When it comes to ensuring your home is warm and comfortable, especially during the colder months, choosing the right gas boiler is crucial.
However, beyond just picking a boiler that meets your heating needs, understanding the various cost considerations involved in purchasing and installing a gas boiler can help you make an informed decision that balances quality, efficiency, and budget.
This blog will explore key factors affecting the cost of buying a gas boiler, including the price of the unit itself, installation costs, operating expenses, and potential savings through efficiency and government incentives.
Initial Purchase Price
The upfront cost of a gas boiler can vary significantly depending on the type, brand, and capacity. Generally, conventional boilers tend to be cheaper than combi or system boilers. However, the initial price tag is just the beginning. A higher-efficiency model may cost more upfront but can save you money in the long run through lower operating costs. It’s essential to compare models and brands to find a boiler that offers the best value for your specific needs.
Installation Costs
The complexity of installing a new gas boiler can influence the overall cost considerably. Factors such as the need for new pipework, the location of the boiler, and whether you’re replacing an existing unit or installing a new one from scratch will affect installation prices. It’s advisable to get quotes from several certified installers to ensure you’re getting a fair price. Remember, the cheapest quote isn’t always the best; consider the installer’s reputation and reviews as well.
Operating Costs
The efficiency of a gas boiler directly impacts its operating cost. High-efficiency boilers convert more gas into heating, meaning they use less fuel and cost less to operate. When shopping for a new boiler, look for the Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) rating—a higher number indicates a more efficient boiler. Additionally, the size of the boiler should match your home’s heating requirements. An oversized or undersized boiler can lead to wasted energy and higher bills.
Maintenance and Repairs
Regular maintenance is vital to keep your gas boiler running efficiently and safely. While this represents an ongoing cost, it can prevent more expensive repairs down the line. Factor in the cost of annual servicing, as well as potential repairs, when considering your budget.
Potential Savings
Investing in a high-efficiency gas boiler can qualify you for various incentives and rebates, depending on your location. Many governments and energy suppliers offer schemes to encourage the adoption of energy-efficient appliances, which can help offset the initial cost. Additionally, the long-term savings on your energy bills can be substantial, making a more expensive, high-efficiency boiler a wise investment over time.
Conclusion
The decision to purchase a new gas boiler shouldn’t be taken lightly. Considering the initial purchase price, installation costs, operating expenses, boiler service in Glasgow, and potential savings is crucial. By carefully weighing these factors, you can select a gas boiler that not only meets your heating needs but also fits your financial situation, ensuring comfort and efficiency for years to come.
The car industry is a dynamic and ever-evolving sector, fuelled by innovation, technology, and an ever-growing demand for sustainability and efficiency. As we look to the future, there are numerous exciting developments on the horizon that promise to transform the way we think about transportation. Here are the ten most thrilling advancements happening in the car industry today:
Electric Vehicle (EV) Expansion
The shift towards electric vehicles is arguably the most significant transformation in the automotive industry. With advancements in battery technology, we’re seeing an increase in range, reduced charging times, and a broader range of EV models becoming available, making electric cars more accessible to the general public.
Autonomous Driving Technology
The quest for fully autonomous vehicles continues, with numerous manufacturers and tech companies testing self-driving cars. This technology promises to reduce accidents caused by human error and revolutionize personal and public transportation.
Connected Cars and IoT Integration
Vehicles are becoming more connected, not only to the internet but to each other. This integration offers improved safety features, real-time traffic updates, and personalized driving experiences through the collection and analysis of data.
Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicles
Beyond electric batteries, hydrogen fuel cells offer another clean energy alternative, with the only emissions being water vapor. This technology is gaining traction, especially in commercial and public transportation sectors.
Sustainable Materials and Manufacturing
The industry is moving towards more sustainable practices, including the use of recycled materials in vehicles and greener manufacturing processes. This shift not only helps reduce the environmental impact of cars but also appeals to eco-conscious consumers.
Advanced Safety Features
Cars are getting safer, thanks to the integration of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), including automatic braking, lane-keeping assistance, and adaptive cruise control. These features are becoming standard in new models, enhancing overall road safety.
Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) Communication
This technology enables vehicles to communicate with traffic signals, other cars, and even pedestrians, to improve traffic flow and safety. V2X could be a game-changer for everything from tyres mobile fitting urban planning and the reduction of traffic congestion.
3D Printing in Car Manufacturing
3D printing is revolutionizing car production by allowing for more customized parts, shorter production times, and reduced costs. This could lead to more personalized vehicle options for consumers and quicker adoption of new technologies.
The Rise of Mobility as a Service (MaaS)
With the growth of ride-sharing and car-sharing services, the concept of mobility is shifting from car ownership to mobility solutions that are accessible on demand. This change could reduce the number of cars on the road, lowering emissions and traffic congestion.
Augmented Reality (AR) Dashboards
AR technology is being integrated into vehicle dashboards to provide drivers with real-time information about their surroundings, enhancing navigation and safety. This could include displaying navigation paths directly on the windshield and highlighting potential hazards.
These advancements signify a profound shift towards more sustainable, safe, and efficient transportation options. As the industry continues to innovate, we can expect the car landscape to look significantly different in the coming years, with these exciting developments leading the charge.
As you can probably imagine, there are plenty of differences between the attitudes, responsibilities, and legal duties of security guards in the UK and the USA.
Both share similar job remits: protect and defend property and/or people, but there is certainly a difference in approach taken by those on each side of the Atlantic.
Do USA and UK security guards do the same thing?
In the main, yes. Their primary responsibilities are to stop criminals in their tracks and protect the businesses of those who hired them.
