A Buyer’s Guide For Choosing The Right Hardwood Flooring

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Guide to Engineered Wood Flooring

Engineered Wood Flooring is the perfect choice if you desire a beautiful wooden floor but would like something which can withstand rapid changes in temperatures and is easy to install.

If you’re considering installing Engineered Wood Flooring then continue reading this guide to discover the pros and cons, the different types available and tips on keeping it looking its very best!

What is Engineered Wood Flooring?

Engineered Wood Flooring is made of a core of hardwood or plywood, with a layer of hardwood veneer on the top of the surface. It’s still made of genuine wood so it gives any space the same contemporary look and feel which solid wood offers.

Engineered Wood Flooring ranges in thickness, depending on the quality, but is typically between 7-22mm.

Underneath the top veneer are several more layers of thin wood all glued together. This makes them less prone to movement which humidity can cause.

What are the benefits of choosing Engineered Wood Flooring?

The main benefit of choosing Engineered Wood Flooring over Solid Wood is that due to the way it’s manufactured, with all the layers of wood, it’s less prone to movement and therefore can withstand rapid changes in temperatures and humidity.

Engineered wood is considered as hard-wearing, this is because the way the flooring has been constructed it makes it a lot tougher than solid wood. Therefore, if you have a big family or pets, engineered wood is built to withstand the footfall of your family.

Another huge advantage which many homeowners enjoy is that Engineered Wood Flooring is easy to install. With the option of a click system it means the flooring just clicks together, like laminate flooring.

 

Where To Lay?

Anywhere it won’t be exposed to water or humidity. Wooden stairs are very difficult to lay and fitting around places such as toilet pans is hard to achieve a good finish.

BENEFITS

  • It is more resistant to moisture and heat compared to solid hardwood.
  • It’s construction method makes it more stable than a piece of solid wood; it is less likely to buckle or gap.
  • You can install engineered hardwood flooring at any level, including below ground. In contrast, solid hardwood floors cannot be installed in basements.
  • It is more attractive than laminate flooring and cheaper than comparable solid wood planks.
  • It is highly durable and long-lasting.

DRAWBACKS

  • There are very few drawbacks, but tongue-and-groove is harder to install than click-lock.
  • It can be a lot more expensive than laminate.

 

Where to use engineered wood flooring

Hard wearing engineered wood flooring can be used in most areas of the home including dining and living rooms, hallways, kitchens and bedrooms. However, it’s important to remember that it’s still a natural product, so we do not recommend engineered wood flooring in bathrooms or any other high moisture environment where there is a potential for leaks such as utility rooms. If you are choosing your floor for the kitchen or hallway, we recommend a lacquer finish as it is easier to maintain and is better at resisting spills and marks than an oiled floor.

If your home has water or electric under floor heating, then engineered wood is completely safe and suitable for use as its stable enough to withstand temperatures of up to 27 degrees. However, when turning on the underfloor heating for the first time, or after a prolong period of being turned off, increase the temperature gradually over a period of days so that the floor can acclimatise to the change.

 

What are the different species of Engineered Wood Flooring?

There are many different species of engineered wood flooring to choose from, depending on your taste and budget.

Different wood species have varying degrees of hardness. However, this doesn’t necessarily affect their durability – a softer wood may still deal with wear and tear quite well. Different species of wood will also react differently to light and moisture. Maple for example, does not cope well with changing temperatures so Oak or Walnut would be better suited for underfloor heating.

It is important to consider the species of wood carefully when selecting a flooring.

 

Why Choose Engineered Hardwood Flooring?

beauty to your home, there is no substitute for genuine hardwood flooring. Whereas both engineered and solid hardwood floors are both made from 100% real wood, there are significant differences in their overall construction. These aforementioned differences give rise to two very different products with very different appeals. Engineered hardwood flooring construction has several benefits over solid hardwood. Firstly, engineered hardwood reacts favourably to temperature and humidity. With solid hardwood flooring, any changes in either temperature or relative humidity can cause the boards to warp, gap or buckle. Engineered wood flooring, on the other hand, is more dimensionally stable, due to its multi-layer construction. The dimensional stability of engineered wood means it can be used with underfloor heating and in areas where humidity fluctuates, such as kitchens, conservatories, rooms with log burners and rooms with large amounts of glazing. Engineered wood floors offer an advantage in their installation method. Solid hardwood must usually be nailed down to a plywood subfloor. Engineered wood can be either stapled or glued down over a wood or concrete subfloor. Furthermore, some engineered wood floors can be installed using a ‘floating’ system, where the planks are fastened to one another, and are simply ‘floated’ over padding or underlayment. There is little difference in cost between solid hardwood flooring and engineered hardwood flooring. In fact, engineered wood flooring will generally cost you less than solid wood for the same look, because less of the ‘species’ tree is used to create engineered wood. Plus, freight costs are lower with engineered wood, because it is lighter in weight, and therefore less costly to transport; this also means that the product is more environmentally friendly, as it uses less CO2 to transport it in the long run.

A Practical Guide Camera Operator

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Camera Operator – Do’s and Don’ts for a Camera Operator

What does a camera operator do? Qualifications and training | Key skills

Camera operators are employed by television and cable companies, film production companies and video production houses. They are responsible for operating a variety of technical equipment including single and multiple portable cameras, remote-control and electronic cameras, cranes and mobile mountings. Other responsibilities include:

  • Assembling And Setting Up Equipment
  • Planning, Preparing And Rehearsing Scenes
  • Following Camera Scripts
  • Creatively Framing And Capturing Action
  • Responding Quickly To Directions
  • Liaising with lighting and technical staff.

The job can be physically tiring and demanding, often requiring travel between locations and long and irregular working hours.

 

Assess Your Physical, Technical and People Skills

Your path to becoming an operator starts with taking a self-assessment. Since a camera operator does indeed operate camera equipment and its related accessories (which can add up to over 100 lbs with the most sophisticated camera packages), there is a level of comfort with the physical and technical nature of the work that you must be able and willing to develop. Learning about the highly technical specifications and capabilities of cameras, audio equipment and lighting is the foundation of becoming an operator. If you are fascinated with gadgets and new technology and you can’t keep yourself from experimenting with your camera settings and the video editing software on your computer, you might have what it takes for the multi-year process to learn the craft.

Another area of self-assessment is about your comfort level with teamwork. While camera operators must make lots of independent decisions while shooting, they also engage in lots of teamwork and coordination for successful productions to occur. Networking and relationship building is also essential to for getting work and referrals. If you think you can commit to establishing and building trusted relationships and fulfill your obligations to other professionals in the field you will be on the right track to a successful camera operator career.

Aspiring operators also need to assess their ability to develop a camera operators “eye.” This is an eye for capturing the right shots and for assessing, choosing and shaping environments so you can setup good shots. There are online classes and formal high school, undergraduate and graduate programs that teach the basic concepts that must be understood to develop this eye. The basic introductory concepts that are taught include framing, light, composition, color and shading. Most education programs teach these concepts and then help you apply these concepts with equipment training. Education includes how equipment is chosen and manipulated to fulfill your aesthetic goals. It covers lenses and lens selection, exposure, frame rates, resolution, and depth of field. Training also generally includes how to select and choose audio and lighting equipment. If you find yourself engaged with the concepts and enjoying the hands-on experience of these concepts you are on the right track to a career that could work for you.

 

What Are Some Of The Dos And Don’ts That You Need To Be Aware Of As The Main Camera Operator On A Production?

Many people think that the director is the most important person on any production. While the director is indeed important, you have to have an excellent team around you to enable you to direct or produce anything good.

This being said, one of the most important positions on a shoot is the camera operator. They are responsible for knowing so much more than other parts of a production team. The sheer number of terms and camera operating insights that a camera operator needs to know is vast. Combine this with the fact that they need to be good at taking direction – and not really getting any outside credit for a great shot, leaves some camera operators unhappy, to say the least.

So much goes into making a movie or a television show – or most any production for that matter, that it is very important that you (camera operator) know your way around the camera. Of course we all understand that you need to have a certain sense of professionalism and be ready to work, but what are some of the dos and don’ts that you need to be aware of as the main camera operator on a production?

Do’s

Know and Understand the Rule of Thirds

One of the first things many of you camera operators should have been taught is the “rule of thirds.” If you have no idea what I am talking about here, then you probably need to study your trait a little more.

Rule of Thirds: Divide the frame into three horizontal and three vertical sections. The area where the lines intersect will make for the ideal location for the important parts of your picture (shot). Place the main subject of the shot into one of these spots.

Understand the Concept of White Balance

White balance is a hugely important aspect of operating a camera. Since a camera does not recognize – nor understand, the color white, it is important to adjust the white balance on the camera properly.

White Balance: Removing unrealistic color casts so that objects that appear white look correct on camera, as well as blend with the other colors properly.

