SimonD

I'll take a deep breath and jump, feet first and see what happens!

I haven't given Claude access to the repo, so there's quite a bit of manual stuff - but the issues are bugs that require a lot of oversight - e.g. not updating the project files after an update, and referring back to superceded files in memory. Yes, the coding is amazing, and the commenting is on another level so very easy to navigate the code where necessary. It's just these bugs that create workflow friction. Now, if I was brave enough to provide access to the repo, we'd probably be in a different place.

I clearly need to be a bit more disciplined and sort this side out. I've been finding some real limitations with not working locally and version management. I haven't given it access to my local machine so this is definitely causing some friction and the Claude project area has some serious limitations. As I found out, I uploaded all my project files into the depository, but then found out that as soon as Claude does a re-write/patch or whatever edit of the file, it provides an output for download but doesn't update the project file. Then it goes back to use the project file without telling you, ignoring the new output. Even with clear instructions to check with me the latest deployed files, it sometimes completely forgets, completes a new write and output and some of the earlier code is then missing - VS Code deploy version comparison has been a bit of a godsend). I'm currently on very clear instructions and when it creates a new output, I still upload the deployed file to ask it to check the versions are consistent. Now, this is okay for small stuff, but it becomes a right PIA on anything larger (although it still saves hours, weeks and months of human time in what it's able to output - I'm just getting spoiled nowadays). And another little bug I found is that sometimes, if I select download all for the new artifacts, some of the contents are actually previous versions, not what has just been produced! So, having learnt what it takes to prompt, I'm now working out the next step which you've clearly nailed.

My house whole timber framed first floor is built with 600 centres, but it does use 140 studs as opposed to 63 or 89. If you're using 90mm PIR then you'll want to be using the 140x38mm CLS or alternatively 145x45mm C16 anyway, so no problem at all. Just bear in mind that unless you specifically order 2400 x 1200 OSB, you'll be getting sheets that are 2440 x 1220 and will therefore need to shave them down when you sheath the frame.

It's nice when that happens. And then it all goes wrong with a single update - I just had an entire afternoon and evening trying to resolve a bug, eventually it was a single line of code causing double parsing of the string from the DB. Essentially the code was parsing something already parsed automatically by Postgres and it was looking in the wrong files to fix the bug. It's these days that drive you potty.

I'm not an electrician but my electrician was always reluctant to run cable through insulation like that. Instead all cabling was run in ducting installed through the insulation so there's at least some air gap between the cable and duct.

If only it were that simple. The screenshot is from the installation manual for that exact model - the Powrmatic Vision H20. I'm more inclined to believe the manufacturer than the salesman? Think about it. It's a bonkers idea that you just turn a mains tap on and then let it run into a drain? Yes, the through wall ones can be had for about 1/2 that price.

For a minute I thought you'd uncovered a blinder of a solution. Well, maybe not quite as simple as hoped, unless you're happy to tap into your heating system. Have a look at the required schematic. Easier to go with the 2 hole versions probably.

But if you want to use the HP for DHW, then you need a plate load kit, which easily brings the price back up to the equivalent of an indirect, plus it adds complexity with additional pump, wiring & controls. My view is that it's still way better to use the HP for DHW compared to immersion as you still get at least 2x bang for your buck.

By the looks of that, you really do need to find yourself someone else to do the work. You don't add DHW cylinder demand to a system with a heat pump as it's priority hot water - the heat pump switches from doing heating to doing hot water, so even if your house needed 8kW for heating, which I seriously doubt, this would be fine for your hot water. How big are your kitchen/dining, living & upstairs bed? They must be massive. You can go and use my tool at https://openheatloss.com to create your own heat loss and system design. This is supported by a number of videos at https://youtube.com/@OpenHeatLoss taking you through how to use the tool and what to input - the video library is developing day-to-day

n = 1.3 v n = 1.0 - 1.1 - you can't balance the system across the output range, only at a single temp. And the lower your Mean Water to Air Temp difference is the more difficult it is to do. Most who do this will find their customers compromise on indoor air temps at some ranges. You really do need to run 2 different curves and therefore have one mixed circuit.

That's not design, it's just a basic schematic. For a design you need heat loss, cylinder and emitter sizing calcs at minimum outdoor design temperatures as an absolute minimum. You also really need the same things at your average outdoor temps to ensure your system can modulate sufficiently. That really isn't an option, even if loads of plumbers and some heating engineers think it is, especially with a house to passive standards. Or try this one https://renewableheatinghub.co.uk/the-ultimate-guide-to-heat-pumps-a-comprehensive-resource-for-homeowners/ Although not available for free!

I suppose this to me rather opens up the question as to whether the politicians have the competence, capability, understanding or knowledge to properly understand the policy area within which they've been assigned a role (I'm not saying responsibility and accountability here because it's very obvious they either are never assigned nor do they accept these in their roles).

Well, perfect timing. If you pop over to the tool I've developed at https://openheatloss.com you can model irregular shaped rooms (by breaking the room into segments) and each segment can use single or double pitched ceilings - it's text based, so you don't have to try and draw it. It's also open source and free so no need to upgrade your subscription.

I recently completed a design on a 1930s retrofit with cellulose insulation added to the suspended timbers floors and the ground floor U-values in that are between 29-36W/m2. The whole house average is 36W/m2.