6 Simple Ways to Reduce Your Home Power Bill

For a majority of homeowners, the monthly utility bill is one of the major contributors to household expenses. Regardless of whether you have high-energy consumption, reducing your energy usage will not just lower your carbon footprint but is also a great money saving strategy as well.

Here are some handy energy saving tips that will help you make small changes so that you can reduce big bills. For the best results, implement more than one method and watch your costs come down significantly.   

1. Get Energy Monitoring

Energy monitoring is a great way to increase energy efficiency. It is a home energy management system that employs smart technology to help you monitor and control your energy output.  The money saving meter provides you with vital information on where you’re utilising the most and least energy. So, you can identify areas of improvement and bring down your overall costs.

Castle Hill Electrician Pros are the leading professional residential electrical contractors in Sydney. In addition to installing the most efficient energy monitoring systems, they also have a range of comprehensive electrical services as well at affordable prices. So, if you want to reduce your electricity bill, get in touch with them. With round-the-clock services and fast response times, they are always on the ball.

2. Install A Programmable Thermostat

 The biggest contributor to electricity bills is heating and cooling, which are dependant on prevalent temperatures and individual preferences. Sure, by reducing the number of times you turn the thermostat up or down, you will save energy. But to optimise your savings, consider installing a programmable thermostat.

With this device, you can set the temperature according to the weather, which will allow the thermostat to make changes automatically. As a result, this will decrease your energy consumption and consequently reduce big bills.

3. Lower The Temperature On The Water Heater

 Since water heaters distribute hot water to showers, sinks, dishwashers and washing machines, they are very heavy on electricity. Turning down the temperature on your heater even by a few degrees will help you decrease your energy usage.

Usually, the ideal temperature for heaters is 120 degrees Fahrenheit or an equivalent of 48.9 degrees Celsius. In case you’re out of town for a few days, turning off the heater will help you save even more.

4. Install Energy-efficient Lighting

Switching to energy-efficient lighting is one of the best ways to slash energy bills. Did you know that lighting can contribute to as much as 50% of your total energy bill? And traditional incandescent or halogen bulbs especially use a considerable amount of energy.

Lighting specialists, Conservergy, recommend using LED lights, which can save you up to 80% more power than traditional fluorescent bulbs. In essence, you could reduce big bills by simply switching to more efficient lighting solutions, and they last longer as well.

5. Switch Off Appliances When Not In Use

 Not many people are aware that everyday appliances like microwaves, televisions, dishwashers, laundry machines and phone charges utilise energy even when they’re not in use.

All gadgets and equipment when plugged in, bleed energy, which adds up to the total monthly electricity costs. Ensuring that the switches are off when the appliances aren’t being used is a simple but highly effective energy and money saving hack.

6. Wash Clothes In Cold Water

 Running washes consumes a surprisingly large amount of energy. While we can’t do without our washing machines, there is a way to make the process more energy-friendly.

The water heater, which raises the temperature of the water, utilises a significant amount of energy. Warm water isn’t required for all clothing, so it’s wasted on daily laundry that doesn’t need the special treatment. The less the heater is employed, the more energy you save. By altering the temperature of the wash setting to cold and by choosing an eco-setting, if your machine has the option, you essentially reduce big bills and will realise considerable savings in the long run.

About the Author: This article is written by Luci Aldrin, a part time writer for Conservergy and full-time conservationist. She guest writes for a wide range of publications surrounding environmental sustainability and energy conservation.

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How to Install Low-Voltage Lighting in Your Landscape

You can easily make your garden or backyard pop this summer and spring by installing low-voltage landscape lighting for illuminating flower beds, fences, and any other features on your landscape.

Lighting up a landscape involves large and several types of lighting fixtures suitable for the outdoor environment. These lighting fixtures are weatherproof and versatile. You can use them to illuminate flower beds, fences, pathways, driveways, trees, doorways, walls, and more.

You can find landscape lighting fixtures that work at the normal home voltage of 120v. For DIY installations, it is advisable to use low-voltage lighting systems that basically operate at 12 volts. Such lighting systems are safer to use, easy to install and they consume less energy.

