As of today, stressed-out house hunters have a new tool at their disposal to keep nuisance cold callers at bay, thanks to Homebuyer Conveyancer Quotes. Their free online portal allows users to find and compare the best conveyancing quotes without the need to enter any personal details – unlike many other
UK-based environmental consultants TerraConsult is to officially rebrand to ByrneLooby from July 1st, more than two years after it was acquired by the international engineering firm. All 45 staff will continue to be based at the company’s headquarters in St Helens as well as its other offices in Chesterfield, Leeds
On the first day of Birmingham’s Clean Air Zone HS2 Ltd outlines how the project’s new low-carbon technology will support Birmingham City Council’s objective to reduce pollution and improve air quality in the city. HS2 is going way beyond requirements to lower carbon and emissions on its construction sites, and
A consideration that you will have to think about when you order your blinds for bifold doors is the particular type of control operation system that you want to opt for. There are five control systems available that are slim and can be used on bifold doors ranging from electric
The recent progress in the property market Malta has become a success story for most countries. The amount of properties which are being sold and rented out both in terms of property value and property quantities. The Property Market Growth in Malta The market in Malta is large, but there are various
Working in the construction industry or attempting a DIY home build project requires a knowledge of products commonly used in steel reinforcement accessories. Knowing which product to use and the specific applications they are suited to will help you get the job right. We help unravel some of the mystery
Working in the construction industry or attempting a DIY home build project requires a knowledge of products commonly used in steel reinforcement accessories. Knowing which product to use and the specific applications they are suited to will help you get the job right. We help unravel some of the mystery
Metal roofing has now become a viable option for almost all homes. If you are interested in the benefits of metal roofing, here are some things you should know. Replacing a roof is an expensive project and requires immense work. We interviewed a Sydney based roofing company, Exclusive Metal Roofing to get
There’s no denying that you feel like using your air conditioner on scorching summer days. But you also have to keep your electricity bills in mind. As many experts point out, the best way to make your AC energy-efficient is to maintain it from time to time. But what are
Big or small the key to a profitable business is efficiency and with so many great tools out there to help it can be difficult to know where to start. From Kanban boards to VoIP phones here are 7 of the best efficiency tools that you absolutely need to look
As of today, stressed-out house hunters have a new tool at their disposal to keep nuisance cold callers at bay, thanks to Homebuyer Conveyancer Quotes. Their free online portal allows users to find and compare the best conveyancing quotes without the need to enter any personal details – unlike many other price comparison sites. This free to browse service makes finding an Approved Lender Conveyancer fast and hassle-free. At the click of a button, users can view a list of like-for-like conveyancing quotes direct from High Street Solicitors. In the current climate, competition remains fierce for properties on the market with the so-called ‘race for space’ driving increased demand for houses with bigger gardens and capacity to work from home. It is more crucial than ever to understand and budget for the cost of conveyancing from the outset and be ready to set the wheels in motion as soon as an offer gets accepted. With the Homebuyer Conveyancing Quotes comparison service, users can filter results by cheapest price, location and by approved Mortgage Lender in an instant. This can help speed up the process and ultimately reduce failure in the chain. Moving house and re-mortgaging is big business in the UK and the main issue is that the deal only becomes binding once the seller and buyer have exchanged contracts. This can take several months, and a lot can happen in that timeframe to derail the sales progress such as bad surveys, gazumping or expired mortgage offers. Due to the pandemic and the chancellor’s extended stamp duty holiday, house hunters are already having to deal with unpredictable changes to prices and demand as well as gridlocked conveyancers. The goal of Homebuyer Conveyancer Quotes is to help people get the best deal in the fastest time, without any added stress. Duncan Pattinson, Managing Director said: “When you use websites that insist you enter your contact details, you WILL be emailed and called. This can be annoying to anyone, but with all the added stress of moving the last thing you need is endless nuisance sales calls coming through especially when you are at the early stages of budgeting. With Homebuyer Conveyancing Quotes, only when you want to take a quote away do you enter your contact details. Once this is done you can schedule a timed call back when it suits you. At a budgeting stage, you can save yourself a lot of inconvenience.” Additionally, The Purchase Homebuyer Conveyancing Quotes now offers customers a Search Pledge, which replaces the disbursement searches for free up to a value of £300 for the buyer’s replacement property. This provides an additional safety net to help those having to secure a replacement property. Here are some top tips for finding the best conveyancing deal: Look for transparent pricing for accurate comparisons Check the best-case scenario for how fast your completion can take place Understand your Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) liability and factor this into your budgeting Prepare questions for when you speak to potential conveyancers – this is where a timed call back really comes in handy Instruct a conveyancer prior to offer acceptance Pass details of the Solicitor onto the Sellers Agent only when an acceptable offer has been taken For more information and help with buying or selling a UK Property, visit the secure website: https://www.homebuyerconveyancing.com.
