3 - 2013 - Dan the Sparky Man

QLD Electricity Price Switch

by Dan Carpenter | Mar 30, 2013 | 2013, Blog

It seems to be the topic of the month, if not the year – Electricity prices! From Carbon Tax implications to the Origin price hike announcement, to Origin’s announcement to keep prices fixed.

Nobody likes prices increasing, especially for something as necessary as electricity. Are you a little confused with all the recent media on Electricity prices?

Recent Electricity Price Summary:

June 29th, Origin told tariff 11 market contract customers they were facing an increase of about 11 per cent.
June 29th – Early July Campbell Newman and QLD Government lobbied Origin on their price increase.
July 17th – Origin announces market pricing for Tariff 11 to match the Queensland Government’s rate “freeze”

Electricity Tariff 11 Rates 2012/13

Excl GST	Origin previously advised rates 12/13	Government regulated ‘frozen’ rates 12/13	Origin new rates 12/13
All consumption c/kwh	23.550	23.071	23.071
Service fee per metering point c/day	59.000-67.720	26.170	26.170

Even though Origin is “back in the race” we suggest customers continue to scout for the cheapest provider. Queenslanders can now compare electricity costs thanks to an online tool introduced by the State Government. You can view the ‘Electricity Comparison Table‘ online. One Big Switch campaign director Christopher Zinn was also impressed with the electricity comparison table, saying it would certainly help people make the right choice.

The Big Electricity Switch

We have recently seen the organisations such as One Big Switch campaign against price rises as a community effort. Over 200,000 Aussies so far have joined The Big Electricity Switch through the organisation One Big Switch, and have helped unlock group discounts on electricity and gas. With a large user base One Big Switch have the power to negotiate prices down.

By registering with One Big Switch you are joining a network of consumers who are interested in using the power of group switching to cut the cost of regular household bills. Registering means you will be kept in the loop about group switching offers. You are under no obligation to take any of the Group Switch Offers. You can cancel your registration at any time.

You can register free online here https://www.onebigswitch.com.au/. Registration has been extended and is open until 17th August 2012.

Dan’s Tips:

To get the best price comparison always check with your current energy retailer to see whether they can offer you a better deal.
Always read the fine print.
Be wary of long term contracts and exit fees.

Come and join the Dan The Sparky Man social pages for the latest information, tips and products or even join in to the conversation:

Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/DantheSparkyMan

Twitter page: https://twitter.com/DanTheSparkyMan

For more information or to arrange a consultation, contact us at Dan the Sparky Man on (07) 5578 3481 or info@danthesparkyman.com.au

Dan Carpenter

Dan Carpenter has built his business to be one of the most successful and trusted electrical businesses on the Gold Coast. He completed his apprenticeship in Adelaide at a young age. With a passion for self-driven success, he established his own enterprise on the Gold Coast at 22, quickly becoming a leader in the local building and solar industries. His dedication led him to win the Gold Coast Small Business Award and earn the title of Accredited Master Electrician.

danthesparkyman.com.au/

Keeping Your Family Warm this Winter

by Dan Carpenter | Mar 15, 2013 | 2013, Blog

With temperatures getting down to as low as single digits in the evenings and early mornings on the Gold Coast, we’re all trying to find ways to warm up the house.

For most of us the heater is the first thing we turn on. But which is the most suitable for your home and the most economical to operate?

There are two main types of heating – radiant and convective. What is the difference?

Radiant heaters

Also known as bar heaters, a radiant heater will heat people and objects in front of the heater using infrared radiation. Radiant heaters often have a visible source of heat that glows bright red.

Convective heaters

Convection heaters are designed to evenly heat the air in a room. This is done by passing cool air across a heating element. Some other types of convection heaters are: Oil Filled Column Heaters, Fan Heaters, Energy Efficient Wall Mounted Panel Heaters.

Different heating for different spaces:

Choosing one over the other depends primarily on whether you want to heat people or the space: Convection heaters will warm the air in a space, while a radiant heater will transfer heat to the nearest objects.

In larger rooms with high ceilings, a combination of radiant and convective heating is best.
In small rooms, space convective heating is effective.
In larger draughty rooms or bathrooms, radiant heating works best.

Get the most from your heater:

Ceiling fans – reverse the direction of your ceiling fan to push warm air down from the ceiling back into the room.
Always ensure that you clean the filters on your chosen heating system at the beginning and end of each season to ensure that it runs smoothly and use timers to make sure that you are only heating your room when you require.
Install insulation – Ceiling insulation keeps your home warmer in winter and helps your heater run more efficiently.
Minimise draughts from windows and use heavy curtains to stop heat loss.
Always consider appropriate clothing to stay warm and reduce the effects of draughts.
Position your furniture to deflect or avoid draughts.