Understand How To Create Depth in Your Shot

Surprisingly, this aspect of setting up a shot completely puzzles many camera operators. If you look at a lot of homemade video, or video that is done documentary style, you can see that there is not a lot of depth within the shot. Photography and video is 2D, you as the camera operator need to distinguish foreground, middle ground and background. This needs to be established before the shot, as you can’t do it after the camera starts rolling.

Be Willing to Take Direction

As was stated above, you are the one setting the shot up – and even putting the shot together from start to finish, depending on the director, yet you have to be willing to take less credit for the final product, and you also have to be willing to change a shot. Even if you think the shots wrong, the director is still in charge.

Understand the Rules of Composition

If you are behind the camera – especially on a big production, and you don’t know most of these terms, you are in over your head. It will catch up with you. Know these!

 

Don’ts

Don’t Forget About Audio

80% of most shows are audio. Audio usually presents more postproduction problems than any other aspect of a shoot. As a camera operator you may think you don’t have to worry about audio. Nothing could be further from the truth. You are responsible – especially on single camera shoots for the audio.

Don’t Come to Work Looking Unprofessional

Just because you are behind the camera does not mean you can show up looking any way you want. It is important to wear proper attire, come to work clean and ready to go. I have seen good camera operators being dismissed from a set because of their lack of professionalism.

Don’t Act Like a Know it All

Leave this part to the director and/or producer of the event you are working on. While it is true that you may know more in one aspect or another, never act like you are above them on the shoot. This will only lead to a struggle for power that you will lose 99% of the time.

Don’t Come Unprepared

You may be the best camera operator in the world, but if you come to a shoot unprepared, it is not going to reflect well on you at all. Everyone else will have done what they needed to ahead of time, so make sure you know exactly what is going on ahead of time.

Don’t Be Afraid To Speak Up

Sometimes a shot is just not working. Don’t be afraid to say something to the director about it. You want to let them know they are not getting the absolute best shot. It is up to them from there whether they want to change or not.

 

Qualifications and training required

There are routes into camera operating for both university graduates and school leavers.

Practical skills, enthusiasm and relevant experience are usually more highly valued than academic qualifications, although a television, film, photography, media studies or performing arts degree will be helpful. It is important to be able to demonstrate a genuine interest in the work, backed up with evidence of theoretical competency and good technical abilities. Experience can be gained via amateur photography, film or video work and/or relevant hobbies.

Safe New Electric Circuits Practices And Live Working

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Can electrical circuits be added to current fuse box?

If we do a loft conversion and add new electrical circuits, can these be added to a fuse box which was fitted in 2014 (plastic) which has space? Or does this new circuit require a new metal cased fuse box? What is required to pass building regs?

would replace the fuse board with a new metal one which is up to regulations. Your electrician may also add an additional new board separately to your old and running a separate circuit just to the loft. Without viewing your job first would enable us to advise fully.

Yes, electrical circuits can be added to a fuse box if certain conditions are met, e.g age of Installation, spare ways available, total current demand will not exceed your main fuse rating e.tc. Some Installations will meet all of these conditions especially if your Installation is Inspected and tested periodically.

It will need to comply with current regulations so you could have a separate RCD Board for the Loft conversion which means you do not have to change whole fuse board

You can add them to this board as long as the regulations at the time of installation where met. The whole board will need to be tested and certified if a new circuit is added though, so whilst this is being done it is often not a bad idea to upgrade to the latest specification board.

 

How to Design Electric Circuits and Wiring Plans for Your Kitchen

In a typical home, the kitchen has the heaviest electricity consumption. Since you need to plug in multiple appliances that have different electrical power requirements, create a wiring plan before buying construction electrical material and equipment, or building electric circuits for space.

Unlike other rooms in your home, you cannot use a single circuit to provide power to different electrical fittings and appliances in the kitchen. If you’re planning a major kitchen remodel or building a new home, common kitchen appliances will need separate electric circuits in your electrical wiring plan.

Refrigerator

While you might have a small refrigerator plugged into a general electrical circuit designed for lighting or small appliances, newer models typically require a dedicated circuit. Add a 120/125-volt, 20-amp circuit for a refrigerator in your wiring plan, and make sure you’re using 12/2 NM electrical wire with ground.

Dishwasher

Dishwashers require almost the same kind of electrical circuits as modern refrigerators with slightly lower amperage, i.e. 120/125-volt, 15-amp, and you need to use 14/2 NM electrical wire with ground. If you’re planning to power a garbage disposer with the same circuit as a dishwasher, use a 20-amp circuit. Install a slightly longer wire than needed, so the dishwasher does not need to be disconnected completely while being pulled out and serviced.

Electric Range

While a gas range uses a 120/125-volt electrical circuit, you need to install a 240/250-volt, 50-amp circuit with 6/3 NM electrical cables or #6 THHN electrical wire in a conduit for an electric range. Position the receptacle keeping in mind that the range will need to be pushed back to the wall. Even if you aren’t currently using an electric range, include a dedicated outlet for it in your kitchen wiring plan. It will help if you decide to switch to an electric range in the future, or even put your property up for sale!

 

How To Add A Circuit And Satisfy Your Lust For Power

Getting nervous because the lights dim and flicker every time the fridge kicks on? Finally got that new table saw, but the breaker trips every time you fire it up? Sounds like it might be time to add a circuit. With a few simple tools and supplies, a bit of electrical knowledge, and a LOT of caution, it’s a fairly simple project. We’ll show you how to add a circuit to your existing circuit breaker.

Be aware that it can be dangerous to add a circuit. It involves removing the cover from your breaker box, and working near live wiring. If you’re not REALLY careful, it can kill you, which would likely put a damper on your whole project. If you’re uncomfortable doing this type of work, or you’re fairly accident-prone – or you really do have lights that dim and flicker – call in an electrician.

Tools And Supplies You Need To Add A Circuit

There are two types of cable, commonly known as Romex, most frequently used in household wiring. Lighting or other relatively light-duty circuits generally use 14-gauge wire. For appliances and other circuits where there will be higher current draw, 12-gauge wiring is typically used. Both are readily available at home centers and hardware stores, as are these other tools and materials.

  • Wire strippers
  • A hammer
  • A drywall saw (for old work)
  • Regular and Phillips head screwdrivers
  • Outlet boxes, either old work or new work
  • Outlets and switches for new circuit, either 15-amp or 20-amp
  • Romex cable: 14-2 for lighting circuits, 12-2 for tools or appliances
  • Wire staples
  • A cable clamp, one for each circuit being added
  • Wire nuts or push-in connectors
  • A circuit breaker compatible with your breaker box. Get a 15-amp breaker for 14-ga. wire, a 20-amp breaker for 12-ga. For outdoor or damp locations, GFCI breakers are available, and may be used in place of GFCI outlets.

I’m Not Yanking Your Chain – It’s Easy To Add A Circuit!

On a recent project, I added 25 four-foot LED shop lights in my new shop building (stay tuned, that article is up next). Even though LED lights are very energy efficient, if I’d added them all onto an existing circuit, my new nickname would probably be “Sparky.”

 

How to Wire a Simple 120v Electrical Circuit

Hiring an electrician is usually the best way to go where 120 volt circuits are concerned, but if you are up to it, you might save money by doing some basic electrical work yourself. This article covers the steps for installing a simple 15A (15ampere) circuit with one receptacle.

Turn off the power feeding the panel you are going to be working in. It may help to take a few minutes to familiarize yourself with all of the tips in the related wikiHow article on “How to Master Do It Yourself Electrical Safety”. Shut off all the individual circuit breakers in the panel and then shut off the main switch that supplies power to the panel. This is preferable as it is much safer to operate many smaller current devices, one at a time; than to operate a single, large current device just once. When all the smaller circuit breakers are off, the amount of current flowing through the larger 50, 100 (or more) amp circuit breaker should be zero

This wikiHow is about wiring a simple electrical circuit. It doesn’t cover the following information, which may vary depending on the type of installation you are doing, and the type of existing wiring you may be connecting to.

Choosing and installing electrical boxes.

Selecting and installing conduit.

Upgrading an existing electrical panel box to accommodate a new circuit.

Look at the following requirements that must be considered before proceeding with this project. These are beyond the scope of this article, so these items should be addressed before starting.

You will need to get and install the receptacle (junction) box. For flush installation in a drywall wall, you may choose a cut in or repair type, for other installations, a surface mounted cast aluminum or PVC weather resistant (damp location) box may be applicable.

You will need to determine the path for the wires between the receptacle box and the electrical panel box.

You will need to install conduit if you use single insulated wires.

Install the actual wires if you use a non-metallic cable (Romex).

Measure the distance from the electrical panel box to the location your new outlet will be installed, following the path you have selected, and trying to determine the actual distance the wire must run. Allow a little extra for corners, especially if you are installing in conduit, since these have ride radius curves for turning sharp angles. Also, allow at least 24 inches for hooking the wires to the breaker or fuse block and neutral and ground terminals in the panel box, and 6 or 8 inches for terminating in the receptacle box

 

Cost to Replace a Fuse Box or Consumer Unit

Trying to find out how much a new fusebox costs? In this article we discuss the price of replacing and installing a new consumer unit in terms of labour and installation costs.

