Electrical Helpful Tips
Why you need annual hot water heater maintenance.
Annual maintenance of your hot water heater keeps it working properly and reduces the risk of major issues down the track.
Very few people understand that hot water systems build up sediment, dirt and minerals that settle on the bottom of the tank and in the pipes. Depending on the quality of water where you live, this can happen over a short or long period of time.
At some point, without hot water heater maintenance, you will find that these materials will have an impact on the efficiency of your hot water system. If you don’t see to cleaning the tank, the issue will not only make your hot water heater work harder (which means that it costs you more), but it could also lead to rust issues which would ultimately warrant replacement.
If you leave these issues unchecked, the results can be costly, as well as inconvenient. However, annual maintenance is far less expensive and can be conducted by a professional.
What do the professionals do?
A professional will locate and access your hot water tank to drain the water, which removes the dirt, sediment and minerals from the tank. This is a dangerous job, as it involves water that is scalding hot. The professional will turn off the water as well as all electricity or gas, depending on the type of hot water system you have.
The flushing of the system takes over half an hour. After they have finished flushing the system to make sure that it is free of all sediment and dirt, they will turn all your utilities back on and refill the tank.
As they refill the tank, the professional will check for any leaks or faulty parts in the system.
Call Fixzit for professional hot water system service in Brisbane
Fixzit will perform maintenance of your hot water system, and provide advice on how to best maintain your hot water system for local conditions. Fixzit has grown from strength to strength since its establishment in 1984, and we now have service vans and trucks on central and suburban Brisbane roads.
For hot water system services in Brisbane, look no further than your local FIXZIT FRANCHISE on 1300 726 806.
There are a lot of plumbing and maintenance services around Brisbane and Ipswich, but if you want the job done right, then call us for the reliability of a name you can trust.
Tips on hiring a top notch electrician.
Whether you’re looking for an Ipswich electrician, an Ashgrove electrician or a Wynnum electrician, there are a few things to keep in mind to make sure your job goes off without a hitch.
When it comes to hiring an electrician, only a professional will do. However, if you do a quick Google search, you’ll find a range of electricians all claiming to do the best job at the best price. What are the things you should look out for when choosing an electrician to work on your home, rental or industrial building?
Use a referral
The number one thing you can do when choosing an electrician is to go with a referral. Find out who’s been successful for your friends and family members. Ask for referrals. If you’re looking for an Ipswich electrician, ask friends in Ipswich who they’ve had success with.
Make sure they have a licence
Though it seems rather obvious, you’d be surprised at how many people let a contractor start a job in their home without verifying that they are licensed to do the job. Unlike other contract work, there is a lot of risk involved in electrical work so it’s important for your safety and the longevity of your property and project to check out their licence. Make sure that they’re licenced to work in your area on your type of project.
Make sure they are focused on safety
Similar to our last point, ask a few questions. Learn about the electrician’s past work. Understand their emphasis and focus on safety. Better to do it upfront than to fix up a mess later.
Talk about the requirements
You may not be an expert in all things electricity and that’s okay. You can still do a little homework and learn about the specifications of the job. Based on your understanding or from talking with the foreman and contractor, what are the requirements of the job? Discuss these points with the potential electrician before they start the job. Make sure they know all that’s involved and get their assessment of the project.
Check out reputation and years of service
There’s something to be said for years of service. Fixzit has been around since 1984 and has a longstanding reputation for quality electricians. When doing your research and sussing out the electricians in town, an established company is always best.
Three common refrigerator problems & how to fix them.
When it comes to kitchen appliances, the refrigerator is definitely among the most important, and it’s always a pain when your fridge doesn’t work as it should. Today, we’ll look at a few of the common problems associated with refrigerators and some things you can do to try and fix them.
1. The fridge is at a full stop
Sometimes the refrigerator seems to have just stopped working completely. This is usually due to a lack of power. First, you want to grab another device and try plugging it into the same socket that your fridge uses. If that device also doesn’t work then it could be the socket itself or possibly a fuse or breaker issue. If it does work and does get proper power, then the issue is with your refrigerator. At this point you can check the compressor, thermostat, wiring, and relays to see if any of them might be the cause, or you can call one of our local Brisbane electricians for assistance.
