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Thread ID: 91656 2008-07-14 09:15:00 Insulation beetle (243) PC World Chat
Post ID Timestamp Content User
688846 2008-07-19 01:27:00 I have often wondered why polystyrene isn't used all the time in walls etc,is it because of the fire problem?

I have 50 mm of polystyrene in my concrete floor.

Not just the fire problem but also the toxic fumes it gives off when burnt, although there is a fire retardant version out. Where I used to work they test fires and I lined the test rig with it. In the UK they use an expanded foam covered both sides with aluminium foil one of the best insulations I have ever come across but expensive

I'm interested to see what the running costs of the HRV system are too
gary67 (56)
688847 2008-07-19 01:39:00 The one we got put in, the cash price was $2891.00,(unit and 3 outlets) if you put it on the "Never never", then of course theres interest etc, which is what we did, but will try to pay it off within 6 months instead of the three years, that'll save a few $$ in interest.

The On going cost - we were quoted $198.00 every two years, thats for filter changes, general checkup to make sure every thing is OK, and any updates to the program it runs. I was told if there are any updates they are free.

The guy said they come along with a laptop, plug it into the control panel and make the alterations - He made the smart comment (off the cheek) dont even think about it, when he saw I worked with Computers, - What me :eek: never.

Power Costs ?? don't know yet, they quote 10 cents a day, but time will tell.

Mind you our power Bill can differ by $30-$50 a month so it may be hard to see ???
wainuitech (129)
688848 2008-07-19 01:49:00 Hi Beetle,

DVS, HRV are systems that use roof-space air and rely on gaps and holes to push the air out.
No matter how much you filter, roofspace air does not belong into livingspaces.:yuck:
You are better of with true Heat recovery systems, those systems also fully
comply with the building code (ventilation air from outside)
Roofspace air is a bit of a "grey" zone with regards to the building code.
There is a good reason why you would not be allowed to pump roofspace air
into your house in Europe :yuck:
True heat recovery system have a predetemined rate of air-exchange over a 24 hour period regardless of weather.
The used air is passing through a heat exchanger with passes the heat (approx.80%) on to the incoming air.
This systems are used in Europe in millions of applications.
Nobody there would even think about to hang those energy wasting
"dinosaurs" into the roofspace. It is low-tech and 30 years behind of the state of technology.
True heat recovery systems are initialy more expensive but cheaper on the long run and healthier :)
The right ventilation, thermally insulated double glazed windows, good insulation, no filthy carpets and a efficient source of heating plus healthy non toxic building materials is all you need to create a healthy, comfortable and energy-efficient home. And most likely a life without asthma :)
Thinkagain (13493)
688849 2008-07-19 01:56:00 We looked at those Heat recovery systems as well, = $$$$$$$$$$$

then you have all the other problems in life -


Typing wrong on a keyboard = RSI
Bad monitor Screens = Damage to eyes
Some say red meat is bad
In the same room as smokers is bad due to second hand smoke
Walk in front of a bus = Death


The list goes on.

Beore working full time with computers I used to work in a place that the air was aways full of dust, and other dangerous items, as well as partly death in one ear due to excessive noise. ( add that to the above list) Noise pollution and animal hairs.

If you think about it, if it were that much of a health risk, these units wouldn't be allowed under the health regulations.
wainuitech (129)
688850 2008-07-19 02:07:00 as you can see the roof temp is 10, yet the hallway is 15, and thats the coldest part of the house. When the room temp is warmer than the roof temp, the fan goes down to idle, almost off completely.

if the fan goes right down to idle or turns off when the roof temp is lower than the house temp then i cant see how it can control the condensation that builds up overnight. the fan would need to be going all the time at a suficient speed to prevent condensation.
smokey (13809)
688851 2008-07-19 02:13:00 How good is the blow in stuff these days?, our house was built in the 50s and has no access to the inside of the roof. Morgenmuffel (187)
688852 2008-07-19 02:19:00 if the fan goes right down to idle or turns off when the roof temp is lower than the house temp then i cant see how it can control the condensation that builds up overnight. the fan would need to be going all the time at a suficient speed to prevent condensation.

I dont know either, but it does work, we got the unit installed our windows had condensation every day/night this time of year.

After having it in for a week now there is only a slight hint on the very bottom of the window, we were told it takes usually 3 weeks to see any real difference, we seen a lot of difference over 1 week.

Our bedroom and our sons has a LARGE window, almost the complete wall, they used to be like a water fall (exaggerated a bit of course), now they are almost completely dry in the mornings.

The bed spreads used to feel damp sometimes now they don't, and it appears we are all sleeping a lot better as well.

Just looked and the room temp is 18, roof is 16, the lounge feels even warmer, the control panel/temp is in the hall.
wainuitech (129)
688853 2008-07-19 02:22:00 does your system include a heater or is the air straight from roof space with no aditional heating? smokey (13809)
688854 2008-07-19 02:25:00 We looked at those Heat recovery systems as well, = $$$$$$$$$$$

.................................

If you think about it, if it were that much of a health risk, these units wouldn't be allowed under the health regulations.



The day will come and those things will be not allowed anymore as the don't quite comply with the building code (see Consumer).
NZ is quite an easy place to make a lot of money with gimmicks.:rolleyes:
Thinkagain (13493)
688855 2008-07-19 02:51:00 The day will come and those things will be not allowed anymore as the don't quite comply with the building code (see Consumer).
NZ is quite an easy place to make a lot of money with gimmicks.:rolleyes:
Well until that day comes I'll try not to step in front of any buses, or get RSI.:lol:

There are thousands of houses in NZ that are poorly insulated, who's going to enforce the owners to comply and supply funding/meet the costs - not this government thats for sure

How about posting a link to the article in consumer ?

FYI: I was told by the guys who installed our unit, that HRV have just gotten a HUGE contract for a several thousand units in the USA, and some of the guys are being sent over to teach the installers there how to set them up- so It' not just NZ.

Edited; if you are referring to this
Note: Strictly speaking, roof space air does not comply with the building code requirements. Good filtration is essential. - there is also their recommendations -
Any of the three types - forced-air, solar-powered or heat-exchanger - can be very effective. Your choice will depend on the type of house you live in, your location, and your budget.
Forced-air systems will work in any house that has a warm dry roof space. But if your roof is heavily shaded or you live in a colder part of the country, a heater will be essential for ensuring adequate airflow without cold draughts. You may also have to fit small vents or leave windows slightly ajar on security stays to achieve sufficient air movement to fully control condensation.

You don't have a roof space? Two forced-air systems - Moisture Master and DVS - offer units with a heater that work on outside air. Also consider a Vent Axia through-the-wall style heat exchanger system.

Consider whether you want a unit with simple controls or a more sophisticated model that allows you to set the cut-out and cut-in temperatures, and so on. You'll pay a lot more for a fancy system, but won't necessarily get any better ventilation.

Always choose suppliers who are familiar with your local climate, and get at least two competitive quotes. - yes I subscribe to consumer.
wainuitech (129)
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