October 13, 2021

GMI Forging ahead at Thorpe Park with latest project for Scarborough

GMI Construction is making good progress at Thorpe Park Leeds as work continues apace on the new 133,118 sq ft landmark B3 office for Lovell. The project is being undertaken for Scarborough International with whom GMI’s relationship continues to flourish at al levels With GMI’s management team working shoulder to

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Excel Set To Build On New Group Structure

Having invested in re-branding its flourishing business in 2019, specialist off-site building solutions provider, Excel, has created a new, dynamic group operating structure. Introduced to define and add greater clarity to its comprehensive solution provision and product offering, Excel Group now incorporates three separate and autonomous operating divisions – Excel

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BOHS and HSE Develop Free Ventilation Tool

BOHS and HSE Develop Free Ventilation Tool

The British Occupational Hygiene Society, a scientific charity and the Chartered Society for Worker Health Protection has developed in collaboration with the Health and Safety Executive a free, online Ventilation Tool to help limit the transmission of Covid-19 in workplaces. As the government is advising businesses to use CO2 monitoring

Read More »
Family Homes Available at Epsom Developments

Family Homes Available at Epsom Developments

Zoopla have recently announced that the continued demand for more space has seen the supply of three and four-bedroom family homes become the most stretched of all housing types. With this in mind, Shanly Homes is delighted to be offering a selection of three-bedroom properties ideally placed for families to

Read More »
Gira UK Confirms VIP Status at London Build 2021

Gira UK Confirms VIP Status at London Build 2021

Gira, global leader and supplier of intelligent system solutions for building management, is proud to be a headline sponsor and exhibitor at London Build 2021, as the sector prepares for a record-breaking 2022. London Build Expo, the largest and most prestigious built-environment design trade show for London and the South

Read More »
Get Comfortable in Quintain Living’s Cosy Apartments

Get Comfortable in Quintain Living’s Cosy Apartments

Quintain Living, the award-winning management company overseeing the rental of more than 3,000 cosy apartments in Wembley Park, is certainly ready for autumn. At Canada Gardens, the heated work-from-home sheds amongst the acre of podium gardens provide remote-working residents with the ideal set-up, while those looking for a spot of

Read More »

How to Look After Your Appliances So They Last Longer

Your appliances are a significant investment that provides a lot of value to your home. As such, you’ll want to keep them running at their best for as long as possible. Although typical wear and tear are ordinary for kitchen appliances especially, you can still maintain their effectiveness and efficiency

Read More »
Latest Issue
Issue 322 : Nov 2024

October 13, 2021

GMI Forging ahead at Thorpe Park with latest project for Scarborough

GMI Construction is making good progress at Thorpe Park Leeds as work continues apace on the new 133,118 sq ft landmark B3 office for Lovell. The project is being undertaken for Scarborough International with whom GMI’s relationship continues to flourish at al levels With GMI’s management team working shoulder to shoulder with Scarborough to maintain and develop what is a long-term and trusted partnership, GMI’s skilled Project Management team also heavily bought into that collaborative philosophy. Talking about the project Leigh Bennett, GMI Project Manager at B3, said: “We have a really good relationship with the client and it’s one that’s been built over the years. I can see where the business is going and the excellent links we have with clients, such as Scarborough. And that is just on this project. “They (Scarborough’s B3 team) visit our site to see our progress, look at our safety performance, stay in close communication with our team but more than anything they let us get on with the job as that trust is there. It’s a big scheme – the biggest single office building in Leeds out of town history – and we’re delighted to be here delivering it.” Also commenting Lee Powell, GMI  Divisional Managing Director, said: “We go back a long way with Scarborough Group International and that partnership has gone from strength to strength over the years. GMI Construction Group has already developed a number of significant schemes on their behalf and I’m proud of that. “I’m also proud of the teamwork out on site and the way we are working to get the desired results. When B3 is finished it will be a real feather in the cap for the region and we will have played a part in that.” Kevin McCabe, founder and Chairman of Scarborough Group International, said: “This year we are celebrating 21 years of development at Thorpe Park, of which GMI Construction has delivered a significant part on our behalf. “The depth of trust forged between our respective teams over that time is such that we now very much see them as an extension of our business. This alignment is what enables us to create thriving spaces for people to live, work and enjoy.” For further information about the development visit: https://thorpeparkleeds.com/

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Over 40,000 heat pump installers could be trained per year: Secretary of State welcomes new training course