In both countries, security guards work on construction sites, hotels, retail stores, and event venues and many many more locations across the separate nations.
Are there differences between UK and US security guards?
Yep, despite the similarities, there are still plenty of differences between the two. One of the main ones is the differences between the ways in which they are trained.
In the UK, you must be at least 18 years of age in order to become a security guard and have obtained a full SIA licence.
You must also be a full UK citizen, have the right to work in the UK and be able to pass certain background checks such as a criminal record check.
The cost of training in the UK is around the £184 mark but if you have secured a training position with a local security firm, they may well cover the cost of this as part of your training contract.
As part of SIA training, security guards must be able to pass a number of different courses and units related to the main responsibilities that they will have on a daily basis including first aid training, conflict resolution training, and crowd management training.
What is security guard training like in the USA
Surprisingly, there are very few requirements to becoming a security officer in the USA. However, given the difference in the legal system in America, these regulations do vary from state to state so the information that is given in this article can be considered as the norm but not without exception.
One major difference in the licencing of US and UK security guards is that there are two different licences, or classes of licence, available in the US known as Class D and Class G security licences.
The Class G licence is related to one of the other biggest differences between UK and USA, not only in security but in society in general, the right to bear arms. If you wish to be an armed security officer, you will require a Class G licence.
In contrast, this licencing is slightly comparable to the difference between a security guard and a door supervisor qualification in the UK, but rather than carrying a gun, door supervisors simply get the privilege of being able to work on licenced sites where alcohol is served inside.
Not quite the same we will admit! Overall, American and UK security officers share more similarities that differences but there are certainly some contrasts to bear in mind.
No matter what size your business may be, finding that little bit of extra cash is always a welcome boost.
When an investment opportunity comes calling or cash runs low the first thought of many business owners is too seek out a business loan from the bank or to seek out a new investor.
Whilst loans, grants, and shareholder certainly do have their place in the business world, there is no need to put yourself in debt or give away percentages of your business if cash can be freed up within the business itself.
At Accountantsplus, we specialise in helping businesses finance themselves by examining your practices, assets, and existing accounts.
In this blog, we will examine some of the ways in which a business can find money from within and make these funds work more effectively for them.
Any assets that you own outright are exactly that, assets with cash value. It may be possible to access funds by refinancing equipment, vehicles, or even property and given that it is the asset itself that acts as collateral in these agreements you may be able to access interest rates lower than a traditional bank loan.
Shifting old stock
Got a bunch of older stock that has been sitting in your warehouse and just won’t shift? It might be time to bite the bullet and offer an attractive discount to move this stock and free up some funds at the same time.
Sure, if you wait instead this stock might sell at its original price eventually, but by that time you may have missed out on an opportunity that would have revolutionised your entire business.
You could also approach suppliers and ask if they would be willing to take back a certain amount of excess stock.
Invoice Finance
Invoice finance allows you to access the value of your unpaid invoices, giving you an advance on cash that is set to be coming into the business in the near future.
By passing these invoices onto an invoice finance company you can also save yourself the time and stress of chasing up unpaid invoices. Furthermore, unlike loans with harsh penalties for late repayments, invoice finance companies want you to be successful. After all the more business you have, the more money they make and often offer helpful advice and tips as a result.
Is it ever worth getting a grant?
Absolutely. Business grants can be highly useful for many businesses although over reliance on them can prevent business owners from focussing on making their business financially viable.
Whilst the best accountants will focus more on building the company from within by optimising their practices they may be able to point you in the direction of grants you may be eligible for.
For more information on the business funding opportunities that may be available to you, don’t hesitate to get in touch with one of our expert advisors.
We have all been there. Your once warm, comfy, and vibrant carpet is now looking a bit trodden down, dog eared and faded, and now the time has come to have it replaced.
If your carpet is torn, stained beyond repair, or so worn that you can seen the backing, it is pretty obvious that a replacement is needed, but things are not always quite that straight forward.
Sometimes your carpet will simply begin to fade or not quite be as warm and cosy as it once was. The average carpet lasts somewhere in the region of 7-15 years and if yours is somewhere in this range you will need to make a judgement call on when the time has come to replace it.
In this article we will look at some of the best ways to tell if the time has come to tear up your old carpet and try out something new.
Signs that you need to replace your carpet
1) Worn areas
High traffic walkways can often deteriorate faster than other areas of your carpet, leading to a noticeably thinner and more worn looking section.
If the fibres of your carpet have begun to lose their shape or break down, a replacement may be required.
2) Odd smells
Carpets will trap odours as much as they trap liquids and if the source of this smell penetrates deep within the carpet down to the subfloor, even the deepest of cleans is unlikely to make any real difference.
3) Dust Allergies
If you have noticed that you are getting allergy symptoms such as a dry throat, itchy cough, or runny nose when you are simply sitting at home, it may be a result of allergens trapped deep within the fibres of your carpet. Again, if these are deep enough, cleaning will have very little effect.
4) Deep Stains
Some carpet stains can be removed, but not all. If your stain is large and cannot be removed or covered by a rug/furniture, you may decide that you simply cannot live with it and need to replace the entire carpet instead.
What to do when looking for a new carpet
If you have indeed spotted some of the signs mentioned above and have decided to replace your existing carpet, look no further than the team here at www.allfloorsglasgow.co.uk for a replacement.
Not only do we have a great range of quality wool, 80/20, nylon, and polypropylene carpets on offer, but if you decide it is time for a change, we also offer a great selection of other flooring types including our famous LVT range, laminate, solid wood flooring, and more.