UK-based environmental consultants TerraConsult is to officially rebrand to ByrneLooby from July 1st, more than two years after it was acquired by the international engineering firm. All 45 staff will continue to be based at the company’s headquarters in St Helens as well as its other offices in Chesterfield, Leeds and Colchester. However, TerraConsult says the full transition to ByrneLooby will bring much-enhanced expertise and services across 10 key sectors, including waste management, environment, geoscience, energy, water, flooding, buildings, conservation, transportation and marine & coastal. Established in 1998, ByrneLooby is an award-winning practice of 250 consulting engineers and project managers with 16 interconnected offices throughout the UK, Ireland and the Middle East. It is ranked as one of the top 15 UK ground engineering consultants, according to Ground Engineering magazine. The company sits on significant utility frameworks including Translink (UK) and Irish Water and consults on significant infrastructure projects – most recently, HS2 Crossrail and Lowestoft Port redevelopment for Associated British Ports (ABP). Over the next five years, the company is pursuing a growth strategy, expanding engineering expertise, with ambitious plans to double resources and revenue. John Martin, Managing Director of TerraConsult, said: “We look forward to working as ByrneLooby, to provide enhanced expertise and services for our clients, building upon our national and international reputation in waste management and the development of land for commercial, waste, industrial, residential, renewable energy and infrastructure projects.” The TerraConsult team has delivered significant landfill design projects in the UK, Africa and the Middle East, including one of the largest waste management facilities in the world, the Sohar Industrial Waste Handling and Treatment Facility (IWHTF) in Oman. The super-sized waste facility is a 50-hectare, 18-million cubic metre, three landfill complex – catering for both hazardous and non-hazardous wastes. It is a cornerstone of the integrated waste management system in Oman, servicing the entire country. John Byrne, Group Managing Director of ByrneLooby, added: “Waste management, geoscience and environment are vital sectors, particularly as the circular economy grows in importance, waste is re-categorised as a resource and land regeneration grows in importance. “At ByrneLooby, we work together across all 16 offices, combining our skills and resources to best serve clients in the UK, Ireland, the Middle East. John Martin and his team are a crucial part of our global service offering. For clients with infrastructure projects, they can benefit by having ByrneLooby appointed throughout all stages of the asset cycle: from brownfield feasibility, land quality and remediation, concept design, project management, construction to operation and maintenance.” Notes to editors About ByrneLooby Established in 1998, ByrneLooby is an international, award-winning engineering consultancy that provides a spectrum of services to government, semi-state, and private companies across ten sectors: buildings, conservation, geoscience, environment, transportation, waste management, marine and coastal, water, flooding and energy. ByrneLooby employs approximately 250 engineering consultants and professionals in 16 offices across the UK, Ireland and the Middle East. For more than 22 years, our professional engineers and environmental experts have provided world-leading advisory, environmental and engineering consulting services to our clients in the waste management industry and for developers of land for commercial, waste, industrial, residential, renewable energy and infrastructure projects. Our integrated, multi-disciplinary teams from the UK, Ireland and the Middle East help our clients develop and operate their waste management facilities, providing global landfill expertise whilst protecting communities and the environment. We support our clients through every stage of the development, operation and closure of their waste management facilities. Our teams have designed some of the largest landfill sites in the world, incorporating best practice and master planning for future development. ByrneLooby has eight offices throughout the UK, including London, Belfast, St. Helens, Colchester, Leeds, Guildford, Manchester and Chesterfield. Visit byrnelooby.com and connect with ByrneLooby on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter. Media contact Siobhan Warfield-Beattie SWarfield@ByrneLooby.com Tel: +353 (0) 86 837 2328 / T: +353 (0) 1 456 4470 Published on PRFIRE