How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Consumer Unit?

The cost of replacing a consumer unit depends on how big your house is and which type of consumer unit you choose. For most homes, a high integrity consumer unit that can carry ten circuits at 100A is the best choice

Consumer Unit Prices

The cost to replace a consumer unit varies depending on the number of circuits and the type of unit

Cost Based on Number of Circuits

These prices are based on different numbers of circuits in a High Integrity consumer unit at 100A, as this is the most popular option

Labour Costs and Timescales

The cost of labour and the length of the job will depend on how many circuits your home is split into. The large your home, the more circuits there will be. Normally there are individual circuits for the lights and sockets on each floor. Then separate circuits for each bathroom and the large appliances in the kitchen. The specifics will depend on how your home was wired.

Commercial Electrical Maintenance Apprentices Get New Exam

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PROFESSIONAL MASTER ELECTRICAL SERVICES

As a Registered Master Electrician, Electrical relies on robust quality assurance, health & safety, risk management, reporting and sustainability systems and processes. We are committed to the environment and assist all our customers in making informed decisions to reduce electrical consumption by utilising power saving techniques and products.

Electrical has been the local leader in commercial development and maintenance; their success is derived through accurate project planning, impeccable onsite staff and an unwavering commitment to client satisfaction. Electrical call on their vast network of creative suppliers and sub contractors to ensure that a total solution is presented to any project or maintenance contract and that no substitutes for quality or health and safety will be accepted.

business established to change the face of the volunteer travel experience. Established and now cemented right here it was an exciting project to be part of. With dynamic and aesthetically pleasing design this office space has been developed into a place of comfort by forward thinking designers

Following the completion and success of the boutique accommodation the demand increased to more beds. Leading the renovation of the old White Hart Building the Left Wing retains its industrial influence while maintaining nothing but class for service and style.

With the demand increasing on the hospitals current capacity the left wing was introduced to increase bed capacity and specialist service spaces. Electrical Ltd has held a long standing and successful relationship with spanning back nearly a decade.

 

WHAT ELECTRICAL WORK DO YOU NEED HELP?

OFFER A RANGE OF ELECTRICAL SERVICES FOR RESIDENTIAL PROJECTS…

If you’re building or renovating, we can help you with your electrical work and layout.  It’s important to plan all electrical work early, like what lighting design you want, where the power points should be and so on. We can help guide you through this process and in turn this will save you time and money further down the track.

ARE YOU A BUILDER LOOKING FOR A RELIABLE ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR?

We understand the importance of getting the job done on time. Electrical are reliable, prompt, highly organised, and provide functional electrical fit-outs and maintenance services

With a team of Electrical Industry experts, Electrical are well equipped to complete your electrical work, with all the personal touch and convenience of a local company run by a passionate owner/operator.

HOUSEHOLD MAINTENANCE

FROM A WIRING CHECK TO ONGOING PROPERTY MAINTENANCE…

We provide you with a residential maintenance service that is professional and friendly. Whether you need us now, later, or on a regular basis, get it fixed promptly.

COMMERCIAL FITOUTS

ELECTRICAL PRIDE THEMSELVES IN COMPLETING YOUR COMMERCIAL WORK EFFICIENTLY AND ON TIME…

Electrical are reliable, prompt, highly organised, and provide functional electrical fitout services for business owners, facility managers, builders and project managers. Our office staff send you quotes, invoices, and adjustments for variations on time.

 

FAQ’S

Q: What is the proper way to bond Corrugated Stainless Steel Tubing (CSST)?

A: Please refer to manufacturer’s installation instructions and review the following documents:

Direct Bonding of Standard (Yellow) CSST

2009 National Fuel Gas Code Excerpt

NFPA 70, National Electrical Code, 2014

Q: When is a permit/inspection required?

A: Electrical permits/inspections are required for all new installations and alterations unless ALL of the following conditions are met:

  • The Installation is performed by a licensed Electrical Contractor, Residential Electrical Contractor or their employees.
  • The installation does not in any way involve work within a new or existing switchboard or panelboard.
  • The installation does not exceed 30 amps.
  • The installation does not exceed 277 volts, single phase.

Q: I am a homeowner. Will I have to be licensed to wire my own house?

A: No, a license is not required for an owner of property performing work on the owner’s principal residence that qualifies for the homestead tax exemption, if such residence is an existing dwelling rather than new construction, and is not larger than a single-family dwelling. A new house will require the electrical work to be performed by a licensed Electrical Contractor or Residential Electrical Contractor. Inspections are required for all new electrical installations regardless of whether a license is required.

Q: What electrical code is adopted by the state?

A: Per Iowa Administrative Code 661-504.1, the provisions of the National Electric Code, 2017 Edition, published by the National Fire Protection Association are adopted as the requirements for electrical installations performed by licensed electricians.

Q: Do cities have to adopt the State Electrical Code?

A: Yes, the code that the Board adopts will apply to all electrical installations across the state. The codes that cities enforce cannot be less restrictive than the State Electrical Code

 

Reliable Electricians

While you can change a light bulb or run an extension cord, unless you’re an electrician by trade, any electrical job which requires wiring, repair, installation or replacement will need a professional. To give you the confidence to hire the right electrician, we’ve put together a guide that walks you through everything you need to know, step by step.

How much do electrical services & repairs cost?

The following are guide prices only, and include materials, and standard travel time.

Install or replace a power socket: $150 to $250

Install power point for washing machine/heater: $150 to $250

Electrical inspections: $250 to $400

Hot water cylinder repair: From $200+

Heat Pump or Air Conditioning Installation: From $400

Heat Pump or Air Conditioning Repairs: $150 to $300+

Wiring upgrades: Custom quote required

How does an electrician charge me?

A bill from an electrician is usually made up of a number of factors:

Labour charge – this is a set rate, exclusive, often between $90 and $120 per hour. There will often be a minimum first-hour charge.

Parts and materials – if the electrician has the parts in their van, or if they need to pick up something from an electrical store, you will be charged for what’s needed. There may be a markup as well.

Travel cost (this can be factored into the labour charge) – if the electrician charges travel costs, this is usually charged from the time the electrician leaves for your home, to when they arrive back at their base after the job. This will also include the time it takes to visit an electrical store to get any parts.

GST – the total of 1, 2 and 3 will be added, and (15%) added.

How can I get the best price for electrical work?

Shop around – it’s unlikely your electrical needs will be urgent, so don’t rush to confirm an electrician right away. Instead, approach an electrical job like you would when buying a phone or car – be calm and patient. Have a ring around and explain your electrical needs, and ask for an estimate of the job, as well as the hourly cost, travel cost and parts markup percentage.

Know that prices and quotes will usually exclude – be sure to check – our calculator shows the total price you’ll pay if you’re quoted ‘exclusive’.

Find a local electrician – electricians will often charge travel time, so the closer to your home is to the electrician and an electrical store (if needed), the cheaper the labour cost. For this reason, you will also pay more if you are in an out-of-town property.

Be available during standard business hours – you might have to be late for work or work from home for a half day, but most out-of-hours visits (i.e. 6pm to 7am, and all hours on weekends) will be more expensive than standard hours. If in doubt, check with the electrician before. If the job can wait, don’t pay a weekend or late night surcharge if it can be sorted the next day.​

 

Guide to Electrical Maintenance

The Guide to Electrical Maintenance provides guidance on carrying out maintenance activities and using good practice techniques. It examines the operational risks, mitigations and processes that may be used in carrying out electrical maintenance, and also provides insights and philosophies to ensure that electrical maintenance activities are not only safe, but are satisfactorily planned and properly carried out.

The Guide also draws together key guidance from other IET inspection safety and maintenance titles to provide a practical overview for duty holders responsible for maintaining electrical systems, electrical contractors and building service engineers.

Good maintenance regimes do not happen by accident: they need careful planning, proactive management and comprehensive reporting. The tone for good maintenance is also established beforehand by considerate design, intelligent construction and satisfactory commissioning.

A good maintenance regime also has its part to play in a more sustainable world where correctly maintained electrical systems keep operating at their maximum energy efficiency and are disposed of correctly at the end of their lifecycle.

This Guide is aimed at electrical contractors, engineering technicians, maintenance engineers and managers, design engineers, building service engineers and duty holders responsible for electrical maintenance.

How Can Water Testing Benefit Your Business

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Drinking Water Testing

Why should you test your drinking water?

There are over 1 million private wells serving 3.5 million people in rural areas. Approximately 20,000 new wells are drilled each year. About half of the private water wells that have been tested in the state have at least one water quality problem. Yet, despite the importance of testing your water, only half of wells have ever been tested.

What should you test for?

In general, you should test your water annually for coliform bacteria and every three years for pH and total dissolved solids. If you are concerned about potential pollutants or if you are experiencing aesthetic problems such as staining, taste, or odor, more extensive testing is warranted. Pollutants that enter wells can often be linked to activities on the land surface such as mining, agriculture, or industry.

