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Lighting Choices That Will lower Your Energy Bills

A surge in solar installations has taken the south-east Queensland region to more than 250,000 homes with rooftop solar – and the total inverter capacity to more than 800MW. With more and more education on the benefits of solar power, many residents are taking advantage of it…and it’s showing no signs of slowing down! The suggestion that solar is no longer a good investment due to the tariff changes could not be further from the truth. While incentives have been reduced, the upfront price of solar power systems has also been reduced. Solar has actually never been more affordable (especially at Dan the Sparky Man seeing we offer no interest payment plans on all of our systems) and it is increasing in popularity as depicted below.

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  March saw 3,250 rooftop solar arrays officially metered, and another 4,000 applications for solar panels were received according to new data from Energex. That makes rooftop solar in the south-east corridor managed by Energex the sixth biggest power station in the state. In fact, more than 11 per cent of total residential power consumption in the area is now sourced from embedded generation – namely rooftop solar. This recent data from Energex delivers some other interesting insights also. One is that the actual amount of money paid out for feed in tariffs is declining. That’s because around 700 homes changed owners, meaning that their rooftop systems changed from the old 44c/kWh rate to the 8c/kWh rate. That is bringing the average feed in tariff down to 37.5c/kWh. Sources: Renew Economy So, if you have been considering getting solar power or would like to know a bit more about it, please do not hesitate to contact us today. With the feed-in tariff now sitting at 8c per kWh (less than you pay to import electricity), it is now more important than ever to have a professional accurately size a system to meet your need for electricity. At DTSM, we employ only fully licensed, Master Electricians, who are also accredited for solar installations by the Clean Energy Council of Australia, to install and maintain your system. We are one of the preferred installers for Origin Energy and have installed thousands of systems right across the Gold Coast and surrounding regions. With more than a decade of experience in the industry, you can rely on us.   Dan Carpenter Signature Dan Dan the Sparky Man Come and join our social pages for the latest information, tips and product updates. Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/DantheSparkyMan Twitter page: https://twitter.com/DanTheSparkyMan

Things to Consider When Hiring Electrical Contractors

 

When you are planning a home renovation or electrical system installation in your new office building, hiring a good electrician is of the utmost importance. So, before you dial any number, you should think about several things that can greatly affect the quality of service you use. Don’t worry if you are not sure what you should pay attention to – this article will cover the basic questions you should ask when hiring an electrical contractor.

 

 

Consider Contractors’ Qualifications and Experience 

 

The first thing you will have to ask yourself is whether the electrician you are planning to hire has the necessary certificates and licences to conduct the type of work you need. This is a critical factor that can have severe consequences in case you disregard it.

 

Aside from qualifications, you will have to make sure you are hiring someone with experience and expertise. With these traits also come reliability and professionalism, and with that, you can be certain that the job will be done precisely and on time. If you are not sure where to search for an electrician you can trust, we suggest getting in touch with Dan the Sparky Man and talk to him about the electrical service you need.

 

Check The References

 

Maybe the best way to learn about the contractor you wish to hire is by checking his references. Whether you get the recommendation from a friend or you find him through an internet search, you should pay attention to his reputation. So, ask around for more information, check testimonials and do not discard anything that seems suspicious. 

 

Talk to Contractors About Permits And Warranty 

 

When you are taking over some big construction project, you will need a few permits, and the electrical contractors you are hiring should have them as well. These are important for the protection of building owners, and you cannot start the work without them.

Also, do not hire a contractor who doesn’t offer a warranty on the service. This is not only a guarantee that he did a proper job but also insurance for future repairs.

 

Ask About The Price

 

None of us likes to overpay the service no matter how large our budget is. Because of that, you should ask your electrical contractor to give you a price estimate. Furthermore, you should consider the rates other electrical contractors are offering. You may find another company that is willing to do the job of the same quality for a more competitive price. This way you will avoid someone tricking you to pay this type of work more than its actual value. 

 

Enquire Electrical Company About Precautionary Measures and Contractor’s Insurance

 

Considering the safety of you, the contractor and everyone else on the site is of vital importance. And, we mean this literally. This is a factor that will help you decide whether you will hire someone or not. In case your contractor is not insured or he is missing some parts of the safety gear, you shouldn’t even think about using his service. 

 

Security on your site is something that should be uncompromising. Ask your contractor about precautionary measures he takes while working, and make sure that everything he does is according to general safety standards. That way you will avoid potential catastrophe.

