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Is your carpet looking a little worse for wear? Embarrassed to have guests in your home as a result?

If so, there are two possible solutions. Either have your carpet professionally cleaned, or buy a replacement.

Knowing which one of these options is best, however, is a bit more complicated.

Unfortunately, the signs of a carpet needing cleaning and replacement can be quite similar. Read on to learn exactly how to tell the difference and identify which is the most cost-effective option in the long-term

Signs that your carpet needs cleaning

With regular maintenance, and an annual professional deep clean at www.acorncarpetcleaning.co.uk, a good quality carpet will last anywhere from 10-15 years.

In the vast majority of situations, if your carpet is much newer than this, a professional clean will have it looking vibrant and fresh in no time at all.

Here are some of the signs that it is time to have your carpet professionally cleaned:

1. It been over a year since the last professional clean

In the hustle and bustle of everyday life, carpet cleaning is the last thing on your mind and before you know it, it has been several years without a professional clean.

Even if you are extremely careful to protect your carpet, enforcing a no shoes and no food rule in carpeted areas, dirt will inevitably build up over time, especially in high traffic areas.

To help maximise the lifespan of your carpet, it is recommended that you have it cleaned at least once a year, and if it has been longer than this, it is definitely time to call in the professionals.

2. Your allergies are playing up

If your allergies seem to have gotten worse in the last few months, especially when you are inside the home, it may be a result of allergens embedded deep within your carpet’s fibres.

The slightest movement on a carpet that has gone uncleaned for a prolonged period will disturb the allergens within the carpet fibres, sending then flying into the air where they will circulate for hours, significantly exacerbating allergy symptoms such as sneezing, and shortness of breath.

Vacuuming is a vital part of general carpet maintenance but will only really target the top layer of dirt and dust gathered in your carpet’s fibres.

The allergens that build up much deeper, towards the carpet padding, on the other hand, can only be removed using the industrial strength cleaning equipment used by professional cleaning firms.

3. Faded or dull appearance

Over time, general usage of a carpet will result in a slight fading and discolouration that will make your home feel slightly more dated and in need of a make-over than you would like.

A good way to check if your carpet has become discoloured over time is to move a piece of furniture and have a look at some of the carpeted area that has not been exposed to frequent use.

If this area is fluffier and more vibrant than the rest of the carpet it is time for a professional clean.

4. Stains

Professional carpet cleaning companies will be able to eradicate signs of all but the toughest stains, including coffee, red wine, blood, chocolate, and bodily fluids.

When soap and water just doesn’t do the trick, contacting a professional carpet cleaning is the best way to eliminate spots and stains from your carpet.

Signs you need a new carpet

Professional carpet cleaning can solve almost any problem when it comes to a dirty or discoloured carpet, but there are some limits.

Here are some of the signs that your carpet may be damaged beyond repair, and a replacement is required:

1. Excessive wear and tear

A good clean can remove dirt, dust, and allergens but if you find yourself covering up major stains and tears with rugs and furniture it’s probably time to call it a day and invest in a new carpet.

Such deterioration will still exist no matter how deep a clean is conducted, and in the long run a replacement is much more cost-effective.

2. Lingering Odours

If a spillage has penetrated right down to the padding underneath your carpet fibres, a lingering odour may remain even after a professional clean.

At this point, your only choice to permanently eliminate the nasty smell is probably to have the carpet replaced.

3. Permanent Stains

Stains which have not been tackled quickly and have embedded themselves deep within the carpet fibres can be impossible to fully remove, even for a professional.

Unless you are willing to rearrange your furniture to cover such a stain, your only choice at this point is a new carpet.

4. It is extremely old

Even with the best care in the world, every carpet has its day.

After the 10-year mark, your carpet will likely begin to show ripples and wrinkles that show it is coming to the end of its lifespan and it is time to head to the showroom for a replacement.

Solar batteries allow you to store and maximise the efficiency of the energy generated by your home’s solar panels.

They effectively allow you to use your solar panel generated electricity exactly when and where you need it, and as energy becomes an ever more valuable commodity, their popularity has soared.

With a solar battery in place, you can tailor your home’s energy usage specifically to your needs and if you choose to sell energy back into the national grid, you will be able to do so at peak times when the tariffs are most appealing.

Despite this, they are still a relatively niche addition to domestic homes in the UK, even among Solar Panel owners for several reasons.

One of the main ones is that a lot of people are unaware of either what a solar battery does, or even that they exist in the first place.

This expert guide will help you get to know solar batteries in much more detail and give you a better idea of whether acquiring one would be a worthwhile investment for your home.

What are solar batteries?

Solar batteries, or home batteries, are a way for homeowners to store electricity at a certain point during the day so it can be used when most required.

The main purpose of this is to avoid paying peak electricity prices by either charging the battery during the day using Solar PV panels or charging it through the mains outside of peak times, when tariffs are lower.

The electricity produced by either means is either stored before the inverter as Direct Current (DC), or after the inverter as Alternating Current (AC).