If you have any questions about any of the flooring product we have on offer, please visit our showroom, or give us a ring today. Out team work incredibly hard to maintain their market leading knowledge of flooring products and can’t wait to use that expertise to help you find the perfect dream floor for your home.
It can sometimes feel impossible to find time to care for yourself properly, and finding the time to go to a spa or get a massage on a regular basis is a luxury that many can only dream of.
It is no wonder, therefore, that many people are looking closer to home for their wellbeing boost and taking advantage of the wide variety of home health trends that are growing in popularity every single year.
2023 has been a big year for the health and wellness sector with a huge number of different trends emerging for those looking to enjoy a taste of the good life from the comfort and convenience of their own home.
Here are 5 of the most popular:
Home Sauna Installation
Sauna use is certainly not a new phenomenon in the health and wellbeing community but there has been a significant rise in the number of people investing in a home sauna indoor their own home in recent times.
Infrared home saunas have become particularly popular as they deliver deep penetrating heat to the body of the user without using anywhere near as much energy as a traditional sauna set up.
The rise in popularity of these units has been boosted by their use among celebrities and social media influencers but the positive health effects they produce have been backed up repeatedly by extensive scientific research.
If you are looking for the ultimate relaxation experience that soothes aches and pans, burns calories, and reduces inflammation, a home sauna is in a league of its own.
Ice Baths
Another recovery tool utilises by athletes and well-being gurus alike, ice baths are proven to reduce inflammation and provide the user with a wonderful endorphin hit.
Better sleep, lower injury risk, faster injury recovery, and better sleep quality are just a few of the fantastic benefits of using an ice bath.
You can easily create your own ice bath if you have a bathtub in your property, are there are plenty of purpose built plunge pools available on the market.
Yoga
Yoga is a wellbeing tool that has more than stood the test of time and has become more popular than ever in 2023.
Men, women, young, old; the endless number of different levels, poses, and difficulties yoga offers makes it perfect for anyone looking to improve flexibility.
Face yoga is one particular phenomenon that has emerged in 2023 with many finding it a fantastic way to relieve tension and reduce stiffness in neck, forehead, and cheeks.
Sleep Tracking
Sleep plays an incredibly important role in our overall health and there has been an increasing interest in tracking the length and quality of the sleep one is getting via a wearable fitness tracking device.
There are an almost unlimited number of different sleep tracking devices on the market, with most taking the form of watches from manufacturers such as Garmin or Fitbit.
Be careful though. There are questions regarding the accuracy of some of the cheaper devices on the market so make sure to do your research.
Each and every assault case is different, and it is not unusual for those who are charged with the offence to feel aggrieved or unfairly prosecuted.
Assault charges range in severity from common assault to Grievous Bodily Harm, with each offence carrying its own minimum and maximum sentences that a guilty verdict could bring.
Being accused of an assault is stressful and upsetting, putting personal relationships under strain and your very future at risk.
When accused of an assault there are a variety of different approaches that you can take to fighting the charges and building the best possible case for the defence.
The best thing to do is to get in touch with an experienced criminal lawyer who will walk you through the charges against you and help you to understand the approach that they recommend for your defence.
To give you an idea of what to expect, we have put together this guide looking at just a few of the potential defences to assault or assault to injury Scotland offences that your lawyer could recommend.
Self-defence
Self-defence is probably the most common defence that is used in assault cases across the world, and the UK is no different. If you find yourself in a situation where you are under threat of attack yourself, you have the right to use reasonable force to protect yourself.
‘self’-defence is only one situation in which this reasonable force can be legally used, with others including the defence of others, defence of property, or the prevention of crime.
When determining if such force was necessary, certain questions will need to be answered by the defence that is presented including why force was required in the first place and was the force used reasonable given the threat in question. The less reasonable the belief that force was needed is, the less likely that the court will accept this defence.
It is possible that a person could use more force than was required given the situation if they are able to prove sufficiently that they honestly believed that it was. This can be a murky area as it can come down to how certain individuals interpret a situation. For example, if you feel that you are genuinely under serious threat of physical attack, but have not yet been attacked, you can use reasonable force in self-defence but will need to prove that you did indeed feel threatened.
Mistaken identity
If you were not the one who committed the assault that you are accused of it is easy to assume that the truth will out and you will be found not guilty in a court of law. Whilst it would be nice to think this is always the case, it is still essential that you find yourself a great criminal lawyer who will prove that you were indeed the victim of mistaken identity.
This may include giving credit to your alibi for the time and date in question or providing evidence that the crime was committed by another, thus throwing reasonable doubt over the prosecution’s allegations.
Recklessness
There is a common misconception that you can only be charged with assault if you intentionally tried to hurt another person. In reality, you can be charged with common assault if you recklessly caused harm to another. Reckless, in this context can be interpreted as unintentional, meaning that arguing a lack of intent is not necessarily enough to get charges dismissed.
However, charges of ‘reckless’ assault are highly likely to result in a less severe penalty in comparison to charges of intentional assault, and a criminal lawyer may well build the defence of their client around proving that an assault was indeed unintentional.
How to pick the right defence?
There are many different factors that go into determining which defence should be used when facing assault charges. These include the details of the event in question, the intent or lack of intent behind it, and the severity of any injuries that were caused.
Picking the right one is vital, and it is no exaggeration to say that a mistake at this stage could add years to any sentence or result in an avoidable guilty verdict. A big decision then, and not one that should be taken lightly. The best thing to do is to contact an experienced criminal defence lawyer at as early a stage as possible, before you have even been charged if possible.