Secretary of State Welcomes Ground-breaking New Training Course Launched by Heat Pump Association The Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, the Rt Hon Kwasi Kwarteng MP, has welcomed the launch of a new training course that will overhaul the route to becoming a heat pump installer in the UK. The Prime Minister’s Ten Point Plan for a green industrial revolution, published in November 2020, outlined a target to install 600,000 heat pumps per year by 2028 as part of ambitions to create green jobs whilst making strides towards net zero by 2050. The new training course, launched by the Heat Pump Association, aims to equip the heating industry with the additional skills needed to deliver on this target and deliver low carbon heat to hundreds of thousands of British homes. Business and Energy Secretary Kwasi Kwarteng said: “The Government is absolutely committed to working with industry to drive down the costs of heat pumps over time so they are increasingly affordable for consumers. “While heat pumps are fast becoming a natural option for households, we need to ensure we have enough skilled tradespeople to hit our target of 600,000 installations each year by 2028 – so the Heat Pump Association setting up this training scheme is absolutely critical in this endeavour. “Today’s news is a great example of how government and industry can work together to accelerate progress and create the high-skilled jobs needed to make homes greener and more energy efficient.” The new course will be available for bookings across 38 training centres spread across the UK, with the ability to train over 40,000 installers each year across the HPA membership alone at maximum capacity. Phil Hurley, Chair of the Heat Pump Association, said: “Today’s launch is a landmark achievement and the HPA is proud to have worked hard with others across industry to bring this new heat pump training pathway to life. When we laid out our vision to government last year, we recognised our role in delivering training and skills, and we have successfully achieved this whilst working in constructive partnership with the Secretary of State and his team. “The heat pump industry is now fully equipped to lead the way in transforming the way homes are heated to reduce carbon and lower energy bills. “Importantly, we are also supporting plans to build back better through upskilling existing heating installers so that they are equipped with the tools and skills they need to allow consumers to access heat pumps as a solution to decarbonise their homes.” Further details on how heating industry professions can find and book a course can be found in the notes to editors.

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Swimwear, lingerie and clothing brand, Pour Moi, commences fit-out to luxury new offices in Brighton

Pour Moi, the rapidly growing lingerie, swimwear and clothing brand, has commenced a comprehensive, quarter of a million-pound, fit-out project to its new head office in Brighton.  The work is being carried out by BRAC Contracts, which also completed the transformation of the building in Black Lion Street, including the construction of a new, two-storey rooftop extension that Pour Moi is leasing from DTZ Investments on a ten-year agreement.  Work on the 1,000 m² project is focused on the transformation of the fourth floor to provide office space with work including the installation of stud partition walls, glass partitions, full M and E installation and a kitchen and tea points.  The fifth floor, which boasts a stunning roof terrace with far reaching views over the Brighton coastline, will include a bar area for entertaining and product launches and a bespoke photographic studio area.  BRAC Contracts has partnered with Brighton-based Axiom Architects on the project. Pour Moi was established in Macclesfield in 2005 and set-up its head office in Brighton in 2017.  It has subsequently grown its headcount ten-fold from five employees to 50 and with further growth anticipated, it needed a new base from which to realise this growth.  Michael Thomson, CEO and Founder of Pour Moi, explains: “Moore House on Black Lion Street offers our growing business a unified balance between the fourth floor being used as a functional workspace and the fifth floor offering space to entertain, with the bonus of outside space. “Not to mention the enviable location just minutes from the seafront, which collectively sold this building to us as somewhere that we wanted to grow our fabulous brand.” Completion of the project is anticipated by mid-November and Adam Clark, MD at BRAC Contracts, concludes: “Having worked with the building owners, DTZ Investments, on the refurbishment of the existing building and the two-storey airspace extension, it was an honour to be chosen by Pour Moi to carry out the refit work – not least of all because the team there commented on the quality of our previous work. “Having been involved with this building over the entirety of its transformation, the BRAC team is looking forward to seeing how Pour Moi brings the new areas to life.”