Main Components of a Landscape Lighting System

There’re many types of lighting systems categorized as low-voltage, and accessories come in multiple sizes, colors, styles, and finishes. No matter how complex the system might be, they all have four major components:

1. Transformer

All low-voltage systems are powered through a transformer. The transformer is basically plugged into an outdoor power socket that is GFCI-protected. It works by stepping down electrical current from the regular 120 volts down to a low voltage of 12 volts. In most instances, these transformers come with a timer that works 24/7 such that you can decide the time that the outdoor lights will automatically go either on or off.
Basically, transformers are categorized according to their maximum output in terms of wattage. Most models have a wattage output of 44 – 900 watts. You can determine the size of the transformer ideal for you by adding up the total wattage of lighting systems in your landscape. For instance, if you are planning to install 10 light fixtures, each rated as 18 watts, you should go for a transformer that can output 180 or more watts.

2. A Low-Voltage Power Cable

This cable is specifically designed for underground cabling in a landscape. The cable is connected from the system’s transformer to all lighting fixtures installed on the landscape. The cable typically comes in 12 or 14 or 16 gauges. A lower gauge number translates to thicker wire and greater capacity.

The power cable you will need will mainly depend on the cabling length you need and the transformer size. For instance, a transformer rated as 300 watts can be used for powering a 16-gauge power cable measuring 100 feet or a 14-gauge power cable measuring 150 feet, or a 12-gauge power cable measuring 200 feet. Always check from the manufacturer when determining the ideal size of a power cable for your lighting system.

3. Pathway Lights

Pathway lights are specially designed for lighting driveways and walkways. This fixture is one of the most elegant and stylish landscape lighting. Plated-metal or shiny copper fixtures in these lights stand out the most while brown, green or black colours tend to blend well in outdoor surroundings.

4. Accent Fixtures

Accent lights are great for any kind of landscape lighting systems. They are more of specialty fixture that is mostly hidden from the view of passersby. They include up lights, spotlighted, wall-wash, and floodlights fixtures. These fixtures are usually used for shining some light in flower beds, walls, trees, ponds, fences, shrubs or any other landscape feature.

Tips for Installation

Installing regular low-voltage landscaping lighting systems requires three key steps as follows:
1. Laying the power cable
2. Transformer installation
3. Connecting all the lights

1. Laying the Power Cable

The first step is laying the power cable. Basically, you should start with laying the lighting systems on the spots you are intending to have them installed. Ensure you space the lighting fixtures 8-10 feet between each other. Once done, unroll the power cable and then lay it beside the light fixtures. In case you come across an obstacle, say a fence, tree or boulder, roll the cable around or under the obstacle.

Get a square-bladed shovel and use it to make a 2-3 inches deep trench extending along the stretch you will be installing the lighting fixtures. As you make the trench, try to make it straight as much as you can, but it’s not a must to make it perfectly straight. Thus, us you happen to hit a root one rock, just dig around it. Also, you will not have to remove dirt or debris as you make the trench. Just dig normally while making a V-shaped, deep trench.

Now set the power cable along the trench while pushing it down to ensure it settles at the bottom of the trench. You can push it using narrow 0.5 inch plywood. Avoid using a shovel or any other tools to push the cable as such tools can easily slice the cable and cause a short circuit.

2. Transformer Installation

A low-voltage electric cable comes with two insulated copper wires tied together. All you will need to do is to peel the wires apart to get 4 inches of free wire. Use a wire stripper to remove around 5/8 inches of the insulated wire from both sides. Once done, slide both wires into a retaining strap at the back side of the power transformer. Insert one of the wires into the screw terminal labeled A and the second wire into the B terminal. Tighten both screws to ensure that the wires are well secured.

Upon securing the wires into the transformer, drive a 2 by 6 pressure treated stake down the ground right next to the outdoor power outlet. Next, attach the electric transformer onto the stake using stainless-steel or galvanized screws. Use insulated staples to secure the power cable onto the stake.

3. Connecting all the Lights

You may now start connecting all the lights. First, attach a cover on the outdoor power outlet to protect it from snow and rain while still allowing easy access. Next, plug the power cord of the transformer into the outdoor power socket. Connect each and every lighting fixture onto the electric cable. Most lighting fixtures for landscapes are usually prewired with snap-on and user-friendly connectors. You will simply pinch each connector into the power cable. The connectors have sharp prongs that pierce easily into the cable to make good contact with both wires inside the cable. Now that you have already connected the transformer into a power outlet, the light fixture you just attached will light up. In case it doesn’t, try pulling out the specific connector and reconnect or check whether the light bulb is attached properly.