They will have the experience of a raft of previous similar cases to call on when deciding on the most appropriate defence for you and will guide you through the process to ensure that you don’t make any mistakes that could harm your case.
Birds, in the main have a wonderful reputation, and its no surprise, with their stunning songs and beauty making them a sight and a sound to behold.
When certain species move a bit too close to the comfort of your home, however, you might become a bit less fond.
Pest birds, mainly larger species such as pigeons and gull that are increasingly prominent in urban area, cause all sorts of problems when roosting and breeding too close to humans, spreading their toxic droppings everywhere, leading to disease spreading and property being damaged.
These species carry a huge number of pathogens, feral pigeons carry over 100 different pathogens alone, and controlling their populations is critical in order to protect public health. In this article, we will look at the reasons that pest birds are considered such a big threat, and what professional pest control Preston companies can do to help you with any problems that you are having.
Problems caused by pest birds
Spreading disease
Pest birds are prolific in transmitting a huge variety of different diseases and parasites. Their droppings are home to all sorts of nasty bacteria and viruses including those responsible for the diseases E. Coli, Salmonella, and cryptococcosis in humans. Besides accidental consumption of droppings, these bacteria can be spread when they dry out, becoming flaky and airborne and transmitted through inhalation.
Damaging property
Bird droppings aren’t only toxic to humans, they are also a threat to the buildings that they live and word in every day. Bird droppings, especially urban birds who will eat almost anything, are incredibly acidic and once settled on metal, stone, and wood surfaces will cause them to corrode. Over time this can lead to unsafe and uneven walkways, leaking roofs, and other expensive problems with the structure of your property.
Bird nests will also block gutters and chimneys leading to a build up of water and even worse, carbon monoxide that can threaten the health of inhabitants and cause even more structural decay. The movement of birds can also be a problem with their constant shuffling and movement on rooftops dislodging tiles and pipework.
Environmental disruption
So far, we have looked at the many ways in which birds can damage human built properties, but the damage they can do is just as severe out in the countryside.
Pests like seagulls can disturb the habitats of endangered coastal birds, as well as dominating their food sources making it much more difficult for them to survive on our shores. Too large a population in a single area can also result in soil erosion and poor crop returns on agricultural sites.
Bird prevention measures
A professional pest control Prestonthat specialises in bird control will have numerous solutions available to your pest bird problems.
Just some of the services that professional bird control companies offer include:
Netting – Bird netting makes it impossible for the target bird species to get anywhere you don’t want them, from the rafters of a warehouse to the leaves of your precious garden plants. Netting comes in many different sizes, weights, and colours and can be installed in an instant by an expert bird control technicians.
Spikes – You may well have seen these rather brutal looking things adorning the ledges and signs around your town centre. Whilst they look lethal, these spikes are actually harmless and simply make it impossible for any large birds to perch or roost in close proximity. If you are looking to protect a more difficult to access or strangely shaped area, bird spikes are the perfect choice.
Falconry – Ever heard of the Harris hawk that spends its time flying around Wimbledon scaring away pigeons? Falconry is incredibly effective for warding off pest birds, with falcons, hawks, and other birds of prey all effective when deployed by expertly trained bird handlers.
Nest removal – In certain situations, bird control companies may be granted a licence for the removal or nests or the removal/replacement of gull eggs. Even pest birds are heavily protected under animal welfare laws so this is not something that you should ever attempt by yourself. Removing nesting materials repeatedly can help to convince birds such as gulls who often return to the same nesting site time and time again, that the location isn’t suitable for them, ensuring that you don’t need to deal with them again next year.
Shooting – Only ever allowed or utilised by responsible pest controllers as a last report, bird shooting can be the only way to keep large pest bird populations under control. Shooting must only EVER be conducted using a rifle by a highly trained expert marksman using an rifle rather than a shotgun.
Do you have years of experience working for security companies and thinking about going it alone and starting your own?
By learning from the mistakes that you have seen made in the past and using your knowledge and experience in the industry to provide the best possible service possible to your clients, you have a great chance of success, but it takes more than security knowledge to start a successful business.
There are many things to think about and consider when starting a security Manchestercompany and this guide is designed to either give you the best chance of success or the reality check you need to realise that this might not be the best career move at this time.
Is now a good time to start a security company?
Yes, it could be a great time to take the security market by storm and makes your dreams of running your very own security company a reality.
Since lockdown ended and the Covid-19 crime drop ended, there has been a rise in pretty much every type of crime in the UK and the services of professional security firms have never been in biggest demand.
With the cost of living crisis making people more and more desperate for money, there is no indication that there will be a drop in theft or financial crimes anytime soon and companies and individuals are desperate to protect their assets.
Professional security can help them to do just that with CCTV, security guards, and alarm systems key to s powerful security solution. If you have worked in the industry before, you are probably all too aware of this information already and could well be the perfect person to deliver the bespoke security solutions that so many people are looking for.
Is experience important?
Technically, anyone can set up a security company in the UK, although an SIA licence is required for an individual looking to perform security guard duties.
However, prior experience is still incredibly valuable and very few security companies last for long without advice from expert security professionals.
Choosing a type of security firm you want to start
There are several different types of security firm that you might wish to start. You may wish to dive into multiple area or sectors over time, but to begin with at least it makes the most sense to specialise. Trying to do too much too soon is another common error made by those looking to start their own firm.
Some of the most successful company sectors include:
Private security consultancy – Specialising in risk assessments and risk management thee groups provide advice and support to businesses and individuals looking to maximise their security. They will help them to identify and mitigate threats and manage their budgets in the best possible way to increase security performance. Whilst they will not usually provide the services or products that they recommend, bigger firms may well do, and if not they will almost certainly be able to recommend someone who will.