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Excel Set To Build On New Group Structure

Having invested in re-branding its flourishing business in 2019, specialist off-site building solutions provider, Excel, has created a new, dynamic group operating structure. Introduced to define and add greater clarity to its comprehensive solution provision and product offering, Excel Group now incorporates three separate and autonomous operating divisions – Excel Structures, Excel Facades and Excel Off-Site. As Group Managing Director, Jason Pritchard states: “The expanding, multidimensional nature of the business made the decision to create a Group operating structure an obvious one. We occupy a unique position in the sustainable off-site building sector in our capacity to offer a range of different building systems, not just one. Such a proven and all-inclusive business model has proven hugely successful, and with the new structure in place we are looking to further elevate our standing within the off-site construction sector, which continues to gain momentum here in the UK.” As already demonstrated through the new look Excel Group website – excelgroup.uk – it is Excel Structures that adopts responsibility for delivering a range of off-site building systems – SIPS (Structural Insulated Panels), Light Gauge Steel Frame, pre-insulated timber frame and CLT (Cross Laminated Timber). In terms of project flexibility, Excel Structures’ involvement can extend from designing; supplying and installing a structural build system, through to a complete weather tight and insulated structure. Excel Facades, as its name suggests, is looking to build on its acclaim for providing of a wide range of world class, high performance, thermally efficient windows and doors, both traditional and contemporary, whilst enjoying partnership agreements with industry leading names such as: Velfac®, Solarlux®, Rationel®, and Origin. Again, with flexibility being key, windows and doors can be supplied integral to a build system or on a standalone basis.  Excel Off-Site meanwhile will support a move into the arena of main contractor, where full project build and coordination will become the order of the day. As Jason explains: “Setting up a main contractor division has been something that has always been on the sidelines, however we feel the time is now right to expand our capabilities even further. We already have established proven, sustainable and scalable relationships with not only our specialist supply partners, but also a growing team of architects, consultants and sub-contractors, so full project delivery of off-site schemes is something that we are extremely excited about. Indeed by creating a platform where we can manage the complete build process we will ensure that the benefits of utilising an off-site building system are maximised project by project.”    Adopting a philosophy of delivering homes and buildings that are not only highly-energy efficient but which have minimum impact on the environment, Excel seeks to ensure that the build system most suited to any particular project is adopted and implemented in the most efficient and affordable way possible. As Jason injects: “Excel Group’s USP comes from the fact that it can offer clients access to an all-inclusive range of off-site solutions – residential and non-residential – all of which are fully bespoke and tailored to individual customer requirements in terms of architectural design intent, budget and environmental impact.” In addition to demonstrating high levels of flexibility in terms of system solution provision, Excel will continue with its policy of creating a single point of contact from enquiry through to project completion. It is a relationship strategy that is seen as fundamental when it comes to ensuring clients receive the highest quality, most reliable and best value solution.            

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RTPI celebrates ‘foundation of town planning’ on centenary trip to Welwyn Garden City

The Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) this week celebrated the centenary of Welwyn Garden City, one of the world’s first garden cities, with a visit to the Hertfordshire town. On Monday RTPI President, Dr Wei Yang FRTPI, and Chief Executive Victoria Hills MRTPI, toured Welwyn Garden City alongside Tony Skottowe, Chair of the Welwyn Garden City Heritage Trust. Wei and Victoria’s tour included a visit to a new sculpture of Sir Ebenezer Howard who designed the town in 1920. The urban planner, who was the first honorary member of the RTPI, was also responsible Letchworth Garden City and was the founder of the wider garden city movement. After meeting Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council’s Chief Executive Ka Ng, Council Leader Tony Kingsbury and others, Wei and Victoria made their way to 15 miles north to Letchworth Garden City. During their visit to Letchworth Garden City Wei and Victoria toured the town centre and attended a tree planting ceremony with Pam Burn, Chair of Letchworth Garden City Heritage Foundation and North Hertfordshire District Council Chair Val Bryant. The day ended with a visit to Sir Ebenezer Howard’s grave where Wei Yang laid flowers in his honour. Wei Yang, RTPI President, said: “It was my great pleasure to visit Welwyn Garden City with our Chief Executive Victoria Hills to officially congratulate the garden city’s centenary celebration on behalf of the Royal Town Planning Institute. “The garden city movement is the foundation of modern town and country planning. Built after the First World War, Welwyn Garden City provided the garden city model with an opportunity to make a fresh start in relation to the challenges of the time. It is remarkable to see the success of the garden city and its world-renowned status. “I was also delighted to attend the tree planting ceremony in Letchworth Garden City as a way to express our gratitude and appreciation to Sir Ebenezer Howard and the garden city pioneers and show our determination to rekindle the founding spirit to tackle the challenges we face today. “It was my great honour to lay flowers on behalf of the RTPI at Howard’s grave to pay our tribute for his selfless contribution and thank him for inventing the priceless garden city model for the world.” Tony Kingsbury, leader of Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council, said: “It was an honour to welcome the President and Chief Executive of the RTPI to our world famous town – the place where Ebenezer Howard, founding father of the global garden city movement, lived and died.   “We had some interesting discussions about the borough’s exciting future, and how we can attract planners to come and work for the council. We very much look forward to welcoming our guests back again to see how we are progressing on those important plans.”

