In the past, the solar power industry has been marred by the disreputable dealings of a few shonky companies. It is unfortunate that this great industry has had to struggle through public misconceptions of unsafe practices and the use of cheap, substandard solar components. It has led to many potential customers avoiding installing energy saving and environmentally friendly power generation in their homes, which is a real shame.
This time of the year, residents of Redcliffe and north Brisbane prepare for the dramatic summer storms which blow in off Moreton Bay, down through the Bunya Mountains or sweep in from the north. Anyone who has lived in this part of Queensland for a few years has a tale or two about their storm experiences.
It's often confusing as to who takes care of what in relation to smoke alarms in rental properties. Especially for those tenants and landlords new to the experienced. The Residential Tenancies Authority (RTA) sets out the responsibilities plainly so each party is clear on their roles in regard to the smoke alarms in their homes.
If you have a Solar Power System installed, you may be at risk of a house fire due to faulty Isolator Switches. These switches overheat and can catch on fire. The Queensland Government believes they may have been responsible for around 40 fires so far. So read on to see if you are at risk.
Updates to Queensland smoke alarm legislation announced recently by the Minister for Police, Fire and Emergency Services Bill Byrne will affect every home across the state by 2027. The new laws require every residence in Queensland to be fitted with interconnected photoelectric smoke alarms, either hardwired or wirelessly connected 10-year lithium battery smoke alarms, to provide the earliest possible warning of a potential fire. The alarms are required to be fitted in every bedroom as well as in the hallways of homes.
The biggest cost in a Solar Power Installation is the Solar Panels and the biggest cost in Solar Panels is the silicon used. To get a good conversion from the Sun's energy to electrical energy you need to use high-quality silicon, which costs a reasonable amount. But new technology being developed by UNSW could change all that.
Mitsubishi Electric have extended their great EFTPOS Cash Card promotion until the end of August 2014. That means you still have time to get in on this awesome deal and receive an EFTPOS Cash Card up to the value of $400 when you purchase a selected Mitsubishi Electric split system air conditioner or ducted air conditioning system.
Construction has begun at the University of Queensland's Gatton campus, in partnership with First Solar, on what will be the largest solar photovoltaic research facility in the southern hemisphere. Scheduled for completion in 2015, the UQ's 10 hectare, $14 million solar power research facility is predicted to demonstrate the true meaning of the âSunshine State'.
Ceiling fans were once a one size fits all appliance. It spun around, made a lot of whirring noises sometimes with a ting, ting and a shake to keep things interesting, and it provided blissful relief from our hot Australian summers. As kids, we always knew that the best place in the room to be on a hot day was bang under the ceiling fan. Unfortunately, everyone else knew this as well so you usually had to fight dad, brothers or sisters and the dog for the cool spot.
Selling your home is a big decision, involving lots of planning and careful preparation. Why would you bother researching the housing market in your area, interviewing real estate agents and trimming the hedges without finding out about any issues which could cause the sale to fall over or a negotiated reduction in price after all your hard work?
Queenslanders have spent $1.45 billion on solar installations, since March 2011. University of Queensland solar expert, Dr Ariel Liebman, is quoted as saying;
Congratulations on purchasing a home powered by free, renewable energy from the sun. To help you get your head around the idea of using a solar PV system for the first time we've put together some tips on what to ask, how to get set up, and what to look out for. Try to gain as much information from the home's previous owner as you can. Consider asking:
Air conditioners take the heat from the air in your home and send it outside to dissipate. A reverse cycle air conditioner is simply one that can reverse this cycle and extract heat from the outside air to send inside your home. In fact, reverse cycle air conditioning is one of the most energy efficient ways to heat your home and can generate more than 2 kW of heat energy for every 1kW of electrical energy they consume.
