Frequently Asked Questions

A Heat Pump is a machine similar in principal to an airconditioner that works in reverse cycle. It extracts heat from the outside atmosphere and transfers it to water (eg your swimming pool) thereby increasing the water temperature.

A Heat Pump works by removing the heat from the surrounding ambient air and transfers this heat through a heat exchanger by means of pumping the swimming pool water through it and back to the pool. The pool’s temperature is controlled thermostatically to the required temperature.

The size of a Heat Pump is based on the size of your swimming pool’s surface area and the volume of water in the pool. These factors together with the desired temperature of the water will determine the size of the Heat pump.

A Heat pump is positioned as close as possible to the swimming pool filtration system. It is designed to be used out doors and does not require any covering against the elements. In fact if a Heat Pump is covered during operation it will not perform optimally.

The heat pump is a single, compact, easily installed unit. A 220-volt dedicated circuit and attachment to your existing pool pump is basically all that is required. The machine must meet a minimum clearance requirement, to insure proper airflow. Proper placement is critical to the performance of the pool/spa heat pump. A concrete slab may be required unless there is enough room on an existing slab. If a chlorinating device is present it must be placed downstream from the heat pump and a check valve must be installed to prevent chemical damage.

Compared to other types of heating equipment, (with the exception of solar heaters, which only heats when the sun is present) the AQUAHEAT pump is very economical. Two types of energy sources are utilized to produce the required heat output. This is the heat from the ambient air and electrical power used to run the compressor.

There is no attention required by a Heat Pump as with air conditioner. Simply remove any leaves, grass, paper, etc. which occasionally collects from the air. The pool chemistry should always remain balanced. The evaporator grills are coated to prevent corrosion. However if you live near a salt-water environment you may want to hose down the outside evaporator coil to help prevent the build up of salt and rust.

Yes. However it all depends on the size of the pool and the time of year. Heat pumps are made to maintain pool temperature on a daily basis. If the heat pump is sized properly to the pool size, once the desired temperature is reached it will automatically maintain that temperature all month long.

Solar batteries should be installed by a qualified solar installer. Solar installers have the experience and expertise to ensure that your battery is installed safely and correctly. To maintain your solar battery, you should inspect it regularly for any signs of damage. You should also keep the battery charged and avoid letting it completely discharge.

There are two main types of solar batteries: lead-acid batteries and lithium-ion batteries. Lead-acid batteries: Lead-acid batteries are the most common type of solar battery. Lead-acid batteries are relatively inexpensive, but they have a shorter lifespan than lithium-ion batteries. Lithium-ion batteries: Lithium-ion batteries are more expensive than lead-acid batteries, but they have a longer lifespan and a higher energy density.

The right solar inverter for your needs will depend on the size of your solar power system and the type of solar panels that you are using. You should also consider the features that are important to you, such as efficiency, warranty, and noise level.

Solar energy has a number of benefits for businesses, including: Reduced energy costs: Solar energy can help businesses to reduce their energy costs by generating their own electricity from the sun. This can lead to significant savings on electricity bills, especially for businesses that consume a lot of energy. Increased energy independence: Solar energy can help businesses to become more energy independent. With a solar energy system, businesses can generate their own electricity and be less reliant on the grid. This can be especially important for businesses that are located in areas with frequent power outages. Improved corporate image: Solar energy can help businesses to improve their corporate image and demonstrate their commitment to sustainability. Many customers and investors are increasingly interested in supporting businesses that are taking steps to reduce their environmental impact. Government incentives: There are a number of government incentives available for businesses that install solar energy systems. These incentives can help to reduce the upfront cost of installing a solar energy system and make it more affordable for businesses to go solar.

The right solar energy system for you will depend on a number of factors, including: Your energy consumption: The size of the solar energy system that you need will depend on how much electricity you consume. You can use a solar calculator to estimate your energy consumption. The amount of sunlight that you receive: The amount of sunlight that you receive will also affect the size of the solar energy system that you need. You can use a solar map to determine how much sunlight your area receives. Your budget: The cost of a solar energy system will vary depending on the size of the system, the type of equipment that you choose, and the cost of installation. Once you have considered these factors, you can start shopping for a solar energy system. It is important to get quotes from multiple solar installers before making a decision. Once you have chosen a solar energy system, the installer will work with you to design and install the system. The installation process can take a few days to a few weeks, depending on the size and complexity of the system. Once the system is installed, you can start generating your own clean, renewable energy! Here are some additional questions that you may want to ask yourself when choosing the right solar energy system: What are your goals for solar energy? Are you looking to reduce your electricity bills, become more energy independent, or support sustainability? How much money can you afford to spend on a solar energy system? How much space do you have available for solar panels? What type of roof do you have? Do you have any trees or other obstructions that could shade your solar panels? Are there any government incentives or tax credits available for solar energy in your area? By answering these questions, you can narrow down your choices and choose the right solar energy system for your needs.

Solar energy is the radiant light and heat from the Sun that is harnessed using a range of ever-evolving technologies such as solar heating, photovoltaics, solar thermal energy, solar architecture, molten salt power plants and artificial photosynthesis. It is an essential source of renewable energy, and its technologies are broadly characterised as either passive solar or active solar depending on how they capture and distribute solar energy or convert it into solar power. Active solar techniques include the use of photovoltaic systems, concentrated solar power, and solar water heating to harness the energy. Passive solar techniques include orienting a building to the Sun, selecting materials with favorable thermal mass or light dispersing properties, and designing spaces that naturally circulate air.