On the first day of Birmingham’s Clean Air Zone HS2 Ltd outlines how the project’s new low-carbon technology will support Birmingham City Council’s objective to reduce pollution and improve air quality in the city. HS2 is going way beyond requirements to lower carbon and emissions on its construction sites, and with HS2’s Curzon Street Station site in the city centre, the project confirms that the use of the latest, cleanest technology will lower emissions, protecting the environment and keeping people safe. A whole range of innovations are being introduced to cut emissions and improve local air quality, not just in Birmingham but right across the project. These include hybrid, zero emissions machinery, renewable energy, alternative fuels and recycled products. In addition, HS2 is leading a series of ground-breaking trials in conjunction with academia and its supply chain, set to bring massive improvements in local air quality and welfare conditions for construction site workers, with wider positive public health and environmental benefits for communities. The project has set standards for the use of the lowest emitting vehicle engines across all contractors, as well as set targets for contractors to go beyond these, as technology improves. In addition, the project has also set industry leading emissions standards for all machinery including excavators, dumpers, large cranes and piling machines. HS2’s top ten air quality innovations: HS2’s Air Quality Lead Andrea Davidson said: “It’s vital that we improve air quality in our towns and cities. As construction work ramps up across Phase One, HS2 is working with our contractors, supply chain, UK manufacturers and academia to cut emissions by developing ways to reduce reliance on diesel, and to promote the use of alternative technologies such as full electric, renewables, hydrogen fuel-cell and hybrid technology. “Birmingham Clean Air Zone is also about encouraging people to change their transport habits. By providing a cleaner, greener way to travel, HS2 will help cut the number of cars and lorries on our roads, cut demand for domestic flights, and help the country’s push to reduce carbon emissions.” In 2017, road traffic accounted for 91% of transport emissions. In the same year cars, taxis and light vans were responsible for 70% of road transport emissions. By moving high speed trains on to a new, dedicated intercity line, HS2 will free up space on the existing rail network to run more local and regional commuter trains. With more reliable, local frequent stopping services available, people will be able to make the shift from road to rail and cut their carbon footprint. This will help to reduce emissions from road transport, reduce congestion and improve the quality of our air.
A consideration that you will have to think about when you order your blinds for bifold doors is the particular type of control operation system that you want to opt for. There are five control systems available that are slim and can be used on bifold doors ranging from electric or motorised to manually operated. Therefore, there is a wide choice of different options available that will suit all tastes and aesthetic preferences. This article shall discuss these options and the individual benefits that each control system brings. SV System Cordless Slider The SV System from Morley Glass and Glazing offers a cordless slider which is a manually operated Venetian blind that comes with a designed magnetic slider allowing the blinds to be effortlessly lowered and tilted. Cordless control is an excellent safe choice for families with small children. The SV system does not detract from the aesthetic look of your blinds for bi-folding doors as it is placed discreetly on the side of the blinds. W Smart Solar Control System The W Smart system offers a solar control system that occurs via a battery operated, motorised blind system. This type of control system boasts long-life rechargeable batteries and an eco-friendly option to users as it removes the need to frequently manually open blinds or spend time replacing batteries. A further benefit of the W Smart solar control system is that the modern stylish remote is easy to use and can be placed in either a horizontal or vertical position on the sliding doors. S System Slider Moray and Glass offer a manual blind operation system specifically for pleated integral blinds in the form of the S System Slider. This is a magnetic handle that you can attach onto your bifold doors when you want the blind to be moved up or down. The advantage of this operation system is that the handle can be removed when not in use, therefore, it does not affect the aesthetic look of your bi-folding doors. Each door can also be operated with the same handle which makes the S System slider simple to use on bifold doors. MB System Motorised Brushless A motorised blind system for Venetian or Pleated blinds, the MB System by Morley Glass offers a significant improvement on previous electrical systems thanks to the brushless motor. The MB system offers users control at their fingertips in the form of a unique control box that allows blinds of bi-folding doors to be simultaneously opened or shut as well as the accurate tilting of slats. SV + Symmetrical Slider Morley and Glass have perfected a SV+ Symmetrical slider which allows users to achieve aesthetically symmetrical blinds making it a great option for bi-folding doors. The control system works through a magnetic slider which is placed on either the right or left hand side of the glass, while the narrow adhesive transport profile is responsible for maintaining the linear movement of the slider. The cordless control mechanism coupled with the antibacterial finish makes it a safe and hygienic option for your home.