2. The fridge is not keeping its cool
Another common problem with refrigerators is the old “it’s on but it’s not cooling” issue. This can happen for a number of reasons. First, check the thermostat to make sure it’s properly set and decrease the temperature if needed. Also, have a listen to the compressor, located in the rear of the fridge at the bottom. If you can hear a steady noise and your fridge isn’t cooling, then one or more of the compressor’s parts could be the problem. Also, make sure the light comes on when you open the door. No light could mean no power which also means no cooling.
3. The fridge door won’t stay shut
Last but not least, there is a rather annoying issue that pops up from time to time involving the fridge and freezer doors. Sometimes, you close one and the other pops open. This is a relatively minor issue, but it can be a pain nonetheless. This occurs most often in refrigerator designs in which the freezer is built in. The two chambers are connected by baffles or air channels, and when one door is closed it can create a pressure wave which forces the other door open. The best way to handle this is to check the gaskets on your fridge and make sure the door is sealing properly when it closes. If needed, you can lubricate the gasket using Vaseline or paraffin wax.
If any of these issues are currently affecting your fridge, be sure to contact us or phone 1300 726 806.
4 jobs that need a pro.
If you’re an avid DIY fan, or your home just needs a few touch ups, it can be highly tempting to grab your tools and get to fixing straight away.
Well, we’re here to tell you there are some cases where you need to step away from the drill and let a professional handle it. If you aren’t sure whether that emergency repair is something you should handle yourself, or something that requires more experienced attention, we’ve got just the guide for you. Here are four jobs that need a professional:
1. Any electrical work
Whether it’s a faulty power point or wiring that keeps cutting out, doing your own electrical work is a big no-no. Not only is it illegal to carry out electrical work in Brisbane without a licence, but it can result in some pretty nasty accidents. Leave the wiring alone and let a local Brisbane electrician see to it.
2. Plumbing leaks
While you may be well acquainted with your plunger when a drain is blocked, if you find a sink or pipe is leaking in your home, leave it alone! Plumbing leaks can be due to severe blockages and broken pipes, and tampering with them can possibly make the issue worse. Call in some Brisbane plumbing services to diagnose and repair any leaky drains.
3. Installing air-conditioning
While you may be extremely tempted to purchase that window air-conditioning system when the weather in sweltering, you’ll be better off in the long run if you leave it to the pros. It may cost a little more upfront to have a proper air-conditioning or ducted unit installed, but it will pay off in the long run!
4. Removing walls
A little paint here and there can’t hurt a home, but if you’re looking to do extensive renovations let a carpenter handle it. Open living plans look great, but without proper expertise you might just pull down a structural wall and then you’ll be in serious trouble. Trust any major renovations or extensions to the people properly trained to do it!
Have you had a DIY project go horribly wrong? What jobs do you like to leave up to the professionals?
Cheapest Ways To Heat The Home This Winter.
Brisbane may be well know for its balmy evenings and soaring humidity, but during winter the nights can become much colder than expected. Especially if you live on the Western outskirts in the likes of Ipswich.
Nevermind the impending cold fronts, Queensland’s electricity prices alone are enough to send a shiver down your spine. Currently you’re accustomed to paying almost $335 a year before even turning on a switch, due to the 91.75cents/day service to property fee.
With such costs to the home being unavoidable, it’s more important that ever to take particular care with what power you actually consume around the house. Although reduced electricity prices have been promised in the near future, Queenslanders are still tolerating an average standard tariff fee of 27.92cents/kWh.
The Challenge Of Heating The Home
With winter and the discomfort of cold nights comes a change in household behaviours that lead to dramatic changes in energy consumption. The key point being that devices made to generate heat are some of the largest energy consumers to ever take pride of place in the home.
As a general rule, the back of your hand can be one of the most effective ways to test the energy efficiency of devices around the home. For example, chest freezers and refrigerators are quite substantial consumers of energy in the home. If you were to hold the back of your hand to the side or rear surface of either appliance, you’d notice a reasonable amount of heat. Now compare this test to your ultra thin LED flatscreen TV – it will feel comparably cool.