There are benefits and limitations of both these storage types with a DC battery system benefiting those with a three phase electric supply and a three phase inverter but resulting in minor losses for those who are paid incentives for their electric generation.

What is the capacity of a solar battery?

The amount of energy that can be stored in a solar battery varies widely between models with the majority having a storage capacity of somewhere between 2kWh and 14kWh.

To put this into perspective, a 2kWh battery can store enough energy to provide 2000 watts of electricity for one hour, enough to power a standard sized modern domestic refrigerator for around 12 hours.

Some modern systems allow you to increase the maximum capacity of the unit by installing extra batteries into the system at a later date to increase the storage size.

This can be a good way to purchase a solar battery in an affordable manner without limiting the capacity, as you are able to gradually add to the system over time.

How much is a solar battery?

The initial purchase price of a solar battery varies depending on the capacity and energy efficiency of the system in question.

Solar batteries range from around £400 per kWh to around £800 per kWh depending on the company you choose, the life cycle of the battery, the materials used, the capacity, and whether or not additional units can be fitted alongside the initial batter in the future.

The price of solar batteries looks set to fall in the near future as more and more electric vehicles hit the road, due to the fact that it is possible to repurpose used car batteries into home battery systems.

Advantages and Disadvantages of solar batteries

Like with any investment, it is important to consider both the pros and cons of a solar battery system before making your decision.

Advantages of using a battery to store Solar PV generated electric include:

• Being able to store unused electric rather than selling it to the grid for whatever the offered tariff is at that time.
• Lower electric bills.
• Export electric back to the grid when rates are at their peak, maximising its value
• Protect yourself from electricity price hikes in the future.

Potential disadvantages include:

• Significant upfront cost which will take several years to make back.
• Maximum lifespan of around 15 years – Less than half that of solar panels.

How to get the most out of your solar battery

There are some simple steps that you can take to ensure that your are making the most out of your new solar battery.

These include using the energy to run electrical appliances as opposed to heating or hot water, and avoiding using a large number of appliances at the same time as this demand may be higher that the maximum discharge rate of your system.

Do I need solar panels?

Given the name, you could be forgiven for thinking that a solar battery system must be combined with Solar PV panels, but this is actually not the case.

Many people use their battery to store electricity bought directly from the grid during off peak hours and use it during peak times to avoid paying the significantly more expensive tariffs.

CCTV surveillance is vital to any business’s security but with so much new technology and different options available to you what is the best system to choose?

The perfect solution for one business won’t work for everyone and choosing the optimal system for your budget and needs is essential.

This article will take you through some of the key questions you must consider before installing your CCTV and give you an idea of how to proceed.

Should you use hidden CCTV cameras?

Understanding the benefits of both hidden and visible cameras is key to deciding what CCTV system will best suit your business.

Hidden security cameras are far more likely to catch criminals in the act and provide accurate identification. If you are dealing with a repeat offender or want to have the best chance of securing a conviction against the perpetrator then a hidden camera is the way forward.

Hidden cameras can also be used if you have a legitimate concern about bullying in the workplace and want to gather evidence before proceeding. If a camera is visible, it is likely a bully would alter their behaviour when under observation, and their actions would go undetected.

Visible CCTV cameras act as far more of a deterrent than hidden cameras as people will be on their best behaviour if they know they are being watched. For CCTV to be effective in reducing crime and malpractice in the workplace your cameras must be prominent and obvious.

In most cases, if a person sees a large white camera glaring down at them, they will avoid any actions which they know will lead to negative consequences.

Visible cameras have also been proven to increase productivity among workers who will work harder if they know that their bosses may be observing them.  

It is important to know that whether you choose a hidden or a visible CCTV system you are legally required to put up a sign telling individuals that they are under surveillance.

Should you use indoor or outdoor cameras?

CCTV cameras can be used both inside and outside your property, but different locations have different needs.

Some cameras are designed solely for indoor use and tend to be slightly smaller and less intrusive so as not to destroy the aesthetic of your workplace.

Outdoor cameras must be built to survive much more extreme conditions and cope with anything from heatwaves to high winds and snow. Due to this, they tend to be heavier with more robust mounts and tamper-proof casing.

If you are unsure which type of camera is ideal for your desired location, then get in touch with us here at Central FS who will advise you on the best solution for your specific situation.

Does my business size matter?

Yes. The amount of area which needs to be covered by your CCTV system will be crucial in determining what cameras should be installed by CCTV installation Glasgow.

In a small space such as an office or corridor, a small static camera may well do the job on its own. A much larger area such as a warehouse, however, will need a far more advanced system with auto-tracking and multiple different cameras.

For very large areas such as parking lots, a camera with strong zooming capabilities is essential and a PTZ camera that allows you to adjust the lens at a moment’s notice would be your best choice.

Central FS provides the most advanced innovative auto tracking technology in the industry, using software that allows cameras to track motion and move accordingly as well as using smart technology to switch surveillance to a different camera once a target leaves the field of view.