Once everything is functioning properly, lift the lighting fixture and put it in a standing position. Push the pointed stake into the soil and ensure it is deep, straight and firm enough. Push it in carefully to avoid hitting the buried electric cable. Repeat this procedure on all other light fixtures one by one. Upon installing all the light fixtures, fill the trench using top soil. You can top up the soil with some grass seeds.

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The Duties of an Electrician

An electrical system is considered as one of the most vital parts of a building, whether it be residential or commercial. The installation of a new electrical system is not something that any person can do. Even the law dictates that only licensed electricians can perform such task. Electrical services can be quite dangerous, even for experienced electricians. That is why there are obliged to wear safety gears while working. They are also required to use proper electrical tools for the installation, repair, and maintenance of electrical systems. It is a bit complicated to understand how electricity works, but electricians have undergone a series of training to fully understand that.

Newly constructed buildings are the main focus of electrical system installations. In most cases, an electrician works alongside the engineer in the construction of a new building. The electrician coordinates with other professionals in creating a safe electrical system once it is completed. There should be areas reserved for the electric wirings, cables, switches, generators, and power sources. A neat and proper network of electric wires should be created that would follow the standards imposed by the owner and the local government.

With all these decisions to be made it is easy to forget some of the simple things. We see it time and time again in Brisbane, electrical considerations being forgotten with new builds or renovations. It’s these considerations which can make your house unsafe, less efficient and plain inconvenient if overlooked. Fuse Contracting have created a simple list of electrical considerations to consider while you are in the early planning stages. Read the full article at its main source.

There is no shortcut to electrical work. Everything should be done carefully and professionally. Aside from the fact that it is not allowed for any individual without any electrical training to do any kind of major electrical work, it is also potentially fatal to human being. The human body is a natural conductor of electricity, and without enough knowledge about electrical services, one might meet his or her demise.

You see, over the last few years, there’s been so many TV shows and articles and things about home renovation. You see on the TV these people working with electrical renovations, and think that maybe it doesn’t look too difficult. So you hop on Google and get a little tutorial on what do to. You find out what equipment you need, and pop down to the local hardware store. It’s as easy as pie, and your hardware store sells you the equipment you need with no problems. To know more about the topic, check out the main site.

Electrical engineering contractors are typically employed for the installation and maintenance of electrical systems in large commercial buildings. They have to observe certain regulations and workers have to follow a code of conduct. Electricians today already use modern equipment in executing electrical works, especially major ones. The traditional tools are only used for minor electric repairs.

For our business, the changes are minimal however we are proud to guarantee that we stay one step ahead for our clients. Our diligence allows us to provide a level confidence to our clients ensuring we deliver quality, compliant and professional products and service. Visit the main source to get more information.

When it comes to any kind of electrical work, it is always best to leave it to the hands of a professional. Proper lighting can only be achieved if the job is done by an experienced electrician. Electricians are also able to perform other kinds of jobs that are related to electricity. They can install smoke alarms and other security devices to keep the area safe. Some electricians also perform repairs to damaged electronic appliances.

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It may be the case that you have noticed one or a few electrical problems around your home or office and realise that it is time to call in the services of an electrician. Making a call to an individual electrician or electrical service can seem simple enough, but it is important to know that electricians are not all one and the same – there are key qualities and characteristics that you should look for when appointing an electrician.

Read more here.

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Becoming an Electrician

It is not all too easy to become a licensed electrician, but it is not complicated either. The initial step would be enrolling into schools or educational institutions which offer electrical courses. You might be lucky to find one in your local area. If there isn’t any, you can enroll into online training courses instead. However, acquiring the proper skills might be quite difficult. Most schools with electrical courses allow their students to get a hands-on training with electrical services.

Being an electrician means knowing how electricity and electric conductors work. It also means that you must know the different types of electronic appliances and devices. Electricians are not just limited to installing and repairing electric wirings. They must also know how to repair things that use electricity as power source. The training courses for aspiring electricians include detailed discussions and hands-on practices for electric repair and installation. In some areas, you will need to attain certain certifications before you can become a licensed electrician.

It can be quite a daunting task to get your electrical licence in Australia. Even some apprentices struggle to work out all the steps involved. This article will cover the major steps you need to undertake to be qualified and licensed as an electrician. There’s a few major milestones that you need to fulfil in order to become licensed in NSW. You can view the full article from its main source.

