best possible support and their support structure, i.e. the water itself, does not deteriorate of wear over time. They look stylish, most have soft edges and they do not leak, neither are they particularly prone to punctures. (They also hold less water than most people think.)
The other big alternative is an electrically adjustable bed.
These beds can be purchased in a double-bed format, but with individual mattress and positioning adjustments for both sleepers and for the same kind of money. When you look at the technology and engineering that go into one of these beds you really have to ask the question-
Which is the better value, a high priced orthopedic style bed and mattress, or a fully automated remote control bed?
Given this same choice now I would opt for the latter. The problem however is that a modern memory foam beds is perceived as a luxury item whilst an electrically adjustable bed is considered as being an aid for someone who is mobility challenged or in the later years of their life.
The water bed is of course very heavy and, despite the irrationality of it, many people associate a water bed with a leak and a leak with costly repair work. All very unlikely, but these things play with the mind.
Anyway, foresight is a great thing, but I would certainly like to turn back time and go for a remote control bed. To start off it would be a partner to our remote control i-robot roomba vacuum and secondly I suspect that, with the infinite number of sleeping positions, I would get a better night’s sleep.
Always be sceptical about very cheap beds or beds that simply look like they are of low quality.
It proved an interesting exercise since many of the more expensive beds with very high pocket spring counts, high density memory foam, or composite constructions have price tags of £2,000 ($3,500) or more for a standard double.
In real terms this is a heck of a lot of money and, despite paying this kind of figure for our current bed, it is worthwhile looking at some of the other options that are available.
The first thing that struck me is that you can buy a good quality water bed for this kind of money – and one that is baffled and offers no “wave effect”. Water beds offer the best possible support and their support structure, i.e. the water itself, does not deteriorate of wear over time. They look stylish, most have soft edges and they do not leak, neither are they particularly prone to punctures. (They also hold less water than most people think.)
The other big alternative is an electrically adjustable bed.
These beds can be purchased in a double-bed format, but with individual mattress and positioning adjustments for both sleepers and for the same kind of money. When you look at the technology and engineering that go into one of these beds you really have to ask the question-
Which is the better value, a high priced orthopedic style bed and mattress, or a fully automated remote control bed?
Given this same choice now I would opt for the latter. The problem however is that a modern memory foam beds is perceived as a luxury item whilst an electrically adjustable bed is considered as being an aid for someone who is mobility challenged or in the later years of their life.
The water bed is of course very heavy and, despite the irrationality of it, many people associate a water bed with a leak and a leak with costly repair work. All very unlikely, but these things play with the mind.
Anyway, foresight is a great thing, but I would certainly like to turn back time and go for a remote control bed. To start off it would be a partner to our remote control i-robot roomba vacuum and secondly I suspect that, with the infinite number of sleeping positions, I would get a better night’s sleep.
Always be sceptical about very cheap beds or beds that simply look like they are of low quality.
Wednesday, March 09, 2011
Swimming pool care and equipment
If you own or are thinking of installing an outdoor swimming pool, you have a number of additional items that need to be added to the equipment list. At least if you want a clean warm pool that you can use throughout the year – whatever the weather.
Outdoor swimming pools can be great fun, but they can also be cold and unappealing for much of the year in cold climates. For this reason a pool heater is an important necessity as it can bring the temperature of the water up to pleasant bathing levels. This means that you can swim out of season or in the evenings, even if it is cold outside. Heat sources include solar power, heat exchangers, boilers and electric heaters.
To benefit from the heat generated by a heater the warm water needs to circulate around the pool and this requires a pump. A pool pump quite literally pumps the water from the heater into the pool and back again. This way the water is circulated form pool to heater with more top up heat on a continual basis.
If you want clean water, then you also need a filter. The filter removes impurities and dirt and this is done as the water is passed through the filter, courtesy of the pump. There are a number of different filtration methods, the main ones being sand, D.E. and cartridge. A cartridge is suitable for a small pool, but larger swimming pools need sand or D.E. filter systems.
Another consideration is the way in which the pool walls and floor are lined. The old way is to cover the entire internal area of the pool with tiles sealed with a special water resistant grout. However, the popular method for most home based pools is to use a vinyl swimming pool liner that is made to the exact measurements of the pool. These liners can be fitted quickly and they are much cheaper than the old tile method.
There are two types of liner. One hangs over the top of free-standing pools whilst the other has a much tidier finish and uses a liner with a beaded top the slots into a special track.
Other pool equipment includes cleaners. These can be manual vacuum pumps, brushes and nets. But there are also automated pool cleaners that do the cleaning job without any help from a human. These cleaners are called pool cleaning robots.