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BOHS and HSE Develop Free Ventilation Tool

BOHS and HSE Develop Free Ventilation Tool

The British Occupational Hygiene Society, a scientific charity and the Chartered Society for Worker Health Protection has developed in collaboration with the Health and Safety Executive a free, online Ventilation Tool to help limit the transmission of Covid-19 in workplaces. As the government is advising businesses to use CO2 monitoring equipment to check whether indoor spaces are sufficiently ventilated and the Welsh government announces millions of pounds of funding for CO2 monitors, the Society, following the publication of its Guidance on ventilation, took a step further and worked with the HSE to create a simple Ventilation Tool to support workplaces and help reduce exposure of workers to Covid-19. With winter coming and businesses contemplating the challenges of Covid-19 and colder weather, good ventilation is key to limit the risk of coronavirus amongst workers and provide clean air especially in enclosed spaces. As ventilation in buildings can be complex, BOHS and HSE decided to develop this non-technical ventilation check tool to provide guidance and an indication of the effectiveness of the ventilation system used on reducing coronavirus transmission. The tool can be used by employers, building users, and building owners and does not aim to replace ventilation specialists or occupational hygienists assessing risks in a workplace, especially when it comes to more complex ventilation needs. CO2 monitoring is also very important, as an increase in CO2 concentration in any area could be indicative of poor ventilation that needs improving. BOHS CO2 Monitoring guidance aims to provide basic information on why monitoring CO2 levels can help control the spread of coronavirus, when it does work well, what is a safe CO2 level and how to do the monitoring. Andrew Curran, HSE’s Chief Scientific Officer, commented: “’I’m really pleased to see the development of this practical tool which will help to inform decisions about ventilation in work spaces.’ BOHS CEO, Professor Kevin Bampton said: “Covid-19 has highlighted the central importance of air quality in protecting workers from illness. We hope that these tools will enable people better understand their working environment and the role ventilation plays in saving lives and preventing ill-health” Guidance on ventilation and CO2 monitoring can be found on BOHS COVID-19 hub, alongside guidance on managing Covid risk in different sectors and other health risks, such as legionella, as the economy re-opens.

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Family Homes Available at Epsom Developments

Family Homes Available at Epsom Developments

Zoopla have recently announced that the continued demand for more space has seen the supply of three and four-bedroom family homes become the most stretched of all housing types. With this in mind, Shanly Homes is delighted to be offering a selection of three-bedroom properties ideally placed for families to enjoy all that Epsom has to offer. With one three-bedroom apartment remaining at Epsom Reach and a selection of three-bedroom houses available at Millside Place, families should act fast to grab up one of these stunning family homes. Homes at Epsom Reach and Millside Place are both designed to accommodate the modern family. Properties at both developments feature open-plan kitchen/living/dining rooms, providing the perfect hub for all the family to get together. Contemporary kitchens feature a range of integrated appliances. All three-bedroom homes feature modern family bathrooms complete with luxury Minoli tiling, and there is the added luxury of a sleek en-suite to the primary bedroom. Greg Kaye, Head of Sales at Shanly Homes, comments: “Epsom is well-suited for family living and we are delighted to be able to offer suitable properties at both Epsom Reach and Millside Place. With excellent schools, spectacular green spaces and a plethora of high street amenities, Epsom offers everything that families need within walking distance. The stylish three-bedroom properties are designed with family living in mind, guaranteeing space and comfort. We encourage anyone that is interested in buying a new family home in Epsom to book a visit to one of our sites as soon as possible.” Ideal for families, Millside Place is located near a range of exceptional schools. For younger children, Epsom Primary School, Wallace Fields Infant School and Wallace Fields Junior School are all high-rated and located within a mile of both developments. Epsom has a wide selection of secondary schools including Rosebery School and Glyn School, both of which are rated ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted. There is also an excellent range of independent schools available in the local area, including Downsend Pre-Prep School and Ewell Castle School. Epsom is the ideal place for families to enjoy a range a shops, restaurants and leisure facilities. In the town centre The Ashley Centre plays host to over 50 shops, including The Body Shop, New Look and Marks & Spencer. The Odeon Luxe Cinema and the Epsom Playhouse boast an impressive collection of new cinema releases and live independent performances. A range of popular restaurants are located nearby include Bills, Caballo Lounge and Prezzo. Those who enjoy cooking or baking at home, can buy everything that they will need at the nearby Sainsbury’s superstore. Families in Epsom can also enjoy the stunning green spaces available locally. Nearby Alexandra Recreation Ground is popular with dog walkers, and features a children’s playground as well as a variety of sports pitches. Roseberry Park is also just a short walk away, with a children’s play area and duck pond providing the perfect spot for a gentle evening stroll. Epsom Downs is less than two miles away from both developments, a plethora of walking trails that enjoy unrivalled panoramic views across Surrey. Those prepared to travel a little further can also enjoy the spectacular Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Epsom Common is just a 10-minute drive away from either development, offering further walking routes and views across the stunning Epsom Lake East. Epsom also offers exceptional travel connections for those hoping to travel further afield. Epsom train station provides direct connections to a range of destinations, including Horsham (39 minutes), Guildford (34 minutes), Dorking (16 minutes) and London Waterloo (36 minutes). The M25 is also nearby, providing easy access to the wider motorway network. For those hoping to set off on a family holiday abroad, Gatwick Airport and Heathrow Airport will serve all international travel needs.