If you have one of these activities within sight of your home, you may wish to select a drinking water test package based on pollutants most commonly found in association with each activity. Or, if you have concerns about the potential contamination of your well from a near-by septic system, the Agriculture/Septic test package is recommended.

If you are performing this test for the purpose of documenting water quality before and/or after gas-drilling activities, it is recommended that you use an accredited laboratory that can collect your sample and provide full chain of custody.

How do you submit a water sample?

After taking your water sample, you must send the kit to the laboratory by overnight mail along with your payment for the test(s) requested. For the bacteria test, included in all test packages, the laboratory must receive the sample within 30 hours after sampling. If you need the bacteria test only, contact the laboratory to receive a smaller cooler test kit. The lab cannot accept any water samples for bacteria on a Friday.

 

Water Quality Testing

Water testing includes trace analysis capabilities. water analysis capabilities vary by location, please contact to determine the laboratory best suited to your water testing requirements.

Water testing:

Marine Potable Water Quality Testing

Cooling Water Conditioning and Control

Microbiology Services

Water Content Testing for the Petroleum Industry

Formation and Produced Water Analysis

Sea Water Analysis

Water Activity Testing (Aw)

Drinking Water Quality Testing

Water Quality Testing

Environmental Services

 

Water Services

wide range of services assists our clients in all water related sectors including water utilities, industry, oil and gas, ports and harbours, food, power stations, desalination and pharmaceuticals. We help our clients explore water properties and produce quality improvements through the use of practical technologies.

modelling and predictive services provide design and investment information for asset investment and management, delivering substantial cost savings and demonstrable improvements in environmental quality

global network of laboratories, our analytical services range from drinking water to industrial water, wastewater and contaminated groundwater. Intertek also offers inspection and maintenance services for ballast water, water treatment plants and waste water treatment processes.

Modelling – Prediction, data analysis, compliance and impact assessment

modelling services provide environmental assurance and compliance services to the water industry. We deliver comprehensive assessment of asset impacts on the environment and advise on mitigations and interventions to ensure environmental performance, protecting vital resource and delivering cost efficient asset investment and asset management.

Using unique and highly advanced compliance assessment software, for example in the management of bathing waters and commercial shellfish waters, provides enormous amount of understanding and information regarding management, leading to better quality, efficient investment and highly managed assets.

Water Quality Services

provides water quality testing and analysis services on a global bases. comprehensive suite of water testing services includes marine potable water quality testing and legionella management as well as regional specific services like drinking water quality testing and water quality testing that help ensure companies meet and exceed regional specific legal requirements.

Water Activity in Food

provides water activity testing  for food, grains and other agricultural products. food laboratory uses state-of-the art laboratory instrumentation for water activity analysis that allows our customers to remain compliant with government and other food safety programmes.

 

Water Content Testing for Petroleum, Chemicals and Fuels

Determining the water content of crude oil, refined petroleum products, fuels, biofuels, lubricants, chemicals, and other products is important for maintaining quality control, meeting trade specifications, protecting financial value, and enhancing process optimization.

Knowing water content in hydrocarbons enables clients to take steps to reduce risks from corrosion, safety problems, and infrastructure damage which can be caused from unwanted water content levels.

Water content tests for petroleum and biofuel products:

Water content by distillation

Water and sediment

Water vapor content

Trace water content analysis

Additional water content and moisture testing

Additional oil, gas, and biofuel products tested for water content:

Natural gas, condensates, and natural gas liquid (NGL)

Liquid petroleum gases (LPG)

Solvents and volatile solvents

Lubricants and greases

Biofuels, including ethanol, bio-diesel, and bio-mass fuel products

Other products

 

Well Water Testing

Why should you test your well water?

Well water can contain harmful bacteria that causes stomach cramps, diarrhea and other health concerns. Private well owners are encouraged to get their water tested every spring, summer and fall, even if it looks, tastes and smells fine.

Whether your test results are positive or negative, understand that the sample you collected is just a “snapshot” of your well’s water quality. The more samples you have tested, the more confident you can be about the quality of the water you are drinking.

In addition to regularly testing well water, owners should inspect their well at least once a year to make sure it is free from damage and in good working condition.

Sample bottles are available for pickup at that laboratory, and at water testing pickup and drop-off locations.

Obtain a water sample bottle.

​Plan to sample your well water when you are sure it can be delivered to a drop-off location within 12 hours of the collection time.

Remove any aerator, screen, or other attachment from your kitchen faucet. If you cannot do this, take a sample from an inside faucet with no aerator, such as the bathtub. Do not take a sample from an outside faucet or the garden hose.

Turn on the cold water and run for two to three minutes to remove standing water.

Disinfect the end of the faucet spout with an alcohol swab, or a diluted bleach solution (1 part household bleach to 10 parts water).

Turn on the cold water again and run for three minutes before sampling. Remove the lid of the sample bottle. Do not touch the inside of the lid, put down the lid, or rinse out the bottle.

Fill the bottle to “fill line” directly from the tap without changing the flow of water. Do not touch the bottle lip. Replace cap tightly.

Samples must be refrigerated after collection. During transportation, put bottle in a cooler if possible.

Remove ONE of the bar code stickers from the bottle and attach it to the blue card that came with your water sample bottle. This bar code is your PERSONAL IDENTIFICATION NUMBER (PIN).  You will need it to get your results over the phone.

Return the sample and completed form within 12 hours of collection.  If your form is incomplete, the laboratory will not test your sample, and you will need to submit another sample with another form

Bacteriology interpretation

Drinking water is tested for the presence of two groups of bacteria: Total Coliforms and E.coli (Escherichia coli). Total Coliforms are a group of bacteria commonly found in animal waste, sewage, soil and vegetation. They are also found in the intestines of animals and humans.  Total Coliforms are not likely to cause illness, but their presence indicates that your water supply may have been contaminated by more harmful microorganisms present in surface water seeping into your well.

Benefits Of Outsourced Accountant Services

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Types of Accounting

Accounting is a vast and dynamic profession and is constantly adapting itself to the specific and varying needs of its users. Over the past few decades, accountancy has branched out into different types of accounting to cater for the diversity of needs of its users.

Financial Accounting

Financial accounting is the process of producing information for external use usually in the form of financial statements. Financial Statements reflect an entity’s past performance and current position based on a set of standards and guidelines known as GAAP (Generally Accepted Accounting Principles). GAAP refers to the standard framework of guideline for financial accounting used in any given jurisdiction. This generally includes accounting standards (e.g. International Financial Reporting Standards), accounting conventions, and rules and regulations that accountants must follow in the  in the preparation of the financial statements.

Management Accounting

Management accounting produces information primarily for internal use by the company’s management. The information produced is generally more detailed than that produced for external use to enable effective organization control and the fulfillment of the strategic aims and objectives of the entity. Information may be in the form budgets and forecasts, enabling an enterprise to plan effectively for its future or may include an assessment based on its past performance and results. The form and content of any report produced in the process is purely upon management’s discretion.

Cost accounting is a branch of management accounting and involves the application of various techniques to monitor and control costs. Its application is more suited to manufacturing concerns.

Governmental Accounting

Also known as public accounting or federal accounting, governmental accounting refers to the type of accounting information system used in the public sector. This is a slight deviation from the financial accounting system used in the private sector. The need to have a separate accounting system for the public sector arises because of the different aims and objectives of the state owned and privately owned institutions. Governmental accounting ensures the financial position and performance of the public sector institutions are set in budgetary context since financial constraints are often a major concern of many governments. Separate rules are followed in many jurisdictions to account for the transactions and events of public entities.

 

Tax Accounting

As the name implies, tax accounting refers to accounting for the tax related matters. It is governed by the tax rules prescribed by the tax laws of a jurisdiction. Often these rules are different from the rules that govern the preparation of financial statements for public use (i.e. GAAP). Tax accountants therefore adjust the financial statements prepared under financial accounting principles to account for the differences with rules prescribed by the tax laws. Information is then used by tax professionals to estimate tax liability of a company and for tax planning purposes.

Forensic Accounting

Forensic accounting is the use of accounting, auditing and investigative techniques in cases of litigation or disputes. Forensic accountants act as expert witnesses in courts of law in civil and criminal disputes that require an assessment of the financial effects of a loss or the detection of a financial fraud. Common litigation where forensic accountants are hired include insurance claims, personal injury claims, suspected fraud and claims of professional negligence in a financial matter (e.g. business valuation).

Project Accounting

Project accounting refers to the use of accounting system to track the financial progress of a project through frequent financial reports. Project accounting is a vital component of project management. It is a specialized branch of management accounting with a prime focus on ensuring the financial success of company projects such as the launch of a new product. Project accounting can be a source of competitive advantage for project-oriented businesses such as construction firms.

