On our radar: Briiv Air Filter

We’ve had a couple of lovely sunny days over the Easter period. With all this recent sunshine, I’ve noticed the huge number of particles in the air when beams of light shine through the bedroom Velux window in the morning. Dust, dog fur, dander, wood-burner emissions, mould spores and goodness knows what else. I dread to think what we’re breathing in as we sleep!

I looked online into gadgets that clean the air and discovered the Briiv Air Filter; what a beauty. The company describes it as, “The most sustainable, recyclable air purifier on Earth”. The unit is fitted with two filters which last for a year; one is made of moss and the other coconut fibre. It looks like a mini terrarium – more of a houseplant than a household appliance!

Of course, like any 21^st century smart home device worth its salt, the Briiv Air Filter connects to your wi-fi and can be controlled using an app on your smartphone.

It currently retails at £329 which is a huge outlay, but they claim that it only costs £3.64 per year to run (based on the device being switched on for 6 hours per day).

Easy ways to DIY your home move

Moving home can be pricey, and one of the biggest costs is often hiring movers. It’s not just the cost of the van, but also paying for the labour of movers who are going to help you out. For many people, it’s worth it if it means less stress and less likelihood of damage to either themselves or their possessions. But if your main aim is to save some money, you might be thinking about taking the DIY route instead. Doing it yourself may take more time, but it could be a lot more affordable if you do it in the right way.

Get some handy moving supplies

You don’t necessarily need any fancy equipment to move. If you don’t have much stuff, you can even do it with a few bags or boxes and a car. But when you have more to move, it’s much easier when you have some handy tools. Before your move, have a look at Evo Supplies to see if there’s any handy equipment that will make your move easier. A trolley or skate will definitely make it simpler to move around larger and heavier objects. You’ll also want to look at packing materials to get all of your stuff packed up.

Hire a moving van

As mentioned before, a car could be fine if you don’t have a lot to move. Maybe you only need to move a few suitcases of clothes or boxes of books. But if you have any furniture, especially larger pieces, it makes a lot more sense to hire a moving van. You can save a lot of money by hiring the van yourself and doing all the work of moving. It gives you more flexibility too, allowing you to decide when you’re going to complete each stage of your move.

Enlist the help of friends

It’s long been something people have done when it’s time to move home. Get friends or family involved, and then reward them with food or drink. It’s a favour you’re sure to return if they ever need you. Many hands make light work, and your friends can help you load and unload everything a lot quicker compared to if you were on your own. But be careful about having too many people. You don’t want there to be so many of you that you get in each other’s way. You need to be able to delegate tasks in a sensible way.

Be organised and methodical

Take an organised approach to your move. Long before moving day actually arrives, start thinking about how you’re going to do it. Use lists and spreadsheets to organise the tasks you need to do and everything you need to pack. There are different ways to pack up your home, whether you do it room by room or perhaps pack things in different categories. Your move will go a lot smoother if you’re methodical in your approach.

Moving without the help of professional workers can save you money, but it’s also more work. Make sure you’re prepared to do it all yourself.

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The importance of water testing in your home

Water is a vital element in our lives. It serves critical purposes like drinking and agricultural use, and gives life to all living things on earth. Water quality is highly overlooked, and in most cases, people assume that the water they’re drinking from the tap is clean and pure. However, this is not always true, as it can sometimes be contaminated with harmful bacteria, parasites and chemicals.

Ensuring that water is of good quality is very important, especially if it’s intended for human and animal consumption. That’s why regular water testing is advisable. Water testing is the procedure of analysing water for contaminants that are harmful to health. In this post, we delve into the importance of regular water testing in our homes.

Detection of potential contaminants and hazards

Regular water testing helps spot potential problems like bacteria, viruses, chemicals and metals early. This enables you to take quick action to fix them early and guarantee that the water is safe for consumption and other uses.

Prevent health risks associated with water contamination

Frequently examining water for factors like nutrient level, alkalinity, dissolved oxygen and PH level helps to protect the health of the people using and consuming the water.

Offers important data required for water quality

Identifying potential water contaminants helps improve the overall water quality by implementing the right treatment. Testing your water also helps meet the set rules and regulations of the required safety standards of drinking water.

It helps in making informed decisions

The results of water testing can help in making wise decisions about how to use water and its purity. They can also help identify which water is suitable for drinking, irrigation, livestock watering or spraying.

Protecting the environment

Constant water testing protects the environment and keeps it safe by identifying toxins. This helps keep the pollutant out of the water sources and reduces the chances of contamination

Develop a sense of security

Knowing that your water is tested and meets the required standards gives you confidence that you and other household members are safe to drink and wash in water without it causing any health problems.

Cost saving

Assessing the quality of your water helps save money in the long run. It cuts the cost associated with water management expenses, which can be relatively high if the causes of water contamination aren’t addresses at promptly.

Conclusion

Understanding the source of your water is the first step to improving its quality. Whether you are using open water, surface water, spring water or well water, it’s important to undertake regular water tests.