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Gira UK Confirms VIP Status at London Build 2021

Gira UK Confirms VIP Status at London Build 2021

Gira, global leader and supplier of intelligent system solutions for building management, is proud to be a headline sponsor and exhibitor at London Build 2021, as the sector prepares for a record-breaking 2022. London Build Expo, the largest and most prestigious built-environment design trade show for London and the South East, will extend a warm welcome to the construction industry on 17th to 18th November 2021 at the Olympia Exhibition Centre, London. The show will debut in the grand hall of London Olympia and for the third time, Gira will be the exclusive host of the VIP Lounge, on the same floor. The Gira Stand and VIP area are adjacent to each other, to ensure networking and product tours can work seamlessly hand in hand. The VIP area spans an impressive 67.5 m2, providing visitors with a dedicated lounge and seating areas to relax, network, enjoy a coffee from the coffee bar and even work remotely! Additionally, show-goers can head towards Stand H26, where Gira will be ready to serve your digital needs and reveal the many features and benefits of intelligent build design and management. Providing a compelling intersection where intelligent technology meets breath-taking design, Gira will share its innovative and market-leading products to all of the leading architects, luxury specifiers, property developers, suppliers, construction professionals and system integrators in attendance. The generous 24 m2 Stand will allow the company to demonstrate its latest brand innovations and company ethos by displaying a range of exclusive products and intelligent build solutions for the luxury specifier: Gira System 3000: an advanced blind and light control system, which is conveniently controlled through the Gira App or Display timer. More convenient and eco conscious, the Gira System 3000 will help to reduce utility bills by intuitively lowering the blinds to minimize potential heat loss and make the home appear occupied when it’s not! Gira Mobile Door Communications: Whether on the move or using a home’s WLAN, end users can screen visitors and protect privacy with iOS and Android smartphones via the DCS IP gateway. The communication is encrypted using Secure Data Access, which is also used in the Gira S1 and guarantees maximum security. The door opening function is additionally protected by means of a PIN. KNX System: easy to operate with intelligent building technology from Gira so wired-in intuitive solutions are embedded into developments from the get-go with the ability to be easily upgraded in the future by electricians and building managers at the touch of a button. All products on display will be supported by Gira UK experts ready to discuss and guide stand visitors on product suitability, user benefits, technical specification and potential supply/distribution.

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Get Comfortable in Quintain Living’s Cosy Apartments