Social Accounting

Also known as Corporate Social Responsibility Reporting and Sustainability Accounting, social accounting refers to the process of reporting implications of an organization’s activities on its ecological and social environment. Social Accounting is primarily reported in the form of Environmental Reports accompanying the annual reports of companies. Social Accounting is still in the early stages of development and is considered to be a response to the growing environmental consciousness amongst the public at large.

 

Characteristics of financial accounting

  • It is historical/backward looking in nature. Transactions are recorded after they have occurred.
  • It is monetary. All transaction are recorded in money terms
  • It is highly regulated by accounting legislation/rules like G.A.A.P.
  • It is mandatory to prepare and disclose financial accounting information.
  • It is more useful to external users of financial information. The category of users most targeted by Financial Accounting is that of the shareholders.
  • It reports on the performance of the entire organisation.
  • It is subjected to audit or independent external examination.
  • In financial accounting, cost classification based on type of transactions, e.g. salaries, repairs, insurance, stores etc. In cost accounting, classification is basically on the basis of functions, activities, products, process and on internal planning and control and information needs of the organization.
  • Financial accounting aims at presenting ‘true and fair’ view of transactions, profit and loss for a period and Statement of financial position (Balance Sheet) on a given date. It aims at computing ‘true and fair’ view of the cost of production/services offered by the firm.
  • In financial accounting, classification of items is based on type of transactions, e.g. salaries, repairs, insurance, stores etc.
  • Financial accounting aims at presenting ‘true and fair’ view of transactions, profit and loss for a period and Statement of financial position (Balance Sheet) on a given date. It aims at computing ‘true and fair’ view of the firm

 

Limitations of Financial Accounting

Financial accounting is the only branch of accounting and it is not prefect. There are large numbers of limitations which open new way to use other tools of accounting. To know what are the main limitations of financial accounting. It is very necessary for accountants . Accountants are often blind to these limitations. So, I am covering its limitation a lot of ground.

Read below and understand

Financial accounting is of historical nature

Net effect of transactions are recorded in financial accounting which has happened in past. These accounts is just postmortem of all events of business in past .These record does not help for future planning and other managerial decisions. Financial accounting shows the profitability of business but it is failure to tell that is it good or bad. Financial accounting is also failure to know the reasons of low profitability position.

Financial accounting deals with overall profitability

Accounts of business are made by a way which shows only overall profitability .It does not shows net profit per product , or per department or according to job . Thus to find difficult to all activities which do not give profit. So, it creates inefficiency in business activities.

Absence of full disclosure of facts

In financial accounting we record only those activities and transactions which we can show or describe in money. There are many other facts of business which are non financial and non monetary like efficient management, demand of products of firm , good relations in industry , good working environments which can not be known by financial accounting .

 

Financial reports are interim report of business

Financial statements made by financial accounting is the interim report of firm’s all business work but financial position and profitability which are shown in it is not fully true . Due to adopting cost concept, all transactions are recorded on it real cost but by changing in the time; it is the need of time to adjust cost of assets and liabilities according to inflation of market. Because, financial accounting does not records according to inflation so its result does not show true position of business.

Incomplete knowledge of cost

From cost point of view, financial accounting is incomplete. In financial accounting, accountant does not calculate each and every product’s total cost. So, financial accounting does not help to determine the price of product of business.

No provision of cost control

Financial accounting does not help business organization for controlling the cost. Because, there is no provision of controlling cost in it. In financial accounting, we write cost, if we paid any expenses. Thus there is no provision of improvement in financial accounting. Except this, there is no any other way to inspect all expenses.

Financial statements are affected from personal judgment

Many events of financial statements are affected from personal judgement of accountant. Method of calculating depreciation, rate of provision of doubtful debts and stock valuation method are decided by accountant. Thus, financial statements do not show true and fair view of business.

Make Your Home Dust Free Using House Cleaning Tips

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Ways To Make Your Entire Home Cleaner Than It’s Ever Been

Zap your damp or wet sponge in the microwave for one minute to kill 99.9% of the bacteria lurking on it.

Both the USDA and Good Housekeeping found this actually works; try to do it at least once a week, if not every three days or so. And if you heard that microwaving doesn’t help, well — all those news reports were inaccurate. (It’s also essentially equally effective to run your sponge through the dishwasher, on the top rack, with the heat-dry setting, if you prefer to do that instead.)

And let your sponge dry out every single night, whether your use a simple binder clip or a stainless sponge holder.

Wipe up the sticky, dusty buildup that gathers on your range hood and other appliances using a little bit of mineral oil. Just put a little bit oil on a paper towel, and wipe; it’ll come off like a charm! If you don’t like the oily residue, just use water and dish soap to clean that right up. (You can also use olive oil for this, but if you do, definitely wash it off; otherwise it might go rancid and smell bad.)

Make a paste with water and a polish cleanser to easily scrub off cooked-on gunk from your stainless or enameled gas stove.

Then shine up your greasy stove grates by letting them sit overnight with just a little bit of ammonia. You simply seal them up in a plastic bag and let it do its work — just don’t mix ammonia with any other cleaner, and do read the tutorial on The V Spot before you try this at home.

A homemade paste of dish soap, baking soda, and water is probably all you need to spot-clean baked-on stains inside of your oven.

But if you haven’t kept up with regular spot or self-cleaning, a spray-on 40-minute spray-on cleaner may be just what your oven needs Don’t worry, it’s fume-free. Some reviewers mention that they got better results by leaving it in their (open) oven overnight, or by doing multiple coats

Wrap your hard-water-stained faucets in vinegar-soaked paper towels to dissolve the minerals so they wipe off in one go

And banish hard water from your faucets by attaching a plastic bag filled with vinegar, using a rubber band — or if they’re heavily stained, substitute the vinegar for a more intense mineral cleaner.

 

How to Clean a Living Room So You Don’t Gross Out Your Guests

How to clean a living room is a question any conscientious homeowner will ponder. Don’t your family and guests deserve a pristine place to hang out in? Don’t you? This showpiece area of your home cries out for white-glove treatment—but let’s get real, no one has white gloves anymore.

How to clean a living room’s lights, lamps, and chandeliers

When tackling any room in the house, clean from top to bottom, says Jan Dougherty, author of “The Lost Art of House Cleaning”—otherwise you’ll have to clean the floors twice. Therefore, the best starting point in a living room is to look up at its light fixtures. First off, whatever type of lights you have, don’t forget to dust the lightbulbs at least once a month—dirty bulbs shed 30% less light than clean ones, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. The best way to clean them is with a dry cloth; don’t spray cleaning solutions directly onto the bulb, which could damage it, according to the GE Lighting Institute.

Beyond the bulb itself, hanging lamps and chandeliers can be easily cleaned with a feather duster; crystal chandeliers should be thoroughly washed once or twice a year. If the chandelier is lightweight, you’ll want to take it down and lay it on top of a towel spread on a table. Mix 1 ounce of liquid dish soap with a quarter-cup of white vinegar and 3 cups of water. Put the mix in a spray bottle, spray each crystal, and let it dry before polishing with a microfiber cloth.

How to clean leather furniture

Then, to remove spots or stains, dip a clean microfiber cloth in a lather of soap and water and rub the surface; then dry it with a clean towel. To condition—a process that helps the leather stay clean and pliable—use a dab of coconut oil on a cloth and gently rub it in with a circular motion

How to clean upholstered furniture

Upholstered furniture comes with a code that shows what products should be used to clean it. This code can be found on the care tag, which is typically on its underside. Here’s a cheat sheet on what the letters on this tag mean:

W: Clean with water.

WS: Clean with water and dish soap.

S: Vacuum and spot-clean only; do not apply water.

X: Vacuum only.

 

Workplace Housekeeping

Why should we pay attention to housekeeping at work?

Effective housekeeping can help control or eliminate workplace hazards. Poor housekeeping practices frequently contribute to incidents. If the sight of paper, debris, clutter and spills is accepted as normal, then other more serious hazards may be taken for granted. Housekeeping is not just cleanliness. It includes keeping work areas neat and orderly, maintaining halls and floors free of slip and trip hazards, and removing of waste materials (e.g., paper, cardboard) and other fire hazards from work areas. It also requires paying attention to important details such as the layout of the whole workplace, aisle marking, the adequacy of storage facilities, and maintenance. Good housekeeping is also a basic part of incident and fire prevention.

What is the purpose of workplace housekeeping?

Poor housekeeping can be a cause of incidents, such as:

tripping over loose objects on floors, stairs and platforms

being hit by falling objects

slipping on greasy, wet or dirty surfaces

striking against projecting, poorly stacked items or misplaced material

cutting, puncturing, or tearing the skin of hands or other parts of the body on projecting nails, wire or steel strapping

What are some benefits of good housekeeping practices?