Security companies – Most likely what you were thinking of when you first considered starting your own business in the security industry, private security companies provide all the standard security services that you might expect such as security guards, CCTV, and alarm systems. You may wish to specialise in one of these areas but the more services you offer the bigger the net you can cast and the more business you may be able to attract. Bear in mind, though, you should only ever offer a security solution that you are confident is of the highest possible standard or your reputation could be on the line in an emergency.
Cybersecurity – A very different type of security company, but no less important in the modern information technology age. These companies are perhaps the most specialist of any security firm and work to protect data rather than physical assets, protecting digital information from the threat of hackers and leaks.
Specialist services
There are certain more specialist security services that are only offered by a select few security firms and even fewer offer them to a high standard.
Many of these service require specific licences beyond the standard SIA licence required for any security guarding services. These include:
Guard dogs – Dogs are an exceptional security asset to have on site, using their heightened sense of smell and sight to locate and track down intruders. In other settings, dog units can be used to search for drugs, explosives, or other prohibited items.
Personal protection – Protecitng VIPs and high value individuals from any threats that they may face on a daily basis.
If you have specific experience in these areas consider starting your security company based on them, helping you stand out from the competition.
If you are looking for a younger, less tired, and less saggy look to your face and neck without the need for general anaesthetic, weeks of recovery, and all the other risks associated with invasive surgery, why not consider a non-surgical facelift?
Thanks to advances in procedure and safety protocols, surgical facelifts are now incredibly safe and provide excellent results for as long as 5-6 years.
However, any surgical procedure is never risk free, and if you are looking to achieve the same fantastic results without the risk of asymmetry, infection, or scarring, join the thousands of others who have a non-surgical facelift conducted every year in the UK.
What is a non-surgical facelift?
A non-surgical facelift involves local anaesthetic, rather than general, to be applied to the target area to completely numb the face and neck area.
A probe will then be inserted by your cosmetic physician into the layer of fat in your face and delivers a radio frequency to it.
This frequency will melt fat and cause collagen to tighten, producing a tighter, less saggy, and younger looking appearance.
A few permanent threats will also be inserted into the cheeks, jowls, or neck (depending on the areas that you wish to target, that will anchor the face and produce longer lasting and more effective results.
How long does a non-surgical facelift last?
Non-surgical facelifts that combine both fat melting and thread inserting procedures will last around 5 years. Contrary to common belief this is nearly as long as the average time that a surgical facelift lasts, with an average of 5-6 years for these procedures.
What are the benefits of a non-surgical facelift?
Besides the reduced risk that comes with opting for a Non Surgical Facelift Glasgow rather than a surgical one, what are the main benefits of this increasingly popular cosmetic treatment?
We are one of the leading cosmetic clinics in Scotland and here are some of the most common advantages noted by our clients who have had a non-surgical facelift carried out in our Glasgow clinic.
Cheaper option
Non-surgical facelifts are significantly cheaper than a surgical facelift, despite delivering similar results for a similar period of time.
The cost of a non-surgical facelift is in the region of £3,500-£6,000 compared to the £8,000-£12,000 of a surgical facelift.
This cheaper option has opened up the potential of being able to afford facelift results to a much larger market than was previously the case.
Now, even if you are looking to save a bit of money in this financially challenging climate, you may be able to do so without compromising on looking fabulous.
Very little discomfort
With both surgical and non-surgical facelifts there is very little discomfort during treatment due to the use of either general or local anaesthetic.
This is a mighty relief for those who have never had a facelift before and are worried about the potential pain involved in the procedure.
With a non-surgical facelift, there are no incisions made that need to heal either, so besides a small amount of swelling and bruising in the target area for a couple of weeks, there will be minimal discomfort in the recovery process either.
Quick Procedure
No matter how relaxing an environment we have created in our clinic, no-one wants to be in the treatment room for hours on end, especially with procedures that don’t involve general anaesthetic and you are aware of your surroundings throughout.
Luckily, as there is no long preparation period whilst anaesthetic is prepared, however, this is not an issue with a non-surgical facelift.
The majority of non-surgical facelifts take under 3 hours to complete, although this does vary, and we will never compromise on quality or results for the sake of saving time.
Shorter Recovery Time
When you commit to a full surgical facelift, you are not only committing a large amount of money to the operation, but you are also accepting that you will have to spend several weeks recovering.
You will almost certainly need to take some time off from work, and you should expect to be recovery for around 6 weeks to a couple of months whilst scarring fades.
With a non-surgical facelift, full recovery usually only takes around 1-2 weeks and you will be able to return to some form of normal activity after just a few days.
This is perfect for those who simply can’t pause their lives for weeks, no matter how impressive the final results may be.
Fewer risks
By far the biggest reason that people opt for a non-surgical facelift is that there is far less risk involved than general anaesthetic alternatives.
Of course, nothing is without risk completely, and complications are still possible, but infection rates, and anaesthetic complications are certainly more likely with surgical facelifts than non-surgical.
There is little better than coming home after a tough day and being able to relax and unwind from the comfort of your very own in-built home sauna.
Home saunas are also incredibly aesthetic and will be a stylish and stunning addition to your home that will impress family and friends like.
Despite being one of the most luxurious items it is possible to install in your home, home saunas are very well priced at this current moment in time due to advances in the manufacturing process and surprisingly economical to run.
Previously the play-thing of the rich and famous, many people are only now cottoning on to the fact that a home sauna is not only a possibility, but is within their budget and have begun to investigate further.