Size Doesn’t Necessarily Matter When It Comes To Home Heating
Unfortunately, it’s natural instinct to consider size as an important factor when it comes to the energy being consumed by a home appliance. While in many cases, the larger a device the more energy it consumes, the same is not usually the case when it comes to the cheapest ways to heat the home.
Many Queenslanders, especially in the colder parts of Greater Brisbane, make the mistake of heading down to their local store and grabbing a little electric fan heater to place on the floor. Little do they know that considering the kW rating and duty cycle of an appliance is of the utmost importance.
To put this mistake into perspective, a seemingly harmless low profile fan heater is comparably as power hungry as a kettle. With an average power rating between 2000 and 2400 Watts, this heater alone could cost up to a whopping 67cents/hour! Consider that using such an appliance for 3 hours a night in front of the TV during winter, could cost in excess of $180, not to mention everything else running in your home!
Things To Consider When Searching For The Cheapest Ways To Heat The Home
Of course, depending on your circumstances you may be suited to different methods for heating the home and it’s important to consider your individual needs. Needless to say there are endless options on the market leaving you with plenty of choice when it comes to home heating.
Different Ways To Heat The Home:
Portable heaters:
Oil-filled column or fan heaters.
Bar radiator or strip heaters.
Space heaters:
Off-peak heat bank.
Day rate fan heater.
Central heating:
In slab underfloor heating.
Radiant ceiling heating.
The options are almost overwhelming and with one particular flaw when you consider the Queensland climate – you’d be lucky to get value for money. As a Queenslander it would be hard to justify paying for a system or appliance dedicated solely to heating, when in reality you’re only likely to use it for less than a quarter of the year.
Already the options for home heating are somewhat impractical, of course if you were living in the southern states you’d have a much different agenda. Worst of all, we are yet to consider the costs of running a designated heating solution.
Luckily, there is a much more practical solution for Queenslanders and best of all you’ll get year round use out of it.
The Cheapest Way To Heat Your Home In Queensland
I bet you’re well aware that an air-conditioner is almost a necessity when it comes to living comfortably in Brisbane or Ipswich and the surrounding areas. With split-system air-conditioners being one of the most effective means of cooling the home in summer, you’ll be humbled to know that they are also the preferred choice for heating your home in the winter months.
A good quality, energy-efficient Reverse Cycle Split System Air Conditioner is in fact the cheapest way to heat your home and as an added bonus it’s your best cooling option come summer time.
On average, due to inverter technology, well tuned duty cycles and controlled thermostats, reverse cycle split systems are consume only about one-third the power of an electric fan heater that’s only really effective for keeping your feet warm.
Let’s consider the above mentioned floor heater, costing around $180 to run across the span of winter. An adequately sized reverse cycle split system air conditioner would do a much better job of heating a given area and would only cost you around $60 in running costs for winter.
Discuss The Cheapest Ways To Heat Your Home Today
So this winter, consider not only what is the cheapest way to heat the home, but think about meeting year round seasonal requirements with one appliance. Contact Fixzit Trade Services today and discuss with us your needs for keeping warm and cozy this winter.
Not only are we confident in providing a cost effective solution for heating your home this winter, we have a range of excellent cash-back offers from our trusted suppliers:
Mitsubishi: $100 – $400 Cashback.
Fujitsu: $150 – $400 Cashback.
Panasonic: $200 Cashback.
Kelvinator: $100 – $200 Cashback.
With over 30 years experience, Fixzit are Brisbane’s trusted trade services provider. Our expertise spans from Air Conditioning, Electrical, Plumbing, Carpentry, Solar and everything in between.
CALL US NOW: 1300 726 806
Summer $avers – How to Save with Your Pool and AC.
November temperatures in Brisbane broke records. The truth is it’s getting hotter and keeping cool has now become a priority. Keeping cool however can become expensive and running an air conditioner and pool pump during the hotter months can mean a bill shock. To avoid this, our Ipswich and Brisbane-based electricians at Fixzit can provide a number of ways to save hip pocket pain, so you’ll be able to stay comfortable without having to resort to a spray bottle and wet tea towel around you neck.