The recent progress in the property market Malta has become a success story for most countries. The amount of properties which are being sold and rented out both in terms of property value and property quantities. The Property Market Growth in Malta The market in Malta is large, but there are various factors which help boost property market Malta. The first major factor is the the foreigners. Many foreigners love visiting Malta, this helps increase the demand for construction. For example 1 Million people visit Malta in the summer, in that short period many would stay in hotels but others would look for flats for rent in Malta or apartment or even villas to rent in Malta which are extra amazing to stay in, especially during the Summer. This obviously would urge locals to invest in properties to offer short lets to these types of visitors. Malta in the recent years has had many foreign businessses setting base here, creating lots of jobs and inviting people to work in Malta, this then pushes the long let property market. The Struggles of the Property Market in Malta With such a high demand for property, the prices have risen forcing many first time home buyers to struggle when it comes to buying their first home. Over the years Malta’s market had the 2nd highest property value growth in the world after Singapore. Many locals are forced to take a loan from the bank in order to follow their dreams. Recently there has been more incentives for buyers to buy due to the covid-19 pandemic. Real Estate in Malta is still keeping up with the pace and going strong. Get in contact with us today.
Working in the construction industry or attempting a DIY home build project requires a knowledge of products commonly used in steel reinforcement accessories. Knowing which product to use and the specific applications they are suited to will help you get the job right. We help unravel some of the mystery and highlight some of the steel reinforcement accessories that you may come across or need to consider for your build. Rebar Tie Wire The use of rebar tying wire is necessary to ensure safety and security from within your steel structure. Rebar tying wire connects the loose rebars whilst the build is in progress to prevent movement of the reinforcement bars or rods during pouring and curing of the concrete. Tools such as tie pullers and tie nips make bending and cutting of the wire simple and easy to manage to achieve the desired shapes and rigidity in the framework. Plastic Grade Plate Spacers If you need to provide support and offer cover for mesh or steel reinforcement, the addition of plastic grade plate spacers is necessary. They are also used with polythene damp proof membranes where the wide base of the grade plate spacer enables the load to be distributed in such a way that membrane punctures are prevented. Damp Proof Membrane DPM may not be unknown to builders, but it is worthy of a mention, as it is an important element for any building project. Placed before any concrete is laid, it will prevent moisture from rising into the building and damaging the integrity of the concrete and to prevent subsequent damage to the building structure. Combined with the plate spacers mentioned previously to prevent punctures to this membrane, you can be sure that you are doing as much as you can for rising damp prevention. Builders’ Hessian During any project the last thing you want is damage from outside elements, using a biodegradable material such as builders hessian will offer protection for both your concrete and brickwork. Builders hessian is especially important during winter construction, where cold and frost can be an issue. Frost Blanket A frost blanket is used in the same way as builders hessian, but offers greater protection at even lower temperatures. Dowel Bars & Dowel Sleeves These are used to create a durable and tough debonded joint when placed over steel dowel rods. They are available in a range of sizes and are manufactured from high grade flexible PVC. Continuous High Chairs Also known as rebar chairs and rebar stools they add required spacing above and below any mesh reinforcement. Concrete Curing Agent When laying concrete, it is essential to ensure that water near the surface of the newly laid concrete does not evaporate too quickly. Using a concrete curing agent over the top of concrete forms a membrane which reduces the evaporation rate, to reduce both dusting and cracking. Concrete Sealing Agent Once the concrete has cured, the surface of the concrete should be protected with a coat of concrete sealing agent painted over it to protect it from corrosion and damage. Mold Oil An essential component to ensure that you can easily remove formwork on completion, and it also helps prevent your concrete from contamination, and is used as a greasing agent prior to concrete pouring. Expansion Joint Foam Used as an insulant, a stop end or grout check, expansion joint foam is a non-load transfer filler that is compressible but semi-rigid. It is resistant to the majority of oils and chemicals found on construction sites. K-Form Plastic Shuttering Offers an alternative to traditional screeding equipment. This plastic shuttering is a permanent formwork which is light, economical and easy to fit.While some of these accessories are designed to help you work more safely, others simply help to make the job easier. Why not consider the application of some of these helpful accessories for your next project?