The Christmas light extravaganza is spreading to suburbs all over the city of Brisbane. Individual homes and whole neighbourhoods compete for the best light show in town. 20 years ago most households were lucky to have one string of lights which went once, maybe twice, around the tree, these days due to the inexpensive lights it's not unusual to find homes
A smart meter is an electricity meter which electronically records how much power you're using and when. It then transmits that information to your power retailer allowing them to charge at the relevant tariff rate for the time you are using the power rather than an often higher flat rate.
It's getting hot up here, there's no denying it summer is on its way. It's usually about this time of year that we start thinking about how we are going to make it through the sweltering summer days ahead. Not to mention the hot summer nights when even a sheet is too much and the ceiling fan just moves the steaming air around the room.
So you've browsed through a few air conditioning catalogs to find a new air conditioner and it's becoming painfully apparent that the options are just about endless. How is anyone supposed to decide on the right system with all the industry speak and variables? Our air conditioner specialists recommend starting with the basics and working on from there. Let's start with air conditioner size.
We all know that when things go wrong, electrical things, it usually happens after 6 in the evening or on the weekend. Murphy's Law. The safety switch trips when you have the oven on, the cooktop cranking, the electric hot water system is under full stream, the TV's blaring and all except two lights are on, thanks to family members with short-term memory loss. (It happens in every household, admit it, share houses, family homes, couples flats, none is immune.) The timing couldn't be worse.
Correct, professional removal of the solar PV system is essential for the safety of those working on, or living in the building. Trusted Solar, Air & Electrical's expert solar electricians can work within your roof repair schedule to disconnect the system, remove the solar panels, mounting systems, and any electrical wiring to ensure the site is electrically safe and the solar components are not at risk of damage during the repairs.
The smart homeowners are already planning for the warm weather. And by that we don't mean packing away the jumpers and wooly socks, we're talking about booking in an air conditioner service and giving it a really good clean.
Installing a new air conditioner at the beginning of summer is not ideal. Retail prices are at their highest and it's almost impossible to book a job as air conditioner electricians are run off their feet. On top of all that, the hot weather in Brisbane tends to arrive all of a sudden leaving unprepared residents sweating away for the first few steaming hot weeks. So many homeowners fall into this trap, we see it every single year.
Smoke alarms are most effective when placed on the ceiling outside the sleeping areas and between the sleeping and living areas. If there is more than one sleeping area (the sleeping areas are separated) more than one smoke alarm is needed. Queensland Fire and Emergency Services' recommends that hardwired or 10-year lithium battery powered photoelectric smoke alarms are fitted:
The short answer is ceiling fans. BUT, and there's a big but. This question is a bit too simplistic and doesn't take into account the cooling capacity, the climate you live in, your property, and many other variables which can dictate the climate control required in your home or business.
Living in most places in Australia means an ample supply of sunshine during the summer, and for the northern half of the country in winter as well. While we boast about our seemingly non-stop rays all year round you can't just whack solar panels on the roof and wait for the free power to roll in. There is an optimum position for the panels to ensure your solar PV system is making the most of the available sunlight, every day of the year.
Ceiling fans are the underdogs of home cooling. Some think of them as being dust collectors attached to the ceiling but used correctly a ceiling fan could provide your home with economical cooling all summer long. The cost of installing a ceiling fan is significantly lower than most other forms of cooling (except opening a window). Once installed a ceiling fan can run on a few cents an hour. The role of a ceiling fan is not to cool rooms but cool people.
There are two things everyone could do with more of - time and money. To help you with this goal we have put together some helpful tips on getting more from your electrician's visit and therefore, minimising cost (saving money) and disruption to your day (saving time).
Whether you're planning a full renovation or just installing a new light fitting in your kitchen there are a few things to consider before the electrician starts putting holes in your ceiling. Taking a moment to consider how your kitchen is going to function before making lighting decisions will help ensure that your kitchen gets light in all the right places. If you have ever had to cook in an older style kitchen, many of which were designed with one central light, you'll know the agony of working in your own shadow. So you don't make lighting mistakes like this with your new design it's important to examine what you'll be doing in the kitchen, where and when.
