Tag: #coverage

BUYER’S GUIDE: Should I buy a Portable or Whole-House Dehumidifier?

Between damp winters and humid summer months, keeping indoor humidity at the right level isn’t just a matter of comfort, but one of protecting both your home and health. Too much moisture creates the perfect conditions for mould and mildew to flourish, which can trigger allergies, aggravate asthma and damage fabrics, woodwork, and paint over time. That’s definitely something you’ll want to avoid.

According to building surveyors, the ideal indoor humidity sits between 40% and 60%. Anything over that and you’ll start to see moisture buildup on windows, walls, and hidden voids, creating problems you might not spot until it’s too late. Some “healthy home” strategies like insulation, ventilation, and air purification can help, but you might consider other options as well…like a dehumidifier.

If you’re thinking about tackling humidity, most households have essentially two routes to choose from; a portable room dehumidifier or a whole-house system. To be clear, both are designed to keep moisture levels in check, but they do it very differently, and making the right choice for you and your home will depend on a few aspects – including your space, budget, and overall lifestyle.

Penned with the aid of experts, this article offers a guide of things to consider before deciding which solution to implement into your home.

Cost and Upfront Investment

Since nobody likes to talk about money, let’s get the ugly(ish) details out of the way. For most people, portable dehumidifiers offer an easy and affordable entry point, and they tend to be the most common starting point.

With prices for a quality option generally starting at around £200, portable units don’t need professional installation, meaning you can have one up and running straight out of the box within minutes. This makes them ideal for rented accommodation, or for anyone looking for a quick fix in a specific problem spot.

Whole-house systems, on the other hand, are a larger commitment. Units typically cost between £800 and £2,500, and you’ll need to budget extra for installation costs. That said, if you’ve got a large property, or you know you’re in it for the long haul, this initial investment can pay off in both comfort and peace of mind.

Flexibility, Placement, Coverage and Scale

The main perk of a portable unit is that – as the name suggests – it’s portable. This means you can take and place it wherever you might need it – from a damp basement to a steamy bathroom, or even in your bedroom. Naturally, whole-house systems are a different story, and are built into your HVAC system, regulating humidity evenly across the entire property. The plus point here is the consistency, but it does mean giving up the flexibility to move it around to specific problem points.

The real gap between the two solutions starts to show when talking about coverage. A portable dehumidifier will handle a single room with no problems, typically up to around 700 square feet. Whole-house systems – as the name suggests – are designed to manage thousands of square feet at once, making them the natural choice for larger homes or multi-storey properties. If you want every room to feel equally comfortable, it’s hard to beat full-home coverage – but it’s worth considering whether you really need that much.

Energy and Efficiency

We’re all trying to save on energy bills at the moment. Thankfully, running a single portable unit is fairly efficient, but once you get into the territory of having several units dotted around the house, the costs can creep up. Whole-house systems may seem like heavy hitters in both scale and upfront cost, but they’re often more economical per square foot. By keeping humidity in check, they can even lighten the load on your heating and cooling systems, which could mean savings in other areas down the line.

Maintenance and Upkeep

Despite their overall convenience, portable models do need a bit of hands-on attention, from emptying water tanks to cleaning filters and simply making sure they’re positioned correctly. Some do allow for continuous drainage, which helps, but whole-house systems are far simpler to maintain once they’re in: connected directly to drainage, they usually only need a filter change and a yearly check-up.

Noise and Everyday Comfort

Portable dehumidifiers aren’t completely silent (yet), so if you opt for one of these, you’ll need to be comfortable with a little added white noise in the chosen space. Most aren’t too invasive (at least, not as invasive as your neighbours drilling on a Sunday morning), but it’s a factor to consider if you’re sensitive to background noises. Whole-house systems are installed out of sight — usually in a loft, basement, or utility space – so you’ll barely even notice them. In some ways, that’s a plus…though you also might not notice if there are problems that you might have clocked if you’d been able to hear the unit struggling.

So, Which Should You Choose?

The simplest way to frame your decision goes like this; If you’re renting, on a budget, or only need to dehumidify one or two problem areas, go for a portable solution. If you own a larger property, want a “fit and forget” solution, or see it as part of a long-term investment in your home’s comfort and value, you’ll want a whole-house solution.

