When you become a parent for the first time, it’s as if the world suddenly becomes a terrifying place. In one moment, everything is normal. But when you see that line on a pregnancy test, it’s as if the world around you changes.

So, what do you do to protect your children from this increasingly scary world?

Making sure your home is safe is a priority.

Well, here are five safety tips for first-time parents to get you started and set your mind at ease.

1. Baby-Proof Your Home

This is a basic first line of safety for any parent, but it’s an important one. And in all honesty, there’s not a lot of baby-proofing you need to do when you first bring your bundle of joy home from the hospital. It’s when they start crawling that you have to get to work on the baby-proofing. Round out any sharp edges, give the baby a safe space to crawl and explore, and get locks for the cabinets. You don’t want baby to get into anything that could be harmful.

2. Get Safe Crib Bedding

Much like car seats, trends in crib bedding have changed quite a bit in the past few years. Today, experts recommend that you either avoid bumpers or use mesh ones. Avoid blankets, pillows, and any other items in your baby’s crib. These measures are in an attempt to reduce your child’s chances of SIDS. Also, when it comes to your baby’s mattress, try to avoid anything that’s very plush. You want your baby to be comfortable, but a firm mattress is best.

3. Get a New Car Seat

There are many items we can accept as hand-me-downs. Car seats typically aren’t one of them, and there are two reasons for this. First, a car seat does expire. If you are using an older car seat, flip it over to check the expiration date. The expiration date will vary based on the manufacturer, but they typically last about 7 years. The second reason you should get a new car seat is that you can’t really know how that seat has been handled. For example, if the car seat was installed and the driver had a car accident, it’s integrity may have been compromised. Or, if the car seat was checked as baggage on a flight, it was likely compromised.

4. Set Your Water Heater to 120 Degrees

Bath temperature is something new parents stress about, and fortunately, this can be an easy fix. If you have access to your water heater, set the temperature to 120 degrees to prevent accidental scalding. You’ll certainly be careful, but this tip can set your mind at ease.

Bringing a new baby home is exciting, fulfilling, and nerve-wracking at the same time. But just remember that you aren’t the first parents to do it and you won’t be the last. With a few safety precautions, you can keep that bundle of joy safe and healthy. Whether you’ll get any sleep is another thing entirely — but as everyone always says, it really is all worthwhile.

When people are buying a new home, they focus on a lot of things that determine how much they are willing to pay for the house. To make sure that your house can fetch good value in the market, you need to make sure that your home has some key features present. In this article, eight features that new homes should have in order to have a high selling price are discussed.

Work on your kitchen

You would need to focus on your kitchen if you want to make sure that you can fetch a nice price for your home. Many people who are looking for a new home check the kitchen first. It is helpful if your kitchen is spacious and well furnished. You can apply fresh paint to the wall of your kitchen to make your home look more modern. Add bypass door hardware along with a interior bypass barn doors in your house to change the look in your home and make it more inviting. You can also make changes to your kitchen door using the hardware to make it look more stylish and elegant.

Provide the buyers with a home warranty

Providing buyers with a home warranty can increase the price of the home significantly. It is important to lay out the terms of the home warranty to the buyers properly so they have a clear understanding of what kind of free repairs they would get and what they won’t get. It provides buyers with a lot of conveniences. A home warranty is different from home insurance as it provides protection against any damage to the home appliances.

Work on minute small details

If you want to sell your house and attract the best buyers, you need to do some work on it that won’t cost much but would need a lot of effort from you. Clean the house properly and make sure that all the different furniture is placed properly in the house. You can keep the decor simple and elegant so people are more interested in buying the house. For example, you could keep your decor simple but have something a little different like a Barn Door fitted in your home to really stand out!

Improve the look of the house

Make sure that there are no personal items in your home while you are showing the clients your house and also make sure that your house has enough lighting. You can also get rid of the furniture that is gigantic and bulky. Keep your closets organized. Make the bathroom look like a spa for the guests.

Make sure that your home runs on less electricity

Electric bills are a big concern for the buyers and all the buyers want to make sure that they buy a house the electricity consumption is very low. Keeping the electricity cost of your home low is a major selling point for your house. It has been found that the homes which have a higher cost of electricity might drive people away who are interested in buying the home. You can use LED

lights in your home to save electricity and smart appliances that run on lower power and have the ability to save electric energy. It is also helpful for the environment as well if you can reduce the use of electricity.