Below we explain why changing to energy an efficient tariff is worth considering so you can save significant money this summer.
Economy Tariff 33 for Pool Pumps and Filtrations Systems
Economy Tariff 33 means that should a pool pump require repair, (more frequently than hot water systems) a pump or pool technician is able to disconnect and reconnect the system, meaning no more calls to an electrician. Because the pool filtration and pump equipment will operate during hours outside of peak times (between 6-9am and 4pm-8pm) the electricity is priced at a cheaper rate. This means over the course of a year pool owners can save around $235.00!
Other ways to save money with pools:
Purchase a pool cover to prevent evaporation when the pool is not in use
Invest in a variable speed pump which is 65-70 per cent more efficient, and quieter to run.
Reduce the time the pump is operating for. Depending on the pump most pools can maintain water quality by 3-4 hours per day for chlorinated pools.
Ways to Save on Air Conditioning costs
If you are upgrading to a new air conditioning system there are many reasons to buy a PeakSmart system. Not only are these more energy efficient, a Peak Smart system will cap usage during peak demand (4-8pm) to ease pressure on networks (and on your power bill!) While still keeping you cool. Better yet, $150.00 rebates exist for systems 4kW and under, $250.00 rebates for systems between 4-10kW and $500.00 rebates for systems over 10kW. To find out more about the PeakSmart positive payback system visit the Energex Website.
You can also save on operating your AC system over summer by:
Closing off areas that do not require cooling
Sealing draughts under doors and around windows
Setting your AC system to 24 degrees.
Turning off the system when you are not in the room.
This summer beat the heat, and the price rises by rethinking how you use run your pool and air conditioner. No matter the time of year the electrical team at Fixzit can provide advice to connect to more economic tariffs and save you money. To find out more call our Brisbane electricians today on 1300 726 806.
Tenant’s Guide to Saving Money on Utility Bills.
Saving Money on Utility Bills
For those renting, it can feel almost impossible to save money on utility bills when you have already cut your usage of electricity and water as much as seems possible. Without the cooperation of your landlord or property manager to make other improvements to the actual home it’s impossible the further reduce utility bills right?
Despite common belief, there are some effective ways you can approach the subject of an energy efficient home with your landlord or property manager. Don’t be discouraged doing this since investing in energy efficient features throughout their home will also benefit the property owner and add considerable value to their investment.
The Australian Tax office also offers tax deductions for efficiency improvements made to rental properties. Any maintenance, repairs and costs like sealing cracks and repairing insulation can be claimed at the end of the financial year. Depreciation benefits of installing a new hot water system and other improvements are available and are worth reminder the property manager or by writing to your landlord directly. Here are some suggestions to make changes to some of the biggest things which determine the costs of quarterly utility bills.
Reducing Heating and Cooling Costs
1. Check that there are no gaps under doors by plugging gaps with draughts runners.
2. Fit window furnishings if there are none to reduce heat loss and heat gain.
3. If air conditioning is included in the property ensure the landlord arranges regular servicing and cleaning of filters to maintain efficiency.
4. Reduce your reliance on artificial heating and cooling by wearing clothing appropriate for the season.
Reducing Lighting Costs
1. Replace halogen and incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent lamps (CFL’s.) Many of these can be replaced yourself, but seek the advice of an electrician to make sure you choose compatible lamps.
2. Trim vegetation blocking natural light into the home and open curtains and blinds to allow as much natural light into the home as possible.
Reducing Water Costs
If the rental home does not include water as part of the rent and the cost of water consumption is passed onto the tenant, it is the requirement of the landlord to ensure the property is water efficient. This means in Queensland the landlord is obligated under the RTA (Residential Tenancy Authority) to fit water efficient fixtures throughout the property.
If these have not been fitted, you are allowed to arrange to fit these yourself and be reimbursed for the cost. Your property manager should coordinate this on your behalf.
Other measures to reduce water costs include:
• Reducing the temperature of hot water in the hot water system to 60 degrees.
• Reducing your hot water consumption by changing usage habits.
Are Your Utility Costs Increasing?