Chemicals are need to keep the pool water clean, healthy and sparkling and they need to be added very carefully based upon water quality testing. These chemicals are evenly distributed throughout the pool by the action of the pump.
Outdoor swimming pools can be great fun, but they can also be cold and unappealing for much of the year in cold climates. For this reason a pool heater is an important necessity as it can bring the temperature of the water up to pleasant bathing levels. This means that you can swim out of season or in the evenings, even if it is cold outside. Heat sources include solar power, heat exchangers, boilers and electric heaters.
To benefit from the heat generated by a heater the warm water needs to circulate around the pool and this requires a pump. A pool pump quite literally pumps the water from the heater into the pool and back again. This way the water is circulated form pool to heater with more top up heat on a continual basis.
If you want clean water, then you also need a filter. The filter removes impurities and dirt and this is done as the water is passed through the filter, courtesy of the pump. There are a number of different filtration methods, the main ones being sand, D.E. and cartridge. A cartridge is suitable for a small pool, but larger swimming pools need sand or D.E. filter systems.
Another consideration is the way in which the pool walls and floor are lined. The old way is to cover the entire internal area of the pool with tiles sealed with a special water resistant grout. However, the popular method for most home based pools is to use a vinyl swimming pool liner that is made to the exact measurements of the pool. These liners can be fitted quickly and they are much cheaper than the old tile method.
There are two types of liner. One hangs over the top of free-standing pools whilst the other has a much tidier finish and uses a liner with a beaded top the slots into a special track.
Other pool equipment includes cleaners. These can be manual vacuum pumps, brushes and nets. But there are also automated pool cleaners that do the cleaning job without any help from a human. These cleaners are called pool cleaning robots.
Chemicals are need to keep the pool water clean, healthy and sparkling and they need to be added very carefully based upon water quality testing. These chemicals are evenly distributed throughout the pool by the action of the pump.
Sunday, March 06, 2011
Household disability aids
Author: Martin lambert
Although there are many very obvious health and mobility aids like scooters, bath lifts and ramps, some of the most useful aids are the ones that are used for vital tasks like eating, drinking and getting dressed. Having aids and devices that assist with these jobs can be the difference between independent living and dependency on a carer.
Naturally continued independence is a highly desirable attribute for people entering the later phases of their lives and it is equally important to anyone with an injury or an illness like MS where certain tasks become more difficult as an illness progresses.
So what is on offer when it comes to help with routine daily tasks?
The answer is quite a lot. There are a great many aids aimed at extending independent eating, drinking and food preparation and many clever devices for making the challenge of getting dressed easier.
Starting with eating, there are ergonomically designed items of cutlery that have larger than normal handles and some have handle extensions that curve around the wrist for additional support. For those who want to retain their original cutlery there are attachments that slide over normal handles or even allow a hand that has lost its gripping power to still hold and work a knife, fork or spoon.
Various devices exist that make food and drink preparation easier. These aids cover bigger handles, angled handles and attachments, all of which keep the kitchen a room that can still be functionally used.
Dressing is another area where several ingenious devices have been invented to make the putting on of clothing items like socks and stocking possible for those who have trouble bending. Further aids can help the pulling on and over of jackets and cardigans and the pulling up of pants and trousers. Even buttoning up a shirt can be assisted with some smart devices that save the need for third party intervention.
Another area that can prove difficult for everyone is the removing of bottle and can tops. Designers of these products often assume super-human strength in there customers and these irritating tops and lids are a pain for able bodied and physically challenged people.
The solution is a number of lid, top and cap openers and removers. Some that use a twist mechanism, some that cut and turn and others that use their own version of brute force.
What all of these devices manage to do is solve an access to container held food or drink by taking off the protective covering in a safe and simple way.
If you want a greater level of insight into some of the aids and devices briefly describe above, do some research online and in disability shops.
Although there are many very obvious health and mobility aids like scooters, bath lifts and ramps, some of the most useful aids are the ones that are used for vital tasks like eating, drinking and getting dressed. Having aids and devices that assist with these jobs can be the difference between independent living and dependency on a carer.
Naturally continued independence is a highly desirable attribute for people entering the later phases of their lives and it is equally important to anyone with an injury or an illness like MS where certain tasks become more difficult as an illness progresses.
So what is on offer when it comes to help with routine daily tasks?
The answer is quite a lot. There are a great many aids aimed at extending independent eating, drinking and food preparation and many clever devices for making the challenge of getting dressed easier.
