| Term |
Definition |
| R value |
How well an insulation product resists heat flow is know as its R value. The higher the R value, the higher the level of insulation. The appropriate degree of insulation depends on your climate, building construction type, and whether auxiliary heating and/or cooling is to be used. Material R values refer to the insulating value of the product alone. The performance of any insulation product – how well it resists heat flow – is know as its R value. The higher the R value, the higher the level of insulation.
The R value is, in essence, the measurement of an insulation sheet’s ability to resist heat flow. Basically, R values range from 1.5 to 7, and the higher the number is, the more effective the insulation sheet is at increasing thermal efficiency, and thereby, insulating your home.
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| Total R value |
The ‘total R value’ adds together the R value of the various components of a roof, ceiling, wall or floor, including the insulation. The type and R value of insulation that is best suited to your home will depend on your climate and construction type. ‘Total R value’ describe the total resistance to heat flow provided by a roof and ceiling assembly, a wall or a floor. Each of the material components has its own heat resistance (R value), and the total R value is calculated by adding the R value of each component, including the insulation. Total R values are the best indicator of performance because they show how insulation performs within the building envelope. Total R values are used when calculating energy ratings to measure thermal efficiency
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| what is a U value or U factor? |
U-value measures how well a product prevents heat from escaping. It is a measure of the rate of non solar heat loss or gain through a material or assembly. U-value ratings generally fall between 2.0-10.0 W/m2.K for Australian products. The rate of heat is indicated in the terms of the U-value of a window assembly which includes the effect of the frame, glass, seals and any spacers. The lower the U-value, the greater a window's resistance to heat flow and the better its insulating value. The U-value for a window takes account of the various U-values for the components making up the window, so you may see these in technical literature; UW is the value for whole window and because of its importance is usually abbreviated to U, UC is the value at the centre of glass, UF is the value for the frame |
| Solar Heat Gain Co-efficient (SHGC) |
SHGC measures how well a product blocks heat caused by sunlight. The SHGC is the fraction of incident solar radiation admitted through a window, both directly transmitted, and absorbed and subsequently released inward. SHGC is expressed as a number between 0 and 1. The lower a window's SHGC, the less solar heat it transmits. |
| Window insulation |
There are several methods you can use to insulate your windows, each with its own set of benefits eg glazing, frames, and seals, creating thermally efficient windows. |
| Weather stripping |
Weatherstripping is a form of window insulation. It is a cost-effective way of sealing the gaps around your windows. It comes in various materials like adhesive-backed foam tape, V-strip, door sweeps, and more and is applied to seal air leaks in existing windows that may be suffering from poor insulation. |
| Lux meter |
A lux meter is a device for measuring brightness, specifically, the intensity with which the brightness appears to the human eye. A lux meter works by using a photo cell to capture light
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| Lux? |
Lux is a standardised unit of measurement of light level intensity, which is commonly referred to as "illuminance" or "illumination". So what is exactly 1 lux? A measurement of 1 lux is equal to the illumination of a one metre square surface that is one metre away from a single candle. |
| Lux meter |
You can hire one from Kennards (in our depot towns) or buy an inexpensive one from Bunnings |
| Natural refrigerant? |
Natural refrigerants are environmentally friendly substances utilized in refrigeration and air conditioning systems for heating and cooling purposes, as well as in hot water heat pump systems to warm water. These refrigerants, which occur naturally, are non-synthetic and non-toxic. There are four primary natural refrigerants: Ammonia (NH3), Carbon dioxide (CO2), Hydrocarbons (propane, butane, isobutane) and Water. |
| Bay light |
A bay light illuminates a large area with a high ceiling. Application examples include warehouses, commercial buildings, retail locations, and gymnasiums. There are two main categories; high and low bay light fixtures. Our LED high bay lights offer a durable and low-maintenance alternative to fluorescents, Metal Halides or HPS (High Pressure Sodium) lights, all of which have drawbacks such as long warm-up times, UV and infrared radiation and energy inefficiency.
By contrast, LEDs deliver a high light quality, with a range of colour temperatures available. They turn on and off instantly with no warm up or cool down time. Their extremely long lifespan means maintenance is minimal and low cost. They are highly energy efficient and produce a 180 degree spread of light with very little spillage and therefore wasted energy. LEDs produce minimal heat, which is particularly beneficial in a temperature-controlled or sensitive environment." |
| Asset register |
An asset register allows you to keep track of your assets and provides a fair estimate of their worth. It meets your taxation, statutory and sale-of-business obligations. It is also an appropriate place to record serial numbers, make, model, etc. |
| Belt drive |
A belt drive is a frictional drive that transmits power between two or more shafts using pulleys and an elastic belt |
| Variable speed drive (VSD) |
The basic function of a variable speed drive (VSD) is to control the flow of energy from the mains to the process.
A VSD will adjust the speed of the motors to match the load required and save energy. Talk to a motor specialist about whether a VSD can be used with your existing equipment.
Motors that operate heating or cooling system often run at a constant speed, while a business’ heating or cooling load changes depending on factors such as weather and occupancy. A VSD will adjust the speed of the motors to match the load required. Talk to a specialist about whether a VSD can be installed into your existing system |