Get Comfortable in Quintain Living’s Cosy Apartments

Quintain Living, the award-winning management company overseeing the rental of more than 3,000 cosy apartments in Wembley Park, is certainly ready for autumn. At Canada Gardens, the heated work-from-home sheds amongst the acre of podium gardens provide remote-working residents with the ideal set-up, while those looking for a spot of company can drop into the warmth and welcome of the clubhouse. The children’s playroom comes with its own fairy-tale-esque lighting that feels perfect for the change of season, while the plush armchairs, individual lamps and mellow shelf lighting in the library couldn’t be more autumnal if they tried. Meanwhile, for those families that have hired the on-site allotment beds, it’s time to start harvesting. The homes themselves at Canada Gardens are also ideal for autumn. Properties range from studios to three-bedroom apartments, all with spacious open plan areas that create the perfect family hub for the cosiest season of the year. Furnished apartments provide a choice of options when it comes to colour schemes, with rich browns, deep blues, soft greys and even warm splashes of dark purple creating homes that feel welcoming and comforting the moment you set foot through the door. The autumnal vibe can also be felt strongly at Ferrum, where New York-inspired warehouse interiors feature exposed brick and concrete in an homage to industrial chic. With outstanding rooftop social spaces and a state-of-the-art gym, the cosy apartments are popular with Londoners looking for Brooklyn loft-style living. The huge residents’ lounge at Ferrum – The Foundry – is packed with comfortable sofas, fireplaces and armchairs you can sink into after a long day, with fabrics and cushions that feel custom-designed for snuggling up. Rich tones of brown, deep yellow and burgundy, alongside a natural feel from the use of brick, wood and exposed concrete, create a haven of warmth and comfort, while floor to ceiling windows flood the space with light. As life outdoors gets colder and less inviting, a host of curated events within Quintain Living’s social spaces, as well as online, will keep residents feeling connected and inspired. Between Wembley Stadium, The SSE Arena, Wembley and the Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre, there is also a plethora of sporting, musical and theatrical events for Wembley Park residents to enjoy this autumn.

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How to Look After Your Appliances So They Last Longer

Your appliances are a significant investment that provides a lot of value to your home. As such, you’ll want to keep them running at their best for as long as possible. Although typical wear and tear are ordinary for kitchen appliances especially, you can still maintain their effectiveness and efficiency for multiple years. Here are some things you can do to prolong the usefulness of your appliances. Apply for Home & Contents Insurance While most insurers will offer contents insurance by themselves, only the best home insurance companies in Australia cover your home and both the outside and inside. To cover your appliances, you’ll need contents insurance that protects your household items if they were damaged, stolen, or lost. Contents insurance also includes other electronics, furniture, jewelry, and tools. Thoroughly Read the Manufacturer’s Instructions Although detailed instruction booklets can be difficult to read through, it’s vital that you take the time to do so. The company that manufactures your appliances is knowledgeable on how to take care of their products. After reading the instructions, you’ll have a better idea of how to clean and preserve your appliances by using the products the manufacturer recommends. Get the Best Type of Appliance for Your Usage When it comes to prolonging the life of your appliances, understanding the differences between the different types of an appliance is crucial in your maintenance routine. One example is knowing the difference between a heat pump dryer vs condenser dryer. Heat pump dryers are more energy-efficient as they recycle warm air, reducing wear and tear on your clothes and the appliance itself. On the other hand, condenser dryers are simpler but may require more regular maintenance due to their higher energy usage. Choosing the right dryer for your needs can help ensure longevity and efficiency. Always Use Appliances as They Were Intended Children love to climb inside dryers or stand on top of counter space near your dishwasher or stove. Make these areas off-limits to your children. At the same time, you need to lead by example by using a stool to reach higher shelving areas. You also have to stop leaving wet dishes in the dishwasher and clean towels in the dryer after a cycle to avoid further wear. Keep Appliances Clean at All Times Most appliances that use water are typically cleaner than ones that don’t but don’t skip over your washing machine or dishwasher on cleaning day. Since they also use soap, scum can start to develop inside and disrupt their cleaning cycle. Other appliances, like refrigerators, need to be cleaned regularly, inside and out, to remove dust and food particles to prevent mold growth. Minimize Using Your Appliances When Possible The more you use your appliances, the more wear they start to incur. To keep your stove, fridge, and microwave in tip-top shape, try to minimize the amount of time you use them. Even small changes to the appliances can help. For example, you can preheat the oven when you need to use it and turn it off after removing your food. Limit the number of times you open the fridge. Clean Filters and Lint Traps as Directed Appliances that use water or dry clothing will come with lint traps and/or filters. Lint traps are commonly used on dryers to capture loose lint that falls off your clothes. Remove lint every time you use your dryer to avoid a fire or clogs. Change filters on appliances like dishwashers and ice machines regularly to maintain high-quality drinking and cleaning water. Don’t Slam Your Appliance Doors Get out of the bad habit of slamming the doors on your appliances, especially on fridges, washers, and dryers. Not only will slamming your appliances potentially void its warranty, but you will also make your appliances wear out faster. Through constant slamming, you could eventually break the door switch or lid, which is a costly repair of $100-$300.  Ensure Your Appliances Are Correctly Installed If you have an electric stove that connects with burner prongs, you need to wiggle it around until the prong stays in the socket. Other appliances may also come loose, either through slamming or movement. Every few months, move your appliances until you can see the back panel and check for loose wires, faulty connections, or chewed-through cables. Promptly fix these issues.

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