Solar energy is harnessed through a variety of technologies that convert sunlight into electricity or heat. The most common solar technology is photovoltaics, which uses solar panels to convert sunlight into electricity. Solar panels are made up of semiconductor cells that absorb sunlight and release electrons, which creates a flow of electricity.

The cost of a power backup system in South Africa depends on the type of system that you choose and the size of the system. However, a typical generator can cost anywhere from R10,000 to R50,000, while a typical battery system can cost anywhere from R5,000 to R20,000.

CFL stands for "compact fluorescent lamp." As the name implies, they are compact versions of the long, tubular fluorescent lamps you know today.

One of the greatest benefits of CFLs is their energy efficiency. A CFL uses 50 to 80 percent less energy than other light bulbs. They last more than 6 times longer than incandescents and create far less heat.

Many electronic devices, such as radios, televisions, wireless telephones, and remote controls, use infrared light to transmit signals. Infrequently, these types of electronic devices accidentally interpret the infrared light coming from a CFL as a signal, causing the electronic device to temporarily malfunction or stop working. For example, your television might suddenly change channels. Fortunately, this only happens when light is produced at the same wavelength as the electronic device signals, which is rare.

To use a CFL on a dimmer switch you must buy a bulb that's specifically made to work with dimmers. Eurolux makes a dimming CFL that is specially designed for use with dimming switches. Ensure the dimmer which is offered or being used is compatible to the lamp.

Yes, as long as they are not exposed to direct water.

While CFLs are ideal for many situations, it must be used in the right way to reap the full benefits. CFLs can take longer than an incandescent bulb to turn on and become fully lit. CFLs also need to be disposed of carefully since they contain mercury, which can be harmful to the environment.

Regular fluorescent light bulbs used in the home and office do not produce a hazardous amount of ultraviolet light (UV). Most light sources, including fluorescent bulbs, emit a small amount of UV, but the UV produced by fluorescent light bulbs is far less than the amount produced by natural daylight. Ultraviolet light rays are the light wavelengths that can cause sunburn and skin damage.

There are two main parts in a CFL: the gas-filled tube (also called bulb or burner) and the magnetic or electronic ballast. An electrical current from the ballast flows through the gas, causing it to emit ultraviolet light. The ultraviolet light then excites a phosphor coating on the inside of the tube. This coating emits visible light. Electronic ballasts contain a small circuit board with rectifiers, a filter capacitor and usually two switching transistors connected as a high-frequency resonant series DC to AC inverter. The resulting high frequency, around 40kHz or higher, is applied to the lamp tube. Since the resonant converter tends to stabilize lamp current (and light produced) over a range of input voltages, standard CFLs do not respond well in dimming applications and special lamps are required for dimming service. CFLs that flicker when they start have magnetic ballasts; CFLs with electronic ballasts are now much more common.

An electronic ballast uses less power and runs at a PF of nearly one. A wire wound ballast is less efficient and a capacitor needs to be added to the circuit to bring the PF to be as close as possible.

If the wattage is the same the lumens will be the same.

The wiring regulations, SANS 10142, specifies different zones for bathrooms. If the chandelier is installed in the correct zone and is out of arms reach then one could install a chandelier.

No, cool white and warm white have the same lumen output but the Kelvin rating changes. In other words, the colour is different and they have different temperatures on the colour spectrum. Cool white lamps run at a temperature Kelvin of +/- 4000K and warm white at +/- 2800K. This is purely the difference in colour temperature.

Depending on the application, you can replace them with CFLs or LEDs. You could also reduce the wattage of the halogen lamp from 50W to 35W.

When designed properly, a LED circuit will approach 80% efficiency, which means 80% of the electrical energy is converted to light energy.

Depending on your budget you could retrofit all lamps to LED. However if budget is a challenge, one could use smaller wattage LEDs for passage areas and accent lighting.

If you can do this and still maintain the aesthetic effect in all rooms then yes.

Solar lighting converts energy from the sun into electricity whereas conventional lighting relies on power from the grid.

Solar lighting captures the power of the sun using a photovoltaic cell and stores it in rechargeable batteries. A photosensor in the light detects sunlight and when it can’t, the LEDs automatically turn on, powered by the energy that has been stored in the batteries during the day.

Solar lighting offers a multitude of benefits. The obvious one is that it will reduce your electricity bill. Solar lighting also requires no wiring and is self-contained, so fixtures are easy to install and move around the yard as you wish throughout the year. This lack of wiring also makes them incredibly safe - a bonus for households with pets and children who play in the garden. Because solar lighting does not rely on a power source, it’s ideal for use in South Africa where loadshedding is a regular occurence.

When buying a solar lighting fixture look at the LED brightness level, the type of solar panel it features, the batteries, and the lifespan of the fixture.

Solar lighting is powered by the sun so it’s important that you clean the solar panels regularly in order for them to function optimally. Once a month use a damp, lint-free cloth to gently wipe the solar panel. This should remove all dirt, dust and grime. Once the panel is clean, wipe it with a dry cloth. If you live in a place with relatively cloudy overcast weather during the winter then it may be best to store your solar fixtures away for the season.

If you’re installing solar lighting as a security measure then it needs to be reliable. Go for a fixture with a big panel and quality battery as this will ensure you more hours of illumination throughout the night. The average solar light runs for 10 hours straight once fully charged.

Any spot that receives sunlight throughout the day is a good spot for solar fixtures. Scout around your garden for areas that get ample sunlight. To get the most out of your fixtures, install them in a location that won’t become shaded by trees or structures as the sun moves (south exposure is best).