Whatever you opt for, managing indoor humidity is one of the smartest (and simplest) things you can do to protect your home and your health. Of course, make sure you shop around to find the best solutions and keep your budget in mind when purchasing.

Investing in the Right Equipment: A Guide for Dental Professionals

Building a successful dental practice is all about making sure you and the rest of your team have access to the very best equipment. Precision, accuracy, and reliability all need to be factored into the equation. Without these fundamental considerations, your practice won’t be able to optimise patient outcomes and minimise patient waiting times. 

Knowing how to invest in the right equipment is all about having a set process that you can follow from beginning to end. Because we want you to be able to follow this process for every type of equipment you invest in, we’ve created a process that’s so versatile it will adapt to every issue you face. 

Ask for proof of a track record 

Whether it’s the equipment manufacturer or the supplier who delivers the consumables when you need them, don’t be shy about asking for proof of a track record. Every business that knows its stuff will want to tell you why it can help you, and that means the person on the other end of the phone will have everything you need to know at your fingertips. Take a moment to weigh up what they are saying and then compare it against some of their direct competitors, and you will be able to make an informed decision without delay. 

Read the online reviews 

Online reviews are there to be read and digested, so why not take a look as soon as you finish this quick guide? Many people are put off by the presence of a small number of negative reviews, but they are actually some of the most valuable information you will find online. If a small number of customers and clients are complaining about the same issue and it doesn’t appear to have been resolved, this is a warning sign. Likewise, if the issues are promptly resolved and the responses are professional and polite, this is a green light. 

Analyse the customer service 

The way you are treated when you phone or email says a lot about the team of people who are behind the scenes. If you find that the customer service is quick, efficient, and friendly, you will be able to make your choice with the peace of mind that makes all the difference. Exactly what you want to hear when you’re looking to build relationships that will take the stress out of running your practice for many years to come. 

Consider servicing and repairs

All advanced equipment will need to be serviced or repaired at some point, but it’s the frequency and the cost that matter here. You want to minimise both at the same time, and have a contingency plan built into the way your practice is equipped if possible. That way, you will be able to keep serving your patients when a key piece of scanning or diagnostic equipment is down for scheduled maintenance. 

Think about the lead times 

The initial investment is one thing, but many pieces of dental equipment will work their way through a list of consumables and replacement parts. Making sure that they are budget-friendly and easy to source is really important. You want transparent pricing, discounts on bulk buys, and short lead times to make sure that you are always able to offer the service your patients have come to expect from you. 

Look for nationwide coverage 

Sourcing dental equipment from a supplier who is well-established and serves the entire UK will make sure that you never fall foul of the downsides of hyper-local suppliers. Nationwide coverage also reduces delivery times and makes sure that any gaps in local supply can be easily solved via other distribution centres. Exactly what you want to hear when you’re looking to invest in the right dental equipment from day one. 

Set a budget for reinvestment 

Continually upgrading your equipment through a proactive approach to reinvestment is what will keep your practice in the best possible health. Putting aside a set part of your monthly budget for reinvestment is a wise move here. You can then fall back on a pot of money when an upgrade is released that you want to add to your existing equipment. 

Put aside time for training 

Last but by no means least, remember that all new equipment will require training time for each relevant member of the care team. The best equipment will offer a powerful range of new functions while also being quick and easy to master, so that you can get back to what you do best.

What is Wi-Fi Calling and why should you have it switched on

Vodafone Ireland is encouraging Irish users to unlock the full potential of their mobile phones by enabling the hidden Wi-Fi Calling feature to improve their phone network experience. Available on most Apple and Android devices, Wi-Fi Calling, also known as VoWi-Fi, allows users to make and receive calls in any location where you are connected to a Wi-Fi network, even if there is no regular phone signal or poor indoor coverage.

