If you take care of your air conditioner, your unit will give you the best cooling experience according to its capacity and keep your indoor environment comfortable, healthy and safe
When the temperatures are soaring and humidity increases to make the weather uncomfortable, one needs the air conditioner to perform at its best and make indoors bearable. While many people get the air conditioner serviced before the season begins and after the season ends to get good performance, there are a few simple things that we can follow at regular intervals to keep our ACs in a good shape, said Nilesh Shah, vice president, business planning and marketing, Johnson Controls-Hitachi Air Conditioning India Ltd.
“As maintaining utmost hygiene and cleanliness has become the new norm of our homes, it is also very critical to keep our air conditioners clean for a safe and comfortable indoor environment. By doing simple things, we can keep our air conditioner in perfect shape to perform to its full capacity, cool efficiently, ensure long-lasting life of the machine and keep unnecessary electricity loads at bay. Along with it a good and effective air conditioning will give you clean air and keep you healthy,” he added.
Air duct cleaning is one of the most important things you can do to maintain a healthy home. If you’ve ever wondered why this is true, then read on! I’ll explain why air duct cleaning is so important and how it can improve your quality of life.
It’s safe to say that the sofa in your living room probably bears the brunt of the ‘traffic’ in your home.
It’s where we spend most of our weekends, run through Netflix marathons, cuddle with our pets, play with the kids and host parties, which is why keeping it not just clean but looking pristine can be an uphill battle.
The battle is a difficult one, but it’s not impossible to win — not if you follow the steps we’ve listed below:
1. Vacuum every other day, if not daily
When it comes to keeping your sofa (or any space for that matter) spick and span, keep this mantra in mind: Short, frequent bursts of cleaning works a lot better than an intensive clean every once in a while.
This is the same cleaning philosophy that the Japanese use, which is how they’re able to keep their spaces clean with light cleaning daily instead of leaving small messes to snowball into bigger ones.
With your sofa, this could simply mean vacuuming for just a few minutes a day rather than doing one big time-consuming (and usually expensive) clean once or twice a year.
Vacuuming your sofa also helps keep bugs like dust mites — as well as other annoying elements like dirt and pet hair that may stick onto the couch — at bay.
Read3 quick fixes for sofa snags and frays
2. Treat the fabric
Treating the material on your couch with conditioning agents at regular intervals is one way to keep your sofa clean and looking brand new for longer.
For example, if your couch is covered with fabric, treating it with a fabric protector spray which also makes it waterproof will help keep it stain- and mould-free for longer.
And if you own a leather couch, a leather conditioner twice a year to keep it looking fresh and shiny will go a long way in keeping your sofa looking amazing.
3. Use a throw blanket
The easiest way to keep your sofa clean? Throw a blanket over it.
It’s not the most sophisticated way to get the job done, but hey, it looks pretty and chic. Plus, we all know why it’s so effective: It’s a good dirt trapper and blocker.
The humble blanket works great as a cover that protects your couch, taking in all your spills and stains, and all it needs for a good clean is a simple toss into the washing machine.
4. Use a lint roller if you have pets
Ah, pets. Despite how much you love them, their fur is going to be the bane of your existence if you’re a house-proud home owner.
Keeping your sofa clean with pets in the house can be difficult, but not impossible.
ReadCustom slipcovers and loose covers for any sofa model
To make clean an everyday occurrence rather than a once-in-a-while event when you have pets in the house, be sure to lint roll often (daily, if possible) to get their fur (and other messes like drool or mud stains) off the couch.
5. Keep a stain protector nearby
If your home is prone to spills and stains (that is, having kids around), it’ll help to have a spray-on stain protector close by.
Anytime a spill happens, just spritz and blot off.
Be careful to dab, not rub the stain in to avoid pushing the stain deeper into the fabric.
6. Fluff your cushions often
One simple way to keep your couch looking new is to fluff up its pillows or just change up your cushion inserts so they look plump.
You’d be surprised at how much of a difference this simple step makes, seeing we don’t realise how much time we spend compressing the cushions by sitting and lying on them
We denounce with righteous indignation and dislike men who are so beguiled and demoralized by the charms of pleasure of the moment, so blinded by desire, that they cannot foresee the pain and trouble that are bound to ensue; and equal blame belongs
Nor again is there anyone who loves or pursues or desires to obtain pain of itself, because it is pain, but because occasionally circumstances occur in which toil and pain can procure him some great pleasure. To take a trivial example, which of us ever undertakes laborious physical exercise. except to obtain some advantage from it? But who has any right to find fault with a man who chooses to enjoy a pleasure that has no annoying consequences or one who avoids a pain that produces no resultant pleasure.
The plumbing system is a complex network of pipes, drains, and vents, but is divided into the following three branches; water supply system, drain-waste-vent system, water heating system, and bathroom and kitchen plumbing. In short, there is a system that brings water in and another that takes it out.
Plumbing generally starts with the water source, which then goes through a water treatment process to make it safe to use and drink. Then, water travels through the pipes into the thousands of water mains, which consist of the shut-off valve and water meter. The valve controls the flow of the water into your home or commercial property, while the water meter measures the volume of water that you use. The water then reaches one of the various supply pipes that are connected to the water heater, sinks, tubs, toilets, dishwasher, hoses, and other fixtures that require water.
The drain system then takes out all of the wastewater from the home or commercial property. It is made up of various drain pipes, main stack, sewer line, and the roof vent.
What is the Water System?
The water system simply means the set of pipes that deliver the water to your home or commercial property. To keep the water system running perfectly for years, it all begins with proper design and installation. With the help of a good plumber in Singapore, you should be able to enjoy quality water supply by following the recommended procedure for the design and installation of the plumbing system as recommended by the country’s water agency.
What is a Heating System?
