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Things to Know About Electricity When Building a New Home

 

 

So, you’ve decided to build a new home and you have everything sorted out. Still, when it comes to the electrical system, you don’t know how or where to start. There is no need to worry. We are here to help you figure out what are the things you should pay attention to when you are installing an electrical system in your new home.

Type of Wiring System 

First of all, it is important to know exactly what kind of wiring you should install. Have in mind that your entire electrical system includes usage of lightning and a range of hardwired devices. Because of this, you have to make sure to get the installation that will cover all of your family needs. For instance, a house of standard size will need from 100 to 200-amps service.

When it comes to wiring, you will have three options – concealed conduit, surface conduit and lead sheathed wiring. The first one is the most attractive for homeowners because it includes plastering and hiding cords behind the walls. However, before you make a decision, you should talk to an electrician with experience in a new home electrical installation. And, if you don’t know who you should talk to, our Gold Coast electricity masters are ready to help you. 

Control Panels

 

Now, when you decide on the type of wiring, you will have to consider where to place your control panels. Whether you need them for lighting, smoke alarms or an HVAC system, you should set them up in a discrete and easily approachable place. Before that, you should also think about the type of technology you will use in your house, and make sure to place panels according to that.

Outlets Position

This is an important thing to consider because it can have a great effect on the electrical appliances you are using. For example, you will need several plugs in your kitchen, for a stove, refrigerator and other devices this space requires. Other rooms will need a specific number of outlets at specific positions as well. This will depend on their purpose. Whether you are planning to add an extra socket for your laptop and mobile charger or you want to install only necessary plugs, you should make sure there are no trip hazards. So, you should place outlets in part of the room where it is the most practical.

Switches 

Same as with panels and outlets, you will have to position lighting switches in places that serve you most. Furthermore, since now you have so many stylish options for these features of the electrical system, it will not be difficult to find the one that will fit into your home aesthetics. Also, the market now offers switches with Bluetooth capability, so you will be able to control your lights even from a mobile phone and you will not need a centralised electronic unit. To learn more about your lighting options, you can always turn to our Gold Coast electrical specialists. Whether you need advice or help with the installation, you can rely on them.

Energy Efficiency

Some of the major concerns for many homeowners are the negative effects electricity usage may have on the environment. Besides that, increasing bills are also something to think about when it comes to this subject. So if you are planning to build a new home, you should think about the installation of a system that will allow you to control electricity usage. With it, you will not have to worry even when you are not at home. This will significantly increase the efficiency of energy usage in your house.

And, if you would like to take this one step further, you may also consider the installation of solar panels. That way you will be able to reduce the usage of power from non-renewable sources, as well as your electricity bills. To find out more about solar panels installation, you can always get in touch with our technicians and expand your options.

 

Top 5 Reasons Your Office Needs Electrical Maintenance

 

Those of you who run any type of commerce know how many aspects can influence work efficiency. With this in mind, one of the elements you should consider is commercial electrical maintenance. Regular inspections and upkeep will not only improve the performance of the appliances but also prevent potential blackouts and safety hazards.

Here are the top 5 fundamental reasons to schedule electrical maintenance for your office regularly:

 

 

 

1. Your Office is Based in an Old Building 

Every responsible business owner does a thorough inspection before moving a company into a certain building. Still, that doesn’t mean you should postpone hiring an electrical maintenance service. And this is even more true if your commercial premises are located in an older building.

With frequent and regular maintenance, testing and inspection you will not have to worry about unpleasant surprises like additional costs for repairs or short circuits. Have in mind that some older buildings may have electrical wiring that hasn’t been replaced for decades, so it is more prone to different damages and safety hazards. For instance, cable insulation could easily wear out and leave wires unprotected. However, regular visits of an experienced electrician can prevent almost all issues. In case you haven’t been able to find someone trustworthy to provide you with electrical maintenance service, our specialists will be glad to help you.

 

2. The Electrical Outlets Are Warming Up

If your electrical outlets are warm to the touch, you shouldn’t wait a minute longer before you call your electrician. The reason for the warming up can be too many devices plugged in the same circuit. However, this is not the only cause. For instance, in older buildings, you may have mismatched electrical equipment, like a high ampacity breaker where you should install a standard one. This is something that an electrician can easily resolve. And, you should have someone check cracked, worn off and chipped outlets.

Now, the process of heating can appear while voltage input is changing to storable output. Since the outlet shouldn’t be warmer than room temperature, you should check it an hour after you unplug the appliance. Still, keep in mind that even if it comes back to normal, you should get in touch with your electrician.

 

3. Lights in Your Office Are Flickering

This issue is something that you might encounter whether you are based in a new or old building. There are a few reasons why this may happen, and though sometimes it seems like a minor problem, it can have unpleasant consequences. For example, your employees can suffer from nausea, vision problems or headaches. That can further affect their efficiency and general health.

