Corvo Island, Portugal

Nature of Project: Domestic
Location: Corvo Island, Azores,Portugal
Homeowner: Middle aged couple

A middle aged farming couple from Corvo Island, one of the smallest in the world at just 17.45km² in size and a population of about only 300, decided to pool together all their life savings to build their dream house.  All the rooms in the new house would boast tiled floors which, unfortunately, get very chilly in winter.  In addition, because Corvo Island was formed by the collapse of a volcano which created a huge crater, the island is constantly shrouded by a mist that catalysed moulding and other humidity-related problems in properties. 

The Solution
American and German entrepreneurs working with wind turbines recommended that the farmer install Warmup® underfloor heating, explaining that not only would it put an end to the humidity but it would also be very pleasant underfoot.

Laid under the expanse of the floor, the heat emitted is far more even and comfortable than with conventional radiators.  Since the heat acts on the immediate and relatively large surface area, it would dry wet floors in no time, minimising the opportunity for moisture-dependent mould to grow.  Having no burning-hot surfaces makes the house much safer for young visitors too.  It also improves hygiene levels by reducing drafts and airborne allergens.

Due to the number of rooms, Warmup® Undertile Heating Mats were recommended for a rapid installation.  In rooms with fixtures, the mats could easily be snipped at the mesh and twisted in various directions to accommodate any shapes for maximum heating coverage.  At barely 3mm, the system was so thin that the couple did not have to worry about raising floor heights and affecting other components of their project. 

The couple also bought 5 Warmup® XSTAT Thermostats for individual control of each room that they’d installed Warmup® electric underfloor heating systems in.  This offers more control over the heating, increasing energy efficiency and allowing cost savings of up to 15% as compared to traditional electric radiators.  The XSTAT is a digital programmable thermostat which uses a floor sensor for more accurate temperature reading.  It has 4 events, 7 days a week individual program settings for more tailored convenience and also incorporates clever features such as energy efficiency monitoring, temporary manual override, child safety lock as well as self-learning capabilities to enable the right temperature at the right time.  Yet, with prompts that work just like those of a mobile, the XSTAT is extremely easy to use, perfect for the couple who enjoys simplicity.  This compact thermostat is available in a choice of stylish graphite and white and is flush mounted to achieve a discreet, seamless elegance to complement the new furnishings.

WARMUP LIFTS DAMP FROM CORVO ONE OF THE WORLD`S SMALLEST ISLAND

The Experience
When initially introduced to Warmup® underfloor heating, the farmer, being cautious by nature, consulted the head of the island, who helped to look up Warmup® online.  After conducting further research, they located a retailer on the island of San Miguel.

Two days later they bought two flight tickets for San Miguel and embarked on their first trip off the island ever.  They visited the store, examined the product, loved it and bought it!
The entrepreneurs who’d made the recommendation, had also offered to do all the electrical wiring in the farmer`s house so they installed the heaters for the couple too.  This was completed in a very short time with no hassle so everyone was very pleased and impressed with the process.

The humidity has since been kept at bay, the house is at the ideal level of warmth and everything is functioning perfectly, much to the couple’s delight.

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