If you are having trouble finding an electrical contractor ready to take your project under the above-mentioned condition, Dan The Sparky Man stands at your disposal. With his team of highly skilled electricians, he will provide you with a service that meets the highest standards. Whether you are working on a commercial building or your own home, this is the electrical service you can count on.

How to Maintain Solar Panels Efficiency During Autumn?

 

If you have recently installed solar panels on your roof and now the fall is here and winter is approaching, you must be wondering how to maintain your system properly during periods with fewer sunny days. Well, we are here to tell you all that you need to know!

Thanks to the vast experience we have, we pointed out valuable tips about how to maintain your solar panels during autumn. However, if you are still thinking about whether the installation of such a system is a good idea or not, you can always ask our technicians for advice. They will explain to you the benefits of switching to solar power and everything else you would like to know considering this issue.  

 

Don’t Stress About Production

Keep in mind that your solar power system will produce less energy during the fall and winter months, but don’t let this worry you, because your distributor designed the system according to your annual power usage. Yes, you will produce less during fall and winter, yet the energy production will increase over spring and summer. 

Besides that, even in the autumn, there will still be sunny days during which you can expect a higher performance of your solar power system. Even though the days will be shorter, there will still be some power to store. 

Save Energy

Saving solar energy is always a good idea, especially when you are preparing your home for the upcoming winter months. To make the most of this situation, you can turn off unnecessary lighting and use only the loads you need. Furthermore, you can inspect your ducts before you turn on the heater. Also, if you don’t have house insulation, consider adding it to your home to conserve heath.

Inspect Your Panels Regularly

This is a part of solar power system maintenance that you shouldn’t neglect, and autumn is the best time to do that. It is important to detect any issues that may appear before the weather gets worse, so make sure to book an inspection on time. In case you don’t know who to turn to for this type of service, our solar power experts stand at your disposal. They will inspect every part of the system and provide you with the necessary repairs at competitive rates.

You should do this type of check at least twice a year. That way you will make sure that your panels are working properly and that there aren’t any problems with connectivity or wiring.

Thoroughly Clean Solar Panels

The last, but not the least important on our list of advice is panel cleaning. We are well aware of the yard work you will have to do during this season, still, you shouldn’t forget about your roof. Your solar panels need a thorough cleaning, especially if there are some trees nearby. You should remove any leaves or pine needles, as well as dirt and dust. To do so, you can wipe panels with a mop or use a soft scraper with a bucket of water and a small amount of soap. Also, it is good to rinse your panels with clean water from time to time. That way, you will not only ensure your solar system lasts longer, but also increase its efficiency. 

Additionally, since the winter is just around the corner, if you live in a snowy area, you should be prepared to clean panels more often. Still, for this type of job, it is better to hire a professional. The solar power system technician will have the right cleaning equipment and knowledge to prevent any sort of damages caused by rain, ice or snow. If you need some additional tips and advice on solar panel maintenance, feel free to contact our Gold Coast solar power specialists and get the answers you are looking for.

When and Why to Schedule Air Conditioning Inspection?

 

The inspection is something to consider from the moment you install an AC system in your home or commercial building. Though it might seem like something you can easily pass over, regular checks are important for numerous reasons – from air quality to safety issues.

However, it is not always easy to determine when is the right time to make an appointment for such an inspection, especially if this is your first air conditioner. Because of that, in the following text, we will give you an answer to this question and explain when and why you should schedule this type of service. In case you are interested to get more information about air conditioners and HVAC systems in general, feel free to contact our technicians and learn everything you want to know.

 

 

 

When is The Best Time to Schedule Air Conditioning Inspection?

The answer to this question is not as complicated as it might seem. You will need an air conditioning inspection right before you start using it the most. This means that you will need this service in the spring and, in case your system includes heating, in the fall as well. Still have in mind that these seasons are the busiest periods of the year for electricians, so you should make your reservation on time.

Another thing to consider is how frequently you should book for the inspection. The answer is simple for this question as well. Make a reservation for professional AC inspection once a year. Of course, if your air conditioning is linked to the heating system, this service should take place every 6 months.

A Way to Improve Air Quality

On the very top of the list of important reasons to book an AC inspection is the air quality in your home. Ducts are a suitable place for mould, bacterias and insects, and they can affect the air quality in your house. Also, spring is a period known for allergies and, since it is easy for pollen to get stuck in a filter, you should schedule an inspection and duct cleaning.

