Could hybrid heat pumps help achieve net zero?

hybrid heating system

Home heating is one of the biggest contributing factors to the UK’s carbon emissions and replacing gas boilers with more environmentally friendly alternatives has been identified as essential to meeting the Government’s target of reaching net zero.

As part of this push, gas boilers in new build properties are set to be banned in the UK from 2025.

Heat pumps are currently the most effective renewable technology for generating home heat.

Air-source heat pumps work by taking in air from outside your home, harnessing the heat energy within and using it to heat your radiators and the hot water used in your shower, taps etc.

For many people, installing an air-source heat pump will provide them with all the heat energy that they require, and they will be able to remove their gas boiler completely as a result.

For others, however, demand may exceed supply at certain points. This is more likely to be the case in large remote properties with a high heat demand.

In these situations, hybrid heating is a fantastic option.

This involves installing a heat pump alongside another heating source, usually a gas boiler so that you always have all the heat that you could possibly need.

Hybrid solutions offer a great way to make your home much more energy efficient, dramatically reduce your carbon footprint, and save money on your energy bills, without having to compromise comfort or even leave yourself short when it comes to heat in the winter months.

When is hybrid heating useful?

In the summer, those with a hybrid heating system will usually find that they have no need for their boiler at all.

An air source heat pump will normally be able to more than meet your property’s hot water and heating needs at these times and achieve maximum energy efficiency levels as high as 400%.

As temperatures fall, in the winter months especially, however, demand for heat will rise and more energy will be required to keep your property at a comfortable temperature.

This is when retaining your gas boiler will prove to have been a wise decision, taking over your heat production until demand falls once more.

Gas boilers operate better in cold temperatures than heat pumps and you may find that it is more energy efficient for your boiler to take over at these times even if your heat pump could meet your energy needs.

Do not worry about having to calculate the perfect time to switch between your two units for maximum efficiency, modern hybrid systems are designed to do just that on your behalf and can be programmed specifically to the bespoke needs of your property.

Are there Government grants for hybrid heat pump installation?

Given the Governments pledges to meet carbon emissions goals, it is disappointing to find that there are currently no grants available to homeowners to assist with the installation of hybrid heat pump systems.

The Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) which once entitled those installing any renewable heating system to up to 7 years of cash payments from the Government, ceased funding in March 2022.

Its replacement, the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) offers grants of up to £6000 to those looking to replace their boiler with a low-carbon alternative that can be used for air source heat pump installation.

However, BUS only applies to those looking to replace 100% of their home heating system and does not, therefore, apply to hybrid heating systems.

How much do hybrid heat pumps cost?

A hybrid heating system will cost you somewhere in the region of £5,000-£10,000.

Whilst this is more than the cost of replacing a gas boiler (usually around £4,000), a heating system is a long-term investment, and you really need to look at the costs over a period of years to make an informed decision.

You will make significant savings on your monthly energy bills by switching to a hybrid system and these savings may well exceed the installation costs over a matter of years.

Furthermore, by reducing the workload of your boiler you will extend its life, and reduce the chances of repairs or replacement being required.

Disadvantages of a hybrid heat pump

For many, a hybrid heat pump is the ideal solution to their heating needs providing a great balance between efficiency and affordability whilst also helping them do their bit to reduce their carbon footprint.

It is not suited to everyone, however, and here are some of the potential downsides to consider before making your decision:

  • Hybrid systems are not completely emission free
  • Heat pumps are more expensive to install than a standard boiler
  • You need outdoor space to install an air source heat pump
  • There will be a small amount of noise made by your pump whilst operational (similar in volume to a standard refrigerator)

8 reasons to have your boiler serviced this winter

Boiler maintenance Glasgow

Coming out of one of the warmest summers on record, your central heating system is probably the last thing on your mind.

However, in Scotland, we all know how quickly the weather can turn, and as temperatures fall homeowners across the Glasgow area will once again turn to their gas boiler to keep their home and their loved ones warm for the months to come.

One of the best things that you can do to make sure that your boiler is ready for the winter season is to have it serviced by a professional Gas Safe engineer.

A boiler service is a lot like having your car serviced, you don’t know for certain that it is in safe condition to run without conducting some basic safety checks first.

Here are 8 of the most important reasons to have your boiler serviced before the winter begins.

1. Improve safety

A faulty boiler poses a very genuine threat to the safety of those nearby.

Every year across the UK, over 4,000 people go to hospital with carbon monoxide poisoning. 50 people lose their lives from the same.

Gas boiler leaks are one of the most common root causes of carbon monoxide poisoning.

During an annual service, an electrician will conduct an emissions test on your boiler to check for leaks of any dangerous gases.

2. Minimise risk of expensive repairs

Having your boiler serviced now could help you to avoid having to fork out for expensive repairs or replacements in the future.

A boiler service will often highlight minor issues that would not otherwise be spotted until they had escalated into something much more complicated and difficult to resolve.

3. Save money

Although there is a cost involved in having your boiler serviced, it will normally help you to save money in the long-term.

Firstly, as mentioned above, boiler services can prevent costly repairs being required.

Also, they will help to improve the energy efficiency of your boiler, saving you money on energy bills that have never been so high in the UK.

4. Better performance

A better performing boiler will not only save you money but will also heat your home much faster.