If utility costs in your rental home seem to be increasing for no explicit reason it may be because of a gas or water leak on the property. You can check the readings of water meter and gas meter when both are not in use. If the reading increases overnight, there is a likely to be a leak and must be repaired at the cost to the landlord. Any gas leaks can be dangerous and must be repaired quickly. Find out more about detecting gas leaks here.
Other things you can do:
Energy Efficient Tariffs – If a lot of energy is used in your home outside of peak hours (4-8pm) it’s worth connecting to an energy efficient tariff. The electrician your property manager deals with should be able to arrange this connection for a small charge.
Air Conditioning – If your home is rented with air conditioning it is the responsibility for the landlord to ensure the unit is maintained and efficient. Homes command a higher rent with air conditioning, making the landlord’s responsibility to provide a system that works efficiently for the space it is to heat or cool.
For more advice and strategies to reduce your utility bills for people renting, the Australian Government has developed the RENTERS GUIDE TO SUSTAINABLE LIVING. For the professional services to repair, replace, improve or upgrade the way your home uses utilities, the Fixzit’s electricians, gasfitters and plumbers can offer more advice to reduce your utility bills to save you considerably. To find out more call us today on 1300 726 806
Is your home switched on to safety?
Safety Switch Laws Queensland
There’s been little doubt that since Safety Switches have been made mandatory in all Queensland homes built since 1992, there’s been a reduction in the number of electrical injuries and deaths. However, with recent findings from the Queensland Government that recommended safety switches be installed on all circuits, which would have prevented the deaths of those installing ceiling installation, there’s more work to be done.
While many homes are now fitted with safety switches, many homes may have slipped through the cracks. Our Fixzit domestic electricians can install these life saving devices in your property quickly and affordably so there really is no reason for you not to be switched onto safety in your home. We outline the legal responsibilities for property owners when it comes to installing safety switches below.
DO I ALREADY HAVE A SAFETY SWITCH?
Safety switches can be identified on your switchboard as an often blue button stamped with the word ‘Test’ or sometimes ‘T.’ Every home that has been built new since 1992 should have a safety switch installed as per government legislation, however it’s important that this is not taken for granted and owners check themselves.
For those that are buying older properties (those built before 1992) it is the responsibility of the buyer to have a safety switch installed within three months from the settlement date. Failure to do this can attract a penalty of up to $1500.00. Additionally those who are making extensions to their homes are also required to install safety switches in line with QLD wiring laws. This will normally be included in the electricians work, but it’s important to check that this has been done.
RESPONSIBILITIES FOR LANDLORDS
All investment rental properties covered by Residential Tenancy Agreements in Queensland are required to be fitted with safety switches as the responsibility of the landlord. If this is not the case for your rental home, it’s important to make your property manager aware of the absence of a safety switch.
It’s important to have safety switches fitted by a licensed electrical contractor. Fixzit can install these live saving devices quickly, so if it’s been on the cards for a while, now is the time to stop delaying safety. Dangerous electrical currents are stopped with safety switches and loss of life and injury avoided.
Call the Fixzit team today, and if you haven’t already, get switched on to electrical safety in your home. Phone 1300 726 806.
Why DIY Electrical Work is never an option.
With a wave of renovation warriors in Australia, especially from the influence of popular programmes like House Rules being shown on our screens, many people’s ambition when it comes to renovation projects far outweigh their ability. What’s worse is that doing electrical work on your own home could not only be breaking the law in Queensland and risking a hefty fine but also put lives in danger.
Here’s what to remember:
Unlawful work can attract significant fines under Queensland law. Other Australian states have similar laws. To find out more click here.
All homes built before 1992 must have safety switches installed.
People who spent years training as electricians still are at risk of injury from electrical systems, let alone amateurs who don’t have the same knowledge of the complexities of household electric systems
You should only ever have electrical work completed by a licensed contractor.
Any electrical work that is completed by an unlicensed contractor is not covered by insurance policies.
Shoddy work completers by amateurs can risk electrical fires and electrocution. Even if no issues are evident initially, bad electrical work could pose a problem down the track. Simple overheating of wires is enough to cause fires.