Additionally, if there are flickering lights in more than one room, this might be an indicator of an overloaded circuit, which is yet another safety hazard. To prevent potential calamity and raise the quality of your working space, you should have a good electrician by your side.  

 

 

 4. Sparks Appear Whenever You Plug-In or Unplug Appliances

Multiple sparks coming from a cable or the appliances is never a good sign. A brief flicker here and there when you remove the plug or switch on a device too soon is a normal occurrence. Still, sometimes sparks can be a serious issue. The reason they appear so often may be moisture exposure, which could lead to a short circuit. Besides that, sparks could indicate your outlets are warming up excessively. Furthermore, it could lead to overloading, melting of wire insulation and corrosion. Sparks can also be a result of a neglected and poorly repaired electrical system. 

 

 5. Regular Upkeep Saves You Money

Though it may not seem obvious, systematic and regular electrical maintenance will lower your company costs. Working with a reliable, experienced and skilled electrician will save you time and money you would lose repairing sudden damages, not to mention enhance the safety of you and your staff. You will not have to worry about business interruption and you will provide an efficient working environment for your employees. And, if you are not sure who to contact about this, our Gold Coast electricians will be at your disposal. Whether you need just a consultation or you are ready to book for regular upkeep, you can count on us.

 

 

 

4 Garden Lighting Trends

Nothing has the power to transform your garden like properly placed and installed lights. During the last few decades, we have been witnessing many innovations in the field of outdoor decor, especially lightning systems. Nowadays, you will be able to choose various models of lamps and lanterns. for your yard.

Asking for an opinion from someone who understands how different light designs can affect the visual impression of your landscape may be quite helpful when you are making this choice. For instance, you can turn to our lighting Gold Coast experts who will be glad to assist you with this issue. In case you already have some idea what type of systems are available, but you still aren’t sure which one will suit you the most, continue reading and you will learn more about the top 4 garden lighting trends.

1. LED Lights

 

The leading trend in the last couple of years are LED lights. They are the favourite choice of many homeowners because of the following reasons:

  • Longer lifespan – LED lights are known as long-lasting lighting. Some of them can last nearly 50,000 hours.
  • Shining brighter while saving energy – these bulbs proved to be better illuminators than traditional ones. They offer more output per watt, which makes them shine with more intensity using less power.
  • Flexibility – LEDs can come in many different models – from wall mounted to the classic pathway lights, you can implement LED technology in almost any design.

With all of these qualities, it is obvious that homeowners in many areas will start using these systems instead of traditional ones. And in case you are ready to make the switch now, our LED lighting Gold Coast technicians will be glad to provide you with this service. You cannot go wrong with this choice, because it involves technology that can be implemented in various ways.

2. Solar Power Lights

 

Solar energy systems are becoming more common in Australian households every year, and in recent years they have become a popular alternative for outdoor lighting. Most of them also include LED technology, and they are easy to install. If you are looking for trustworthy lightning electricians, our team will be happy to help you with wiring installation. Just keep in mind that the solar lights aren’t shining with intensity as those powered from other sources. This makes them great for illuminating places you would like to highlight, like patios and pathways.

There are obvious advantages of using this lightning system like energy-efficiency and environmental consciousness. Besides that, with the right maintenance, outdoor solar lamps can last for about15 years and they will be working throughout the entire year.

3. Waterproof Bulbs

 

Considering rainy seasons and winter, this lightning trend is the one you shouldn’t omit. Not only that it will help you to transform your outdoor space, but it will also ensure that the bulbs are protected from potential water damages and that they will last longer. These can also be combined with LEDs, and to learn more about it, you can turn to our team of experienced electricians. They will provide you with information about installation and how you can implement waterproof lights – from walkway lamps to the ones in swimming pools.

4. In-Ground Lights

 

In-ground lights have been a popular solution for patios, driveways and swimming pool areas for more than a decade. They present safe solutions for people with children because there is no danger of anyone tripping and falling over these illuminators. Moreover, they provide a specific aesthetic for all of you who enjoy modern designs. Still, for their installation, you will need professional assistance, which is why our outdoor lightning Gold Coast team is waiting for your call.

Top 5 Myths About Residential Solar Power Systems

Expansion of solar power system usage is undoubtedly encouraging environmentally conscious behaviour, and that is not the only positive thing that emerged from it. Still, many people have doubts about the way solar energy is generated, its cost-effectiveness and other benefits users and distributors highlight. Thus, it is no wonder solar systems will be surrounded by misconceptions.

If you want to educate yourself, our solar power Gold Coast experts will explain to you everything and give you a better perspective on the issue. In the following text, we will enlist the most common myths about solar energy systems and hopefully help you get a full picture.

1. Solar System Doesn’t Work on Cloudy Days

 

The first misconception about solar panels is that since they use sunlight to generate energy, they don’t work on cloudy days. Of course, this notion is false. The clouds do not block the sun completely, and the panels will work as long as there is sun exposure. Your system will generate energy, but the production will be reduced to some point. 

