Heating and sanitary

A dry inertia radiator contains a solid heating element (firebrick, soapstone, cast iron) that stores heat and releases it gradually. A fluid inertia radiator uses a heat-transfer fluid (oil or glycol) that plays the same role. Both offer greater thermal comfort than conventional convectors, thanks to a slower temperature rise and gentle, even heat output. Fluid inertia heats up slightly faster, while dry inertia restores heat longer after switching off.

In well-insulated housing (RE2020-compliant), the figure is around 30 to 50 W/m². In older, less well-insulated homes, the power required can reach 60 to 80 W/m². Other factors to consider include ceiling height, exposure (north or south), number and size of windows, and the presence of thermal bridges. For a well-insulated 12 m² room, a 500 to 750 W radiator is generally sufficient.

No. Standard NF C 15-100 defines protection zones in bathrooms (volumes 0, 1, 2 and 3, as well as the non-volume zone). A standard towel rail (class I or II) can only be installed from volume 2, i.e. at least 60 cm from the outer edge of the bath or shower tray. In volume 1, only devices specially designed for this purpose with a suitable protection rating (IPX4 minimum) are permitted.

For an apartment undergoing renovation, type B humidity-sensitive CMV is generally recommended, as it optimizes the fan's power consumption by adapting airflow rates to actual occupancy. It is compatible with humidity-sensitive air inlets installed on joinery or roller shutter boxes. If your home is very compact and ductwork installation is complex, self-regulating CMV remains a reliable and economical solution.

Yes. In France, all new buildings or renovations involving a change of use are subject to ventilation requirements under the decree of March 24, 1982, as amended. In existing homes, permanent ventilation of wet rooms (kitchen, bathroom, WC, laundry room) is also mandatory. The absence of compliant ventilation can be reported during a Consuel inspection or as part of a property transaction.

The average service life of a CMV is 10 to 15 years, depending on operating conditions and the quality of maintenance. Regular maintenance (cleaning extract units every 6 months, replacing filters on double-flow CMVs every 3 to 6 months) significantly extends the unit's lifespan. Abnormal noise, a measurable reduction in airflow or excessive power consumption are signs that replacement is necessary.

Double-flow CMV recovers up to 90% of the heat contained in extracted stale air to preheat incoming fresh air, considerably reducing ventilation-related heat loss. It also filters incoming air, improving indoor air quality. On the other hand, installation costs are higher (equipment and installation) and maintenance is more rigorous. It is particularly well suited to low-energy buildings (BBC, RT2012, RE2020) where ventilation losses account for a significant proportion of total heat loss.

Yes, significantly. Unlike portable vacuum cleaners which, even with HEPA filters, discharge some of the micro-particles and allergens back into the room air, central vacuum cleaners evacuate all dust and allergens from the home via built-in ducts. This drastically reduces the concentration of dust mites, pollens and animal dander in indoor air, which is particularly beneficial for people with asthma or allergic rhinitis.

Yes, the vast majority of modern electric radiators are equipped with a pilot wire or radio receiver module compatible with heating managers and home automation boxes (Delta Dore, Somfy, Schneider Wiser, etc.).). Connected radiators directly integrate a Wi-Fi or ZigBee module for control via mobile application. This connectivity makes it possible to program time slots, create multi-zone scenarios and activate absence mode or frost protection mode remotely, thus optimizing your home's energy consumption.

A room thermostat measures the room temperature and switches off the heating when the set point is reached, thus preventing overheating and reducing consumption. A heating programmer, on the other hand, allows you to define time slots with different temperatures (comfort in the evening, reduced at night, frost protection when you're away). Modern models combine both functions in the same box - this is called a programmable thermostat - and connected versions allow remote control and learning of the user's habits for automatic optimization.