Reducing the amount of energy your home uses does more than lower your electricity bill, it also reduces the amount of emissions your family is responsible for spreading into the environment. In 2012 alone, Australia was able to reduce roughly 4% of the emissions caused by electricity as a result of Carbon Tax implemented by Prime Minister Gillard. Unfortunately, the Carbon Tax was repealed in 2014, and energy companies continue to be one of the most responsible parties of climate pollution, with roughly 22% of Australia’s emissions stemming from energy suppliers such as Energy Australia and AGL Energy. Today, we’ll take a look at how LED technology, solar panels, and simple household habits can reduce your home’s electrical bill and emissions. PAY ATTENTION TO YOUR APPLIANCES It may be surprising to learn that your household appliances continue to pull energy, even when they’re not being used. Televisions, computers, microwaves, and washing machines are all known for continuing to use energy even in stand-by mode; instead of leaving household appliances in standby mode throughout the day, make it a habit to unplug unused devices. To maximize your energy savings, try purchasing Energy star products. Although Energy Star ratings are not regulated by the … Read More
What is the Energy Star Rating System?
What is the Energy Star Rating System? If you’ve gone shopping for electronics recently, you probably saw more than a few models with a blue and white star sticker. Known as the Energy Star Rating Certification, this little sticker is used by manufacturers to symbolise a product that conserves more energy than the standard model. Popular among tech-savvy people around the world for a number of reasons, the EPA and Australian government have been working to implement this brand into the market for quite some time now. As one of the most globally recognised energy brands in the world, let’s take a glimpse at why so many countries are participating in this unique movement. THE BENEFITS OF ENERGY STAR Energy Star was created with the belief that by making smarter choices with our electricity, we could make the world a better place. Since the beginning of the Energy Star Rating System in 1992, $362 billion dollars have been saved on energy and 2.5 billion tons of greenhouse gasses have been removed from the atmosphere. These staggering statistics give us a small insight into the way energy brands like this can make big changes the world. As a result of its success, major … Read More
6 Reasons to Request an Electrical Inspection Before Purchasing a Home
A home is probably the largest single purchase you will make in your life. After saving for years to scrape together a down payment and picking the perfect home for you and your family, it’s natural to want to move in as quickly as possible. But before you finalise your purchase, having an electrical inspection done by a licensed electrician is highly recommended to ensure your home is electrically safe. Why? Here are six good reasons everyone should have a professional electrician inspect any home electrical system before purchasing. 1) TROUBLES WITH ELECTRICAL WIRING Electrical safety is something every homeowner should take seriously. Every year, there are roughly 300 people admitted to Australian hospitals as a result of household electrical malfunctions. Faulty wiring and arching power points are both common culprits of household injuries and fires, but can be prevented with routine inspections by a professional. 2) SMOKE ALARM FUNCTIONING Up to 50% of household fatalities are said to be preventable if a working smoke alarm had been present, and a fire escape routine had been practiced. Having a licensed electrician ensure all of the smoke alarms in your new home are working properly is a critical aspect of your future electrical safety. 3) IDENTIFY OVERLOADED CIRCUITS If there are too many devices … Read More
Do I Need an Electrical Permit?
Home improvement projects are your way to enjoy your home. Over the years, you’ve fallen in love with the feeling of tackling a household problem and finding unique ways to fix it. When it comes to things like drywall and flooring, there’s usually no need to get a permit or hire a licensed contractor. Electrical repairs, however, are a completely different matter. In today’s post, we’ll give you the details regarding when an electrical permit is needed, and whether or not you’re legally able to complete any electrical repairs yourself without the help of a licensed electrical contractor. DO I NEED AN ELECTRICAL PERMIT FOR MY PROJECT? A building permit allows the government to ensure your home’s electrical repairs are completed up to code, and in a safe manner. To make the process as easy as possible, anyone is able to file the paperwork to attain a building permit. An electrical permit is usually required for larger projects such as panel installations, home remodels, and additions. Usually, small projects like plug and switch replacements, light installations, or general troubleshooting will not require a permit. The bottom line is that the need for a permit will vary; to ensure you follow all legal regulations, we … Read More