This is perfect when coming home on a cold winter’s day when you don’t want to sit around shivering for ages whilst the boiler and radiators get to work.

5. Avoid breaking the warranty agreement

Many manufacturers have clauses in the warranty that they offer with their boilers that state that if you do not have the boiler serviced on an annual basis that the policy is invalid.

Should you have a breakdown of a fault in the future, we can guarantee that you will be glad that you had that service done and are not now left facing a massive repair bill.

6. Avoid peak times

Having your boiler serviced right before the winter season begins in earnest is the perfect choice.

In the middle of winter, engineers are at their busiest (often dealing with emergency callouts for boilers that have not been serviced in living memory!) and arranging either a service, or if worst comes to worst, an emergency call-out will be difficult.

You may have to wait several days to get an appointment, far from ideal during a cold snap.

7. Legal requirements

If you own your own home, and live in it, it is highly recommended that you have your annual boiler service carried out, but it is not a legal requirement.

If you are a landlord, however, it is a legal requirement for you to have one carried out in any rental property you currently have in order to protect your tenants.

Vice Versa, if you currently live in a rental property yourself, and your landlord has not arranged for a service to take place, make sure to remind them, and take further action if they do not.

8. Prolong the lifespan

If you do not get your boiler serviced, you are not only more likely to face repair bills in the near future, but your boiler is far more likely to degrade over time.

Research shows that boilers that are serviced on a regular basis last, on average significantly longer than the same boiler that is not serviced.

It is very unlikely that if you never have your boiler serviced that it will get close to the 15-year average lifespan expected from a new gas boiler.

Get in touch with a Gas Safe engineer

It simply isn’t worth the risk of skipping your annual boiler service this winter, so get in touch with your local Boiler maintenance Glasgow Gas Safe engineer and arrange an appointment today, and make sure that your loved ones are wrapped up safe and warm this winter.

Boiler maintenance Glasgow

8 questions to ask before hiring a criminal defence attorney

Criminal Defense Lawyer

Being arrested and charged with a criminal offence is a distressing and frightening experience and it is vital that you get yourself legal representation immediately.

However, although this is a highly time sensitive matter, it is also not a decision that you want to make rashly as picking the wrong lawyer could seriously harm your chances of a favourable outcome in any settlement or court proceedings.

When choosing your attorney it is, therefore a good idea to ask them some detailed questions about their experience and how they plan on handling your case.

This will help you to avoid spending valuable time and money on legal aid that may actually do more harm than good when it comes to building a strong defence.

Questions to ask a criminal lawyer in an initial meeting

Before you even meet with any criminal lawyers you should do some background research to identify some suitable candidates based on online reviews, recommendations from family and friends, or previous case history.

Once you have narrowed down your search in this manner it is time to start speaking to some criminal lawyers in person.

Most lawyers will offer a free consultation allowing you to ask your questions without having to commit to hiring their services.

Here are eight of the most important questions to ask when attending an initial appointment with a defence attorney:

How long have you been a lawyer?

This is a nice introductory question that gives you an idea of the lawyer’s experience and one which they should have no problem in answering.

Lawyers with extensive experience are more likely to have handled cases similar to yours in the past, know what to expect and be able to guide you through the process.

However, time isn’t everything and the quality and relevance of their experience is far more important that the number of cases that they have handled.

Who is on your team?

The last thing you want having found the perfect lawyer is for your case to be handed over to their associates and have limited access to your lawyer themselves.

A big team can be useful as more minds will be working towards finding the right defence but it is important to find out straight away how involved the attorney themselves will be, how big their team is, and the experience that the individuals in the said team have.

What is your specialty?

All good lawyers have their specialties, even within criminal law itself and just because a lawyer has had success in one area does not mean that they are well suited to another.

Make sure that your chosen lawyer has a history of expertise within the field.

What do you need from me?

You should be included as much as you want to be in the process of building your defence.

At the end of the day your lawyer is your representative.

Ask what they will expect from you during the process leading up to trial and what documentation or information they will need you to supply.

This will help avoid any nasty surprises later down the line.

How much will this cost?

Choosing the cheapest lawyer available is rarely a wise move but a good lawyer should be able to give you a clear outline of their fee structure.

If additional services are required, the cost of this should also be explained at an early stage.

Payment concerns or disputes over fees are the last thing that you need during a busy criminal case and being stuck with an unexpected bill that you can’t afford to pay right before trial and losing the services of your lawyer as a result could be devastating to the outcome.

What communication will you have?

Having an established method of communication is vital between you and your lawyer.

You should be able to contact them when required and know that if something important happens in relation to the case that they will be able to get in touch with you and how.

What is the process?

If you are reading this article there is a good chance you have never before hired a Criminal Defense Lawyer and, therefore, have never before faced criminal charges.

Facing the process for the very first time can be daunting and confusing and your lawyer should give you an idea of what to expect at each stage.

They should explain at this stage what the process will look like and how long it usually takes.

What will the outcome be?

No lawyer will be able to say for certain what the outcome of a criminal case may be.

No matter their experience or how strong your defence is on paper, nothing is guaranteed and they should make this clear from the start.

A lawyer who tells you the outcome is assured either way from the start should be avoided at all costs.

Adjustable Air Beds: Sleep Number vs. Personal Comfort

Sleep Number and Personal Comfort sell adjustable air beds as an alternative to traditional mattresses. Both brands offer a variety of models with varying features and price points, making it difficult to choose which one is best for you. To assist you in making an informed decision, here is a comparison of Personal Comfort versus Sleep Number.