In other words, the panels may not be as efficient as they would be on a sunny day. Clouds create a barrier between the sun and the system, filtering the sunlight that reaches solar cells. The amount of light that panels absorb will depend on the thickness of these “filters”.

2. Solar Panels are Expensive

 

This was maybe true a decade ago, but today is pretty far from it. With options like loans and leases, there are numerous ways to afford solar panels. Besides that, governments across the globe are constantly designing bonus schemes and different types of programs for homeowners who decide to implement this energy production module. Some of them are referring to battery storage, meaning it can be even more cost-effective. For instance, for residents of Gold Coast, solar power solutions come with 44 cents feed-in tariff. Having that in mind, and depending on your electricity consumption, your solar panels will completely pay off in the next five years.

3. Solar Power Systems Require High Maintenance

 

Some people may think that panels are built out of sensitive materials which makes them hard to maintain. On the contrary, the upkeep of this system doesn’t require more than dust cleaning every six months. 

Of course, regular maintenance will ensure your panels work properly, yet it is not as frequent or demanding. You will only have to check if the system is clean and remove potential causes of shading. In case you may encounter some issues or system faults, we advise you to contact our solar power Gold Coast experts.

4. Solar Installations Cause Roof Damage

 

Another misconception about solar power modules is that their installation would damage your rooftop. Our Gold Coast solar power technicians, for example, prove the opposite, since they do thorough preparations before the beginning of the work.

Well-trained installers will conduct this job without causing any damage to your roof. During installation, they will make sure to create a firm construction by placing solar panels on mounting brackets. And, since they need to inspect the roof before that, technicians will probably detect all existing damages and suggest you fix them before the installation.

5. Solar Rooftops Can Increase the Value of Your Property

 

This myth is true. Research conducted in the last five years shows that the majority of Australian homeowners see solar power as a way to increase the value of their properties, and it does. Moreover, a significant number of renters said that they would pay extra 10 dollars per week for the home with a solar rooftop.

Before you decide whether to make a switch to this energy source or not, you should learn as much as you can about it. The easiest way to do so is through a consultation with our solar power Gold Coast specialists, who will give you the correct information.

Things to Consider Before Choosing an Air Conditioning for Your Home

The installation of the air conditioning system in your home is not something you should take lightly. Air conditioning isn’t something that you will be buying every once in a while, and because of that, you should make a wise choice.

Before making this decision, you will have to consider various factors that can influence the quality and functionality of air conditioners. We know that your budget is one of the key things that will narrow your search, but you should keep in mind other elements too. The goal is to find the best solution for the price you are willing to pay, and we hope that the tips we provided below will help you choose the right air conditioning for your home.

Type of Air Conditioning System

The first thing you should think about is what kind of air conditioner do you need. Before you make a choice, you should learn more about four basic models and their characteristics:

Ducted Air Conditioning

This system is the best in the market at the moment, and it comes with a good price as well. It allows you to control the temperature of each room in your home thanks to sensors and ducts to air outlets that are all connected to the central unit. They come with a control panel that can help you navigate optimal heat/cooling degrees in every zone of your house.

Multi-split Air Conditioning

A system that comes with one outdoor unit connected to at least two indoor units. It can be adjusted to cool or heat more spacious home areas.

Split System Air Conditioning

With two outdoor compressors connected via pipes to the indoor unit, these air conditioners are suitable for smaller spaces (up to 60 square meters)

Window/Wall System Air Conditioning

As you can assume by its name, this is an air conditioning system you can install on an external wall or a window. It doesn’t have a wide coverage (up to 50 square meters), still, it is pretty affordable.

Besides these, an important question is would you like your air conditioner with or without an inverter. Also, you should think about whether you want a system that can heat and cool or the one that can only cool. Our air conditioning installation Gold Coast service covers it all.

Air Quality

Each air conditioning system comes with defined specifications for the quality of air. The manufacturers are obligated to issue them. The air quality is of the utmost importance for you as a user, and you should know how the conditioner is affecting it before installation. Thus, you should look for a system that comes with specifications that meet prescribed standards. From time to time you can also arrange for a system quality control.

Effect on Household Expenses

Costs of living are increasing every year, so it is no wonder you will be looking for an AC system that is cost-effective. To make the right choice you should pay attention to the size of the system, thermostat and if it has an economy mode. Besides that, you can implement habits that will save energy, like closing doors to hold the cool in, regularly cleaning your air conditioner and using from time to time ceiling fans.

Durability

To avoid frequent repairs, you should make sure that the air conditioner you pick is durable. You can do this by researching other users experiences and learning more about the models that entered your shortlist. This information is also something you can get from our Gold Coast air conditioning installation experts. They will be happy to explain to you the configuration of the make and model you are interested in and provide you with a valid warranty.