Articles by Sharara Hanshaw

Is it time to change your refrigerant?

If you use any kind of commercial refrigeration, you will no doubt already be aware of changes made back in the mid-90s. Refrigerants that damaged the ozone layer – namely CFCs – were replaced by substances such as the widely-used R404A, which were supposedly kinder to the environment. Have things changed in the last 20 years or so? Are these still the best type of refrigerants to use, or is it time for review?

Image Credit

What are the problems with R404A?

It has become apparent that there are two potential problems with this refrigerant. Firstly, it appears that it is not as efficient as it was first thought to be when it was rushed to the market to replace CFCs in the 90s. Secondly, while it does not directly damage the ozone layer as CFCs were believed to do, it now seems that it does have an impact on global warming.

What does this mean for your business?

Any product that is not performing efficiently can increase running costs. With competition at an all-time high in most markets, this can have a significant impact on your businesses profit and loss and your ability to be competitive.

Image Credit

With the initial cost of a freezer or glass door refrigerator running anywhere from a few hundred to a few thousand pounds, this already huge capital investment can become a big drain on your ongoing monthly costs if it is not performing properly.

If you are looking for new refrigeration systems for your business, specialists such as https://www.fridgefreezerdirect.co.uk/glass-door-refrigeration can help.

In the current climate of increased awareness and consciousness amongst consumers about their personal impact on the environment, it has never been more important for a business to consider its green credentials if it wants to be viewed favourably amongst its customers.

R404A refrigerant has a global warming potential (GWP) of just short of 4,000, which is quite high. GWP measures how much of a specific mass of a gas is trapped in the atmosphere in comparison with the same mass of carbon dioxide. It is a combination of three substances and is a hydrofluorocarbon or F gas. The government provides guidance how to calculate an equivalent measurement to ensure you stay within EU regulations.

In short, it might be time to consider some of the newer refrigerants on the market.

Boiler Care in Summer

Fingers crossed, we don’t need our central heating during the summer months. The heating goes on and we just need access to hot water. This makes it the perfect time to service your boiler, drain the system to clean it or even install new radiators. Here are some helpful hints for looking after your boiler this summer:

Combi boilers

These boilers will often have a summer setting which you would turn on when you only want to receive hot water. There is no water storage with these boilers and the hot water is instant, meaning you only use what you need to. There is a temperature gauge for the hot water which you can also turn down as the mains cold water will have warmed up. This will provide you with a pleasant mix of both hot and cold water. This is also great for having slightly cooler showers and baths during the summer. Occasionally check the pressure on the gauge to make sure all is as it should be and it’s also advisable to turn the heating on a couple of times during the summer, just to prevent leaving the system dormant for too long. This is also a good time to clean out the system. If you don’t know how to do this, call a professional. For Gloucester Boiler Servicing, visit http://www.hprservicesltd.com/gloucester-boilers/boiler-servicing-gloucester/

Radiators

Summer provides the ideal opportunity to install any new radiators you might have had your eye on. Whether you want to make a design statement with a column radiator, heated towel rails or any other style of designer radiators, while the system is not in use is a good time to do it. Shut off valves and remove the radiator you want to change, always ensuring you have rid any air from the system that you might have introduced. If you’re not replacing but simply carrying out some maintenance, the summer time is ideal. Perhaps you’re considering upgrading your system with thermostatic valves and room thermostats? This is a great idea to increase efficiency and save you money when you need the heating during the winter.

Image credit

Conventional boilers

These work by indirectly heating the hot water so the boiler will continue to come on when you require hot water. The important components to check include the motorised valves and cylinder thermostat. Having an immersion heater as part of your cylinder means you can use this to heat your water when the boiler is off but it’s not very efficient and uses up a lot of energy. The warmer months are a good time for heading up into the loft to inspect the feed and expansion tank, along with the cold-water storage. You should check the that the ball valves are turning off and not flowing into the overflow. Lagging your tanks is advised as well to help your cylinder heat up water more efficiently.

How to use expoxy floor paint in your garage

A coat of epoxy paint could be just the thing to give the concrete floor of your garage a long-lasting and glamorous finish of tough resin that will make your garage more a part of your home and less an area where old spanners go to die. Epoxy paint comes in a range of vivid colours and will be resistant to oil, grease and the kinds of solvents that get spilled in garages.