Sleep Number is an established brand that has been in business since 1987. They provide a variety of air bed models that are designed to provide a personalized sleeping experience. The beds feature an adjustable air chamber that allows you to tailor the firmness of the mattress to your personal preference. To improve the overall sleep experience, Sleep Number also includes features such as temperature control, massage options, and a variety of comfort layers.

Personal Comfort is a relatively new company that was established in 2010. They also provide a variety of adjustable air bed models, the main difference being that their beds have a customizable air chamber for each side of the bed, allowing both partners to have their preferred level of firmness. Personal Comfort beds also include temperature control and a variety of comfort layers to improve the sleeping experience.

The price point is one significant distinction between Sleep Number and Personal Comfort. Personal Comfort beds are typically less expensive than Sleep Number beds, with some models costing several thousand dollars. Personal Comfort beds are generally less expensive, with queen-sized beds starting at around $800.

Another distinction is the warranty. Personal Comfort offers a 20-year limited warranty on their beds, while Sleep Number offers a 25-year limited warranty. Both companies also provide a 100-night sleep trial period during which you can return the bed for a full refund if you are dissatisfied.

Both Sleep Number and Personal Comfort provide high-quality adjustable air beds with customizable sleep experiences. The main differences are the price point and the warranty, so keep these in mind when making your decision. Finally, the best option for you will be determined by your budget and personal preferences. Check out themodernback.com to learn more about Number Beds.

Weighing the Pros and Cons of WP Tangerine

Need help managing your WordPress blog but don’t know where to begin? To help out here, WP Tangerine provides a service for businesses of all sizes. Read on if you need guidance determining if you should get them. I’ve broken down the company’s offerings and outlined its pros and cons for you.

Intro to WP Tangerine

WP Tangerine presents themselves as a well-established, successful business with 60+ full-time workers who are committed to meeting deadlines and delivering quality work. Bloggers, business owners, small businesses, advertising firms, and the like are just some of the customers they get. In the Philippines, they use remote workers, but in the United States, they have management. When you’re a client, you have access to resources like FAQs and research that can help you figure out what to do next. Furthermore, they provide the services of a dedicated developer, designer, client manager, and WooCommerce developer.

Can You Explain How WP Tangerine’s Unlimited WordPress Development Service Functions?

WP Tangerine’s base price, which covers WordPress maintenance for 3 sites, is $297/month. After that, you can upgrade to one of two premium tiers, depending on how extensive your site is. There are three different time commitment options available each day (1, 2, or 4 hours), and all work must be completed within a 24-hour window. They have professional and agency plans that can be used for fresh website creation.

WooCommerce can be used to create a fully custom website in about a week, while single-page sites can be completed in a day. Programmers will use whatever project management tool you’d like them to use, whether that’s Basecamp, Asana, or Trello. Instead of using any of these methods, they will just send you emails. You can try it risk-free for 30 days and get an analysis of your website at no cost.

Evaluation of WP Tangerine

A lot of companies can’t realize their website’s full potential without some assistance. WP Tangerine has all the pieces in place to provide this on multiple levels.

The unlimited WordPress support is a big deal, but they also provide SEO-friendly fixes and thorough investigation and expert advice on any questions you may have about your site. As an added bonus, they offer round-the-clock assistance in the event of an emergency, like the sudden collapse of your website.

WP Tangerine stands out from the competition because of the breadth and lack of limitations in the services it offers. Learn about the benefits and drawbacks by reading on:

Pros: Let me explain why I enjoy using WP Tangerine:

  • They have a devoted team of developers, designers, client managers, and WooCommerce specialists, as well as a research/QA resource (the only provider to offer this).
  • You can request graphic-related work as part of their plans.
  • Developers can access specialized assistance as needed to remove malware, strengthen security, and speed up pages.
  • As opposed to the competition, they provide a cheaper entry-level package.
  • They are a successful business that has been operating for over 5 years.

As for the negatives, here are my only complaints about WP Tangerine:

  • Daily limits are set for you based on your schedule. To complete larger, more immediate projects, you can’t just pile all of your monthly hours into a few weeks. On the other hand, you may be able to have certain cases escalated or buy extra hours.
  • You’ll have to use your own task management system, or rely on email in its place.
  • Having no intention of creating any brand-new, custom WordPress plugins (no other providers do this either).

Trying WP Tangerine out for yourself is the best way to see if it’s a good fit for your needs and your company. In lieu of a free trial, WP Tangerine offers a 30-day money-back guarantee that should be more than enough time to evaluate the service. Just hit the “Try WP Tangerine” button down below to visit their site and get started.

If I’m separated, can I take my children or holiday or move abroad?

lawyers-for-divorce-case

For separated or divorced parents, the issue of travel, let alone moving, can be difficult. There’s a variety of important laws and other factors in place that can prevent you from taking your children on holiday – or relocating to another country.

At Oracle Law, Divorce legal services, we have extensive experience in the field of family law. In this article we’ll examine the basics of parental responsibility and your ability to go abroad and travel. We’ll go over the importance of parental rights and the court processes.

What to know before you travel – Parental Responsibility

It is important to know what parental responsibility is.