Work on the outdoors

Make sure that the outdoor area is used as well. Many people forget to make use of the outdoor area they have at their home. Even if there is little space outside, you can make good use of that space. You can make a nice area by adding some chairs and tables for the guests to have a conversation. Add some lighting to the outdoor as well to make it look nicer and more elegant. You might want to throw in an outdoor heater or fire pit.

Use smart technology in your house

Add smart appliances in your home to make your home look more attractive. Smart appliances can replace the old and bulky appliances that are now outdated and old. The smart appliances take up a lot less space and can provide a modern look for your house. The smart appliances are also more useful and add a lot of value in the life of the people.

Paint is important

It is important to paint your house before you can show it to the clients. Paint makes the house look new and fresh and can attract the customers to buy your house at a higher price. Choose colors that are modern and elegant.

Winter can be a very difficult time when it comes to keeping fit and healthy, especially over the festive period, but it’s important to try and keep certain elements of health and fitness going even when you break for Christmas. Finding the motivation to be active when it’s dark can be a nightmare, just as eating fresh fruit and veg can be hard when there’s warmer, comforting temptations out there. Continue reading to find out how you can maintain a healthy, happy and active lifestyle throughout the winter.

Kick the Carb Cravings

Trying to ignore carbs in winter is almost impossible, with so many comfort foods, treats and gifts packed full of them, but it is possible to try to kick the cravings slightly. Try to start your day with plenty of protein to keep your body going and prevent you from craving unnecessary foods, as this will keep you going until lunchtime and stop you from snacking in-between. Similarly, when you start to crave chocolate or sweet treats, try to switch your focus to something slightly healthier such as fruit or herbal tea, as this will tide you over until your dinner and stop you from consuming too many extra carbs.

Get into the Garden

It may be cold and often wet outside during the winter, but your garden still needs a little TLC at times. We’re not suggesting you head out with the lawnmower and get to work on the grass, but there are certain tasks that you can do (which will keep you active at the same time) that you’ll be grateful for in the new year. One of the easiest tasks to carry out in the garden during the winter months is to simply rake away any unwanted leaves that are gathering up and causing slippery, cluttered paths and walkways. Invest in some quality garden tools to help make the job slightly easier and dedicate an hour a week to tidying up your garden, as being outdoors is also great for keeping your healthier!

Eat the Right Things

There are certain foods that you can add to your diet during the winter to ensure you stay healthier and keep your immune system strong. One of the best foods to eat throughout the winter is mushrooms. Mushrooms are packed full of immune-boosting health benefits that will see you through the cold, wet months. Mushrooms will help you to fight off certain types of illnesses, as well as provide you with plenty of nutrition at the same time.

Try Home Workouts

Getting out of bed in the dark, putting your gym clothes on and heading out in the cold to the gym is never a motivating experience, but what if you could work out from the comfort of your own home? Trying a home workout routine could revolutionise your fitness regime, with so many options available to keep you active and healthy whilst at home. It’s a win win situation!

When it comes to our homes, most of us are always looking for ways to improve the functionality of our most treasured space. However, functional doesn’t always equal comfortable and that’s where these items step in to help. Whether you are looking to spend a lot or a little, these simple items are sure to turn your home into somewhere you can truly relax.

Dreamy Master Bedroom

Your Mattress

According to researchers, the average person spends about 26 years of their life in bed. That is by far the most amount of our life we spend in any one place. This is why it is so important that your master bedroom be as comfortable and peaceful as possible. The most obvious way to achieve that is to ensure you have a comfortable mattress. Like many things in our life, everyone has their own opinion on what makes a mattress comfortable, or what is the best mattress. Knowing the key factors to determine what you will find comfortable is imperative when selecting a mattress.

Mood Lighting

While the master bedroom is definitely used for sleeping, we also use it for other relaxing activities as well such as reading and watching television. Each of these activities requires a different light preference which is why lighting is such an important aspect in making our master bedroom more comfortable. Bright lights are often brash and are not needed for a task such as reading. Instead, consider investing in a lamp that has different brightness levels that you can adjust to your needs.

Comfy Seating Another option to consider is seating in the bedroom. This is important if you don’t like to sit in bed while relaxing. Some seating such as bench seats can also serve as storage which can help in reducing clutter and improving relaxation in your home.