Better Energy Usage and Lower Bills

As mentioned earlier, ducts can easily become clogged with pollen and a perfect place for fungi growth. Because of that, your AC system will at some point start working poorly. It will need more power for cooling/heating of your space, which will result in high energy bills. Moreover, your system might need repairs more often. So, instead of leaving your AC ducts to chance, you should hire a professional to inspect them, and remove anything that can cause malfunctions. The experienced technician will know if there are some installation inefficiencies, and which are the potential solutions. With just a few minor repairs, your conditioner will produce cool air again and you will not have to worry about the electricity bills.

Prevent Hazards 

When it comes to the usage of any electrical appliance, safety should always be in the first place. Regular maintenance of your AC is one of the practices that keep you safe. This is even more true if your home includes an HVAC system. Just one broken heat exchanger can cause serious damage, like initiating a fire or exposure to carbon monoxide gas. Regular inspection and maintenance will help you address these issues on time and prevent potential disasters.

Longer-Lasting AC System

Finally, when you install an air conditioning system in your home, you want to be sure that it will last long. Still, have in mind that even if you purchase an AC system of the highest quality, without regular maintenance it will not have the lifespan you expect. Therefore, you should book for this service at least once a year. 

In case you want to learn more about air conditioners, their brands and anything else that you may think of, you should talk to our Gold Coast AC installation specialists. That way you will receive valuable and precise information, and maintenance advice as well.

 

Signs You Have Bad Electrical Wiring in Your Home

 

There are many causes of bad electrical wiring, from incorrect installation or poor repair to neglecting the issues and irregular maintenance. Whatever the reason is, this is a serious problem and you should address it as soon as you notice warning signs.

Now, if you are not sure which are the indicators of bad residential electrical wiring, take a look at the lines below, and we hope that you will find the answers you need.

 

Flickering Lights

The first visible sign of problems with the electrical system is flickering light. Though this can happen sometimes due to a disruption of power going through the bulb, and the only thing you have to do is to replace it, this also may be an indicator of an issue with the wiring. Aside from being annoying, flickering can also have a negative effect on your quality of life. Because of that, you should contact your electrician, and resolve this problem as soon as possible. In case you don’t know who to turn to, our Gold Coast electrical experts will be more than willing to help. They will fix your wiring and educate you on how to keep it in good condition in future.

Visible Damages on Wiring

Another warning sign you will be able to quickly detect is damage to your electrical system such as torn or chewed wiring. We know how easy it is to overlook things like minor chipping of the insulation, and you may even think that it will not cause any problems. Still, you shouldn’t postpone this type of repair because it can grow into a serious issue with unpleasant consequences.

Whether it is a bite mark on the wire or a frayed end, you should fix it as soon as possible. For instance, a bitten cable may look fine on the outside, yet the sharp teeth of a rat or a wild animal can cause more damage than you think. So, if you have some pest issues, you should thoroughly inspect your electrical cables.

Warm Outlets

Outlets that are warming up are also one of the tell-tale signs your wiring has gone bad. The reason for this may be damaged or loose wire, and it is important to address it on time to avoid electrical hazards. If any of the electrical sockets or plugs feel warm at the touch, you will need professional assistance. 

Odd Sounds

With many appliances that a modern home includes there are so many sounds surrounding us. Still, this doesn’t mean you will not be able to make a difference between a regular tune of your device and when it starts sounding odd. If you hear any sort of buzzing from your appliances or even electrical outlets, you can be sure that something isn’t working properly.

Unusual Smell

Odours may also be an indicator of the electrical issue. One you will easily recognise is a burning smell and this is something you should resolve quickly. It is a clear sign of an electrical fire hazard and you should call your electrician to fix it in the shortest period possible. 

Moreover, if the insulation is already burning, you will have to disconnect everything from the circuit and trip the breaker manually. This is one of the situations where you may find yourself in serious danger, so you should do everything you can to prevent it.

Besides this smell, you should check the other odours as well. Sometimes burning can produce an unusual and unfamiliar scent, and you should detect its source before you find yourself in trouble. 

Blown Fuse

In case your fuse is constantly blowing, it is clear as day that something isn’t right with your electrical system. In the best-case scenario, it may be that you are overloading the circuit. Still, this is not something that you can easily achieve. Because of that, you should hire a professional to locate the problem. And, whether you need to replace the entire electrical wiring or just need a quick fix, our expert electricians are at your disposal.