With gas prices set to increase in Australia in the coming years, it makes sense to explore other, cost effective, environmentally friendly water heating options for your home. Heating the water for your home can contribute up to a third of your yearly power bill. (On an average power bill for Brisbane residents that is a cost of around $467 per year.) Switching water heaters can reduce this household cost and provide significant savings for years to come.
Thinking about getting a new air conditioner before Summer starts to heat up? If so, what points should you consider before making a decision? What size unit? What type of unit? Where should you install it? Let us help you decide on the best air conditioning installation for you.
Many people with air conditioners have them installed and then never do another thing to them unless they stop working. Are you one of these people? Did you know that a properly maintained air conditioner is not only more effective, and therefore, energy efficient, but are also better for your health.
Once the substantial solar power system is installed on the Mint's expansive 900 sq. metre roof it will comprise of over 920 solar panels.The 263 kW system will help to reduce the Royal Australian Mint's power costs and decrease the building's greenhouse gas emissions.
Ceiling fans are a low-cost cooling option in summer but can also help keep your home warm during winter as well. As a bonus using the ceiling fan can reduce heating bills along the way. A ceiling fan can assist a reverse cycle air conditioner or heater to evenly heat a large area, especially one with high ceilings or a double story space like a stairwell or mezzanine level which tend to lose a lot of heat as it rises.
The Moreton Bay area, Redcliffe, and Caboolture are amazing places to reside. Proximity to the city and amenities, a beautiful temperate climate, while being close to the ocean makes the area very liveable. However, having the sea in your neighbourhood is a double edged sword. It's lovely to visit but can wreak havoc on anything metal, including your appliances. Regular maintenance of your Redcliffe air conditioner in this environments is essential.
Christmas is coming! This is a very exciting, and busy, time of year. Every second seems to be taken up buying presents, finishing up projects, organising the big day and going to Christmas parties. It is easy to take shortcuts when we are so busy.
Hard to believe but read on. Cleaning the fly screens on your windows and doors clears away the dust which stops the breeze getting through. This, in turn, means you don't need to use fans or air conditioning as much (saving power) as the wind can naturally cool your home.
The recent devastating storms which hit Sydney and the NSW coast forced nearly two hundred thousand households and businesses into black-out for up to a week. This destructive situation was a reminder to all Australians of the precarious nature of our 100% reliance on grid power to run our homes and businesses.
Imagine coming home to a cool house when you've been baking in the hot sun all day. Or the enjoyment of returning to a warm home when it's freezing outside? With the new Wi-Fi app and a small adaptor you can control your Mitsubishi Electric split system or ducted air conditioner from where ever you are, ensuring your home is the perfect temperature when you walk in the door.
Faulty DC isolators fitted to solar PV systems throughout Queensland are still causing damaging fires despite repeated recalls and ongoing warnings from authorities and those in the solar industry. The defective ISO-MAX DC isolator switch was recalled early in 2012, in the years since several other brands and models have been recalled due to issues and the resulting fire risk.
Have you still not installed your solar power system? If this is the case, you are not alone. According to Energex's latest report, of the 75 000 applications lodged before the 9th July, there are still 42 000 that haven't been actioned as of February 2013.
The Google tool, Project Sunroof, allows you to simply enter your address and it will estimate the most suitable solar power system size for your home, expected power cost savings and most efficient positioning on your roof.Using technology such as Google maps and variety of different databases, it calculates how much sunlight your home receives during the year, including restrictions due to shade from nearby trees and large structures, plus it takes into account other
Energy efficient living is one of the most talked about lifestyle topics in the media at the moment. The big discussion around how we can live happy, comfortable lives whilst minimising the effect we have on the environment around us rages on. If you're thinking about installing a solar power system or selling a property in the near future this topic could be one to keep an eye on.