A Soothing Environment

White Noise Machines

White noise machines are often thought of as being helpful to only children or people who live in noisy cities. However, all of us can benefit from a white noise machine. Not only can these machines improve our sleep, but they can also improve our mood when used as background noise when you’re unwinding from a long day at work. Most white noise machines include pre-loaded sounds such as a river flowing, rain, static, or a quiet night with insects chirping. Choose the noise that best suits your mood and don’t be afraid to play around and try out different noise options. You might be surprised by the sound that is most relaxing for you.

Oil Diffusers

Although they have become more popular in recent years, essential oils have been used for hundreds of years. There are many different uses for essential oils, but their effectiveness is often questioned. Whether you believe that essential oils can heal ailments or not, studies prove that certain scents such as lavender can reduce the production of stress hormones thereby allowing your brain to relax. If you are completely skeptical of essential oils and diffusers, you can always invest in a traditional candle. When selecting a candle to help you relax, it is important to ensure that it is created with true lavender.

House Plants

Another item that can dramatically increase the mood in your home is a houseplant. Not only do houseplants create a relaxing atmosphere in a decor sense, but they also have health benefits as well such as dramatically improving the air quality in your home while also reducing stress levels. Worried about your not-so-green thumb? Faux houseplants can have the same relaxing and soothing effect albeit without the air improvement qualities. Another option is succulents or even air plants if you prefer a plant that is low maintenance but still cleanses the air.

Paint Colors

Last but certainly not least, change the paint colors in your home. Natural tones such as beige, grey, and brown can dramatically increase the mood and relaxation quality in your home. Brighter colors such as red, yellow, and green can be hectic and thus make it hard to relax or focus. Some popular neutral colors are Repose Grey and Perfect Greige by Sherwin Williams, and Revere Pewter by Benjamin Moore.

Homeowners have many considerations to keep in mind when maintaining their property. Soil erosion is one concern that is easy to overlook, but it is an important issue to understand to protect your property. Erosion occurs when the topsoil on a property loses its connection to the underlying soil. This loss presents a significant risk for the homes located on the soil as loosened topsoil shifts at a higher rate, a situation which can result in structural instability for your home. If your property also contains farm land or garden topsoil, erosion poses additional risks since it can reduce production levels on your property.

Many factors contribute to topsoil retention on a property. While natural effects such as extreme weather cannot be controlled, you can still work to improve your property’s soil stability. Activities such as excessive vegetation removal or overtilling the soil increase your risk of soil erosion. When you identify the problem, you can plan for natural events such as flooding or droughts.

The more informed you are about soil erosion, including its causes and effects, the more prepared you’ll be to protect your property. Understanding fixes such as improving drainage or planting additional ground cover plants to protect loose soil is crucial as a homeowner. Learn essential information for combating soil erosion with the following infographic. When you understand the causes of erosion and the negative effects it can have, you’ll be ready to work on your property to make its soil more secure and protect your home and yard.

Foundation problems often start small but grow gradually over time. If you think that your house needs foundation repair but you are skeptical to take action, you could be putting your house at further risk. Repairing your foundation on time comes with several perks, including safety, comfort, and improved property value.  Call a local foundation repair company to get an proper assessment of your home’s foundation.

Foundation problems can lower the value of your home. So, you would think that if you fix the problem, the value of your home should go up, right? In theory this is what should happen. Foundation repair affects the home’s value by preventing it from decreasing. This makes sense because any foundation problem will decrease your home’s value.

But should you do it yourself or hire a professional foundation repair company?

Well, to be sincere with you, DIY foundation repairs may set the stage for future disasters. First, you may not have the necessary knowledge to diagnose foundation issues and get to their root cause. Secondly, sometimes foundation repairs require special tools that may not be available to non-professionals.

On the other hand, when you opt to hire a professional or a qualified foundation repair company, you are guaranteed to get quality services. The only thing you will be concerned about is the cost you are likely to incur by hiring an expert.

To keep you on the loop, here is a quick overview of what you are likely to part with when you hire a professional to help you repair your foundation.

The Average Cost of Professional Foundation Repairs

Based on a review of homeowners’ reports, the average price for repairing a foundation is about $4000. However, the costs vary widely depending on the type and extent of damage, accessibility of the damaged part, and geographical location. Considering these factors, you will find that the cost of typical professional foundation repair California lies somewhere between $1800 and $6300. However, repairing small cracks may cost as low as $450.

Foundation issues can be disastrous. Delaying repairs allows the damage to extend further, and this puts the house occupants at risk of injury and death besides increasing the repair costs by incredible scales. Why wait for that crack to compromise your foundation to the extent of you paying more than $17,000 for professional repairs?

