Home maintenance: Tips for heating systems and food safety

As seasonal transitions approach, experts suggest several home maintenance tasks to prevent mechanical failures and health risks.

Regarding heating systems, it is recommended to keep thermostatic radiator valves open during summer to prevent internal components like springs and seals from seizing due to prolonged inactivity. Leaving valves open also helps prevent corrosion by allowing air to escape and water to fill the unit more effectively during system refills. Homeowners are advised to inspect boilers, heat pumps, and expansion tanks before the autumn rush to avoid long service wait times and high repair costs.

For food safety during travel, a simple trick involves placing a coin on top of a block of ice in a container inside the freezer. If the coin is found at the bottom or partially submerged upon return, it indicates the power failed and the food may have thawed and refrozen, potentially allowing bacteria to grow.