Parental responsibility tends to lie with each parent. In some situations, there may be others who have parental responsibility. These can be grandparents, for example. Other people who can hold parental responsibility include,

  • Adoptive Parents
  • Legal Guardians
  • Caregivers

Parental responsibility

You automatically have parental responsibility if you are the mother of the child.

Parental responsibility refers to the legal rights and responsibilities a parent has for a child and their prosperity. It is their duty to ensure a child is cared for properly. Their responsible for among other things deciding when a child can leave a country – for a holiday on a permeant basis.

If one party with parental responsibility does not give consent to the trip or the move, then you are engaging in child abduction.

Going on Holiday

If both parents have parental responsibility and there are no arrangement orders (also called residence orders) or restrictions in place, then neither can take the child outside of the UK without the written consent of the other. If the consent required is refused, then an application can be made to the Court.

If you are the mother and you alone have parental responsibility and there are no child arrangements relating to the child, then permission isn’t needed. This of course can be changed if the father applies for parental responsibility as well.

It is considered responsible parenting to consult the other parent and reach an amicable agreement. It is best to agree the arrangements to avoid any kind of confusion and issues like accusations of abduction – which are very serious. It also helps to avoid getting the court involved.

If the other person refuses to permit the child to go on holiday you can however apply to the court to obtain permission.

Obtaining Permission from the Court

If consent has been refused, you can apply to the Family Court for permission to take the child abroad. You can apply for a Specific Issue Order. The courts will determine if taking the child on holiday is in their best interests and if the holiday will last a reasonable period and that the destination is acceptable. Issues raised by another person with parental responsibility will be considered.

Other important steps

Before you travel it is a good idea to check the specific requirements of the country you’re going to travel to. Some countries will require the completion of important forms – as well as signed (and witnessed) permission. You’ll also want to check the age limit for when a person is viewed as a child. Make sure to,

  • Take letters from the persons who hold parental responsibility with you, including relevant contact information and clear details regarding the holiday
  • A birth certificate (if the child has a different surname)
  • A court order or parental responsibility agreement

Relocating Abroad

Relocating is a more serious and demanding process than holiday – even before you factor in the legal processes involved.

To permanently take a child abroad a parent will require the consent of the other parent or persons with parental responsibility – or they will need a court order (relocation application).

These are going to be cases where it’s appropriate for a person with parental responsibility to oppose the relocation application. In some situations, however, the energy and time spent trying to organise future communication.

When a court is considering an application, it will examine several important factors.

  • The reason for wanting to live abroad. Is it motivated ‘genuinely’ – or is the motivation intended to end the relationship between the child and the other parent?
  • What will the effect be on the child and their relationship with the other parent, as well as the rest of the family?
  • What are the effects going to be on the child’s ability to communicate with their wider family 

Looking for legal advice on travel and relocation?

At Oracle Law, our team has extensive experience when it comes to family law. If you are thinking about travelling or relocation and believe you’ll need help, then get in touch today. It’s never a bad idea to have expert legal advice on hand – as when an application to court becomes necessary, it can become a long and very difficult process to get through – especially if you lack expert legal assistance.

 

Cornwall’s Ultimate Used BMW Buyer’s Manual

Used car purchases, whether made through a dealership or a private party, can be challenging. We hope that this guide will help you find and purchase your next Used vehicle.

There is always a measure of danger involved when shopping for a BMW used car finance in Cornwall, whether you do so privately, through a dealer, or online. You can save a lot of money and avoid unpleasant surprises if you take the time to do your homework, find out what you’re entitled to as a buyer, and know what to look for. If you follow this advice and apply our used car checklist, you’ll have a much easier time finding a great price on your next vehicle.

Most used-car shoppers go for vehicles that are three years old or less because they consider this to be the “sweet spot” between reliability and cost. This is due to the fact that most new Cars are purchased on finance packages or company fleet leases that last for roughly 36 months, after which they are returned to the dealer or sold through auctions and typically make their way into the used car market.

It’s reasonable to expect a three-year-old Car to cost approximately half what it did when new, depending on the make and the number of miles it has racked up, and to provide plenty of reliable transportation for its owner. Although this is a broad statement, evidence from warranty providers also suggests that vehicle dependability declines after 5 years, making this a good time to sell your used car and hunt for a new one.

Of course, there are still lots of decent Cars that are 5+ years old see what TYR Cars offered; you should just be aware that they may be more expensive to operate and may require more repairs than newer models.

Buying a Used Car: The Fundamentals

There are a few more hoops to jump through when looking to purchase a Used BMW in Cornwall, but they are just as important to get right as they are when purchasing a brand-new BMW. A few things to keep in mind while you shop for and inspect that used engine include…

1. Take care of your financial affairs first.

Because of the magnitude of this purchase, it is essential that you take the time to carefully determine and adhere to your budget. Explore your options for paying for your car if you need to, including credit cards, a personal loan, car payments, and cash. Figure out how much you can put down initially, and how much you can afford to pay each month. If you do this, you won’t be caught off guard by the salesperson’s inevitable question of “how much do you have to spend each month?”

The second piece of advice is to always be aware of the current state of the used Car market.