Parting with $17,000 may seem unbelievable when it comes to foundation repair. Still, when you consider the cost of hydraulic piers required for significant repairs and additional costs, the amount will finally make sense to you. A pier costs about $1300, and a house needs about eight to ten piers—on average. The total cost of the piers ranges between $10400 and $13000. Taking into consideration other costs such as labor ($300-$1500) as well as soil tests and reports ($500-$3000), you can see how foundation repair can make you part with an incredible amount of money. Seismic works, which cost at least $3000, may also be required in earthquake-prone areas.

Let’s take a look at the costs for the professional repair of particular foundation issues.

1. Leaks

A foundation leak indicates an issue with drainage around your home, and it’s best to consult a professional to address the problem. Leak repairs usually involve digging around the foundation, filling cracks with cement, and installing new drains. Waterproof materials and sealant may be used during the repair. The total cost for leak repair equipment and labor varies between $2200 and $5900.

If flooding is frequent in your home, pumping out the water from your home is essential. This translates into investing at least $1000 in sump pump installation.

2. Cracks

Cracks broader than an eighth of an inch are worth the attention of a professional structural engineer. Epoxy injection is the preferred repair method for cracks that don’t compromise the foundation structure. The average cost of crack injection is about $400. Waterproofing and stabilization can increase the price of repairing at about $1500. Repairing cracks that pose a threat to the foundation structure costs at least $2000.

3. Bowed Basement Wall

Poor soil conditions can cause walls to tip inwards. Professionals use carbon fibers to stabilize walls that have not moved more than 5cm. This repair can account for $6000 on your budget. To anchor walls that have shifted more than 5cm, experts use steel strips. Stabilizing a 30feet wall with steel channels can cost as much as $22000 due to the labor-intensive installation and the high price of the materials.

4. Sinking Foundation

Sinking results from excess settling and requires immediate attention. Leaks, cracks and windows and doors that don’t open are early manifestations of a sinking foundation. The best solution to sinking is having your foundation leveled to its initial height with mudjacking or piercing/underpinning. The cost of leveling your foundation will depend on the techniques you choose. The cost of underpinning in California ranges between $1000 to $20000, while mudjacking will set you back between $900 and $1500.

Bottom-line

The above figures give you an idea of what you are likely to pay for specific foundation repairs in California, with the least value being $400, while the significant repairs can go for more than $20000. Generally, the average foundation repair cost is about $4000. Nonetheless, the more you wait, the more the damage, and the higher

you pay a professional to correct the problem. So, strive to address any problem with your foundation as quickly as possible with the help of a professional. Be sure to work with an experienced structural expert who will satisfactorily diagnose the foundation issue and recommend the appropriate correction method.

Congratulations! If you are expecting a new member in your family or if you’re here just for gender reveal ideas then you have come to the right place. Pregnancy is an amazing journey and having a gender reveal party is a great way to have fun and surprise your family and friends. Are you thinking of planning a gender reveal party? Or do you want it to be very surprising for everyone, but don’t know how to make it so? Continue reading for an easy how-to guide with unique ideas in which you and your guests will love.

Early Gender Reveal Party

These days, it’s becoming more popular to host gender reveal parties after the gender of the fetus is determined at 18-20 weeks of pregnancy. One of the tips for planning a gender reveal party is to get a gender DNA test before 18-20 weeks. The gender DNA test is a blood test that is 99% accurate and it allows the parents to have access to the gender of the fetus as early as 8 weeks. This enables parents to have a gender reveal party earlier surprise family and friends. Another reason why it’s a good idea to get an early baby gender test is that the pregnant mother will not be as tired when enjoying the gender reveal party with loved ones.

Makeup of a Gender Reveal Party

Picking the perfect guest list, theme, food, and invitations are vital in a gender reveal party. The theme and invitations are usually created with the colors pink or blue incorporated in them. No one can decide what color or shade of pink or blue you should have because you should be able to choose what you see fit. Having a nice setting is mandatory and doesn’t need to be expensive. Many choose the outdoors when the weather is great and even their own backyards as the surprise reveal is done in a dramatic presentation. As far as food goes, you can choose a summertime BBQ or whatever you like to serve your guests. Don’t forget the dessert table, cake, and assigning a photographer which are all necessary. Some use cake with pink or blue filling inside to reveal the gender of the baby when it’s cut. Balloons, table decor, table cloths, streamers are the typical makeup of a gender reveal party and are easy and affordable. One of the creative games for your party can be having guests dress up in either pink or blue which will determine which team they will be in and who the winners will be after the gender reveal. The winners then receive a small prize.