Once you become a licensed electrician, you will be able to perform different types of electrical services. Most of these are dangerous which is why they can only be executed by trained and licensed professionals. Electricians mainly work in hands-on role. All electrical works are very technical which means you must have the necessary analytical skills and ability to perform your labors. There are also some situations where you would have to work independently, while still maintaining communication with your client.

Electricians are highly skilled tradespeople who work with electrical systems and networks in domestic, commercial and industrial settings. They provide a range of services including installing electrical switchboards, cables and wiring and diagnosing and repairing electrical malfunctions. This is a potentially hazardous job, and electricians must ensure they comply to work health and safety regulations. Qualified electricians need to complete an apprenticeship or traineeship. There could be additional requirements by employers for complex roles. To know more about the topic, check out the main site.

There are not many people who aspire to become an electrician. There are many professions out there that are less dangerous but being an electrician is definitely worth it. The services of an electrician are in high-demand in many areas of the economy. Almost every place with human population requires electricity to survive. Electricians are considered as the major players in the industry. Becoming one might not be very easy but it will surely be a worthwhile journey.

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Choosing a Competent Electrician

Electricians are considered as the masters of electricity. They are able to install, maintain, and repair electrical systems in the safest and most efficient manner. Electricians have the skills necessary to resolve any electrical issue in both residential and commercial areas. They have acquired their skills and knowledge from training courses for electrical services. There are many reasons why you would need an electrician. Aside from the fact that electricity is already an integral part of life, electricians are the only people who are permitted to execute any kind of electrical work.

There are many things that a licensed electrician can do. He can install new power points and upgrade old ones. He can fix broken fittings and change plugs on electrical appliances. He can also perform electrical works outdoors, such as the streets. Streetlights are also installed by electricians. When it comes to choosing a competent electrician, you should make sure that he has acquired the specific license and qualifications that electrical contractors require.

These days, you probably rely on customer reviews and testimonials to help you find a great restaurant, a skilled hairdresser, or a fantastic holiday destination. Like you, we believe the experiences of real-life customers are the best indication of the service you can expect. To view the full guide, go to the main source.

The installation of smoke alarms is also handled by an electrician. Today, smoke alarms are already mandatory for commercial establishments. In some areas, even residential properties are required to have smoke alarms. Smoke alarms are designed to detect smoke and fire. They emit loud noise to alert residents of a fire.

The type of smoke alarm fitted can be checked by opening the smoke alarm as you normally would to reveal the battery compartment. It should be written on the label, however the easiest way to check is that all ionisation smoke alarms have a yellow and black radiation symbol. Photoelectric smoke alarms do not have this symbol, although the actual alarm itself looks the same. Visit the main source to read the entire article.

Electronic appliances, such as air conditioners, are recommended to be regularly checked and maintained. They are also part of the electrical safety checklist so keeping them in good condition will help you avoid unexpected fire outbreaks and electric shocks. Electricians are also able to perform air conditioner maintenance. Nevertheless, there are simple ways to clean an air conditioner without the need for professional help.

There is nothing better than walking into a cool home or office on a hot summer’s day. That’s why we suggest that you look after your air conditioning system. A simple maintenance plan will assist in ensuring the longevity of the system and prevent your family from breathing in any dust, mould and dirt particles. Completing this regular maintenance will also save you money on electricity usage as air conditioners are able to run more efficiently when the filters are not congested. For more information, check out the main source of the article.

An electrician is your go-to person in case you need help with anything related to electricity. It is normal for any property owner to experience electrical issues once in a while. Having a trusted electrician whom you can call in times of emergency can be very convenient on your part. It would be best if your electrician is just located near your residence so that immediate help can be acquired.

See our guide “What To Look For In A Good Electrician” for further information.

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An Electrician’s Safety Guide for the Home

Electrical safety in the home is critical to survival. Many fire outbreaks are usually caused by faulty wiring, malfunctioning electronic appliances, or anything related to electricity. The results can be very devastating. In most cases, casualties are recorded. Safety in the home should always be paramount in every household. To get started, you must take priority with ensuring your electrical systems are properly installed and maintained. Any damages on the wiring should be repaired as soon as possible. If necessary, avoid excessive consumption of electricity in the home if faulty wirings are observed.

The best possible way to ensure that your home is free from faulty electric wirings is to get an electrician to check your electrical systems. An experienced electrician should be able to pinpoint any damaged wires in your home and provide a resolution promptly. Proper maintenance should also be conducted at your home regularly. Not experiencing any issues with your electrical system does not mean your home is free from electrical issues.