Effective housekeeping results in:

reduced handling to ease the flow of materials

fewer tripping and slipping incidents in clutter-free and spill-free work areas

decreased fire hazards

lower worker exposures to hazardous products (e.g. dusts, vapours)

better control of tools and materials, including inventory and supplies

more efficient equipment cleanup and maintenance

better hygienic conditions leading to improved health

more effective use of space

reduced property damage by improving preventive maintenance

less janitorial work

improved morale

improved productivity (tools and materials will be easy to find)

How do I plan a good housekeeping program?

A good housekeeping program plans and manages the orderly storage and movement of materials from point of entry to exit. It includes a material flow plan to ensure minimal handling. The plan also makes sure that work areas are not used as storage areas by having workers move materials to and from work areas as needed. Part of the plan could include investing in extra bins and more frequent disposal

The costs of this investment could be offset by the elimination of repeated handling of the same material and more effective use of the workers’ time. Often, ineffective or insufficient storage planning results in materials being handled many times and being stored in hazardous ways. Knowing the workplace layout and the movement of materials throughout it will help when planning work procedures

 

How to Clean a Bedroom (Because It’s Filthier Than You Think)

This all-important room in your home gets seriously gunky.  And even though you spend roughly a third of your life there, the bedroom likely lingers low on your list of housekeeping priorities—all of which means this restful oasis is the secret hog pit of your home.

How to clean a bedroom

Look no further than our House Cleaning Guide on how to clean a bedroom right. To find out which areas need cleaning most—and the best way to make them immaculate—we interviewed professional housecleaners to get their insider tips on how to give this room the thorough cleaning it deserves

How to clean a mattress

Your mattress is ground zero. After all, you spend a lot of time there sleeping, snuggling with significant others, maybe even scarfing down late-night snacks. But that’s all OK, provided you know how to clean the darn thing.

After removing all sheets and bedding, break out your vacuum cleaner. Attach the hand-held extension, then run it across the entire mattress surface, paying special attention to seams and crevices, which is where dirt, dust, and tiny particles of dead skin (eww) collect.

How to clean a mattress pad

Mattress pads come in an assortment of materials, including cotton, down, vinyl-backed, foam, and egg crate—and cleaning methods vary accordingly. In general, cotton, down, and vinyl-backed mattress pads can go in the washing machine using cold water and a mild detergent. Foam and egg crate pads, meanwhile, are more delicate and can tear if put in the washing machine; therefore, it’s best to spot clean them with a solution made from equal parts water, distilled white vinegar, and lemon juice,

 

How to Establish a Simple Cleaning Routine and Stick to It

You could walk into our dorm room and instantly tell whose side was whose. My roommate’s side always looked presentable and clean: bed made, desk neat, clothes put away. My side looked like a disaster area: blankets and sheets askew, books and newspapers covering my bed, and laundry only half put away. The mess on my little twin bed sometimes got so big and unmanageable that I’d just sleep on top of all my crap, like you see those crazy people do on Hoarders.

Thankfully, my roommate was quite patient with me and kindly nudged me to start routines that would keep our place looking spic and span. I soon discovered that keeping things clean didn’t take all that much time or effort. In less than 30 minutes a day, we created a haven of order and tidiness that would make Mr. Clean (and my mom) nod with approval.

For many young men heading out on their own for the first time, maintaining a cleaning routine on their own wasn’t something they had to do at home. Sure, they might have helped with chores when asked, but they probably had their mom or dad telling them what to clean and when. But keeping your dwelling space clean and tidy is important for a variety of reasons: it’s hygienic, allows you to feel comfortable having people over (and inviting in surprise guests),

Establishing a Simple Cleaning Routine

The key to keeping your place clean is to break the job up into smaller daily and weekly tasks. A lot of young men won’t clean anything for a few weeks, and then when the mess gets so huge it can no longer be ignored, have to spend a whole Saturday digging themselves out from under it. Or, the job begins to seem so enormous they can’t motivate themselves to tackle it, and let the mess grow even bigger.

What to Do Daily

Instead of letting messes pile-up, making them more of a pain in the arse to clean come Saturday morning, invest 10 minutes in the morning and 10 minutes at night in a daily cleaning routine.

Promoting Your Dentist Practice

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What to Ask Your Dentist During Your Next Appointment

For many, a dentist’s appointment is an unpleasant visit that should get done with as soon as possible. We all know the importance of getting your teeth cleaned twice a year, but you should also try to view the dentist’s appointment as a time to maximize your dental health.

Spend some time getting to know your dentist and oral hygienist, as they can offer you plenty of great advice that will keep your teeth and mouth in healthy shape for years to come. Below are some questions that you should be asking during your dentist appointment.

#1: Discuss your overall mouth health

The first question you should ask is about the overall health of your mouth. Your dentist should inform you if anything is severely wrong, but it may be that you can do extra to improve your mouth health. Most people underestimate the impact that foods can have on their dental health, and a good dentist will give you the advice you need to address any potential issues that can arise.

#2: Types of implements you should be using

The range of toothbrushes, toothpastes and dental floss on the market can be intimidating and it can be difficult to know which one to choose. The choice of toothbrush can vary depending on how hard you brush your teeth, with some people needing softer brushes than others. Speak to your dentist to find out what products they would recommend specifically for you.

#3: Questions about procedures

If your dentist or oral hygienist recommends some procedures during your dentist appointment, try and get much more information about them. Which of the treatments are really necessary, which are optional and which are purely cosmetic. Also discuss which of the treatments are extremely urgent and which ones are less so. This gives you a good idea of your priorities and what you should be spending your money on. Your dentist may strongly recommend vanity treatments, but these may not be necessary for your general mouth health.

#4: Grinding teeth

Many people grind their teeth and may not even know it. A good dentist will pick up on this and inform you, but if you notice symptoms of teeth-grinding such as headaches in the morning or clicking and popping of your jawline, mention it during your dentist appointment. Your dentist will be able to verify whether you do grind your teeth or not and recommend various treatments depending on the severity of the condition, such as mouth guards in mild cases to Botox in severe ones.

#5: Find out about oral cancer

Nobody considers oral cancer, and it is very difficult to detect in the early stages, even for experienced dentists. Talk to your dentist during your appointment to find out about ways that you can be screened for oral cancer, even if you don’t think you have it. Early detection is key to successful treatment and many dentists recommend screens at least once a year to detect any abnormal cells in your mouth, throat or tongue. This allows for a rapid response and early detection that may be the difference between successful or unsuccessful treatment.

 

Questions You Must Ask When Choosing a Dentist

Finding the best dentist is a very important step in ensuring your family maintains optimum dental health. Asking questions before booking an actual appointment is not only okay but highly recommended. Here are 10 questions you must ask when choosing a dentist.

Do you have experience with children?

Although all dentists must have a four-year bachelor’s degree to practice dentistry, some might have chosen to specialize in certain areas. As specialists, they might be better suited to your needs depending on conditions you might have or treatments you might require. As parents, you should always look for a dental clinic that has experience dealing with children.

Do you take X-rays?

You want a dentist who uses a preventative approach to dentistry. Using X-rays to identify serious issues and confirm a diagnosis is a must. Regular X-rays are also important to find issues that can’t be detected during a basic oral exam.

Do you provide treatment plans?

Treatment plans are very important as they provide each member of your family with specific recommendations based on their individual needs. It also provides you with a budget to determine how much treatment will cost and if it is covered by insurance.

Do you have any references?

Do not be afraid to ask for references. If you prefer to avoid this awkward question, you can opt to do a search for online reviews. Online ratings for a dentist show how well liked and appreciated they are by their patients. Established dental offices will often have reviews on their website as well.

What financing options are available?

This question is especially important if you do not have insurance. However, it can also provide insight into the success of a practice. When an office demands payment up front with no exceptions, it could be a sign they have few patients. A more successful practice will offer financing options with manageable payment plans that allow their patients to get the treatment they need.

 

3 Questions to Ask Your Dentist On Your First Visit

Regular dental visits are extremely important for maintaining healthy teeth and a perfect smile. Finding a dental practice and a dentist that’s right for you isn’t a very difficult job when you know what you are looking for and are aware of the questions you should ask your dentist. Good communication is the key to a healthy relationship. Your connection with your dentist depends on how effectively you communicate with them.

Discussing your health concerns, dental habits, fears, and apprehensions with your dentist makes a big difference. After all, this is the person who will look inside your mouth every 6 months. Hence, you must be comfortable with your dentist, especially when asking questions! Here are three questions that you must ask when going to a new dentist.

Question 1: How Can We Improve My Dental Health?

Dental health can be improved when you and your dentists work together towards the same goal. Share your routine with your new dentist and get the necessary guidelines about brushing and flossing. You can ask about what kind of toothbrush you should use and how often should you replace it. Ask your dentist to demonstrate the right way to brush and floss. Your dentist will guide you about the frequency of your dental visits. You can discuss the oral hygiene products that you are using or wish to use. Your dentist will give suggestions about your fluoride intake, night guards, and bad breath. Be sure to inform your dentist about any pain, discomfort, or anything out of the ordinary that you’re experiencing.

Question 2: How Is My Current Dental Health?

