Just like our bodies, as our homes get older, they need a lot more care and attention than they did perhaps when we first moved into them. Particularly if you bought a new property or one that was very young and had very little wear and tear. Over the years, small problems and issues can turn into bigger ones. So, it’s important to know how to identify and how to rectify them. To give you some help, we are going to look at some of these and point out some solutions.
Identifying Mould
Mould and damp generally occur because there is too much moisture in the air circulating around your property. This moisture, particularly if your building is especially old, can be the result of rain seeping in due to damage around window frames or your roof, rising damp in ground floors and basements and leaking pipes. It can also be caused by condensation.
How can it be removed?
After successfully identifying that you have a moisture and mould problem and you have fixed the source of that moisture, you will be able to remove mould. Although you can remove it yourself, many people prefer to hire experts to do it for them.
You will notice that there are many mould remover products available, but you can even try and remove it using a simple solution that consists of water and washing-up liquid or laundry soap. Using an old, but clean cloth, dip it in the soapy water and wipe the mould away. Avoid brushing it though, as that can release spores. After you’ve finished and are satisfied that it cleaned, you can use a clean, dry cloth to remove as much of the moisture from the wall as possible.
Signs Your Boiler May Not Be working Properly or Inefficient
It can be hard sometimes to tell if your boiler is working as efficiently as it should be. However, we’ve put together a brief guide to some signs to help you.
- It’s Older than 10 years old – Even if your boiler does not appear or seem to have major issues, it is still time to consider a replacement.
- It’s not A Grade – Similarly to the above point, if your boiler was bought some time ago, it may not have the same efficiency level as more modern boilers.
- Breaks Down Regularly – This is the most obvious sign that your boiler has a problem – it breaks down regularly. If you are having issues with your boiler and heating on an almost weekly basis, it is a sign that something is seriously wrong.
- Energy Bills Increasing – Although you may consider switching your provider if your energy bills rise, it could be that your boiler is the reason.
How to Remedy an Inefficient Boiler?
By far the best way to remedy an inefficient boiler, especially one that has seen better days, is to have it replaced. However, if it is in good repair, you may find it useful to invest in a Certas Energy Smart Monitor, to help you understand if there is an easier solution. Check #fixyourownhome for more ideas.