The rules in Queensland name prohibited tasks include:
Installation of power points and light switches, or moving an existing points or switches location.
Repairing appliances such as heaters.
Making your own extension lead or replacing the end of the lead with a new plug.
Remember when renovating in the home including the always popular kitchen and bathroom renovation projects water also poses a risk. Always get the help of a licensed electrician for you and your family’s safety, the laws are there to protect people and from some of the DIY jobs we’ve corrected in the past, home electrical work that has not been completed to safety standards is a ticking time bomb, just waiting to go off and all for just a few dollars saved Call Fixzit for all your electrical work. We don’t overcharge for our work and you can guarantee all the work we do is safe and will continue to be so.
The FAQ’s of Smoke Alarms in Queensland
Our Brisbane based electrical contractors at Fixzit answer some questions about smoke alarm legislation and requirements for homes in Queensland, during the season where there is a heightened risk of fires from household heating. Read on to find out you can stay protected and keep for your family safe
Do Smoke Alarms Save Lives?
Working smoke alarms alert of a fire in the home when people are sleeping and help them to escape unharmed. Since the window of opportunity to escape a burning house is only around 3 minutes, smoke alarms can alert people early of a fire while there is still enough. Click here for real life example from the NSW fire department where smoke alarms have been credited for saving the lives of occupants of burning buildings.
How many smoke alarms do I need in my home?
As every house is different in size and layout the requirements differ, however at a minimum there needs to be at least one smoke alarm located near sleeping areas and if sleeping areas are separated additional alarms are required adjacent to additional sleeping areas. Multi-level homes need additional smoke alarms on each floor.
Are there any laws regarding what type of alarm are installed?
There is no law requiring smoke alarms to be either hardwired or battery operated, however smoke alarms need to have a self-test function. Battery operated smoke alarms will also require battery replacement on a regular basis. Smoke alarms older than 10 years should be replaced.
What if my home doesn’t have any smoke alarms?
If you own the home you are legally required to install smoke alarms you’ll need to have at least one smoke alarm fitted and installed by law. Battery operated devices can be installed yourself, but for hardwired systems you’ll need the help of an electrician. The Queensland Fire and Rescue Service recommend the use of hardwired photoelectric alarms which can ‘see’ smoke particles the most effectively and are not reliant on batteries which means they offer some of the best protection available. If you are renting, your landlord and property manager are legally obligated to provide smoke alarms in all rental properties in Queensland. New homes built after 1997 must have smoke alarms installed as standard during the build.
As well as a comprehensive suite of household electrical work, the Fixzit team can make your home legally comply with Queensland smoke alarm laws by installing smoke alarm systems in your home. Visit the QFRS website for more information about community safety and using and maintaining smoke alarms in the home.
Heat your home safely this winter.
With the official beginning of winter just around the corner in Brisbane and cold temperatures already being felt it’s time to pull out the heaters and electric blankets to make enjoying your home just a little bit more comfortable. In our latest post, our team of Fixzit electricians share some safety tips when using electric heater and blankets during the cooler months.
What to do before you start using existing heaters or electric blankets
As your taking your heater or electric blanket out of storage, we always recommend carrying out a brief inspection of the condition of power cords. Any frayed or worn cords on appliances should never be used, and if the grill of your heater has rusted significantly these should also be avoided as there is a risk of created ‘hotspots’ which can cause electrical fires. Additionally any signs of damage should be inspected by a licensed electrician who can carry out any necessary repairs before use.
Safety tips when using heaters and electric blankets
• Never leave a heater on unattended while you are out of the home. Always keep heaters unplugged when not in use.
• Make sure the use of heater is in an area that is ventilated and not used up against walls or curtains.
• Never use an electric heater in a bathroom or attempt to use a heater to dry clothes.
• Do not place your heater on furniture to raise the height of a heater.
• Only ever attempt to clean a heater or electric blanket by following the manufacturer’s official instructions.
• Plug all heaters into their own outlet and avoid the use of extension cords, as this can lead to overheating.
• Never leave electric blankets or heaters on overnight.
Buying a new heater? Here’s what to remember:
• Look for models that include safety features such as overheating protection and tip over protection.