This easy-to-use feature allows calls to be made using Wi-Fi, ensuring seamless communication, even in areas with challenging signal conditions. While mobile networks technology is continually advancing and improving for the better, network coverage may occasionally be influenced by structural, natural, and geographical factors. Consequently, mobile users may experience varying levels of cellular network as they go about their daily activities, especially in areas with unique signal conditions. By enabling VoWi-Fi, users can experience consistent call quality and connectivity, regardless of their location.
Fiona Sheridan, Head of Network Deployment for Vodafone Ireland said:

“Vodafone has been consistently recognised as the best mobile network in Ireland by independent awards such as nPerf and Umlaut. Even so, we want to enhance our customers network experience even more. By activating the Wi-Fi Calling feature, users can fully utilise their mobile phones, ensuring uninterrupted communication even in areas with weak signal coverage. This feature leverages Wi-Fi to make calls, offering consistent call quality and connectivity, without any additional costs.   

We encourage all our customers to enable VoWi-Fi and enjoy the benefits of seamless communication, no matter where they are.”  

 

Wi-Fi Calling    

Providing seamless call quality, VoWi-Fi offers connection without fuss, and all from places that regular phone signal cannot reach – no separate app needed.

At no extra cost or hidden charges, Vodafone VoWi-Fi calling is charged at the same rate as making a call over the cellular network.

Users can enable VoWi-Fi Calling on their iOS and Android mobile device by enabling the feature in ‘Settings’ and switching the toggle ‘Wi-Fi Calling’ to the ‘On’ position, then click ‘OK’ to confirm.

Three steps to set up Wi-Fi Calling on iOS/Apple: 

  1. From your start screen – select Settings then Mobile Service
  2. Select Wi-Fi Calling
  3. Toggle Wi-Fi Calling to the on position, then click Enable to confirm

 Three steps to set up Wi-Fi Calling on Android: 

  1. From your Home screen select Phone
  2. Tap the menu on the top-right then select Settings
  1. Toggle Wi-Fi Calling to the on position then click OK to confirm

4G Calling 

Want even more connectivity? Experience seamless, high-quality calls with 4G Calling, also known as VoLTE. This feature is also available to Vodafone customers with compatible devices, allowing seamless, high-quality calls to take place via mobile wherever the user has access the 4G network.

Like with Wi-Fi Calling, 4G Calling has no effect on the user’s data streaming, enabling users to carry on multi-tasking – watch videos, use apps, or do anything that uses data – all while enjoying consistent call quality.

To learn more or to check if your phone supports 4G and Wi-Fi Calling, please visit your local Vodafone store or visit Vodafone WiFi Calling.

Jabra introduce linking update to Speak2 75 professional speakerphone

Today, Jabra has announced an automatic, over-the-air update to its flagship speakerphone Speak2 75, enabling two Speak2 75 devices to link for enhanced audio coverage, suitable for large and medium size meeting rooms. The devices can be used with platforms like Microsoft Teams, Zoom, and other UC-certified applications and provide both mono and stereo modes.

This update, driven by user feedback on Bluetooth connectivity, introduces a permanent linking capability that expands the range and functionality of the Speak2 75, meeting both the evolving needs of end users and facility managers.

Flexible connection for superior audio

Linked Speak2 75 devices provide excellent audio coverage for professional collaboration in various sized meeting rooms. For example, if one Speak2 75 has 2.5 meeres of range, then having two could more than double the range overall, depending on placement in the meeting room.

Therefore, with this new update, IT and facility managers now have more flexibility to design rooms with better audio coverage, meaning that whether users are in the meeting room or remote, everyone can hear and be heard clearly.

Furthermore, with the permanent linking feature, the Speak2 75s will remain connected even when turned off and on again. This is a significant improvement from its predecessors, where the linking was only temporary. In meeting rooms, where consistent connectivity is crucial, this feature provides a more reliable, plug-and-play user experience.

Versatile for meetings and music

During calls, the linked Speak2 75 devices transmit a dual mono signal, ensuring that both speakers deliver the same clear, precise audio. So, whether it’s an important business meeting or just a casual catch-up, the dual mono signal ensures that all communication is seamless and effective.

When it comes to sound playback, the two speakers switch to a stereo signal, offering a richer and more immersive audio experience. The devices intelligently and automatically switch between dual mono and stereo modes based on the usage scenario, providing the best audio quality for every situation.