Image Credit

Always Be Prepared

Before you apply the paint, you need to assess the condition of your garage floor. Thorough cleaning is required to make sure the concrete can receive paint in an even fashion for a smooth finish. First, clean all oil spots, scrub the floor and then etch it with a mild acid. Plenty of scrubbing and rinsing will be needed to get that concrete really clean. For tips on removing oil stains from the floor, see this report from The Telegraph. You may want to consider hiring a power scrubber with brush attachments to make the cleaning easier.

Next Steps

After the floor is spotless, you need to address any cracks or holes and fill them with a suitable material. You also need to check if the floor is dry. Do this by taping a plastic bag to the floor for 24 hours. When you lift it up, it will hopefully dry underneath, which means you are ready to apply the epoxy paint. You will need to choose either a water- or solvent-based epoxy that is mixed just before application. This is best done when the weather is warm for curing and drying the floor. Ventilation is also important when using potentially hazardous solvents.

Image Credit

Obviously, you will need to get everything off the floor when working on it, and efficient garage shelving will help greatly here. If you want to look into the storage and organisation possibilities of garage shelving, it would be useful to contact experts in this area such as https://www.garage-shelving.co.uk/, who can guide you through the full range of options available.

After the first coat dries, a second coat will complete the job. Before you start, make sure you have protective clothing and gloves, and respirators may be needed if working with acids to clean the floor or a solvent-based epoxy.

Cause I ain’t sipping if it ain’t Cristal

At one point in the nineties and noughties you were only allowed to be an urban or hip-hop star if you made mention explicitly of the fact that you drank and bought copious amounts of Cristal Champagne. If you were a lady urban act then, as Mis-Teeq so eloquently put it in the title above, you would refuse to drink anything else. No man worth his salt would consider buying anything else. Babycham won’t do and nor will anything else so the real ale society need not apply. It’s hard to imagine Tupac, Fiddy or Jay-Z in a hot tub with a handle pint glass of Theakston old Peculiar anyway. Cristal has class. It can be combined with Antique crystal chandeliers which usually appear in these sorts of videos of opulence. Try http://roccoborghese.com/crystal-chandeliers/borghesina-classica/ for a start.

It’s not like the stuff is exclusive or anything. A standard bottle will set you back about £150 quid up to Seven grand for a Methuselah, though that is the equivalent of eight bottles. It does come in a nice box though and, if you’re really lucky, you can get one covered in a crinkly orange cellophane like the type you used to get on Lucozade bottle form the Pharmacist in the 1970’s.

Image credit

The Cristal Champagne was not intended for us mere mortals or Hip-Hop artists originally. It was just for the Russian royalty to sip. Here’s the thing though unlike most Champagnes like Dom Perignon etc the bottle is clear. There is a very good reason for that, especially where the Russian nobility were concerned. The Nobles were worried due to the highly unstable political situation that there maybe a tiny chance that an assassination attempt may be made. The peasantry at the time were starving whilst the aristos lived in a life of luxury and it was all starting to look a bit like a French revolution scenario. Therefore, bottles of expensive fizzy wine turning up was not going to go down well with the locals and it would have been a delicious irony for the dissidents to poison the shipment. The Tsar, Alexander the Second wanted to see the wine bubbles and also wanted a flat bottom bottle as a bomb could have easier been hiding in the indented base. If that went bang, then glass and the explosion could do for quite a lot of the ruling elite.

We general pheasants weren’t allowed to buy it until 1945 when people generally deserved a good time after everything they’d been through over the last few decades. What does it taste like? You mean your not rushing out to buy one? Apparently, it has all the aspects of toasted hazelnuts, red fruit, white chocolate and caramel and Danish pastry. Refreshing is not mentioned. The reason it got so popular with the Hip Hop guys and gals is that Tupac Shuker made a cocktail “thug passion” out of it. The CEO moaned about the interest and now the Rap community wont, have anything to do with it. Bet the Marketing team were relieved.

4 common radiator problems to know

Although modern builds are taking advantage of efficient heat sources like underfloor heating, most of us still rely on radiators to heat our homes. They can, however, be problematic and here are some common problems we face with these traditional heat sources.

Image Credit

Location

Radiators take up a lot of space and are usually located on a wall where something else has interrupted the space. For example, the most common place to find a radiator is under a window. This leads to much of the heat going through the window even when closed, and especially so if the window is old a draughty.

Furniture

According to the Energy Saving Trust, 42% of homes have furniture blocking the radiators. This stops airflow and essentially the radiators heat the furniture, not the room. This is not only inefficient but can also pose a fire risk. Usually, radiators are seen as a bit of an eyesore unless the homeowner has fitted beautiful column radiators, which are a design feature in their own right.