Working in the construction industry or attempting a DIY home build project requires a knowledge of products commonly used in steel reinforcement accessories. Knowing which product to use and the specific applications they are suited to will help you get the job right. We help unravel some of the mystery and highlight some of the steel reinforcement accessories that you may come across or need to consider for your build. Rebar Tie Wire The use of rebar tying wire is necessary to ensure safety and security from within your steel structure. Rebar tying wire connects the loose rebars whilst the build is in progress to prevent movement of the reinforcement bars or rods during pouring and curing of the concrete. Tools such as tie pullers and tie nips make bending and cutting of the wire simple and easy to manage to achieve the desired shapes and rigidity in the framework. Plastic Grade Plate Spacers If you need to provide support and offer cover for mesh or steel reinforcement, the addition of plastic grade plate spacers is necessary. They are also used with polythene damp proof membranes where the wide base of the grade plate spacer enables the load to be distributed in such a way that membrane punctures are prevented. Damp Proof Membrane DPM may not be unknown to builders, but it is worthy of a mention, as it is an important element for any building project. Placed before any concrete is laid, it will prevent moisture from rising into the building and damaging the integrity of the concrete and to prevent subsequent damage to the building structure. Combined with the plate spacers mentioned previously to prevent punctures to this membrane, you can be sure that you are doing as much as you can for rising damp prevention. Builders’ Hessian During any project the last thing you want is damage from outside elements, using a biodegradable material such as builders hessian will offer protection for both your concrete and brickwork. Builders hessian is especially important during winter construction, where cold and frost can be an issue. Frost Blanket A frost blanket is used in the same way as builders hessian, but offers greater protection at even lower temperatures. Dowel Bars & Dowel Sleeves These are used to create a durable and tough debonded joint when placed over steel dowel rods. They are available in a range of sizes and are manufactured from high grade flexible PVC. Continuous High Chairs Also known as rebar chairs and rebar stools they add required spacing above and below any mesh reinforcement. Concrete Curing Agent When laying concrete, it is essential to ensure that water near the surface of the newly laid concrete does not evaporate too quickly. Using a concrete curing agent over the top of concrete forms a membrane which reduces the evaporation rate, to reduce both dusting and cracking. Concrete Sealing Agent Once the concrete has cured, the surface of the concrete should be protected with a coat of concrete sealing agent painted over it to protect it from corrosion and damage. Mold Oil An essential component to ensure that you can easily remove formwork on completion, and it also helps prevent your concrete from contamination, and is used as a greasing agent prior to concrete pouring. Expansion Joint Foam Used as an insulant, a stop end or grout check, expansion joint foam is a non-load transfer filler that is compressible but semi-rigid. It is resistant to the majority of oils and chemicals found on construction sites. K-Form Plastic Shuttering Offers an alternative to traditional screeding equipment. This plastic shuttering is a permanent formwork which is light, economical and easy to fit. While some of these accessories are designed to help you work more safely, others simply help to make the job easier. Why not consider the application of some of these helpful accessories for your next project?
Metal roofing has now become a viable option for almost all homes. If you are interested in the benefits of metal roofing, here are some things you should know. Replacing a roof is an expensive project and requires immense work. We interviewed a Sydney based roofing company, Exclusive Metal Roofing to get their take on all things metal roofing. We learnt that there are cost efficient ways for you to get a metal roof installed that provide you complete protection from the elements. In some cases, a metal roof can be a big advantage. In other cases, the negative factors outweigh the positive factors. Let us learn more and discuss the advantages and disadvantages, so you can determine if a metal roof is right for you. What Are the Types of Metal Roofs? The metal roof is made of copper, steel, aluminum, and other metals. Every component has its distinctive features, and roofing systems generally come in two distinctive forms: metal panels and metal tiles. One seems to have an unique appearance, obviously with a metal roof, while the other is more traditional. The good news is that you can choose between traditional and modern styles because the two styles are so different. Metal sheet roof: This style does not obscure its essence. Long metal plates are stitched together vertically to give a stylish and modern look. This works best in modern style homes and keeps the look fresh and linear. Metal tile roof: This style has been carefully designed to look like a traditional roof and is available with Spanish tiles, wood, or slate. They usually have multiple factory finish layers, including granular stone topcoats, to give them a realistic look. From ground level, this appearance may not differ from the traditional appearance. The function is the same as that of the metal panel. Check out the repairing and replacing guide of the tile/shingle roofing system. What Makes a Metal Roof a Great Choice? From durability to a clean look, there are many options for metal roofs. This new roofing method uses modern materials and technology to provide you with an excellent product. So let’s see what the benefits are and see what will help you. Life expectancy: The life expectancy of a metal roof can be the same as that of your home. Most companies support their products for 20-50 years. Besides, if you paint on a metal surface, there is usually a 30-year limited warranty. This way, you can enjoy the benefits of your roof for a long