There are a huge range of different factors to consider when choosing a home sauna, including the type of sauna you would like, the design style of both the interior and exterior, the features you wish to be included, and the installation approach you take.
The guide is designed to help those in this situation giving you all the information that you need to choose an appropriate sauna for your lifestyle and maximise the benefits that you get out of it.
Why install a home sauna?
Before you go about deciding what sort of home sauna you want to install, you need to know that you want one in the first place.
After all, if you really need a sauna session every now and then you can always plan a trip to a local spa right?
Well, yes, but to get the maximum benefits from using saunas you really need to be using them on a regular basis and this couldn’t be easier than if you have one in your own home.
Furthermore, there is nothing quite like having your own space to relax and forget about your troubles whilst your body benefits from all the healing and detoxing effects that a sauna session can bring.
Here are just some of the biggest benefits of having a home sauna installed:
Stress Relief – The heat of a sauna will help your whole body to relax, letting you destress and forget about the worries of the outside world.
Soothe muscles – By increasing blood circulation saunas can help to soothe sore muscles, making them perfect for post sport and injury recovery.
Social hub – In Finland, saunas have been used for social purposes for centuries and are a great place to catch up with friends and family.
Strengthen immune system – Sauna bathing has a detoxifying effect on the body, removing impurities and reducing the risk of getting ill.
Improve Sleep – A sauna session before bed has been scientifically proven to improve sleep patterns.
Home Sauna types
There are two main types of home sauna that are commonly installed in the Glasgow area.
These are:
Traditional Finnish Saunas
When you picture a sauna, this is probably what you think of.
Made from timber, these traditional heated rooms have been used in Finland since around 7000 BC and are both incredibly stylish and highly effective.
They work by heating the room to a high temperature using a heating source such as electricity, a wood stove, or most traditionally with hot stones.
Infrared Saunas
Infrared saunas have taken the industry by storm, and come in a wide variety of different shapes, sizes, and designs.
Rather than heating the room around the user, infrared saunas use infrared waves to heat the body directly, creating a deep and highly relaxing sweat.
Due to this technique the room itself does not need to be heated as high and you can save money on energy bills as a result.
Which installation method is best?
When installing a home sauna, be it a traditional or an infrared design, it is always best to choose a professional sauna installation company rather than attempting DIY.
Whilst you will have to pay slightly more to have professionals put your sauna in place, this spend is more than worth it, and will save you a significant amount of money in the long term.
DIY installation, risks damaging the sauna and by bypassing a professional company, this may not be covered under a guarantee.
Sure saving around £2,000 on installation may seem like a great plan, but one mistake and your £9,000 sauna could be damaged beyond repair so know Edinburgh sauna prices prior to making the decision.
Some people even consider building their own saunas, but unless you are a highly qualified and skilled joiner and electrician, it is highly unlikely that the final result will be close to the quality or energy efficiency of a professionally designed, manufactured, and installed unit.
Bear in mind that even if you do attempt DIY installation successfully, you will still need to pay a qualified electrician to come in and check it complies with the required legislation.
Solar Panels work by converting the power of the sun into usable electricity that can help to power your home.
If you live in Scotland, it can sometimes be hard to believe that there is much sunlight to harness, but in reality, solar panels are incredibly efficient in this part of the world.
In fact, renewable energy in the country has exploded in recent years, with the total amount of electricity generated via renewable sources rising from just 31% in 2011 to 74% in 2018.
Whilst solar only accounts for a fraction of this productivity, unlike other renewables it can easily be used to power domestic as well as commercial properties, and many Scottish homeowners have been enjoying all the benefits for well over a decade.
Ready to join them? Here are some of the biggest reasons to consider installing solar panels in your home as well as some information on Government grants that may help you cover the initial cost of installation.
Reduce your carbon footprint
If you are looking to install solar panels there are probably two main advantages driving your decision; saving money and saving the planet.
Solar energy is one of the few truly renewable energy sources. Unlike other finite resources, we are not going to run out of solar energy, as least for the next 5 billion years or so.
Installing solar panels in your home will help you become far more energy efficient, reducing your carbon footprint, and your reliance on expensive and dirty fossil fuels.
If you are looking to take your home completely off-grid solar panels are likely to be a major part of your plans, but most simply use panels to supplement their existing energy usage.
Saving money
We are currently living through one of the worst energy crises in history. Gas and electricity prices are soaring due to high demand and low supply and there is even talks of blackouts over the winter months.
Having your own source of free, clean energy has never been more valuable and by installing solar panels you should see savings of at least £500 per year on your energy bills. The more prices rise, the more you save and by acting now you could protect yourself from any future market fluctuations.
Furthermore, installing solar panels now could actually see the value of your property rise should you decide to sell, with the majority of house buyers seeing solar panels as a valuable asset to have.
In the future, solar panels may well become an essential in Scotland homes in the same way as double glazing, and acting now will help you to get ahead of the curve.
Low Maintenance
Once your solar panels are installed all that is left for you to do is to sit back and enjoy your clean energy.
Solar systems require very little maintenance and any supplier worth the name will provide a warranty with a minimum of 15-25 years to cover any malfunctions.
All it takes to keep your solar panels in top condition is a professional clean every 6 months or so.
The only part of the solar panel system that will need to be replaced anytime soon is the inverter that needs to be changed every 5-10 years or so to ensure maximum efficiency.
This means that whilst the initial installation cost can be daunting, once you have Solar Panels Scotland in place, there is very little ongoing costs cutting into your energy bill savings
Funding
The Scottish Government has pledged to reach net zero carbon emissions by 2045.