A new dentist will most probably examine your entire oral cavity, including teeth, gums, jaws, tongue, and throat. You’ll be checked for lesions, wounds, bumps, cavities, plaque, tartar, or signs of teeth grinding. They’ll assess your overall dental health and will be able to give you a proper analysis. Once this is done, they’ll discuss your treatment options and preferences. This is a good time to ask your dentist any questions about your current oral health, and any ways you can improve your oral health.

Question 3: What Ways Can I Optimize My Dental Health Through Diet and Hygiene?

Your diet and oral hygiene impact your oral health in many ways. Ask your Dentist about ways you can adjust your daily routine to support any dental treatments or needs you may have. What foods may impact your teeth for better or worse? What daily habits will support your goals? Your Dentist may be able to advise specific changes that will help to support what they are doing to treat or maintain your oral health.

 

The Three Most Common Dental Procedures

If you have been experiencing prolonged dental pain, or your dentist has already discovered a significant issue during an exam and/or x-ray, it’s likely that your dentist will recommend one of the following three dental procedures:

Filling

It is much preferred to leverage proper diet and dental hygiene to reverse cavities naturally, but that isn’t always possible. If a cavity is causing pain, is overly sensitive to heat or cold, or has reached the pulp of your tooth, you probably need a filling.

A filling is exactly what it sounds like: Your dentist will remove the diseased portion from the inside of your tooth and fill the resulting hole with a material that holds the form of your tooth.

The remaining part of the tooth is still alive and will continue to remineralize and demineralize based on your habits and diet.

Root Canal

A root canal is necessary if decay has grown unchecked to reach the roots of tooth, or if there is an infection.

Root canals differ from fillings in that they are designed to preserve—not save—a dead tooth. I compare this dental procedure to the mummification process.

A tooth that is dead will become brittle and prone to breaking after it is filled, which is why you need the crown that is placed on top of the tooth to protect it. And doing this, instead of pulling the tooth, can help you avoid problematic shifting and the need for a bridge or implant to fill the space.

Root Planing

When tartar builds up on teeth and is not removed through dental cleanings, it will slowly creep down past the gum line. And when the tartar gets to a certain point below the gums, the tooth will no longer attach correctly.

A root planing, also referred to as scaling, is the process of cleaning, scraping, and disinfecting affected teeth. Those words may sound scary, but the end result of this sometimes necessary procedure is smoother, healthier teeth.

Root planing is often more expensive than other dental procedures due to the additional time and work involved. Also, your dentist may recommend that you be given anesthesia depending on the extent of the tartar and calculus on your teeth.

 

What Are the Best Ways to Practice Good Oral Hygiene at Home?

It’s vital that all adults engage in daily brushing and flossing, but to take your oral hygiene to the next level, follow a handful of particular steps to good dental health. These include:

  • Using products that contain fluoride.
  • Limiting snacks that are high in sugar.
  • Eating a balanced diet of fruits and vegetables.
  • Avoiding tobacco in any form.

What Is Tooth Sensitivity and Why Do I Have It?

Your dentist will examine the affected teeth and recommend treatment to reduce your sensitivity.

  • Receding gums
  • Tooth grinding during sleep
  • Chipped or fractured teeth
  • Tooth whitening
  • Orthodontics and fillings

Things To Look For That A Vacation Rentals Cleaning

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Cleaning Guidelines for Vacation Rentals during COVID-19

As a vacation rental host or property manager, the cleaning guidelines you should follow, and how you communicate with your guests that your vacation rentals are clean and safe will be more important than ever due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Why is cleanliness more important during COVID-19?

Cleaning has always been an essential part of running a vacation rental business. It is even more important because of the COVID-19 pandemic. According to Phocuswire, guest expectations towards cleanliness and sanitation have changed significantly due to coronavirus. Cleanliness and safety become top of mind over other considerations like price.

Cleanliness is also one of utmost priorities, especially when guests are deciding whether they should book a hotel room or a vacation home, and which vacation rental they should book if they go for the latter.

Therefore, it is important for property managers or hosts to follow guidelines to clean and disinfect their vacation rentals properly and communicate it with the guests. In this blog post, we have included the new cleaning guidelines from Airbnb, Vrbo as well as Vacation Rental Housekeeping Professionals (VRHP) and the Vacation Rental Management Association (VRMA) for your easy reference.

What is the difference between cleaning, disinfection and sanitisation?

Different guidelines have used different terms when describing the updated hygiene practices, so it’s important to first clarify exactly what is meant by them. Cleaning can remove germs, dirt and impurities from surfaces. You can use soap and water to clean surfaces and remove germs. But this does not kill germs 100%.

 

A Complete Cleaning Checklist Template for your Vacation Rental

Cleanliness is one of the biggest pain points of short-term letting for both guests and hosts alike. For guests, a dirty home can ruin a vacation before it even begins. But for hosts, it can tarnish their whole business’ reputation.

To make sure you don’t forget a thing, vacation rental owners and property managers should always tackle big cleaning tasks with a clear game plan in mind. Whether you do the hard work yourself or have a team of professionals to help, it’s important to structure each task and how you will carry them out.

Keeping your vacation rental clean to the highest standards goes hand in hand with pleasing your guests and ensuring a great all-round experience. We’ve prepared this guide with a handy vacation rental cleaning checklist which you can use for your next deep clean.

Supplies you may need

The cleanliness of your rental home is one of the most common concerns of your guests. But before you get too overwhelmed, take a look at the list of tools and products you’ll always want to have on hand.

A quality vacuum for carpets.

A microfiber mop with both wet and dry pads for hardwood floors.

Glass cleaner.

All-purpose cleaner for the kitchen and even floors.

Disinfectant for toilets, bathtubs, and other germ-prone areas.

Plenty of microfiber cloths.

A few scrub pads for extra stubborn grime.

A pumice stone.

A toilet brush.

Wood polish to add the finishing touch.

Think about your own rental house: are there any specific cleaning tools you need?

Your Cleaning Secret?

It is advisable to plan every detail of your cleaning duties and always keep your checklist in hands. But if you want to succeed with your vacation rental business, we also recommend asking the experts; those who already have a proven business in the rental and housekeeping market.

 

Guidelines for owners and property managers for enhanced cleaning and disinfection of vacation rentals

As the world reopens for travel, people will be more concerned than ever about the cleanliness of their vacation rentals. In an effort to help you anticipate and deliver the experience travelers need to feel safe while staying at your properties, we’ve compiled this list of comprehensive cleaning and disinfecting guidelines.

These guidelines were created in consultation with Expedia Group partner Cristal International Standards, part of Intertek Group, and with the Vacation Rental Management Association (VRMA). They’re based on publicly available information from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).

General advice

The emergence of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, has created a need to take additional cleaning and disinfection measures to help prevent its spread and help ensure the safety of travelers and partners.

Partners are encouraged to:

Use accurate, reputable sources of information including the WHO, the CDC, and local authorities

Make sure to follow local regulations, where applicable

Have a proactive plan to manage and minimize the risks associated with SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19) and similar events, such as a prevention of spread of infection plan

Implement an enhanced cleaning and disinfecting of the property between stays

If using an external or professional cleaning company, communicate expectations and plans for cleaning and disinfection standards, and get periodic confirmation that they are being followed by the company contracted

Communicate to travelers on measures implemented, both pre-stay and during stay, via listing content and property information booklet

Support for guests —

Support good hand hygiene for guests and anyone involved with the property by providing sufficient hand sanitizer, antibacterial soap products at property entry points and key areas, and also encouraging handwashing regularly with water and soap for at least 20 seconds

Implement social distancing policies during check-in and check-out, and during any interactions with guests, staff, local community. When possible, encourage minimizing these interactions

Recommend removing shoes when entering the property and leaving them at the entrance (if possible, outside)

Inform guests on how they can contribute in prevention, and actions to take if they identify symptoms (refer to WHO, CDC or local government resources)

Consider providing cleaning and disinfecting products for guests to use, along with instructions; antibacterial handwash and additional personal hygiene products are also nice to have on hand for guests

If guests clean the property themselves, be sure to assess the results and the overall cleanliness of the property and to implement an additional cleaning if necessary; regardless, implement disinfection as described below

 

How to Properly Disinfect a Short-Term Rental

With the rapidly evolving situation surrounding the spread of COVID-19, property managers everywhere are thinking about how to reassure their guests and take proper precautions to prevent the spread of infection.

The short-term rental industry is uniquely positioned to provide assurance to guests at this time. Once a property has been correctly disinfected, the only people occupying the property are the guests themselves.

Which means that if you have guests who are concerned about traveling, you can help them feel comfortable keeping their reservations by letting them know your properties are correctly disinfected. While you certainly already have cleaning standards in place, disinfection requires an additional level of attention to detail and conscientiousness about how germs are spread

How Does Disinfection Prevent the Spread of Illness?

For many illnesses, including the coronavirus, people can spread infection before they themselves show symptoms. Transmission is possible through tiny respiratory particles that are produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.

