Reflective radiator panels – are they a good idea?
I keep getting readers’questions about reflective radiator panels – the shiny things that you stick on the wall behind a radiator. Do they h... Continue Reading
Author Archives: Jeff Howell
Jeff’s Handy Tips for Central Heating Efficiency
I note that in your column you recommend running the boiler on the “24 hour” setting at low temperature during cold spells. Why is this plea... Continue Reading
Will keeping the heating on increase my bills?
I have recently been in touch with The Energy Saving Trust and they state that keeping the heating on all the time will increase the cost of... Continue Reading
How do you sound-proof your property to prevent noisy neighb...
Could you give some advice about the best way to sound-proof a mid-terrace new-build two bedroom house? The family next door have small chil... Continue Reading
Removing cavity wall fill
I have had my cavity walls insulated with mineral wool, and now damp patches have appeared on the inside walls. Is there a way of removing c... Continue Reading
Cavity Wall Disadvantages
I am contemplating installing cavity wall insulation and looking at the materials available I feel that foam would be the best on the basis ... Continue Reading
Cavity Wall Insulation Problems
The government is keen for home-owners to insulate their homes, but cavity walls were built as a barrier against penetrating dampness, So wh... Continue Reading
Material considerations
First published in the Independent on Sunday “Beware of all enterprises that require new clothes”, said Henry David Thoreau, the... Continue Reading
Painting Plastic
Q. We had an extension built and now have exposed white plastic windows and waste pipes, a brown pipe going into the drain, a grey plastic s... Continue Reading
Maintenance free PVC – really?
I live on an estate of houses with much white boarding – soffits, fascias etc. Firms come around offering maintenance-free white PVC. ... Continue Reading