Image Credit

Inefficiency

Radiators are also notoriously inefficient. Sending heat out from such a localised source means the air around that source is heated but it is very difficult to heat the entire room to a consistent temperature. As such, the heating needs to be on for longer and costs the homeowner more in bills.

Age

Radiators aren’t something people tend to think about updating in their home unless they are making major renovations. Or until something goes wrong with them. Therefore, homeowners are not harnessing modern advancements in radiator technology and aging inefficient radiators are being left until owners are forced to replace them.

Even though these are an older inefficient way to heat a home, they are the easiest to change without major upheaval. If a homeowner wants to heat their home more efficiently they can make the most of modern technology and upgrade their radiators fairly easily. Replacing old radiators with something modern like the Apollo Roma (http://apolloradiators.co.uk/Products/View/3/54/7/category/roma/Apollo-roma-bespoke-steel-column-radiator) not only gives the homeowner choice of size to suit the best location but it also gives a fantastic output for more efficient heating.

Replacing radiators is a simple job for a plumber to do, but it’s worth checking with your plumber on sizes and heat output before you buying anything.

Blinds Vs Curtains

If you’re looking to brighten up dull windows or feel like changing your décor, then you need to decide on the right window dressing for each room of your home. There are benefits and drawbacks to different window coverings, so you must choose carefully to ensure you get exactly what you’re seeking in terms of practicality and style. Here we look at the advantages of installing blinds as opposed to curtains:

 Light Control

The amount of light you want to enter a room can be controlled by simply or opening or closing either blinds or curtains. However, with a pair of curtains you can only do one or the other. Blinds offer greater flexibility to angle the light, so you can still choose to have a little coming in and not block out the light altogether. Blinds can be adjusted both vertically or horizontally depending on the style you choose. Curtains just don’t offer this level of flexibility.

Privacy

This can be offered by both blinds and curtains, the ability to block the view between your home’s interior and any passers-by or neighbours. However, with curtains you have to also block out light to achieve this privacy which is something you might not always want to do. Blinds can be tilted so that you can still let light in and restrict any visibility from the outside.

Image credit

Materials

Curtains come in a huge variety of colour and pattern but perhaps not so much choice over the material they are made from. By choosing blinds for your home, not only can you choose the pattern and colour but also the material. A whole range of materials can be used to add interest and dynamics to your décor, such as natural wood or plastic. The perfect choice for bathrooms are made from more hygienic waterproof materials. For a wide range of Bathroom Roller Blinds, visit https://www.ucblinds.co.uk/PVC-Waterproof-Bathroom-Blinds/Bathroom-Roller-Blinds-PVC-Waterproof

Maintenance

Not many of us can find the time to wash and iron all the curtains in our home or having to take them to be dry cleaned. Blinds offer far less maintenance, most just need the occasional wipe down. Instead of having to unhook curtains from the pole and having a bare window until they are dry, blinds can simply be dusted. This saves you time, money and effort with no loss of privacy.

Variety

Both window coverings are available in many colours and designs, but you should also consider the size of the room in which you want to hang either blinds or curtains. If you want to make a small space look bigger, blinds are both space-saving and expose more of the window, making the room look bigger. Curtains can take up space and appear heavy, making a space feel more enclosed.

How to choose the right shower enclosure

It might seem easy to overlook the shower enclosure when it comes to redesigning your bathroom, but in fact, the look and feel of your shower will have a huge impact on how the rest of the room looks. Beyond the function of making the space dual purpose – it makes it much easier to keep the main bathroom dry and clean – the enclosure will affect the overall look of the finished room considerably.

Image Credit

Before you start

Consider the practicalities before you set out. Where will you put it? Think about where the existing plumbing is. It’s not impossible to move it, but it could be costly. Test the tray for leaks, and test it for corrosion. Many materials are simply not suitable for use in bathrooms, and many more need specific materials to be used in maintenance, so be sure to check whether the cleaning materials you propose to use are suitable for use with your enclosure.

UK regulations insist that shower enclosures are made of at least 4mm glass, which must be toughened for safety. Many screens go beyond that, most are 6mm+, and even up to 12mm. How thick you choose the enclosure will depend on the type of shower you have, and of course, your budget. A wet room will need at least 8mm, a shower cubicle around 6mm minimum. Look out for CE marks.

Image Credit

12mm shower glass panels are super-sturdy and available from bathroom specialists like Marvin & Pinch https://marvinandpinch.co.uk/products/12mm-clear-toughened-shower-screen-wetroom-panel-glass?variant=50220687892.