Master Electricians' research shows that 15 people are killed and 300 hospitalized every year from electric shocks at their home. In most cases, a safety switch would have prevented this.
According to NSW Fire and Rescue service, 47% of fires are started in the kitchen and 43% off all fire fatalities occur in winter. Reducing the risk of fire damage and deaths starts by being prepared and taking precautions this winter. Minimise risk by ensuring your smoke alarms are ready to give you the earliest warning of fire possible.
The required frequency of the test and tag servicing depends on what industry you are in or the class of work your business does. Construction work Portable/specified electrical equipment: at least 3 monthly intervals by a competent person Manufacturing work Portable/specified electrical equipment
Keep your power bills down by using your air conditioner in the most energy efficient way possible.As the temperature soars this summer and we all do our best to stay cool and comfortable by using the air conditioner, there is a risk that your power bill may also do some soaring of its own.
Are you prepared for the coming storm season? The Queensland government and the SES are urging South East Queenslander's to undertake some simple preparations to ensure homes are 'electrically' storm ready and stay safe during the storms.
Each winter the Queensland Fire and Rescue service report an increase in house fires all over Queensland. Many of these fires are caused by faulty heaters, misuse of electrical appliances and overcrowding of power boards. The team at Trusted Solar, Air & Electrical have put together some winter home safety tips to keep your house free from the risk of fire this winter.
The cooler winter months are a great time to get outside your home and complete those jobs which are too unbearable to do in the summer heat. Trim the shrubs, clean the gutters, touch up the painting, fix loose decking, just generally have a good tidy up. In your rush to beat the heat, don't forget to consider a few simple outdoor electrical safety precautions.
Fujitsu is running their amazing 'Fujitsu Free Money' promotion for a limited time. You could receive up to $400 in a Pre-Paid Visa card when you purchase a selected Fujitsu Split System air conditioner, Multi Split System or a Fujitsu Ducted air conditioner before the end of July 2014.
Time is running out to take advantage of the 2015 Fujitsu Free Money offer.If you're looking for a premium, energy-efficient air conditioner to heat your home for the rest of winter and keep it cool this summer, Fujitsu has a range of air conditioner models to suit all applications.
Australians are a positive lot on the whole. Our 'she'll be right' attitude to life is known around the globe, in fact, Australia is ranked as the third happiest country in the world. (Forbes)Unfortunately, this easy going nature flows through to area's where we really need to get serious and take action. In the last few years, Australia has had several substantial electrical recalls which affect a large number of homes around the country (tens of thousands) and homeowners have been very slow to react, putting homes and residents in real danger.
With increasing gas prices making the old gas heater more and more costly to run, many Brisbane residents are searching for alternative economic space heating options.There are many choices varying greatly in purchase and installation costs from minimal to significant. However, many overlook a seemingly obvious way to warm the house on chilly mornings which is right there in your home all ready to go, reverse cycle air conditioning.
Why install a PeakSmart air conditioner? For starters, you could be eligible for up to $500 reward from Energex. That's nothing to be sneezed at. Air conditioners of less than 4kW can earn a reward of $150, purchase one between 4kW and 10kW you could receive $250 and 10kW or more air con can earn you a very nice $500.
The solar industry has had to fight off claims of dishonest advertising, dodgy installers and inferior products in recent years. The rapid growth of the industry, helped by government rebates and reductions in costs, has allowed unscrupulous solar companies and installers to slip through the cracks. However, the ACCC and the Australian Solar Council are ensuring the cracks are fast being sealed up.
Solar power is a wonderful thing, free power from the sun, who wouldn't want some. Once installed solar power systems require minimum maintenance. However don't forget about them altogether, with regular check ups you can ensure you're PV system is working at it's best.
Keeping residents, home DIY enthusiasts and tradespeople safe from electrical accidents is important to every electrician. Safety is an integral part of our job here at Trusted Solar, Air & Electrical. Every time we're called out on a job making sure the area is safe is the first thing we do when we arrive and the final thing we check before packing up.
