Archives for September 2013

It seems that the cost of heating and cooling our home increases every year, and it’s hard to keep up with the extra expense. Using these 5 tips to lower your electricity bill, compiled by Brisbane Air’s electrical experts, you’ll find your bills falling by hundreds of dollars.

1. Start small and turn appliances off

Leaving televisions, DVD players, Wi-fis, and computers on stand-by when they’re not in use adds as much as 10% to an electric bill: turning such devices off at the wall when not used, is an immediate money-saver.

Fridges and freezers use more power when they are nearly empty, as do dishwashers.

Keep heaters away from windows, and don’t heat or cool unoccupied rooms.

Use only as much water in the kettle as you require, and hang your laundry out on a dry day rather than using a tumble dryer.

2. Pay attention to lighting

Just like turning off appliances and only heating occupied rooms, never leave lights burning without reason. Using LED lights will also save on energy costs, so switch straight away if you haven’t already.

3. Use air conditioning wisely

Just as with heating and lighting, if you’re not using a room then having the air conditioning blasting will eat up your cash. Air conditioning units also work far more efficiently when they are clean, so make sure you have them serviced regularly with filter cleaning as part of a regular household maintenance program.

4. Compare energy costs and consider solar

It’s easy to compare the energy costs of different electricity supply companies, though when you do, you should ensure you compare against actual usage: measuring a cheap-rate tariff against a day-rate tariff will only mislead. Even though installing a solar energy system is a major up-front expense, the ongoing savings could be worth thousands.

5. Maintain and service your electrics regularly

Well maintained electrics work more efficiently, like a clean engine drives further on a gallon of fuel. A once-a-year service of your home electrics and appliances by a licensed electrician will spot problems early and make sure you’re not paying over the odds for your electrical costs.

Reducing your electric bill is not difficult, but requires new habits and an energy conscious mind set. Discussing how you could cut hundreds of dollars from your bill with a licensed electrician is the first step to doing so.

At Brisbane Air, our air conditioning and electrical services experts have drawn up this list of 10 tips for electrical safety in the home.

1. Look after your electrical appliances

Always follow instructions, and hold a plug to connect and disconnect from the socket. Ensure your appliances are in good order, and pay special attention to cords: worn electric cords should be replaced by a licensed electrician.

2. Safeguard from children

Make your electric outlets childproof.

3. Teach children about the dangers of electricity

Children love copying, it’s how they learn. When using electricity, set a good example and talk to your children about how to use the electric appliances safely.

4. Protect against power surges

A power surge is unpredictable, and can damage computers, televisions, air conditioners, and other expensive devices. Always unplug appliances when not in use.

5. Use safety devices

Surge protectors will help protect appliances whilst in use, and safety switches – a legal requirement in new homes – cut the power within 0.03 seconds of a problem occurring. A licenced electrician will be happy to advice on the most appropriate safety devices to use.

6. Beware of overhead and underground power lines

Keep clear of power lines when working on electrics, particularly when repairing a roof, pruning trees, or working on a swimming pool. If work is needed underground, always make certain it’s safe to do so and check with the Dial Before You Dig service on 1100.

7. Water and electricity don’t mix

Remove electric appliances from bathrooms, near sinks, or by the pool, always drying hands before touching electrical appliances. When using appliances near water only ever use electric cords designed for use in wet areas.

8. Feel a tingle, call an expert  

If you feel tingling when using an electric appliance, turn off the electric at the mains and call a licenced electrician. You should keep abreast of emergency procedures, too.

9. Report faults immediately

Any electrical accident which requires medical treatment should be reviewed and the source of the problem resolved, to precent recurrence. Also, as a tenant, if you notice a potential electrical hazard, you should report this to your landlord or property manager and request immediate rectification.

10. Call the experts

Never attempt electrical work yourself: always use the services of a licenced electrician. They know what they’re doing, they’ll have all the right equipment, and their work will be guaranteed.

A little expense will save a lot of heartache.