With the right water testing kits, it’s very quick and easy to test the condition of your water. Send it to a trustworthy laboratory and receive reliable results from experts in just a few days. When choosing a kit, make sure it’s simple to use, requires no experience and offers free return packaging.

In addition, investing in a water filter system is important to ensure you and your family are safe with the water you’re consuming.

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Keeping your home dry and safe: Sump pump safety tips for homeowners

Hey there, homeowners! If you have a basement or reside in a flood-prone area, you’re probably familiar with the reliable sump pump. This humble yet essential device helps dry your basement and prevent water damage. However, like any equipment, it necessitates proper care and attention to ensure optimal functionality when required. Let’s dive into some friendly sump pump safety tips to help you protect your home from water woes.

Regular maintenance checks

Just like you’d give your car a routine check-up, your sump pump also needs some TLC. Arrange regular maintenance checks to verify that everything is functioning correctly. During the inspection, look for signs of damage, such as fractures or insecure connections. Additionally, clear out any debris that may have accumulated in the pump or the pit to prevent potential blockages.

Test your pump

Don’t wait for a rainy day to determine if your sump pump works correctly. Regular testing involves pouring water into the sump pump pit until the float activates the pump to switch on. This straightforward test can provide peace of mind, ensuring your pump is prepared to function when necessary.

Backup power

Power outages often happen during storms, which is when you depend most on your sump pump. Invest in a battery backup or a generator to ensure your pump keeps running even when the lights go out. Investing in a sump pump backup system is a small expense that can prevent significant headaches later.

Install a sump pump alarm

Sometimes, pumps fail without warning. Installing a sump pump alarm can alert you if there’s a problem, such as a high-water level or pump failure. This pre-emptive alert system offers sufficient time to resolve the issue before it becomes a significant catastrophe.

Keep the discharge pipe clear

The outflow pipe carries water originating from the sump pump away from your home. Ensure it’s clear of obstructions, such as debris or ice build-up. Regularly check the pipe to confirm that it redirects water away from your foundation, preventing any seepage back into your basement.

Know when to replace

Even with regular maintenance, sump pumps have a lifespan. Usually, they last approximately ten years, although this can vary depending on how frequently they are used and their quality. Monitor the age of your pump and be prepared to replace it when necessary to avoid unexpected failures.

Maintain proper drainage

Prevention is key to sump pump safety. Make sure that your gutters and downpipes are free of debris and effectively redirect water away from your home’s foundation. Proper drainage can reduce the amount of water entering your sump pump pit, lessening the pump’s workload.

Consider a professional inspection

If you’re uncertain about the condition of your sump pump or want an expert opinion, consider hiring a professional to inspect it. They can identify potential issues and recommend necessary repairs or replacements.

Hire a professional plumbing artisan

When uncertain or dealing with complex issues, it’s advisable not to hesitate to call a professional plumbing artisan. They have the expertise and tools to thoroughly assess your sump pump system, detect hidden problems, perform repairs and offer valuable advice on maintaining optimal pump performance.

Check valve functionality

The check valve is crucial in your sump pump system, as it prevents water from flowing back into the pit when the pump shuts off. Regularly inspect the check valve to ensure it’s operating correctly. A plumbing artisan can help replace a faulty check valve to maintain the pump’s efficiency.

Monitor pump noise and vibrations

Unusual noises or excessive vibrations from your sump pump can indicate underlying issues. Pay attention to any changes in sound or movement, and consult a plumbing engineer if you notice anything unusual. Dealing with problems promptly can stop minor issues from turning into significant repair efforts.

Keep an eye on water levels

Periodically check the water level in your sump pump pit, especially during rainy seasons or after heavy storms. If the water level seems higher than usual or your pump runs more frequently, it could increase the risk of flooding. Contact a plumbing professional to evaluate the situation and suggest suitable measures.

Consider upgrading to a dual pump system

Consider upgrading to a dual-pump system for increased peace of mind and enhanced protection against flooding. This setup includes a primary pump and a backup pump, providing redundancy in case the primary pump fails or there is an overwhelming water influx. Consult a plumbing artisan to determine if a dual pump system suits your home.

In conclusion, safeguarding your home against water damage involves installing a reliable sump pump and implementing regular maintenance and safety measures. By following the sump pump safety tips outlined in this guide, you’re taking proactive steps to protect your home and keep your basement dry and comfortable. Routine maintenance guarantees that your sump pump is ready to tackle any challenges Mother Nature may throw. These actions can significantly reduce the risk of water-related disasters, from conducting routine checks and testing your pump to investing in backup power and consulting a professional plumbing artisan when needed.

Your home is a valuable investment, and taking care of its foundational elements, such as the sump pump system, is key to its longevity and peace of mind. So, stay proactive, stay informed and stay safe and dry, homeowners! You can withstand any storm with the appropriate precautions and maintain your home as a sanctuary for many years.

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