Shopping around online for used cars is a terrific method to get a feel for the market and your budget. You can see if you’re getting a decent deal, and with so many options, you don’t have to rush into purchasing a BMW if you’re not sure it’s the correct car for you. In the case of popular models, there will always be plenty of options available, even if the asking price is too high. “

3. Double-check all necessary documentation

If you’re not going to inspect the paperwork that comes with a used car, you shouldn’t give it any value. If you’re in Bude or Cornwall, UK, and you want to buy a Used BMW from an individual rather than a dealer, you should double-check the V5C logbook’s listed keeper’s address to make sure the car is actually for sale there, and then compare the car’s VIN and chassis number to the ones listed on the logbook.

After that, you can start checking for problems with the car’s service history, see if the cambelt needs replacing (which can be an expensive job on some Cars), and verify ownership by reviewing sales documents and the termination of any credit contracts. Any unpaid debts or shady past can be uncovered by running a background check through HPI.

It’s best to perform a thorough inspection of the vehicle during daylight hours when conditions are ideal.

Try to evaluate vehicles during dry weather, since rain on the paint job, as well as streetlamp or torchlight, can mask flaws. Be sure to inspect each and every panel, as well as the interior’s various trim surfaces. Due to their age, most used Cars will have minor cosmetic flaws, therefore it’s more important to check the functionality of the vehicle’s controls, switches, and other optional equipment. Do all of the power windows operate at the same rate, and does the air conditioning make a cool breeze? “

#5 Perform a comprehensive test drive

It is critical that the vehicle functions as expected in terms of driving and handling. How hard is it to crank the engine? Does the engine make any funny noises or do the brakes make any strange noises? Does it seem like the wheel wants to pull in a specific direction? Is there any suspicious smoke coming from the tailpipe? Check your insurance coverage before going for a test drive.

Do we have everything we need? 6

See if the original jack, tools, and locking alloy wheel nuts are still there, as well as the spare tire and repair kit, under the trunk floor. The owner’s manual and any available extra keys should both be found in the car’s glove compartment. You may also require a satellite navigation disc or SD card for some vehicles. They’re all pricey to replace if lost, but their loss might do irreparable harm.

Seventh, the Deal Is Closed

Finalize sure you and the seller both sign and save a copy of the receipt once you’ve agreed on a price for a BMW and are ready to make the purchase. Information on the vehicle being sold, together with the names and addresses of the seller and purchaser, should all be included.

The eighth and final step is paying for the car.

There shouldn’t be any issues if you go through an authorized BMW dealer, but the obvious caution about paying cash for a car in a private sale bears reiterating. Never take out a significant sum of cash to buy an Car. Try to send money electronically if at all possible. Never meet someone other than at their home to exchange cash for goods.

How to Pick a Good Platform Bed

Platform beds consistently remain a popular and classic option among buyers for their functionality, simplicity, and overall beauty despite the variety of styles and designs of beds that are currently available. They work with any kind of bedroom arrangement. A platform bed is ideal for a restful night’s sleep with the right mattress and bedding components. This article offers advice on how to pick the ideal platform bed for your residence.

Enjoy the Icon Sleep platform bed with its stylish diamond tufting, wingbacks, and sturdy wood frame covered in a fabric that looks like linen. The platform bed has a three-inch slat gap, three-inch slat roll, and a headboard with plush padding for added comfort. Icon Sleep offers free shipping on all new platform beds throughout the continental US, so you can get your new beds delivered right to your door. There are return policies.

A Platform Bed: What Is It?

Platform beds have a very straightforward frame that is available in a variety of materials, including wood and wrought iron. They don’t require a box spring and can support any kind ofmattress. One of the most popular bed types, it comes in a variety of designs with a wide range of features that complement any interior design. Some of the most well-liked designs of platform beds include the ones listed below:

  • Low profile: By default, platform beds are lower than traditional beds. With legs and a clearance space underneath them, these are the most basic variations of these beds.
  • No space is left between the bed frame and the floor in this design. Instead, it is enclosed and typically has a storage area.
  • Floating: There is no clearance or storage space underneath the mattress, which is supported by the frame in the center and has a very sturdy base. These, however, are very fashionable and perfect for a contemporary minimalist home.
  • These are upgraded versions of platform beds, which don’t typically come with headboards or footboards. In order to mimic traditional beds, platform beds with headboards typically have a lower headboard.

Platform Bed Frame Types

In order to purchase the ideal item for your home, it is important to consider the platform bed frame’s surface construction. You may encounter the following bed frame varieties:

  • With holes to improve airflow, a solid surface is a continuous surface. If you require additional support, it is a good option because it offers a firm base for your mattress.
  • Slatted: To support the bedding and improve airflow, a series of horizontally spaced wooden or metal slats are used. The slats are typically two to three inches apart. The most prevalent type of platform beds is this one.
  • Cross-sectional slats: You’ll find these in metal bed frames and they’re especially prevalent in low-cost items. They are not, however, the kind you will find to be the most resilient.
  • Metal: Some models have a surface made of woven metal. Because of the weak construction, this can be uncomfortable when used with some foam mattresses. However, they function well with box springs and other mattresses that offer better back support.

The Best Platform Bed Selection

The size of the bed, the kind of mattress you require, the type of bed frame, and how well it matches your interior decor are all significant factors to consider when selecting a platform bed.