Unique Surprise Gender Reveals

We have finally made it to the most exciting part, the surprise gender reveal. You don’t want to just open an envelope announcing the gender. You want it to be a unique and memorable moment. There are many creative ways to do this. You can have a dark balloon or piñata that has pink or blue colored confetti in it and releases the confetti once popped or cracked. Another idea is using powder or confetti-filled compressed air cannons to pop with your partner. A closed banner or box with pink or blue balloons inside which will fly in the air once opened is an adorable surprise as well. Regardless of how you surprise your loved ones, remember to be happy and grateful always. 

The holidays are upon us, and shortly after they are over and done, the most anticipated event of the season for many will be right around the corner. If football and the much anticipated Super Bowl is a big deal in your house, then you might need some tips for throwing the best football party ever at your home this season. Even if you don’t enjoy football there are many reasons to watch the Super Bowl.  For instance, a lot of people enjoy sports betting, and some are even able to make some money from the Super Bowl, and various other games and tournaments that take place throughout the year. If you are interested in sports betting, you can click here to learn about some of the sportsbooks that are out there so that you can choose the one that fits you and your needs the best.

So, whether you like football or you don’t, if you’re tasked with throwing the party at your house this year, read on below for a few tips to make it the best one you’ve ever hosted.  

Grab a Few Simple Presents

The Super Bowl isn’t just about football, just watching the game is one of America’s favorite pastimes. To make your event even more special, don’t pass up the opportunity to give your guests a grab bag to go, just like you would at any other party you hosted. Some possible gifts include miniature footballs, football cards, patriotic shirts for all, or any type of memorabilia with your guest’s favorite team on it. Having a grab bag for guests to take home will not only make them feel special, but it will also have them talking about your party for months to come, maybe even into the next football season. 

An Awesome TV Is Needed

The one thing you can’t have the best Super Bowl party ever without is an awesome TV. The larger the TV is, the better the game will be. What’s important to note here is that the more people you invite, the larger the screen of your TV needs to be. After all, everyone needs to be able to see the game without crowding and from wherever they happen to be in the room. 

Have Plenty of Seating Available

Whether you’re watching the game indoors or outside on a huge outdoor TV, you need to have enough seating areas so that everyone can be comfortable. Seating can include anything from couches to chairs and from bean bags to comfortable stools. If you don’t have enough seating, ask friends and family to bring a few camping or folding chairs along with them. 

Plenty of Food

The biggest necessary item, next to the TV, of course, is enough food. You just can’t have any kind of a Super Bowl party without the right food. Of course, you’re going to have plenty of chips and dip, but you also need stuff like chicken wings, nachos, pizza, pigs in a blanket and much more. If you’re not sure what your friends and family would like for the party, ask them to bring some of the food on the lists with them, so you won’t have to do all of the work yourself.

The Right Kind of Drinks

While everyone knows that beer drinking and the Super Bowl just go together, you need to have the right kind of beer at the party. On top of that, not everyone at the party is going to be a drinker. Make sure you have bottled water, diet and regular sodas, and Kool-aid and juices for any kids that are joining the party as well. 

Make it BYOB (Bring Your Own Beer)

With all of the different brands and variety of beer out there today, there is no way you can please everyone in that department. Instead of trying, and then breaking the bank buying beer for your football party, make it BYOB, bring your own beer. In this way, you’re not spending a fortune, and everyone is happy with the type of beer they drink and enjoy. 

These are just a few tips for throwing the best Super Bowl party at your house this year. Do it the right way and people will be talking about your party until next season begins.

Image Source: RSPCA

Hamsters make wonderful pets, especially when it comes to a family’s first pet with younger children. With several different breeds of hamster, it’s important to know what you want before you make a purchase, as they can vary in size, temperament and so on. You usually find that hamsters live to around 2-3 years, so you’re not committing to years and years of care and attention, which many families often struggle to do making hamsters a better option over dogs or cats. Just like any pet, hamsters require a certain level of love and attention, with the right care to keep them healthy, happy and strong.

