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What is the Coefficient of Performance (CoP)?
Last Updated: 21 August 2025The Coefficient of Performance (CoP) is a metric used to evaluate the efficiency of a heat pump or refrigeration system. It is defined as the ratio of useful heating or cooling energy delivered by the system to the electrical energy consumed to achieve that output. A higher CoP indicates greater efficiency. In the UK house...
What is a Cellar?
Last Updated: 21 August 2025A cellar is a subterranean or partially underground storage space, typically found in residential or commercial buildings. Unlike a basement, which is often habitable and may include living spaces, a cellar is primarily designed for storage (e.g., wine, food, utilities) and lacks the thermal comfort or natural light required for regular occupancy. Context (vs. Basement)...
What is a Centrifugal Fan?
Last Updated: 21 August 2025Centrifugal fans are mechanical devices used to move air or gases in ventilation systems. They operate by blowing air at right angles to the intake of the fan, utilising centrifugal force to spin the air outward to the outlet. The impeller rotates, drawing air in near the shaft and propelling it perpendicularly to the opening...
What is Cavity Wall Insulation (CWI)?
Last Updated: 21 August 2025Cavity Wall Insulation (CWI) is a method of improving the thermal efficiency of buildings by filling the gap (cavity) between the inner and outer layers of a cavity wall with insulating material. This reduces heat loss, lowers energy consumption, and enhances indoor comfort. CWI is widely used in the UK, particularly in residential retrofit and...
What is a Carbon Footprint?
Last Updated: 21 August 2025The carbon footprint refers to the total amount of greenhouse gases (GHGs), primarily carbon dioxide (CO₂), emitted directly or indirectly by an individual, organisation, event, or product. It is measured in units of carbon dioxide equivalents (CO₂e) to account for the varying global warming potentials of different gases. In the UK house building, residential retrofit,...
What are Carbon Emissions?
Last Updated: 21 August 2025Carbon emissions refer to the release of carbon dioxide (CO₂) into the atmosphere as a result of human activities, such as burning fossil fuels (coal, oil, and natural gas) for energy, transportation, and industrial processes. These emissions are a significant contributor to the greenhouse effect, which traps heat in the Earth’s atmosphere and leads to...
What is Radon (Rn)?
Last Updated: 21 August 2025Radon (Rn) is a naturally occurring radioactive gas formed from the decay of uranium in rocks and soil. It is colourless, odourless, and tasteless, making it undetectable without specialised equipment. Radon can seep into buildings through cracks in floors, walls, and foundations, accumulating to harmful levels indoors. Prolonged exposure to high concentrations of radon is...
What are Nitrogen Oxides (NOx)?
Last Updated: 21 August 2025Nitrogen Oxides (NOx) are a group of highly reactive gases composed of nitrogen and oxygen, primarily including nitric oxide (NO) and nitrogen dioxide (NO₂). These gases are produced during combustion processes, particularly in vehicles, power plants, and industrial facilities. In the context of UK house building, residential retrofit, and home renovation sectors, NOx emissions are...
What is Carbon Monoxide (CO)?
Last Updated: 21 August 2025Carbon Monoxide (CO) is a colourless, odourless, and tasteless toxic gas produced by the incomplete combustion of carbon-based fuels such as gas, oil, wood, and coal. It binds to haemoglobin in the blood, reducing oxygen delivery to vital organs, which can lead to severe health effects or death. In UK residential construction, ventilation systems must...
What is Carbon Dioxide (CO₂)?
Last Updated: 21 August 2025Carbon Dioxide (CO₂) is a colourless, odourless gas naturally present in Earth’s atmosphere. It is produced by human respiration, combustion of fossil fuels, and organic decomposition. In building ventilation, CO₂ levels are a key indicator of indoor air quality (IAQ). Elevated concentrations can lead to drowsiness, reduced cognitive function, and poor health outcomes. Context in...