Go natural

When looking for platform beds, the particle board, glue, and stains used should be of the highest quality. These frequently have a lot of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and smell bad. Additionally, people who are sensitive to VOC fumes should sleep on a platform bed that has been stained with non-VOC compounds. To avoid discomfort, look for organic fabrics and stains that contain no VOCs.

the level of craftsmanship

The bed’s construction should be sturdy enough to support the combined weight of the people using it and the bedding. Pick only the highest-quality metal or wood bed frames. If you choose a slatted surface, make sure the slats are strong but still pliable because they will support weight more effectively. Traditional platform beds have a solid surface, but a slatted design has benefits like better airflow. To determine whether the bed frame is sturdy enough, though, double check the slat width and spacing.

Customization

You might have particular needs that necessitate customization. If so, place the order in advance. If customizations are necessary, get a good deal by contacting a reputable retailer.

Material

Solid wood, particle board, and other materials can be used to make platform beds. The best choice for a durable material for a long-term investment is solid wood. When properly maintained, these not only offer adequate support but also last for generations. Depending on the quality of the material, joints, and hinges, metal bed frames can also be good, but they have a tendency to dent easily. Visit the store and test it out there to determine whether the material is up to par and the bed is supportive enough.

Finding a platform bed that meets your needs can be challenging. If you have very specific needs, it is wise to have the bed frame customized. However, keeping the aforementioned aspects and requirements in mind will assist you in locating the ideal platform bed for your house.

7 Tips That Work How to get your products to the top on Bigcommerce

BigCommerce is a website builder mostly for people who want to start their own online business (without worrying about having to code anything or involve developers). SEO BigCommerce is an important part of a website that uses BigCommerce. Here are some tips from BigCommerce SEO experts on how to make the most of BigCommerce SEO.

1. Optimize the titles of your pages

One of the most important SEO factors is a page’s title. It is a key piece of information that search engines use to decide how to classify and rank it. The most important part of a search result is your title (as well as at the top of browser windows). It would help if the titles of your BigCommerce pages or posts were never unclear. They should also start with your “focus keyword” if you can.

2. Use the correct headings

SEO experts at BigCommerce say that people who build and update their websites using platforms like BigCommerce sometimes make the mistake of ignoring the headlines. Instead of using headers (H1, H2, H3, etc.) to separate their content, they often use bold or capitalized text like a webmaster or web editor would. This causes some problems.

  • To begin with, it can look a little bit ugly.
  • Second, it makes it harder for people who can’t see to use screen readers to understand your information.
  • The third and most important decision for BigCommerce SEO is that it makes it much harder for search engines to understand your content and crawl it effectively.

3. Make sure your pages and products have interesting meta descriptions.

Meta descriptions are the short summaries of a web page that appear under the blue links that can be clicked on the search engine results page. Google says that meta descriptions do not affect rankings. A well-written meta description might get more people to visit a website, which would increase the clickthrough rate of the page (CTR). Now that most SEO professionals think that a page’s clickthrough rate (CTR) is a ranking factor (since search engines favor results with higher CTRs), it’s important to write good meta descriptions.

4. Give your images optimized file names and alt text.

Search engine algorithms don’t just look at the words on a page when indexing it; they also look at the photos. It is done by looking at two pieces of information about your photos: the “alt text” and the file names. So, in BigCommerce SEO, you must make sure that both are up to par.

5. Use URLs that are clean

Google wants people to use URLs that are “clean.” Clean URLs are short, easy to understand, and clear.

6. Put rich snippets in your content.

Rich snippets, which are “structured data” that you can add to your content to help searchers and search engines understand what a page is about, are very important for your website’s search results.

7. Focus on making great content and building backlinks to it

Many online store owners are so focused on their product catalogs—the photos, descriptions, keywords, and so on—that they forget one of the most important parts of SEO: writing unique content (usually in the form of a blog post).

Sites with in-depth, informative posts about topics that people are interested in can rank high in search results, especially if they have a lot of high-quality external links (called “backlinks”).

Conclusion

Want to make sure as many people as possible see your products? Check out our seven tips for getting your Bigcommerce products to rank higher. With these tips, you can get the attention you need and increase your sales. Contact the Always Open Commerce if you need help with Bigcommerce development. We can handle all of your pick-up and packing needs!

10 reasons to hire a security guard

CCTV Camera

Having a professional security presence on site can provide peace of mind for you and your staff.

Whilst CCTV and alarm systems are powerful deterrents to criminals there is no substitute for the physical protection service offered by manned guarding.

At Prime Secure all our security guards are SIA accredited and fully trained to deal with dangerous situations leaving your staff worry free and fully concentrated on their jobs.

Here are 10 of the most valuable things that a security service can do for you:

1. Reduce Crime

A manned guarding presence on your site in the form of a uniformed security officer is an extremely effective visual deterrent to criminals.

The likelihood is that when a potential intruder sees you have security guards, they will choose a different property to target meaning that without lifting a finger, security officers will have significantly reduced the chances of crime occurring.

2. Stop Crime

Not all criminals will be put off simply by the presence of a security guard, so they need to be primed to deal with active incidents taking place.

When professional security staff identify an intruder on your premises, they will intercept them and stop them from causing harm.

3. Represent your Business

Keeping staff and customers safe is the first priority of security staff but in doing this they will become a representative of your business.

You may wish to have a guard man your front desk to help check visitor credentials and observe the entrance so they are often the first person a customer will come across when they enter your business.

When chatting to customers and dealing with their enquiries, security officers will be personable and helpful and portray your company in the best possible light.