Starting with eating, there are ergonomically designed items of cutlery that have larger than normal handles and some have handle extensions that curve around the wrist for additional support. For those who want to retain their original cutlery there are attachments that slide over normal handles or even allow a hand that has lost its gripping power to still hold and work a knife, fork or spoon.
Various devices exist that make food and drink preparation easier. These aids cover bigger handles, angled handles and attachments, all of which keep the kitchen a room that can still be functionally used.
Dressing is another area where several ingenious devices have been invented to make the putting on of clothing items like socks and stocking possible for those who have trouble bending. Further aids can help the pulling on and over of jackets and cardigans and the pulling up of pants and trousers. Even buttoning up a shirt can be assisted with some smart devices that save the need for third party intervention.
Another area that can prove difficult for everyone is the removing of bottle and can tops. Designers of these products often assume super-human strength in there customers and these irritating tops and lids are a pain for able bodied and physically challenged people.
The solution is a number of lid, top and cap openers and removers. Some that use a twist mechanism, some that cut and turn and others that use their own version of brute force.
What all of these devices manage to do is solve an access to container held food or drink by taking off the protective covering in a safe and simple way.
If you want a greater level of insight into some of the aids and devices briefly describe above, do some research online and in disability shops.
Friday, February 25, 2011
Energy efficient radiator design
With energy costs continually increasing and indeed energy’s future availability becoming more and more uncertain, now is the time to look at different ways of heating a home.
The most popular method of heating a home in the temperate western world has been to use a central heating system. These systems are normally powered by a boiler that can burn gas, oil or coal, however these solid fossil fuels are becoming increasingly expensive. This means that energy efficiency, and lower energy bills, require some creative thinking when it comes to getting the most from the least resources.
One option is to look at different ways of generating heat. Solar panels are an obvious example and small garden wind turbines are another. However, what both of these options lack is reliability of the raw energy source.
Put simply if the sun does not shine, or the wind does not blow, you have no power source!
The other option is to find a more effective way of using what you already have. One solution is to increase the home’s insulation and install features like double glazing, but many properties already have this.
When these options are exhausted you do still have another alternative available in the form of radiators.
Most homes have the properties original radiators (which may date back decades), or the cheap budget radiators that the developer or builder installed. However there are now many ways of improving on radiator performance.
The first is to fit temperature control valves onto all existing radiators. This allows each radiator to be controlled separately and even switched off independently of the main system.
The other alternative is to look at replacing the existing units with some of the new hi-tec radiators that are now available. Some of these radiators will work with a conventional central heating system whilst others use electricity. But what they all share is an improved ability when it comes to radiating, convecting and dispersing heat around a room.
These designer like radiators also have attractive styling and many will have either – a tubular design (often in stainless steel), or a flat panel appearance with many colour and matt or gloss finishes. Some of these radiators also come with a glass or mirror finish and at the top end of the price scale art work and graphics make the radiators look more like decorative effects than home heating units.
More information about these can be found at the sites and shops featuring designer radiators, or by visiting a local bathroom store or DIY retail centre. Most high performance radiator manufacturers will be able to supply performance data to illustrate the benefits of their efficient radiator range. This kind of information can indicate the possible cost and energy savings that can be anticipated by replacing existing radiator-units with new ones high performance low energy usage alternatives.
The most popular method of heating a home in the temperate western world has been to use a central heating system. These systems are normally powered by a boiler that can burn gas, oil or coal, however these solid fossil fuels are becoming increasingly expensive. This means that energy efficiency, and lower energy bills, require some creative thinking when it comes to getting the most from the least resources.
One option is to look at different ways of generating heat. Solar panels are an obvious example and small garden wind turbines are another. However, what both of these options lack is reliability of the raw energy source.
Put simply if the sun does not shine, or the wind does not blow, you have no power source!
The other option is to find a more effective way of using what you already have. One solution is to increase the home’s insulation and install features like double glazing, but many properties already have this.
When these options are exhausted you do still have another alternative available in the form of radiators.
Most homes have the properties original radiators (which may date back decades), or the cheap budget radiators that the developer or builder installed. However there are now many ways of improving on radiator performance.
The first is to fit temperature control valves onto all existing radiators. This allows each radiator to be controlled separately and even switched off independently of the main system.
The other alternative is to look at replacing the existing units with some of the new hi-tec radiators that are now available. Some of these radiators will work with a conventional central heating system whilst others use electricity. But what they all share is an improved ability when it comes to radiating, convecting and dispersing heat around a room.
These designer like radiators also have attractive styling and many will have either – a tubular design (often in stainless steel), or a flat panel appearance with many colour and matt or gloss finishes. Some of these radiators also come with a glass or mirror finish and at the top end of the price scale art work and graphics make the radiators look more like decorative effects than home heating units.