time without having to worry about repairs or replacements. Complete protection: The metal roof can be sealed against water, strong wind, and snow. If you live in a snowy climate and want to hold an ice dam permanently, this could be your solution. Sustained resistance: A smooth surface avoids some of the risks that traditional roofs face. They are more resistant to mold, insects, and rot. If you are concerned about a fire, the metal roof can also achieve a fire rating of class A, the best possible rating. However, if a metal roof is placed over existing shingles, the rating may drop to C, depending on the baseline conditions. Easy and quick installation: The metal roof is easy to install and can be quickly prepared. Sometimes they can be mounted directly on top of an existing roof, saving time and money. Metal panels are surprisingly light as well, which means that savings can be made on technical projects and apartment supporting structures. Eco-friendly: Metal roofs can be made up of 95% recycled materials. Then, when the roof reaches its end of life, it can be 100% recycled. This means that it starts and ends in an environmentally friendly way! Heat conductivity: The metal roof reflects the radiant heat of the sun. The addition of specially formulated paints and cool pigments increases the effectiveness of heat reflection. This means you need less energy for air conditioning. If you want to increase performance in the colder months, increasing the dead space between the roof and the roof covering can increase insulation. Effectively prevents rain and snow: Metal roofs perfectly prevent rain and snowfall. Their interlocking panels are combined with a hard and smooth surface that effectively prevents moisture from entering the house during rain and snowfall. Why a Metal Roof Might Not Be Right for You Professionals make the idea of a metal roof sound brilliant, especially when you know you can buy roofs that look like traditional roofs. However, there are some disadvantages, ranging from initial cost to concern about whether repair or construction of additional parts is required. Let’s look at some areas that can be of concern. Expense: Metal roofs can be expensive. According to rough estimates, the cost of metal roofs is about two times higher than that of asphalt shingles. This has a longevity side to it, but sometimes the initial expense is not feasible. Noise: A problem you need to consider that metal roofs can be very noisy sometimes, and if hail or rain bothers you, it is not a great idea to have a metal roof. If you really want a metal roof, adding a concrete barrier minimizes noise and gives you the outcome you desire. The durability of Paint: Although most painted metal roofs come with a 30-year warranty, walking on them can cause additional wear. Scratches during installation will shorten the life of the paint. To increase the durability of the varnish during installation, the panel should be handled with care. Modifications: Since the metal is large, small repairs can be a challenge. Also, if you build a house yourself, it is not easy to find the right materials. Check out the evolution of roofing maintenance. What to Consider if you Decide to have a Metal Roof? If you have weighed your options and decided that a metal roof is right for you, it is time to start shopping. We provide some important features to help you choose a great product that will get you the results you want. Warranty: Please note the guarantee and its source. It
There’s no denying that you feel like using your air conditioner on scorching summer days. But you also have to keep your electricity bills in mind. As many experts point out, the best way to make your AC energy-efficient is to maintain it from time to time. But what are the techniques to make your HVAC system energy-efficient? Let’s find out. 1. Clean the condenser unit It’s not enough to clean the air filters inside your AC. You can search for an HVAC supply near me and find new filters to replace them if necessary but changing the condenser is too expensive. Ensure you clean the condenser unit at least thrice a year from the outside to make sure the AC works at its optimal best. 2. Increase your thermostat Many studies suggest that adjusting temperatures between 5 and 8 degrees helps to save money and energy. You should notch the temperature down in winter and up in summer to make your AC energy-efficient. It is best to use a programmable thermostat to adjust the temperature automatically according to the weather condition throughout the day. 3. Insulate exposed ductwork There are two reasons why an air conditioner may consume more energy: first, if the air filters are jammed with debris, and second if your room has exposed ductwork. In these cases, your AC has to put extra pressure on the condenser to cool the room down. And the more pressure it puts, the more energy it consumes. You should first make sure that a professional seals the unconditioned space so that air doesn’t leak from your room. If you know the areas, you can use UL 181-rated duct-sealing tape to fill them. You can also call a professional to use thick duct insulating material to cover the gaps. 4. Keep heat-producing appliances away This concept is similar to the one with insulation. If there are heat-producing appliances near the air conditioner, it has to put more pressure to cool the room down. This means you will end up paying a higher electric bill than usual. Instead, keep the heat-producing appliance away. Or best, take them to another room. It will allow the AC to cool your room faster so that you don’t need to use it for hours every day. 5. Clean the drain line While most people pay attention to cleaning the filters, it is also essential to clear the drain line. The easiest way to clean your drain line is by flushing a cup of chlorine bleach and rinsing it with a gallon of water. With a clear drain line, you now allow the air conditioner to work freely because it doesn’t have to deal with blocked drains anymore. Hence, it would not consume more energy than before. These are some of the no-cost ways that can make your air conditioner energy-efficient. Try them and see the world of difference it makes to your energy bills, especially during the summer months when you need your AC the most.