4. Provide Rapid Response Services

When an incident is occurring, it is essential that your security is on hand to deal with it as quickly as possible.

Professional security guards will utilise your alarm and CCTV systems to identify exactly when and where an incident is occurring so they can be on the scene as quickly as possible.

5. Make instant decisions

When arriving at an incident it is the job of your security staff to make fast pressurised decisions which in extreme cases could be the difference between life and death.

Professional guards are trained to know what to do in a wide range of situations and will adapt to the issue as it develops.

If you have a security policy in place, the security guard will memorise exactly what you want them to do in certain situations and use that guidance to make their decisions.

6. Increase Productivity

It is very hard to work in an environment where you do not feel safe and that is not the sort of workplace you want to create.

Simply having the presence of a security guard on site helps to create a safe business environment and will help staff relax.

When staff feel safe and comfortable in their work they will remain more focussed and productivity will rise as a result.

7. Leave it to the professionals

When you are relying on untrained staff to respond to incidents you are likely to see mistakes being made during crisis events.

Emergencies often require assistance from the police, fire service, or paramedics and knowing who to collaborate with and work alongside these responders is key.

Not only are security guards trained to work with the emergency services they will also be able to identify exactly who needs to be contacted if they are first on the scene and will make sure the correct professionals are on the scenes as quickly as possible.

8. First-Aid help

In emergency situations there is not always time to wait for a paramedic to arrive and having a security officer who is trained in CPR and AED use could literally be a lifesaver.

Even basic first aid training can help stabilise an injured person for long enough for professional help to arrive.

9. Promote Good Behaviour

Whilst crime is the main focus of security guards, they can also help to control internal workplace discipline and disorder in crowds.

When there is a security presence in the workplace staff are far more likely to abide by health and safety rules and avoid committing minor offences they might have otherwise.

Professional security staff will also be trained in crowd management and their presence at events will help reduce the risk of fighting and drunk and disorderly behaviour.

10.Reduce Stress

If you are looking to reduce your own and your staff’s stress levels, then hiring security guards is a no brainer.

You will be able to focus on running your business or managing a project, with safety and security being taken care of by a team of professionals.

What Services Do Colorado Credit Unions Offer

A credit union is a financial institution that is similar to a commercial bank, but it is not for profit. Its members control the bank’s decisions. They are also a good choice for people with low incomes. They offer a variety of financial services to help their members manage their money. A credit union is a great option for people who need a small amount of money but are unsure about how to handle it.

A share account is a type of account similar to a savings account. It is the foundation for many Colorado Springs credit union services. You become a member of the credit union by opening a share account. The initial deposit is treated as an investment in the credit federation and is returned with your entire balance if you decide to close the account. The benefits of using a credit union are many and they are well worth considering. These services are accessible from any location, whether you are at home, on the road, or even in your car.

Credit unions in Colorado Springs have a variety of services to offer their members. For instance, if you need a loan, they can offer a personal loan with a low interest rate. In addition, they offer financial education resources to help you reach your financial goals. In addition to offering personal finance assistance, a credit union will work with you to meet your needs. And, as a member of a credit union, you’ll benefit from the personal attention and knowledge of a credit union employee.

If you aren’t able to visit a credit union in person, you can still use its services online. You can open an account and transfer money from one account to another, and apply for a loan without ever leaving the comfort of your home. With online banking, it’s possible to make a deposit or withdrawal from any location. The financial institutions are also protected by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme. However, you should keep in mind that you can still use a physical branch of a credit union.

Credit unions also offer safety deposit boxes. These boxes are separate and secure storage for valuables. They are the perfect place to keep your valuables if you’re ever in a situation where you cannot access them. There are many more ways to use a credit union than you may think. The benefits of using a credit union are unmatched by any other type of bank. So, sign up for a credit card or account today to get the financial support you need.

The credit unions offer a range of different services. A credit union can help you with your finances. They can give you a great rate on loans and provide great service. A credit union can also help you with your finances. In many cases, a credit card can be helpful in a time of need. If you don’t have a credit card, you can use a share account. There is no fee for this type of account.

Learn About Air Academy Federal Credit Union of Colorado Springs.

What is the Difference Between a Criminal Lawyer and a Civil Lawyer?

What is the difference between a criminal attorney and a civil lawyer? While they both specialize in legal issues relating to the government, they do not have the same level of expertise. A criminal case involves allegations of harm to society and may involve prison or probation. A civil case, on the other hand, typically involves a lawsuit for money damages. A civil attorney represents the defendant in a private lawsuit, in which the defendant must prove he or she was responsible for the damages.

A civil attorney handles a wide range of issues relating to property or personal injury. The criminal portion of the law concerns crimes that involve incarceration, fines, and the death penalty. In a criminal case, the state must prove that the defendant committed the crime. In a civil case, the plaintiff must show that the allegations are true by a preponderance of the evidence.

A criminal attorney will fight for the client and try to get the charges dropped. A civil attorney will try to get the charges dropped or suppress evidence. If this fails, the criminal lawyer can file for an appeal. A criminal lawyer must prove that the defendant committed the crime, and this means he or she must raise a reasonable doubt that a jury or judge would find the defendant guilty.