Size and shape

There are ‘standard’ shapes and sizes, though you will always be able to get bespoke enclosures, too. Choose a strong, quality handle from a quality metal, ideally steel or brass. Check for a watertight seal and a smooth mechanism.

Quadrant shower doors allow a bigger space to get in and out thanks to the door facing diagonally into the bathroom, which can be a space-saver. Sliding doors can also save space but don’t allow as much space for access. When space is really short, bi-fold doors might be a good option because they don’t need to open outwards.

For more ideas on making sure you choose the right shower enclosure for you and your family, read the suggestions at Home Building.

Once the installation is complete, you can really make your bathroom your own and start to add accessories.

Maintaining UPVC in winter

Many people fit UPVC windows, doors and frames because they offer easy upkeep, attractive looks and great functionality. However, when the weather turns cold and rainy, it can be harder to keep them looking good. Read on for ways to maintain your UPVC in winter.

Image Credit

Severe weather conditions can make it difficult to maintain windows as construction materials can be damaged by ice and low temperatures. Making sure you maintain doors and windows in bad weather is a great way to make a long-term difference to your property and ensure its general safety, security and appearance.

Making Regular Checks

It is important to check your doors and windows with UPVC regularly, especially in winter, to make sure everything is in good order. Even the best-made materials can suffer damage over time. Working early on to deal with damage usually means lower costs and faster repairs.

DIY Jobs

To maintain UPVC during winter, you should clean windows and doors on the outside and inside using some white vinegar, which is effective yet gentle. Inspect the hinges and listen for squeaks. Add lubricant if needed, and leave windows open for a while each day to help the hinges. You should also check the locks to ensure the mechanism is smooth and doesn’t stick or grind.

Image Credit

Choosing an Expert

Knowing where to turn for low-cost repairs can reduce your overall costs when caring for UPVC. Choosing a Dublin windows and doors specialist, such as http://www.keanewindows.ie/, or another expert firm in a different city will ensure you receive professional guidance that will pay for itself in the long run if any problems do occur.

Adding Value to Your Home

It is always a good idea to learn about construction materials so you can assess damage and make the right decisions about repairs. If you deal with issues promptly and keep UPVC in top condition, this also adds value to your home. One of the most important ways to make your home attractive to buyers is to keep on top of DIY jobs and maintenance issues.

UPVC became highly popular in the 1980s as people looked to replace old timber window frames with it. This modern material gives a contemporary look and is low maintenance, but it is still vital to keep an eye on your windows and doors, especially in winter.

A List of the Top Three Things You Need to Do to Make Your Move Official

When you are planning a move, there is undoubtedly a proper method to it – you have to plan your move by scheduling tasks a few weeks before the move, then you have to decide which items to keep and which items to throw away, and then you can begin packing. But there’s a lot more to a move than just packing. There’s also the question of making your move official by registering your change of address, informing the proper authorities, and more. Here’s a list of the top three things you need to do to make your move official.

  • Change your address

Changing your address takes some effort, but as long as you know what to do, it’s not that difficult. However, if you’ve lived in your current property for a good number of years, you’d have a lot of addresses that would need changing. To make this process easier, make use of the ‘change of address’ service offered by the Post Office. This can take up to 10 days to process, but your mail will then be redirected to your new location. Avail of the service 6 months to a year after your move so you can avoid lost mail.

  • Who to inform

Although you may be taking advantage of the ‘change of address’ service, it would still be a good idea to inform certain companies like utility companies and banks directly. For instance, 10 days before your move, let your utility companies (water, electricity, and gas) know that you are moving. It would be best to have written acknowledgment from them confirming their receipt of your information, especially if you end up paying your utility bills late because you didn’t receive the bill as expected.

Other companies to inform would be your provider for contents insurance (especially useful if you want added protection for your belongings), and other companies which provide you with a service and regular billing – such as your telecommunications provider, mobile service provider, and so on. Inform the Department of Work and Pensions about your move as well as Inland Revenue. You should also request for a council tax statement from your local authority; if you live in Gloucester and are moving to a completely new area, you may even get a refund, as confirmed by Gloucester removals services like Advanced Removals & Storage.

  • Other organizations to contact

Aside from the Department for Work and Pensions and Inland Revenue, you should also inform the VAT office, the banks and savings institutions you are dealing with, credit card providers, home and car insurance providers, TV and broadband providers, and home telephone providers.

Image attributed to Pixabay.com