The Needs of a Hamster

All hamsters are different, but they all have similar needs when it comes to the way they are cared for. Whilst there isn’t an exact way to care for them, it’s still essential to follow the normal steps in taking care of them to ensure they are healthy and living a high-quality of life. Once you get to know your hamster, you will start to pick up on its needs, what it likes and doesn’t like and so on. This will help you to care for your hamster in the very best way, as you’ll start to know what they like to eat, when they like to eat, whether they like being handled a lot and other important things like that.

Let Them Explore

You’ll find that, no matter what breed of hamster you have, they all love to explore. From nuzzling into their hay bedding to playing with the cardboard from toilet rolls, hamsters will do their very best to explore their area and get great entertainment from this! To help encourage your hamster to explore and stimulate them, you can invest in some great small animal toys that are designed to add adventure to your hamster’s cage. From exciting see-saws to tuff tubes, you can find a great range online here from big brands including Ancol, Rosewood Pet and more. Providing your hamster with a space that they can enjoy will really help to keep their brains active, keep them healthy and ensure they don’t become bored.

Nutritional Essentials

Even though hamsters are only very small, they require a specific balance of nutrients to ensure they stay happy and healthy. The main food that hamsters enjoy is simple pellet food, as this helps to keep them active and full without taking away any of the vitamins they require. You should be feeding your hamster every single day, with their bowl three quarters full to ensure they have a constant supply of food. Hamsters also love to graze on vegetables like carrot and kale, which helps to vary their diet a little and give them something interesting to eat every now and then.

Plenty of Playtime

With their love of exploring, hamsters also love to stay active and play. Investing in a hamster wheel or ball is a really good way of getting their exercise in and providing them with hours of entertainment. These items are also ideal for your own peace of mind. Hamsters are very small, so you want to keep an eye on them at all times and when safely inside their hamster ball you can rest assured, they aren’t able to escape or explore the rest of the house!

Winter can be an extremely harsh season when it comes to drastic weather conditions, so it’s always beneficial to ensure your home is safe and secure, ready for the winter months. From simple exterior checks, to ensuring the boiler is on top form, you’ll thank yourself if you come across any issues that can be resolved, that would’ve become a nightmare for you once the temperature drops.

Exterior Preparations

Your homes exterior is the most important area to prepare in time for winter. From the strong weather conditions, the garden and homes exterior can become battered and untidy but preparing your garden for the winter can help to prevent too much damage. For example, during heavy snow or an ice storm, it’s not too uncommon for trees to break, so if there are any weak trees then it might be a good idea to just look into professional commercial tree care services, because you really want to avoid horrible accidents like this. You can’t predict harsh winter weather, no one can. 

 Firstly, you need to check that your fencing is intact. Broken fencing can become a huge issue during the winter, especially when winds become strong and aggressive. If you notice that you have broken parts of fencing, or there are panels missing, then you need to take a trip to your local builders’ merchants and stock up on plenty of timber to fix these problems. There are lots of different parts available for fencing, like these edge panels, fence posts and so on, so you need to work out exactly what you need before you invest in any additional parts. Once you’ve fixed your fencing, you shouldn’t have to work on it again during the winter.

Shed and Greenhouse Security

When the bad weather sets in, you never know what kind of conditions you’re going to be dealing with. The shed and greenhouse can take quite a bit of pressure from strong winds, as well as a battering from any flying debris that’s blown around the garden. As a result of the bad weather, you often find that windows can become smashed, doors can become loose and roofing materials can become damaged. Before the winter properly sets in, give your greenhouse or shed a thorough once over. Check all areas are intact, just like you would with the fencing and make note of any areas that need a little TLC. Make sure you lock your shed securely to prevent any doors from flying open, as well as storing any loose furniture items away here too.

Warm and Cosy Interiors

Many people like to avoid putting the central heating on until the temperature seriously drops, however after months of not being used, your radiators may need a little test run before the cold weather hits. In the run up to the colder weeks, use your heating sparingly to just test the waters and ensure it’s still working properly. There is nothing worse than facing the coldest day of the year with a broken boiler. It would even be worth having a technician popping over and giving your boiler a quick check, to ensure it’s going to run smoothly for the few months ahead.

Alongside the boiler checks, you should also use this time to go around the house and bleed your radiators. By bleeding radiators, you can ensure your radiators will work properly when needed. If your radiator needs bleeding, you’ll notice that the top of the radiator is cold, when the bottom is hot. All you need is a cloth and bleed key to tackle this issue and it doesn’t take long at all!