Big or small the key to a profitable business is efficiency and with so many great tools out there to help it can be difficult to know where to start. From Kanban boards to VoIP phones here are 7 of the best efficiency tools that you absolutely need to look at in 2021. Kaban Boards What is a Kanban board you ask? It’s a simple way of showing the status of task, projects or jobs in a simple, visual form. Think yellow sticky notes on a whiteboard but in electronic form. Because they are hosted in the cloud it’s a bit like having that whiteboard in your pocket so you can check what’s going on at any time, anywhere. They are great for planning, collaboration and just getting your life in order.Two of the best are Trello and Asana. Both have free options that have a huge number of features and are really easy to use, learn and share. Codebook OK so we all know that we shouldn’t use the same passwords for all our apps but it’s so hard keeping up with all the codes, pins and passwords you have. Meet Codebook from Zetetic. Codebook saves all your passwords securely with one log on and then synchs across all your devices so that you always have the right password at the right time. Another free app, Codebook can even generate strong passwords so you can ditch the dreaded ‘password123’! VoIP phones If you have a mobile and a landline then you already know that whilst connectivity is great in theory, in practice it can have its downsides including dropped calls, difficulty conferencing and multiple numbers for your customers to call. Wouldn’t it be great to have a single number that a customer could call that would find you wherever you were? How much time would you save searching around for contact numbers or dealing with calls when you simply don’t have the time? VoIP phones have been around for a while now and although back in the day the call quality could be somewhat ‘inconsistent’ the availability of high-speed internet and 5G means that it’s often better than a copper landline. VoIP phones have tons of features like virtual receptionists, menu filtering and voicebox to email and for many of them, you don’t even need any special equipment. If you’re looking for the best VoIP phone services then check out this list by Neil Patel with some great suggestions. Zapier So you have all of these great apps and they are all working away in their own areas but what happens when you want to integrate and automate your tasks? Check out Zapier. Now Zapier doesn’t do anything itself. Instead, it uses actions (called triggers) to start other actions in different apps. So for example when you receive an email, it can automatically save any attachment into your Google docs and then send you a slack message telling you there is new content. It’s a superb automation app that links all your software up and allows you to automate features and set up workflows. Zapier claims that they work seamlessly with over 2000 apps and rising, so your favourite software should have no problem integrating. Productivity checkers Do you know where you waste most of your time? Do you know which websites you really ought to be avoiding? Know when your most productive hours are? Let’s face it we’ve all disappeared down a Twitter rabbit hole or spent and hour (or two) checking out what old school friends are doing on Facebook. The first step to improving your productivity is to understand where you are losing your time and productivity checkers like Rescue Time or Toggl will show you exactly when you are most productive and thus maximise your efficient hours. Spelling and Grammar helpers If you are someone who has difficulty with spelling or grammar then you know that it can take forever to write a simple letter or email and get it just right. But help is at hand in the form of Grammarly or Hemmingway. Both of these apps will check what you re writing and highlight any problems with suggested spelling changes applied at the click of a button. Yes, they save you money but in addition, they also give you confidence that your business communications are where they need to be. Sanebox Most people have trouble managing their inboxes, so they rely on email organization apps. It’s not just spam. There are newsletters that you don’t really need just now, things you’ve been CC’d into for no reason and reports that you thought might be useful sometime. Sanebox is a method of making sure your inbox focuses on the things that are important and reduces the amount of time you spend dealing with nonsense. You can teach it what to do with specific emails based on rules you set and it will also learn what to do based on y our behaviour. The free version is great and for a small subscription, you can add on a few more productivity tools from the Sanebox stable. Let your apps take the strain With so many great productivity apps available on the market it seems crazy not to give them a go. Most of them are free in the basic versions and will save you huge amounts of time and give you control back over your working day. Why not check out our suggestions now and start saving yourself some time right away?