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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.