Purchase your Mitsubishi Electric air conditioner in the next 3 months and you could be eligible for a free eftpos cash card to the value of $100, $150, $200, $300 or $400. Choose from selected single split system or multi-split systems and as well as a variety of ducted air conditioners. The offer includes a wide range of model sizes and styles to ensure you get the perfect air conditioning system for your home.
Only 31 days left to take advantage of this great Mitsubishi Electric air conditioning deal.If you're looking to install air conditioning in your home or business this summer now is the perfect time to buy and install. Get in before the heat hits and make the most of Mitsubishi Electric's EFTPOS Cash Card promotion.
Mitsubishi Electric has launched their always popular Bonus Eftpos Cash Card promotion for 2016. This great deal means you could be in the running for up to $400 to spend on whatever you choose, just by purchasing an eligible Mitsubishi Electric air conditioner before the end of June.
Mitsubishi Electric have released their air conditioning EFTPOS Cash Card promotion for 2014. This great air conditioner special is back, bigger and better. This year the company has included ducted as well as split system air cons in the deal. AND the top value of the cash card has increased to a huge $400!
The future of solar is bright with potential growth reaching to over 50% of the world's power production in the next 20 years. The dire need to decrease reliance on fossil fuels coupled with the solar industry offering a progressively more cost-effective energy option has seen a marked increase in solar use in the last 5 years. This movement has had a recent boost with research into a new, potentially cheaper and more efficient solar cell option, perovskite.
The Queensland government has set out a reminder to Brisbane home and business owners to have their solar photovoltaic systems regularly checked and cleaned. Reduced efficiency and increased fire risk due to the build-up of dust and moisture on solar PV systems can cost much more than regular maintenance.
Did you know that if there is a dangerous electrical fault with the oven and your home is only fitted with one safety switch you or someone in your family could still receive a deadly electric shock? This goes for faults or damage to the air conditioner, lights, hot water system and pool equipment as well.
As winter creeps up on South East Queensland we are all reaching for our jumpers and digging out the heaters. But before you plug in your bar heater, fan heater or radiator, consider using your reverse cycle air conditioner instead. By using your inverter air conditioner to warm up your home or business this winter you are using the most efficient way of heating electrically.
There's no denying it, electricity costs can eat away at your bottom line. The monstrous quarterly power bill often feels like an unbudgeable expense but in reality, there's a lot you can do to reduce power costs in your business, starting with smarter lighting choices.
Every week we're seeing technology changing the way we have traditionally done things in the home. The rate of change for some products is so fast that new styles/apps/designs are coming out daily. The race is on for bigger and better, smaller and faster or cheaper and more eco-friendly everything.
Australia's solar power industry will be boosted this year with a solar farm in Moree getting the go ahead this month. The project will increase the contribution of solar power to the New South Wales's electricity grid to a massive 200 megawatts making the state the largest producer of solar energy in Australia.
The increase in jobs created is being credited to several factors. The fall in the price of solar panels, combined with financial assistance from the Australian government, and increasing environmental awareness, have all aided the solar industry's rapidly expansion in recent years. In 2007, Australia had just 8 000 PV systems, in 2013, that number had increased to one million.
In July this year, the Sunshine Coast council began seeking interested parties in a large scale solarfarm to be located at Valdora. It is predicted that the proposed solar farm will cater for half councils electricity needs for the next 30 years and will provide a multi-million dollar saving for ratepayers.
Test and tag requirements are here to stay, despite a recent move by Attorney General Jarrod Bleijie to remove the electrical safety testing regulations requiring businesses to have all electrical equipment tested and tagged every six months.Mr Bleijie said the current test and tag provisions were out of date.
