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In the United Kingdom, copper is the metal of choice for experts and small business owners alike in the plumbing and heating industry. This metal has been used for more than ten thousand years and historians agree that it is highly likely that only iron and gold were used in construction before copper was first discovered. Natural copper is reddish in tone, though as it ages the hue of the metal switches from reddish to a definite green colour.

Professionals in the plumbing and heating industries have been using copper for their pipes and for a number of the electrical devices that help operate the heating and plumbing systems the professionals create. While copper has been used commonly for almost a century, copper miners have recently begun raising the price of the metal out of fear that the world’s available copper supply will not meet the demand.

Copper is most commonly used for water pipes though United Kingdom manufacturing professionals have also begun to use it for the transportation of natural gas. This metal is the standard by which other industrial materials are judged and there isn’t a single building code that doesn’t allow the metal to be used. This is a durable and strong metal and scientists believe that it also has elements that stifle the growth of bacteria on its surfaces while simultaneously protecting humans and larger creatures from germs and other harmful substances.

Copper has proven to be one of the most versatile materials in the domestic plumbing industry. This metal can carry natural gas and water and is non corrosive and resists deterioration. There are many UK based companies that are so sure of copper’s strength that they offer fifty year warranties on all materials that make use of the metal.

For heating systems, UK experts agree that radiant heating is one of the best systems that can be installed. Copper pipes have been used in underfloor heating for decades because the metal easily and evenly distributes heat and because copper pipes are unlikely to leak and cause damage to the structural integrity of the house. Underfloor heating is becoming increasingly popular in the UK because it is the most efficient and cost effective method of heating a home.

Copper has also proved very useful in cooling systems because it can distribute cool air as easily as it can warm air. Manufacturers have begun using copper in cooling units with massive success. Copper works to increase the lifetime of the machines as well as their effectiveness.

Copper is also known for being “green” friendly. This metal is easily recycled and resistant to germs and bacteria. Humans need copper to help create haemoglobin and the copper in a person’s system helps the body fight against high cholesterol levels and coronary heart disease.

Tal Potishman, editor of Heating Central, writes articles about boilers, central heating, plumber Peterborough, underfloor heating and solar thermal. He specializes in helping save money by advising on efficient heating.

With the winter season quickly approaching, central heating for your home becomes a priority. In order to keep your home warm, all components of your central heating system must be in proper working order. However, there are some typical faults with the system that tend to happen at the worst possible time. One such common problem is frost damage, which can damage and sometimes destroy boilers and pipes.

In previous years, the central heating system was designed with the frost thermostat located near the boiler. Its job was to start the boiler when the air temperature dropped and stop the boiler when the air temperature reached an acceptable level. If the thermostat detected excessive heat escaping from the boiler or surrounding pipes it quickly turned off the system, in order to conserve energy and prevent excessive heating of the home.

Modern central heating design has solved the problem of heat escape through improved insulation but in doing so, created another problem. The boiler and pipes are now much more insulated, in an attempt to conserve energy. Unfortunately, the frost thermostat is no longer capable of accurately determining the temperature. As a result, wasteful overheating can easily occur.

Installing a pipe thermostat can solve this problem. A pipe thermostat is typically placed on the outside of the boiler return pipe, measuring the temperature of the pipe (assuming copper pipes are good heat conductive materials). Its purpose is to turn off the boiler before overheating occurs. There are several new products that contain both a frost thermostat and low limit pipe thermostat, providing standard room temperature setting capabilities along with frost protection capabilities.

The new thermostats are easy to install and set up. Complete installation and wiring guidelines are all contained in one box making it simple for the installer. The frost thermostat is set to a typical temperature of 5C and the pipe thermostat is put to a typical temperature of 25C. Extra frost thermostats can also be installed to provide complete defence, if the pipes are exposed further around the property (e.g. in a shed, in a garage etc.).

If the pipe thermostat fails to meet your needs, there are other solutions. A fully programmable room thermostat is one option. These devices can be installed in a number of locations throughout your home, usually in a living room or bedroom. Their job is to measure and monitor the temperature of the room. The thermostat can be set to change the room temperature several times a day, depending on the homeowner’s needs. There are several kits that operate by means of radio signal, from the thermostat to the boiler. These Radio Frequency (RF) thermostats require no wiring, which makes them very easy to install.

However, it is important to note that a thermostat is not the only way to heat your home in the most effective way. Adjusting the zones where heat is distributed can be a big energy saver. Focus heat where most time is spent and allow rooms that are not frequently used to remain cooler. This simple change will impact the efficiency of your central heating system greatly and help you reduce your heating bills.

Tal Potishman, editor of Heating Central, writes articles about boiler, central heating, plumber Coventry, underfloor heating and solar thermal. He specializes in helping save money by advising on efficient heating.