A civil lawyer works in a different area of law. A criminal lawyer handles cases involving the law. A civil lawyer will handle matters involving property and debt. A criminal lawyer is involved in a criminal case. A civil lawyer handles civil matters, while a criminal attorney will work on both. The goal of a civil lawyer is to represent his or her client in a trial.

A civil lawyer defends an individual’s rights. A criminal lawyer represents the state, and is not involved in a lawsuit. A criminal attorney has to be familiar with the case. The Long Island criminal lawyer must be knowledgeable about the law on Long Island and in New York State. Moreover, a criminal defense attorney will be aware of the case’s consequences. The defendant will have to face the consequences of a crime and must prove their innocence.

A civil lawyer works for the defendant. A criminal lawyer works for the government, while a civil lawyer works for the defendant. Both types of lawyers are equally qualified and experienced, but the purpose of their legal work is often different. A civil trial will be handled by a judge and a civil case will be handled by a private attorney. A legal representative will help you decide if you should retain a lawyer.

A criminal lawyer is a civil lawyer who works for the prosecution. A criminal case will be prosecuted. A civil attorney is an advocate of the defendant, while a criminal law attorney is the one fighting the prosecution. A good civil lawyer will have experience in both types of cases. The criminal attorney will work for the victim. The former is the victim. The latter will win the case.

Criminal lawyers deal with a different process from a civil lawyer. For instance, in a civil case, the defendant is responsible for the act while a criminal attorney represents the defendant. In a criminal case, the prosecutor can only prosecute a civil case. A civil lawyer handles both types of cases, so a civil lawyer should be familiar with both types of criminal cases.

Criminal attorneys work for the state. A civil attorney works for the plaintiff. A criminal lawyer focuses on the interests of the defendant. The former serves the interests of the plaintiff. A criminal attorney’s primary goal is to defend the rights of the defendant. A civil attorney works for the plaintiff. In a civil case, a prosecutor will defend the rights of the defendant. A criminal lawyer will represent the state.

Custom web development has a number of benefits.

A custom website is a useful tool for a fresh, innovative firm looking to achieve a global presence rapidly and for little or no money up front. To guarantee that custom website creation is the best solution for your organization, you must first understand some of the perks and advantages. Custom web development entails building a website from the bottom up with your company’s specific business goals in mind. This is one of the most important decisions a business can make since it provides it complete control over the design process.

Your organization will always have a distinct professional impression with a personalized web design. You’re gradually adding new functionality to accommodate changes in your business model, and you’re adjusting the navigation format to better meet the audience’s collective needs. These are just a few of the benefits of bespoke website development; there are many more, and your organization may discover new ones as you consider your options.

Creating lead magnets with custom web design is also a great option. The promotional documents you hand out at trade exhibitions, conferences, and other marketing events are known as lead magnets. For best effectiveness, these documents must be eye-catching, highly useful, and well-organized. By assisting you in the creation of your design, a bespoke website developer can assist you in achieving your marketing objectives. With these marketing brochures, your organization may reach a wider audience and increase sales.

The Advantages of Visiting a Dentist

Many people have the misconception that a dentist is someone who spends all day at the dentist’s office with their mouths. This could hardly be more untrue. The dentist’s job is far from simple and takes a great deal of skill and training. However, there are numerous benefits of being a dentist that exceed the challenging work involved in oral health care.

One of the most obvious advantages of becoming a dentist is that you may help people with dental anxiety by offering relief in a variety of scenarios other than dental work. Dentists are likewise held to a high standard when it comes to treating children, particularly adolescents. A pediatric dentist, as an oral health specialist, can take a proactive approach to addressing dental anxiety by collaborating with parents on preventative measures that can significantly enhance a child’s dental and gum health.

The advantages of going to the dentist are obvious to everyone who has had personal experience with them. A dentist can relieve dental anxiety by providing services such as sedation dentistry, orthodontics, and other sorts of cosmetic dentistry, in addition to providing preventative care. Sedation dentistry is a terrific approach for people who have dental anxiety to go through a dentist’s procedure without feeling any pain or fear of pain. Furthermore, orthodontics and cosmetic operations may both dramatically improve the look and general appearance of your smile, as well as eliminate problems such as tooth decay and gum disease that may develop over time.

Advice on Telemarketing

One of the most effective Telemarketing techniques is to keep your prospect on the same page at all times. When you call a prospect or make a phone contact, it’s difficult to know if that individual will be in the same office that day. Some telemarketers will take advantage of this circumstance and attempt to offer things to prospects who are already at work. When it comes to times when you will approach a prospect for products and services, it is critical that you have an agreement in place. Many people overlook this component, yet it is really significant and should not be overlooked.

When looking for telemarketing advice, keep in mind that many persons who work as telemarketers are not professional telemarketers. You should not buy anything from a telemarketing shop where you may see them in person. Instead, make certain that they are a professional telemarketer who has gone through all of the necessary steps to become certified by the Better Business Bureau. If you ever come across a telemarketer who is attempting to sell you something they are not authorized to offer, report them right away.

Telemarketing advice is useful, but it won’t help unless the telemarketer knows what they’re doing. If the telemarketer doesn’t know what they’re doing, they won’t get the most out of their marketing effort and may even harm their company. Keep in mind that there are many various types of businesses, and not all of them are familiar with telemarketing. If you are ever approached by a telemarketer and don’t understand what’s going on, you should contact the Telemarketing Department right away to find out what’s going on.

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