Checking our current energy consumption we came across the latest daily report on line.
Have you spotted the 9 mistakes?
I have been in touch with EDF without a satisfactory result so far.
Last week of what has been a fairly busy month which simply flew by.
For the new few days we are expecting hand workers to be busy with the installation of a PAC (Pompe à Chaleur / Heat exchanger) . The decision was taken a while ago but due to missing parts the actual installation had to be postponed a couple of times.
Is it the right thing to do? Time will tell. If only I was allowed to install Solar Panels I could be self sufficient as far as heating and hot water for the house is concerned. Anyway, this is already a big step towards eliminating our dependence on gaz.
Although our PAC is a Thermor, when it was unloaded from the truck I did not react the same way as the kids in the current TV advert for that product.
Some of the elements have been mounted and connected together.
More work is being done in the cellar area today as well as inside the house as the old heating system is being taken out.
Miles of new pipes have been laid through ceiling, floors and walls. Holes have been drilled to allow all that. A temporary (for the night) hot water system has been installed.
The last equipment piece has been delivered. I assume it will be installed tomorrow. to be installed tomorrow.
The “Engie” boys are back this Wednesday morning. As far as I understand, one of the main jobs today is to purge the complete existing heating circuit, pipes and radiators. Quite a messy job I am given to understand.
A lot more wiring has been done today as well as even more pipes and valves. The evaporator (double fan unit) is now in its final position. Last day tomorrow for the final set-up and tests.
There is a lot more to it than I originally thought. On top of all the new equipment required, the links to the existing water system (in and out) is quite complicated which is to be expected in a century old house which was never designed to that effect.
It is taking 4 experienced men 4 full time days to complete the job
Today is Thursday and they are back to hopefully complete the installation.
3pm and they are starting to pack things up Switching on the beast and moment of truth is near.
But first a brand new and modern on line thermostat
Quite a neat installation and set-up, a lot more than I anticipated
And it works… Now we need to adjust over time the temperatures required for maximum efficiency and minimum energy needs. A job well done.
And for those who understand German
It is a short ride from Le Soler / Perpignan and despite a noticeable increased holiday traffic on the motorway we made it home in just over an hour.
Brilliant sunshine and very hot 🥵 here in Carcassone today.
So it is take easy time for the weekend and recuperate from an excellent “Birthday Week” in Spain 🇪🇸.
We have a lunch appointment in Rosas, on the way home, a mere 150km from here and as I suspect it could be a boozy affair I have reserved a hotel room in town.
So it is bye bye Barcelona for now. I’ll be back soon enough especially when the direct high speed trains run again between Carcassone and Barcelona. I read that the Spanish « Renfe » train company is planning to start the Toulouse – Barcelona (with a stop in Carcassone) early 2024. À much better option than driving since my car has not been used for the past 3 days.
Made it to Rosas
Today on the program after breakfast is a slow walk to the old town and the Picasso museum.
One can admire some of his early work
Followed by the madness of the later years. I am not really a fan of that period.
Followed by a couple of drinks and lunch tapas at the port.
Then head to La Rambla and the Catalunya Place in search of a large department store for more shopping.
Before heading back late afternoon , still on foot, to the hotel for a rest / nap as well as search for a suitable restaurant for the evening.
Decision has been taken to celebrate the advent of Summer on the 21st in the lovely capital of Catalonia.
It is normally a gentle 3 hours drive from home but not for us. We have to reckon with a 6 hours journey which includes a 3 hours stop 🛑 at the La Roca Village outlet. Almost only high end brands can be found in the mile long shopping street. Make sure your credit card limit is high enough.
It is a mere 30 minutes to the town centre and our hotel. The car park is round the corner and the car will stay in there for the next few days.
From now on, it is all on foot (and taxi 🚕).
As my 70th birthday approaches, I decided to celebrate with a trip to Barcelona. I mean, what better way to feel young again than to visit a city filled with vibrant energy and stunning architecture?
But as I started planning the trip, I realised that my age might be catching up with me. For starters, I have to make sure I pack enough medication to last me the whole trip.
Of course, I would have loved booking a flamenco dance lesson while I’m in town. I figure if I can still move my hips at 70, I’m doing pretty well. Although, I’m not sure the instructor would appreciate my lack of rhythm.
All in all, I’m excited for my Barcelona adventure, even if it means embracing my inner senior citizen. After all, age is just a number, right? And if all else fails, there’s always siesta time.
Let’s hit the road tomorrow and see what happens.
I was hoping to have a beach day on the dreaded 21st but the expected weather report does not look that brilliant.
I am not really progressing with my Lego model car. Unlike the Peugeot / Lego people in Le Mans during the 24H race weekend.
And the finish product looked like that
I am sure everyone who was watching children TV in the UK remembers the Flower Pot Men show.
Well, here they are now, enjoying retirement.
I do it my way 