In order to meet this target, rapid change is needed in regards to energy production across the country and a huge amount of investment in renewable energy is required.
For this reason, there have been several grants made available to help cover the cost of purchasing and installing solar panels aimed at incentivising homeowners to make the switch.
In the early stages of the solar panel revolution, the Scottish Government backed the Energy Savings Scotland Home Renewables Grant, that offered homeowners as much as 30% of the total installation costs of solar panel systems.
This scheme ended in 2010, however, and there are unfortunately no grants available that will directly pay for you to install solar panels.
Despite the fact that you cannot have solar panels installed for free, you may still be able to secure an interest free loan of up to £5,000 for the installation of a solar panel system that can be repaid over the next 5-10 years, under the Home Energy Scotland Loan scheme that replaced the Home Renewables Grant.
Given the dramatic decline in the cost of solar panel systems, down over 80% in the past decade, a loan of this size will cover over 90% of the installation cost for a standard solar panel system.
Your boiler and central heating are never more important than during the winter. It’s when you’re most reliant on them, and if anything goes wrong it can prove to be a total disaster. To prevent this, it’s vital to properly prepare your boiler and central heating systems before the cold sets in.
At CHS we have over 15 years of experience working with boilers and central heating systems across Scotland. The extensive experience we possess with central heating and boilers allows us to quickly resolve any problems you might have with your central heating.
In this article, we’ll discuss how you can properly prepare your central heating for the winter.
Why is it so important?
So why is it so important to get your boiler ready for the winter?
Boiler troubles are always a headache. While modern boiler designs are a lot more refined than older boilers and don’t suffer nearly as many issues, a boiler that isn’t properly maintained can quickly run into serious issues. It is vital that you keep on top of boiler maintenance if you want to avoid issues.
Winter is when you’re most reliant on your boiler. It’s when your boiler is under the most strain and is working its hardest to keep your home warm. If it isn’t in peak condition, then your boiler is going to struggle to deal with the increased demand.
If a breakdown happens in winter, you can still get help, but the problem is that winter is the busiest period for engineers. Not only are they dealing with the influx of repairs from broken down boilers, but many people often leave their annual service to the last minute and so engineers have to handle this as well.
This means if you are dealing with a break down in the winter you are likely going to have to wait longer for help. This is why preparing your boiler ahead of time and ensuring it is so important.
Getting your Boiler Ready for the Winter
So, what are the best ways to get your radiators ready for the winter?
The best ways all ensure that your boiler is working effectively and can provide your home warmth at maximum efficiency. They ensure your boiler isn’t put under additional strange and is in top shape to deal with the additional demands of the winter months, which can be
The most important step – getting it serviced
A majority of boiler manufacturers will recommend that you get your boilers serviced at least once a year.
Many boiler warranties will go further and expect your boiler be serviced once a year. If you fail to get your boiler serviced, you could potentially lose your warranty and all of the benefits it brings. Most boiler manufacturers will expect the boiler to be serviced by a certified gas safe engineer.
This on its own is good enough reason to get your boiler serviced. Losing the warranty could mean an invalidation of your home insurance when it comes to claims relating to your boiler.
But beyond that a service is vital for ensuring your boiler is in good shape. When an engineer examines your boiler, they’ll check all the components to ensure everything is working, clean the boiler, and replace any damaged or worn-out components.
By having a boiler service you’ll ensure your boiler is working as intended, is energy efficient, and meets important safety standards.
It’s best to have a boiler service done before the winter. If you’ve not yet had your boiler service, it’s important to organise it ASAP.
Test your Boiler
A common problem for boilers is that after a long period of disuse the sudden switch to regular use (i.e., the boiler being used daily during the winter after not being used for months prior) can prove to be a huge strain on the boiler.
Running your boiler for a few hours before the cold weather really begins to set in can be an excellent way to check if your boiler system is working as intended.
Insulating your Pipes
It’s not uncommon for the boiler condensate pipe to freeze during the winter. This is because during the condensing process standing water can be left in the pipes.
This is serious, because if the pipe freezes, then the boiler will stop working.
The pipe may not just freeze, it may outright burst. This can lead to serious leaks and water damage.
You should focus on insulating pipes which are in unheated spaces.
Insulating boiler pipes is a great option because it’s cheap and relatively easy to do. It can help you to avoid a very serious problem developing as well.
Staying on top of boiler pressure
Boilers need to stay at a specific temperature to function properly. Your boilers manual will cover this, and most boilers will have a gauge – marked by green and red sections indicating the optimum pressure. If your pressure is too low, your boiler will be inefficient at warming your home. The system simply work effectively. This can result in cold spots (or the radiators simply not heating up at all).
This is obviously a disaster in the winter because you’ll be forced to pay even more money to keep your home warm.
If the pressure is too high, then your boiler can begin to leak. This can result in serious damage occurring, not only to the boiler, but to your home.
Making sure your boilers pressure is optimal is vital. It ensures not only that your boiler remains operational and works as effectively as possible, which is key during the winter season.
The optimal pressure for your boiler will depend on the kind of boiler you have. Always check the manual to see what the optimum pressure should be.
Keeping a close eye on your radiators
Your radiators are a key part of your central heating. How they function is a good sign of the current state of your boiler and central heating.
If your radiators have cold spots or are cold near the top but warm near the bottom, it’s a good indicator you’ve got an issue with air in the radiators and that you’ll need to bleed them.