Home battery systems are no longer a 'one size fits all' solution, you now have the option of customising the battery storage for the size of your solar power system, as well as your individual home power requirements. Australia has been targeted to lead the growth of home power storage industry due to our keen uptake of residential solar PV systems. The country's increasing electricity costs have also helped drive the movement towards alternative power sources.
So many people love shopping, whether it's for a new car, TV or just a new pair of shoes, but when a major home fixture stops working suddenly you are forced into a high-pressure situation where you need a replacement fast, but you know making the wrong decision will stay with you for a long time. This is not usually a good time to be pounding the pavement or searching the internet for all available options, price variations, advantages and disadvantages to ensure you get the best product for the best price.
The cost of solar power has dropped dramatically in recent years due, in part, to a reduction in the cost of solar panels. Increased production has led to a decrease in the panel price, in fact, the price is now forty times lower than it was in the 1980's. We are certainly the lucky country when it comes to solar. So much available sunshine, plus currently Australian consumers can obtain solar power systems for less than those in the UK, the US or Japan.
Wondering if investing in ducted air conditioning is worth the outlay? We've put together a list of the many advantages to installing a ducted air conditioner in your home to help your decision making run a bit easier. Central temperature control - keep control of the whole house from one area. Worried about the baby getting too warm in the bedroom? You can adjust the temperature without entering the room and disturbing their sleep.
With today being the first day of Summer, we can all expect some hot weather coming our way. So now is the time to organise an air conditioning service to ensure that your air conditioner is working when you need it. But what are the benefits of regular air conditioner servicing?
You don't see the old style incandescent light bulbs in the shops anymore and there's a good reason for that. Since 2012, there has been a phasing out of this style of bulb to more energy efficient lighting options such as LED or CFL's. Incandescent light bulbs waste up to 90% of the energy they use in heat, that means only 10% of the power used to light your home is actually lighting your home.
Going green was once thought to signify heading for the country to grow your own veggies, get a goat, set up an off grid solar power system and run the family car on leftovers from the chip fryer. These days being green equates to living in our city homes, conserving electricity where we can, installing a water tank, taking the bus to work and recycling our rubbish. We are all doing our little bit to conserve and save the planet.
In some home's the switchboard is located in a nice clean cupboard away from debris but in most instances, it is outside on a wall in amongst the bushes, cobwebs, and insects. Out there, moisture and dust can cause the safety switch to stick, preventing it from triggering in an emergency, when it's most needed.
We can't stress the importance of electrical safety around the home enough, and, in particular - clothes dryer safety. Clothes dryers are often the cause of laundry fires that could potentially spread throughout the house. When they're maintained and used correctly, clothes dryers are quite safe and very convenient. You can minimise the risk of fire by giving attention to some simple, regular safety steps.
Having concerns about your solar power performance this winter? Here, we will ease your mind on how solar panels work in winter.The Clean Energy Regulator recently reported that the number of Australian households with solar power systems passed the one million mark in March 2013.
Trusted Solar, Air & Electrical has grown from just Trusted Solar, Air & Electrical and with the new services we felt the time was right to get online with a website. So if you are reading this you have obviously found it. So welcome.
Most would not make a direct connection between one of the most-played games in the world and solar power. But the recent FIFA World Cup challenged that thought.Yingli Solar provided solar panels to power two of Brazil's stadiums which hosted 2014 FIFA World Cup matches, including the final. The Estádio do Maracanã and the Arena Pernambuco were fitted with solar panels expected to generate more than 1 megawatt of clean electricity per year.
A Feed-in Tariff is a reimbursement of surplus power from your solar power system which is fed back into the grid. Your solar power system can reduce or cancel out your electricity payments with the use of feed-in tariffs. In some cases, your solar system can even earn you money.
The aim of a Brisbane test and tag is to ensure that an appliance, tool or safety switch is electronically safe for use. The test and tag is performed by a qualified electrician who will complete a visual inspection, followed by a series of tests to check polarity, earth continuity and insulation resistance. On completion, the appliance is labelled as having had a completed test and tag.