Keep electrical appliances, their cords and any extension leads away from water. Ensure cords are in good condition – if they’re worn or frayed, don’t use the appliance until it’s been repaired by a licensed electrician. If you decide to throw away the appliance, make sure it can’t be used by someone else. You can view the entire article at the main source.

One of the major causes of electrical issues is the use of extension cords. The wires that are used in the home’s electrical system are intended to be sturdy enough to withstand minor scratches. Electricians carefully choose the wirings before installation. However, many homeowners fail to understand the importance of the use of quality extension cords. An extension cord can potentially cause a fire outbreak and lethal electric discharge. Therefore, it would be best to get help from an electrician first before using a new extension cord in your home.

Extension cords are common items found in many homes, so common in fact that they can easily be taken for granted and not be included in the usual homeowner’s electrical safety checklist. In fact, with continuous use under the wrong conditions, an extension cord can cause a potentially deadly electric shock or an electrical fire. For more information, visit the main source of the article.

It is always better to be safe than sorry. It has been too late for many homeowners to conduct proper safety check in their home’s electrical system. Now, many of their homes are turned into ashes. You should never neglect your responsibility to keep your household safe from electrical fire. Create an electrical safety checklist and conduct regular check-up in your home. You can start with your electronic appliances. For complex situations, however, you should call a licensed electrician.

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Roles of Electricians

Electrical experts install and setup electric power function to provide light in every home, business and manufacturing facilities.

All of us survive each day with electrical power; even in communications, and control systems that are set up for construction are properly maintained. These systems power the lights, appliances, as well as devices that make individuals’s lives convenient and less complicated.

Installing electrical systems in newly built buildings is less complicated than fixing old structures. This is because electric circuits are a lot more accessible during construction. On top of that, maintaining facilities and systems involves troubleshooting and repairing busted equipment that are in some cases complicated to deal with. Electrical maintenance job could include repairing or changing parts, light components, control systems, electric motors, and also other sorts of electric devices.

The main responsibility of an electrical professional is to maintain electrical facilities and making sure that everyone won’t be at risk with getting electrocuted. Another functions of an electrician depends on the area where he is assigned, the specific work he does as well as his degree of experience. Although, there are also numerous distinctions in the tasks electricians deal with, and they rely on each particular profession they practice.

New Construction

Electricians operating in brand-new building and construction generally work based on blueprints that a designer or building contractor has produced. These blueprints tell the electrical expert where outlets, switches, breakers and light fixtures go. The electrical contractor figures out the appropriate method to carry out the wiring required. Electrical contractors install panels to hold electrical wiring, run the cables and connect them. Electricians who are new to their profession may not be able to carry out these all easily without direct supervision. Accredited electrical contractors could take care of these tasks by themselves. However, as time goes by and with  years of experience, the new electrical professionals would take all these procedures easily.

An electrician is a tradesperson specializing in electrical wiring of buildings, stationary machines, and related equipment. Electricians may be employed in the installation of new electrical components or the maintenance and repair of existing electrical infrastructure. Read more about the above definition at http://ift.tt/1RuMjm0.

Industrial Electricians

Some electricians operate in commercial settings other than those who work on residential houses. Depending on how they are employed, the electrician could carry out several functions and are flexible enough to fit an industrial work. These electricians for example can deal with simple wiring to fixing robotics.

Residential Repair Electricians

Some electricians focus their careers on fixing household electrical systems. As time goes by, the wiring at your home could be defective or get outdated, circuit breakers getting outmoded to handle existing demand of appliances and technological advancements, or home owners might need more electrical outlets places in new parts of the home.

Commercial Electricians

Commercial electricians focus on installing and fixing electrical systems in offices and shops, this includes large shopping centers to movie houses. Services may including enhancing the supply of power to their computer system devices and require new circuitry to handle the heavier power requirements.

Whichever area an electrical expert opts to specialize in, they will be expected to show an outstanding understanding of electrical skills and security laws suitable to dealing with electrical systems and also facilities. Any kind of installments, be it simple or complex; need to be completely checked to make sure that compliance with statutory regulations.  All equipment or systems need to be frequently checked to guarantee security and also functionality, for the safety of all, as all of us at Castle Hill Electrician Pros know too well!!

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