Holger Reisinger, SVP for Video & Collaboration solutions at Jabra, said: “With the new linking feature, the Speak2 75 transforms how users experience sound, offering flexible placement options that adapt to any environment. This enhancement makes the Speak2 75 an ideal choice for both professional and personal use, fitting seamlessly into modern lifestyles.

This update reflects our commitment to innovation that genuinely enhances usability and quality. By expanding the Speak2 75’s capabilities, we are setting a new standard for immersive, adaptable audio solutions.”

This update is available now on all Speak2 75 devices via a firmware update in Jabra+, Direct, Xpress and Sound+.

Find out more information at www.jabra.co.uk/speak2-75

See our Jabra Reviews

Bad mobile coverage in your area? Report it with #FREQ and build a network #Apps #IrishMobieBiz

Coverage today is a priority with your phone or tablet be it indoors,outdoors or travelling so we need to know where is hot and where is not,for me an app like this is vital not only knowing if bad coverage is on my trip but knowing where it is ,is another story i like to stay in places where i have good coverage especially if im there for a few days and need to work from my laptop,tablet or phone,and i never rely on hotel or free wifi in most cases its poor or restricted.

 

 

What is FREQ. 

Because it’s all about you, not about general table rankings or general naming and shaming.

We analyse your mobile performance, establish patterns and highlight your problems with operators to help improve your daily network. We  also show the best and the worst parts of company phone networks, indoors and out.

Based in Ireland, our team of engineers, network planners and data scientists have decades of expertise in design, build and operations with operators and network suppliers all over the world.

Its early days, and the feedback is excellent – so download the app. Help build the right-for-you network.

FAQ – FREQ 

What are the chances I will get a good connection? Thats how to think of your FREQ score. 0 to 100%. A single number that simplifies a complicated situation. Can your network deliver the response you need in the time you need it? Based on our findings we  score your network, phones, buildings or locations and deliver the forecast you need.

So What?

By knowing your FREQ score, you will have a more accurate reading of your phones actual performance compared to the bar method we all use currently. If you answer yes to any of these questions then you need FREQ:

  • Have you ever had your phone display a five bar reception, but all  you get is one star performance?
  • Do you find it hard to be heard amid all the competing offers….free minutes……unlimited calls….all you can ‘eat’ data and texts?
  • Do you want a voice for what your network should deliver – in the places you spend most of your time?

What do I have to do?

It’s easy and straightforward. Simply download and install the app. The app works in the background measuring when the signals change and reporting the results to our database for analysis. Daily forecasts are available on the site – we will be posting them on the app in a coming release. Right now we are building our results and we need your help!

How much does it cost?

For you, the user, it’s free. If you are in a company and want a detailed analysis of how all the operators are performing in your building, for remote workers or those on the road – contact us.

How does it work?

Whenever coverage fluctuates we record the changes, the technology used and how well the network responds. Based on this we calculate a network score. Based on this score we can rank the network. We call it the FREQ score. We want this to become the standard measure for your network experience, and for how to compare phones, networks and operators.

Are you spying on me?

Never. We do not record your number, your site data or any other personal data. We do not record any information about who you are or what sites you visit.

We  record which network cell sites are use, and the approximate location. If GPS is enabled then the location of the phone will be recorded when the coverage changes. There is absolutely no way to tie this back to a user based on the uploaded information.

We are only interested in signal strength and network quality – we have zero interest in the sites you visit, your calls and your content. They are just not interesting to us –now or ever.

 

 

Will it use my battery or data?

We only take readings when the coverage changes, we then analyse and send results so there are no major battery drains, especially as it stays the background. The data traffic is typically less than 100K per day and we e include a ‘wifi only’ option for the fat-free, zero add-on mobile data plan.  GPS should be switched off in order to minimise the battery drain.

Who are you?

We are a group of network experts who have spent the last decade designing and operating mobile networks all over the world. We believe in Total Mobile – streaming, dreaming, buying, selling and living our life online, everywhere, anytime. We love data analytics and cloud computing, and believe that these type of crowd measurements can help everyone build a better mobile environment.

So in a nutshell these guys have it all covered and we wish them the best in the further development and hope to see it on more platforms soon..

You can follow FREQ on TWITTER – FACEBOOK and look at the website FREQ.IE

Download FREQ on Android