• Only buy models that are manufactured to national standard. Look for an approval mark on the packaging, and if in doubt ask the sales assistant to advise you
• Consider buying an oil heater as these are safer than electric or fan heaters.
Since winter brings a greater risk of fire in the home, we also recommend making sure your smoke alarms are working effectively and replacing the batteries if needed. For help installing new or additional smoke alarms, or to carry out any repairs on existing appliances call the Fixzit team today on 1300 726 806
LED lighting the future for energy efficient homes in Brisbane.
Modern homes are going green. But that doesn’t mean that those living in older properties need to miss out on the green revolution and homes that are more sustainable and energy efficient. A home’s lighting is one easiest area where electricians can install options that ease the pressure on rising power bills and reduce their environmental impact at the same time. LED lighting has improved in both its capabilities and more and more people are turning towards the light and installing this lighting option in new and existing homes.
How do LED lights work?
Without getting too technical, LED (light emitting diodes) lights emit light when electricity passes through a diode. These diodes are being manufactured in larger numbers all the time for many purposed including computers and TV screen and now the technology is starting to become more widely used in the lighting industry.
How is LED Lighting the option of the future?
According to a recent article in the Sydney Morning Herald, LED lighting is predicted to dominate the lighting market and is outshining rivals. LED lighting has already surged in the US market and is forecast to have a 36 per cent share of the lighting market by 2020 and a whopping 70 per cent by 2030, according the US Department of Energy forecast report. There are similar projections in the Australian market, due to its increasing affordability and superior energy efficiency compared to other traditional lighting options
How is LED lighting more energy efficient?
Modern LED lights are superior when compared to incandescent bulbs and fluorescent lamps. While they are comparable with energy use with Compact Flourescent Lamps (CFL’s), the energy needed to create them, transport them and is far less making them overall more environmentally friendly than other lighting options. They also have a longer lifespan than other lighting options, lasting more than three times the lifespan and over twenty times the life of incandescent bulbs.
Yes but aren’t LED lights an expensive option?
While LED lights are still more expensive to supply and install than other options, a global supply of LED chips means prices are falling. Combine that with the fact users save money on replacement costs and lower electricity bills and over time LED lights become a economically appealing option for homeowners, despite the higher initial outlay.
To find out about installing LED lighting in your home speak to our team of electricians here at Fixzit who are specialised in residential and commercial lighting projects. Call us today on 1300 726 806.
Our electricians are Experts in Testing and Tagging.
Here at Fixzit, our team of highly trained and professional tradies are able to perform a number of jobs around both your Brisbane home and your office. Our team always takes pride in doing a stellar job, which has earned us the reputation amongst the community and our colleagues as being the best at what we do. In today’s blog post, we will post the spotlight on our team of electricians, and have them explain one of most popular commercial services – testing and tagging.
What is Testing and Tagging?
Testing and Tagging is the process of inspecting electrical equipment and devices to make sure that they are functioning in the manner in which they were originally intended. This is performed in a variety of commercial and industrial properties, including schools, hotels, shops, warehouses, offices and more. As every single piece of electrical equipment is to be logged and recorded, owners often find this quite handy to keep track of their stock.
Why is testing and tagging so important?
The reason that this process is so important is that it serves as a vital safety measure for anyone who will come in contact with the electrical devices. This is quite a broad range of people, as in some environments the one device may be used by workers, owners and customers. A great example of this is a hand-dryer in a toiler, or an electric drill. In addition to being a great safety measure, many property owners often get testing and tagging performed in order to prevent themselves from unwanted legal action should something happen with one of their devices.
How does Testing and Tagging work?
Testing and tagging involves a certified inspector travelling to the owners property, where they will carry out a series of tests on the devices. These tests use specialized tools, and must pass certain standards in order to be cleared. Once they have been tested, they will be fitted with a metal tag, and recorded in an ongoing record. Quite often this tag will also display the next date in which the device must be tested.
In today’s blog post, we have outlined some of the most important reasons why businesses all across the grater Brisbane region are getting testing and tagging performed. If you would like to enlist the services of our quality electricians, please don’t hesitate to give our Fixzit team a call today on 1300 726 806.