What camera resolution is best?

As is the answer to most of these questions, this depends on your surveillance needs.

CCTV cameras come in many different resolutions which affects just how clear the image or video recording will be.

A camera with very high resolution would make identification easier and image quality affects whether footage can be used as evidence in legal disputes.

This means that if you are looking to monitor areas susceptible to criminal activity it is essential that you opt for a camera that can produce high quality images.

Do you need to access your CCTV from anywhere?

If you have a small business, you may not be able to hire a full-time security staff to observe your security footage 24/7.

If you want to keep an eye on what’s happening on your premises whilst on the move, then you should choose a CCTV system that can be linked to a smart app on your phone.

This will allow you to access live CCTV footage from anywhere giving you peace of mind that everything is fine and alerting you if you need to return to the site.

Systems installed by Central FS not only link to a smart app, but we also have trained staff who can monitor your system 24/7 and alert you if there is an issue. This saves you the time of finding your own staff to monitor your CCTV feeds and ensures a rapid response is possible to live situations.

At Prime Secure we offer a range of options for CCTV Security Towers – serving sites with and without internet and electricity, ensuring you can keep your property protected no matter the conditions it’s in.

Many construction sites are at risk of vandalism or theft (it’s been estimated £800 million is lost annually by the construction industry because of criminal activity). The cost of replacing lost and damaged equipment, as well as the costs of time lost resulting from vandalism. The ideal way to provide protection to a site is using Prime Secure’s mobile towers.

Prime Secure’s towers have been used not just by large scale construction sites. Other customers have included housebuilders and house associations, builders, and local authorities.

Prime Secure Tower Features and Benefits

Prime Secure has been working to modernise the market and provide innovative, high-tech products. All our towers come with certain feature’s which ensure they’re the best option for clients.

Mobility and versatility are a key part of our tower system. Prime Secure have ensured its towers are easy to set up, move and redeploy to suit the needs of a construction site. One of the biggest issues with traditional CCTV systems is the time that’s needed to set them up, with the necessity of wiring and power supplies. Our telescopic towers require minimum infrastructure and can be moved around as the construction site requires.

Remote accessibility is another key feature. Via a dedicated app, you can access the camera feed of our towers to check on employees or inspect the security of your site yourself. Furthermore, you can adjust security settings via your phone. This means you have 24/7 access to your camera from anywhere you may be.

The quality of the cameras Prime Secure makes use of can’t be understated. Our camera systems range from multiple ‘turret’ cameras using high quality HD resolution to 4K Cameras recording at 60FPS. These ensure a crisp, clear image that means in the worst-case scenario you’ll be able to provide police with vital evidence and help ensure prosecutions.

For all of our camera systems, Prime Secure provides reliable support and maintenance services to ensure your system runs as smoothly as possible.

One of the biggest benefits of Prime Secure Security Towers, no matter their design or style, is that their presence alone can do a huge amount to dissuade criminals. They tend to be in the long term cheaper than services like manned guarding, while providing a similar level of defence.

AI Towers

Our AI Towers are the best on the market. They feature powerful 4K Cameras which record 24/7, alongside alert and audio systems to dissuade any potential intruder. But their most important feature is their powerful AI technology.

Deep learning AI ensures that false detections are avoided, and human error is taken out of the picture. It also brings with it quicker reaction times than can be provided by a human observer, ensuring quick alerts to any criminal activity. Our AI towers can establish ‘digital trip wires’, allowing you to mark out areas of particular importance.

Prime Secure AI Towers mount powerful cameras too. Recording at 4K and at 60FPS with a 360 field of view and mounted on a 7ft telescopic pole, our cameras provide an excellent view of any property they’re used on, ensuring your property is kept safe from any criminal behaviour or activity. Furthermore, their lowlight technology guarantees that even in dark conditions, they’ll be able to get a clear shot of any suspicious behaviour.

Solar Powered ECO Towers

Concerned about your carbon footprint but wanting to save money on generators? Or are you on a site which can’t provide the appropriate electricity for a traditional camera system? Then Prime Secure’s Eco CCTV Towers are the choice for you.

Prime Secure’s Eco CCTV Towers feature a set of powerful solar panels which allow them to charge over the course of the day, as well as carrying a wind turbine. Our Eco CCTV Towers run on 100% renewable energy – they require no generators, no batteries, no methanol. This means,

• Minimal reliance on infrastructure – no need for existing electrical systems or power sources to be present, saving a great deal of time, money, and effort. This also helps cut down on set-up time as well.

• Cuts down on the costs of generators or fuel supplies; with a constant supply of energy from the sun, the towers don’t

• Carbon free – completely renewable energy. This can help to significantly lower any carbon footprint you produce.

Our Eco Towers are equipped with powerful AI as well. This uses deep learning technology which allows the towers to learn from and understand the environment they’re in – avoiding the mistakes a human based security system might.