If the infected person coughs directly onto a surface, that is an obvious infection site. Less obviously, if an infected person rubs their mouth and then touches a surface, that site is also infected. It’s surprisingly easy to transfer respiratory particles from person to person.

 

Vacation Rental Cleaning Checklist

Did you know that a vacation rental cleaning checklist can help you keep your property up to par and earn you more 5-star reviews? Apparently, the vacation rental industry has been booming in recent years and standards are becoming higher and higher.

With such a huge abundance of choice, customers have become pickier when choosing a perfect vacation rental property. Even though your property is stunning, has a great location, and jaw-dropping décor, it won’t be appealing to guests if you fail to keep it clean.

To meet expectations of discerning travelers you will need to put cleanliness as one of the top priorities. However, keeping the to-do list in your head is neither easy nor necessary. To make things a bit easier, we’ve compiled a comprehensive cleaning checklist for vacation rental owners. Read on and find out what steps you should follow to prepare your property for the next guests.

How Does a Vacation Rental Cleaning Checklist Help?

Vacation homes go through dozens of travelers every month, so keeping up with hygiene is a must. Short-term rental owners should do a thorough clean every time a guest leaves their property. However, cleaning can be very complicated and tiresome. Moreover, it requires good organization and patience.

Having a comprehensive vacation rental cleaning checklist is the key to making your rental spotless. Not only will it make the whole process much faster, but it can also act as a set of instructions in case you decide to hire a cleaning service. You’ll be able to set your expectations and highlight which areas of your property require the most attention. All in all, a well-rounded checklist for vacation rental cleaning acts as a proven algorithm that works every time!

Mosquitoes Bites

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Natural Mosquito Control

It’s possible to help reduce mosquito populations around a home through the use of natural or biological means. Predatory fish, plant repellents, bacteria and even other mosquitoes can all take their toll on the mosquitoes that breed and feed in a given area.

Mosquitofish

The Gambusia is a small, freshwater minnow-like fish native to the Southeastern U.S. They are surface feeders and will eat mosquito eggs and larvae by the hundreds every day. A dozen gambusia are good for about 48 surface feet of water. The fish are hardy, capable of surviving in stagnant water, grow only to about two inches in length and breed to the size of their container to prevent overcrowding.

Most local mosquito control programs use the fish and often provide them for free to homeowners with mosquito problems. Because mosquitofish also feed on the eggs and young of other insects and fish, they should be used only in water that does not connect to lakes, streams or rivers. Improper use of the fish is suspected in the extinction of same native species of amphibians.

Dragonflies

These insects may look like scary biters, but they are only dangerous to mosquitoes. Dragonfly larvae, “nymphs,” feed on mosquito larvae, and adult dragonflies feed on adult mosquitoes. The key to attracting dragonflies is to provide an environment that is comfortable and safe for them. A small pond, shallow at one end and deep at the other, with vegetation that grows out of the water and plenty of flat rocks surrounding it should do just fine

Citrosa, lemon thyme and rosemary

These and several other plants reportedly contain oils that are repel mosquitoes. The citrosa is even marketed as the “mosquito plant” for its supposed success in keeping the insects away. However, the problem with using any plants to repel mosquitoes is that the oil is not naturally released into the air from an undisturbed plant. The leaves must be crushed before the oil is released, and even then it does not spread far.

 

Mosquito Traps

One of the best ways to keep a yard clear of biting mosquitoes is to use a mosquito trap. When set up properly, just one or two of these ingenious devices can kill thousands of mosquitoes and all but wipe out a local population. The style of trap varies by brand, but generally they range from indoor units the size of air purifiers to large units that resemble barbecue grills. Some run on electricity, while others are powered by propane tanks.

They work like this:

The homeowner places the mosquito trap in the yard between the source of the mosquitoes and where people gather. For example, if mosquitoes tend to come from a drainage ditch at the back of the yard, the trap would go near the ditch to catch the insects before they reach the patio. Typically, it’s better to place the trap upwind of the mosquitoes and in a shaded spot.

Because mosquitoes find their prey by detecting CO2, octenol and other chemical odors, as well as light and heat, most mosquito traps use some combination of artificial smells and lighting displays to lure mosquitoes.

Brands like the Mosquito Magnet and Skeetervac burn propane both to power the trap and to release CO2.  Electric machines like the Mega-Catch Ultra mosquito trap rely on odors (Octenol) heat and a lighting array of oscillating frequencies in addition to an optional CO2 system that works off canisters like those used in soda-dispensing machines.

The pros and cons of mosquito trap brands

The effectiveness of mosquito traps does seem to vary from brand to brand and location to location. In a university test conducted in the salt marsh surrounding a bay in Northwest Florida, a Mega-Catch Ultra mosquito trap caught nearly 3,000 mosquitoes, outperforming several other brands, including the Mosquito Magnet Liberty, the Lentek Mosquito Trap and the Coleman Mosquito Deleto.

 

Mosquito Trap Reviews

What is the best mosquito trap you can buy?

When you buy a mosquito trap, you’re making an investment in the comfort and safety of your home. And, like any investment, you should give it careful consideration before making a decision on how to spend your money.

You will learn that not all mosquito traps are created equal. Most will attract and kill some mosquitoes. But only a few can do it consistently, for the right price, and on a scale that will help clear the biting insects from your yard.  Fortunately scientists have performed tests on these machines to show which ones perform the best and under what circumstances

revealed how these machines were capable of capturing and killing thousands of insects in a single night.  And at those rates, it would only take about two months to collapse a local mosquito population.

How Mosquito Traps Work

When hunting for blood meals, female mosquitoes fly about 25 feet or less off the ground, using several types of sensing organs to find human prey.

Among their equipment:

Antennae that detect the carbon dioxide released from a person’s lungs and are capable of picking up more than 340 chemical odors produced by human skin, including octenol, a substance also found in perspiration.

Compound eyes made up of hundreds of tiny lenses designed for spotting movement and distinguishing prey, particularly useful for day-biters that rely more on visual cues. Accompanied by two light-sensitive simple eyes.

Maxillary palpus located on the head and believed to be sensitive to heat, helping mosquitoes to locate warm-blooded prey and pinpoint capillaries that are closest to the skin and more easily reached.

 

Mosquito Insecticide

Insecticides are a quick, powerful way to get rid of mosquitoes around the yard, but, unfortunately, they are only temporary. The effect usually lasts only as long as the insecticide is present, so as soon as it drifts away or dries out, the mosquitoes are back.

Mosquito control officials use insecticides only when mosquitoes are especially thick and only in combination with other form of mosquito control. The same should apply to use around the house. By itself, insecticide is not a long-term solution.

Insecticides are commonly dispensed through a fog or ultra-low volume mist. They are available at most home and garden stores and come in hand-held applicators or devices that can be attached to a lawn mower.

Two popular insecticides are:

Malathion – an organophosphate often used to treat crops against a wide array of insects. It can be sprayed directly onto vegetation, such as the bushes where mosquitoes like to rest, or used in a 5 percent solution to fog the yard. In the small amounts used for mosquito control, it poses no threat to humans or wildlife. In fact, malathion is also used to kill head lice.

Permethrin – one of a group of chemicals called pyrethroids, it is a synthetic form of a natural insecticide found in chrysanthemum flowers. It usually is mixed with oil or water and applied as a mist, about 1/100th of a pound per acre. Like malathion, permethrin kills mosquitoes by disrupting their central nervous systems. Not harmful to people and animals in small amounts, but it is toxic to fish and bees.

The insecticides will work for several days when applied to shrubbery or grass, but will break down over time, especially in rain. When released into the air through fog or mist, they usually are good only for a few hours before they become too dissipated to be effective.

 

Mosquito FAQ’s

How long do mosquito bites last?

The bumps are actually an allergic reaction to mosquito saliva. The reaction can vary from person to person, but usually last no more than 24 hours. Try a topical anti-itch cream or an anti-histamine such as Benadryl.

Does a mosquito have teeth?

No. A mosquito has a proboscis, which is a long, pointed mouth part used to pierce the skin. It contains two tubes; one for injecting saliva and one for drawing blood.

How many times can a mosquito bite?

A female will continue to bite and draw blood until her abdomen is full. If she is interrupted before she is full, she will fly to the next person. After feeding, the mosquito rests for two or three days before laying her eggs, then is ready to bite again.

Can a mosquito bite transmit STI’s?

Yes.  In August 2016 the CDC confirmed that Zika virus can be spread sexually from men or women.

How do mosquitoes spread malaria?

The mosquito feeds on an infected person and picks up the Plasmodium parasite. The parasite develops in the mosquito’s body for about two weeks. When the mosquito feeds, the Malaria parasite is passed on in saliva. They transmit West Nile virus and other diseases in similar ways.

How long does a mosquito live?

Males usually live about five to seven days, while females can live two weeks to a month, under ideal conditions. However, the females of some species hibernate during winter, so they can live several months.