More information about these can be found at the sites and shops featuring designer radiators, or by visiting a local bathroom store or DIY retail centre. Most high performance radiator manufacturers will be able to supply performance data to illustrate the benefits of their efficient radiator range. This kind of information can indicate the possible cost and energy savings that can be anticipated by replacing existing radiator-units with new ones high performance low energy usage alternatives.
Monday, January 10, 2011
Different mattress topper fillings
A mattress topper is an addition to a mattress. It consists of what appears to be something similar to a thick (often quilted) blanket that rests directly atop the bed’s mattress. Mattress toppers are used to supplement the sleeping qualities of a mattress, usually by adding a further tier of cushioning or padding. In most cases this is to make a bed feel softer, but it is possible to use a topper to make a mattress feel firmer.
Modern mattress toppers come with many different and variable fillings. These fillings vary, both in their price and the properties that they confer upon the sleeping surface.
Originally nearly all toppers would be filled with feathers and down, usually sourced from ducks or geese. Organic wool is another naturally sourced topper filler and, although it has a unique and unusual feel, it is popular with many people.
One of the more recent developments in mattress and consequently topper construction is the use of some new synthetic and semi-synthetic filling materials. The most prominent of which is visco elastic memory foam.
The memory foam fillers are very different to the traditional organic fillers in that they compress and shape themselves around the body in a very unique manner. They also offer what is often described as “a slow recovery” reaction when the weight of a person is removed from them. This unusual action does not see the foam spring back into its original shape like a normal foam, but rather return to its original outline, almost in slow motion.
One of the important advantages of this special foam is the way in which it shapes and cradles itself around the distinctive shape of anyone resting upon it. This body-moulding behaviour is said to help keep the back and spine in a good straight alignment during the night which produces better and more restful sleep.
Memory foam mattresses use large sections or sheets of memory foam, whilst mattress toppers can use either thin sheets or a granulated or shredded version of the material. It is generally believed that a least two and a half (and ideally three) inches of memory foam are required for a good topper.
Memory foam is not the only alternative to the organic fillers. Other options include regular foam and latex foam. Latex foam can come in sheet or shredded composition and has a similar feel to its visco elastic counterpart. The big, or at least the most noticeable difference is in the way in which the foam recovers after the weight has been removed from it. Latex has an instant springiness and this gives it a very different feel to memory foam. It is also said to feel cooler than memory foam and the other organic fillers.
As with visoc elastic foam, latex foam toppers should have a good two and a half inches in depth. Both of these foams are none washable, however they usually come with a removable cover that can be machine washed for convenience. These foams do not harbour smells or germs, so they are ideal for those who suffer from allergies, i.e. they are hypoallergenic.
Modern mattress toppers come with many different and variable fillings. These fillings vary, both in their price and the properties that they confer upon the sleeping surface.
Originally nearly all toppers would be filled with feathers and down, usually sourced from ducks or geese. Organic wool is another naturally sourced topper filler and, although it has a unique and unusual feel, it is popular with many people.
One of the more recent developments in mattress and consequently topper construction is the use of some new synthetic and semi-synthetic filling materials. The most prominent of which is visco elastic memory foam.
The memory foam fillers are very different to the traditional organic fillers in that they compress and shape themselves around the body in a very unique manner. They also offer what is often described as “a slow recovery” reaction when the weight of a person is removed from them. This unusual action does not see the foam spring back into its original shape like a normal foam, but rather return to its original outline, almost in slow motion.
One of the important advantages of this special foam is the way in which it shapes and cradles itself around the distinctive shape of anyone resting upon it. This body-moulding behaviour is said to help keep the back and spine in a good straight alignment during the night which produces better and more restful sleep.
Memory foam mattresses use large sections or sheets of memory foam, whilst mattress toppers can use either thin sheets or a granulated or shredded version of the material. It is generally believed that a least two and a half (and ideally three) inches of memory foam are required for a good topper.
Memory foam is not the only alternative to the organic fillers. Other options include regular foam and latex foam. Latex foam can come in sheet or shredded composition and has a similar feel to its visco elastic counterpart. The big, or at least the most noticeable difference is in the way in which the foam recovers after the weight has been removed from it. Latex has an instant springiness and this gives it a very different feel to memory foam. It is also said to feel cooler than memory foam and the other organic fillers.
As with visoc elastic foam, latex foam toppers should have a good two and a half inches in depth. Both of these foams are none washable, however they usually come with a removable cover that can be machine washed for convenience. These foams do not harbour smells or germs, so they are ideal for those who suffer from allergies, i.e. they are hypoallergenic.
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