Some commercial properties and apartments in Singapore include a water heating system. The cold water coming from the pipe will travel to the hot water heater system through the combination broiler and then exits through another pipe as hot water. A water heating system has a maximum lifespan of about twelve years, but that includes regular servicing from a reliable plumbing services company in Singapore. It is prone to a lot of problems, such as corroded or scaled pipes that need to be replaced occasionally. If you are planning to install a water heating system in your commercial property, you should hire a reputable plumbing contractor that will help you plan the installation site and determine which type of heater and how many the building will need to reduce the number of potential problems.
What are Bathroom and Kitchen Plumbing?
The heart of most homes in Singapore are found in the kitchen, that is why correct planning and design should be a top priority when it comes to plumbing works, because plumbing problems can potentially lead to costly repairs and renovations. A working bathroom is also important in any commercial building, because it will leave an impression on customers and clients. Residential kitchens generally have a simpler setup than the bathroom plumbing, because the supply lines usually include just the cold and hot water supply lines for the faucets, dishwasher, and other fixtures and appliances. The most common repairs in kitchens, however, usually involve clogged drains that can be easily fixed with proper plumbing maintenance. Bathroom plumbing on the other hand, includes a water delivery system, waste removal, drains, and vents. It also includes more fixtures such as sinks, showers, toilets, tubs, and water heater. The other system is sometimes grouped as a drain-waste-vent system which will collect waste, waste water, and sewer gases away from the home or commercial property.
What is the Drain System?
The drain system might simply look like another set of pipes that take away water, but it also takes as much planning as the water and water heating systems. Drains contain traps that prevent water from coming back up and the gases from leaking into the house. The vents, which are mostly installed on the roof is also part of the drain system that will allow water to pass easily from drains in commercial buildings. The plumber has to make sure that the drainpipes are angled properly to allow wastewater to flow out of the home and reduce the risk of blockages. The pipes continue downward and exit through the sewer and septic system.
What is a Plumber?
A plumber is a professionally-trained specialist who is responsible for the planning, installation, maintenance, and repair of the plumbing works. Some plumbers specialize in specific areas such as pipefitting, water heating system, and oil or gas supply systems. If you’re looking for someone to fix problems in your plumbing system, hire a licensed plumber who has experience in both residential and commercial plumbing to make any type of repair much easier. A good plumber in Singapore should also be well-versed in the codes and rules of proper installation of the water supply and plumbing system in homes and commercial buildings.
Ceiling fans are versatile home fixtures that can help light a room while giving your air conditioner or HVAC system a break. Best installed in “lived in” rooms such as living room and bedrooms, ceiling fan installations or replacements aren’t always cut and dry, especially if the room wasn’t initially constructed with accommodating wiring.
Ceiling fans are little-appliance powerhouses that can improve home circulation and help reduce your monthly electrical bill. If you have a room that could use a cool breeze every now and then, consider calling an electrician to install the fan safely and efficiently. An electrician can also address existing ceiling fan problems such as flickering lights, slow blade oscillation, or rattling/grinding by assessing the fan’s wiring and installing a replacement.
#2) Outdoor and Pool Lighting
A well-lit landscape or outdoor area is a huge draw when it comes to the curb appeal and functionality of a home. Outdoor electrical setups come with their own set of challenges.
Some landscapes call for suspended or elevated lighting, while others require specific amperage, low-voltage transformers, buried cables, and other specifications to stand up to energy demands and elemental exposure.
Don’t put yourself at risk, get a professional electrician who can safely complete the job without sacrificing aesthetics. A professional electrician will come equipped with the tools needed to install your outdoor lighting safely and mitigate the risk of electrical shock and steep falls.
#3) Washer/Dryer & Appliance Lines
Older properties sometimes have difficulty holding up to the electrical and amperage demands of modern appliances. Installing large, new appliances like washers, dryers, flat screen TVs, and ovens isn’t always as simple as unboxing and plugging it in.
Large appliances need to be properly wired to the home, which means that you may need to upgrade your electrical system prior to installation. Appliance wiring can be completed by installing a dedicated circuit, meaning the appliance is connected to its own electrical circuit to protect you, your home, and your new appliance.
This type of electrical service can be performed for any heavy energy consuming appliances like refrigerators, microwaves, sump pumps, outdoor lighting, dishwashers, and more. This type of electrical work is also commonly done in multi-family properties that use a lot of electricity in a concentrated area.
#4) Outlet Repair and Installation
Licensed electricians can do more than just repair a temperamental outlet – they can create new ones! Plugs are a hot commodity in residential properties.
How often have you checked into a hotel room only to discover that the nearest outlet was across the room? Were you happy about it? Outlet placement has become a huge selling point for homeowners and renters who want easy access to plugs for their electronic devices, lighting, and more.
An electrician will be able to assess the capacity of your home’s electrical system to determine what kind of outlet is safest. The Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI) suggests owners of older homes ask their electrician if their home would benefit from AFCI protection. After an initial inspection is performed, your electrician can install a dynamic range of outlets and switches for all property needs including dimmers, timers, and even “smart” plugs or home automation.
#5) Panel Upgrades
Home electrical systems are complicated, and problems might not be isolated to a single plug or room. It’s critical to have your property’s entire electrical system checked to ensure the safety and longevity of the installation.
There are some warning signs to a faulty electrical system including: multiple blown fuses, crackling sounds from the fuse box, the presence of two-pronged outlets (non-grounded), and outlets that are hot to the touch – but some red flags are only detectable by a licensed electrician. Hire a professional electrician to fully inspect your electrical system every few years, or as soon as you notice signs of a problem. You may need to have your electrical panel upgraded. A panel upgrade will update your electrical system to meet the demands of everyday power consumption safely and effectively.