Bleeding radiators is simple. You’ll need a radiator key, a cloth, and a jug. Turning the key counter clockwise until there’s a ‘hissing’ sound (escaping air). Once the hissing sound vanishes and water begins to escape, turn the key clockwise. Use the jug to collect any water and stop spills. You should bleed the radiators furthest away from your boiler and begin with the radiator’s downstairs.
If the issues continue and or any dirty or brown water comes out of the radiator while you are bleeding it, you may need to get a power flush.
Power flushing
Overtime your heating system will accumulate debris – rust, dirt, and other material. This forms sludge. It can really harm the energy efficiency of your homes heating system, and it can end up damaging the boiler to the point the only option you have is to get a replacement one.
The best way to handle this problem is power flushing. A power flush is a vital part of boiler maintenance, and it should be carried out 5 to 6 years after you’ve installed a boiler. It involves the circulation of powerful chemicals through your heating system.
By getting a power flush, you can make sure your boiler is in top condition before the winter. At CHS, we provide expert power flushing services.
System Filters
One of the best ways you can ensure your boiler remains energy efficient is by attaching a system filter.
Magnetic system filters are a simple kit which can be added to your central heating system. This is designed to extract the metallic sludge which overtime builds up in the system. Because water travels through the pipes, they tend to rust, and this can become dislodged and end up clumping together with dirt in the system to form sludge. Sludge can cause serious problems. We’ve already discussed cold spots and issues with energy efficiency, but it can also result in breakdowns and demand a power flush. The work required to deal with this is costly and invasive – the worst kind of work to need when you’re in the dead of winter.
Magnetic filters work by extracting the rust from the water as it travels, helping to stop the formation of sludge. It cannot deal with pre-existing sludge however, so it’s best used on a new boiler and central heating system.
This can be a fantastic way to protect your boiler and central heating in the long run.
Be ready to bring in the experts
There’s a lot you can do to protect your boiler and central heating from failures, but sometimes you’re going to have to rely on experts for help.
CHS Home Glasgow has a wide range of effective heating care plans and options that’ll ensure any boiler issues you face are handled quickly. We can carry out repairs on a wide range of different boiler brands. As a Which? Trusted Trader, we promise you quick, reliable services, ensuring you are never dealing with boiler issues for long.
If you are facing criminal charges it is vital that you have the very best criminal defence lawyer by your side.
Failing to do so could have dire consequences with the punishments for criminal convictions including a loss of reputation and employment at best and serious jail time at worst.
Far too many lose criminal cases due to being unprepared before trial and not having hired a lawyer with the appropriate experience or expertise.
The criminal court process is confusing, lengthy, and complex, and it is important to have an experienced criminal lawyer to guide you through the process and help build the strongest possible defence.
Many people, usually in a bid to save money, choose to either represent themselves or use the public defender provided but this is a mistake.
Consider, is the money that you would have to spend on a top criminal defence lawyer really worth more to you than having the best possible chance of a positive outcome in your criminal trial?
6 traits all great criminal lawyers posses
So, we have established the importance of finding a great criminal lawyer, but how exactly do you go about doing so?
Well, to become a criminal lawyer in the first place you have to have an in-depth knowledge of how the law works and a quick look at some online reviews will give you a good idea of a lawyer’s competence and track record.
However, what really sets apart a top lawyer is their character, and there are certain traits that those at the very top of their profession possess.
Here are the top 6 traits to look for when meeting with a criminal defence lawyer for the very first time:
Confidentiality
As your lawyer in a criminal case, an attorney will have access to privileged and often deeply personal information that must not be shared.
All lawyers are bound by attorney-client privilege and must not reveal any sensitive information, whether it influences the case or otherwise.
Negotiating
When you think of a great criminal lawyer you picture a courtroom with them presenting a compelling case to a jury or objecting at the perfect time to discredit the opposing counsel.
Whilst this may be required in your case, many criminal cases are settled outside of court and it is crucial that your lawyer is an expert at negotiating in these discussions.
Confidence
A lawyer should exude confidence and to the casual observer it should always appear that they have total belief that the case they are presenting will be successful.
They must take control of the courtroom if proceedings go that far as any form of passive approach will be instantly exploited and used by the other party’s lawyer to their advantage.
Decision making
The best laid plans and all that. No matter how watertight a defence you and your lawyer think you have prepared there is always the chance that a new piece of evidence comes to light that requires an instant pivot in another direction.
A criminal lawyer must be adaptable and able to process information and act on it in the most appropriate manner at a split second’s notice.
Communication
Public speaking and negotiating are vital in a lawyer but it is also important that they communicate effectively with you, keeping you abreast of the latest developments and being on hand should you have any questions or concerns about how things are progressing.
You will be able to get a good idea of your lawyer’s personality in your initial consultation and if you do not feel as though you will be able to work together effectively or that you are comfortable sharing private details with them, it is time to go elsewhere.
Listening skills
A criminal defence lawyer will provide you with advice based on their experience and expertise but at the end of the day they are representing you, and you have the final say on the approach taken during the case.
Your lawyer should listen carefully to what you have to say, take on board all the details that you provide, and then develop a plan based on all the information available.
If they are not listening carefully or do not take all minor details into account a mistake could be made that completely compromises your defence.
Honesty
A Defense Lawyer should not make promises that they are unable to deliver on. Many different unexpected things can happen during a criminal case that throw even the strongest defence into chaos.
If there is a good chance that being found not guilty in court is impossible, they should be upfront and suggest that a settlement may be the best chance of minimising the damage done.
You also want someone who will relay the latest developments, good or bad, to you straight away, so that you are never left in the dark regarding the state of your case.
