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Using lighting to create the perfect living room

By | Electrical

In recent weeks, we have explored the ways lighting can bring out the best in your bedroom. Now, we are taking a look at how the right lighting creates a stunning atmosphere in your living room.


The living room is an essential part of your home; the place where family comes together to enjoy each other’s company and the place where you will spend time with guests. So, how can you use different lighting to make your living room feel perfect? 

 

Utilise multiple lighting types

Incorporating various types of light within a single room can create a sense of depth and texture. We recommend using at least one of each of the following lighting types:

Ceiling lights: It can be as simple as a light fitting in the middle of the ceiling or as sophisticated as a dangling chandelier; whatever suits your style. 

Floor lights: Floor lights in the form of tall standing lamps or an accent light-up can overcome gravity and give new warmth and style to the room.

Table lights: Mid-level lights are not only beautiful but can be functional too. Try a table lamp, desk lamp, or even a low-hanging pendant-style light fixture.

Ambient, task and accent lighting 

In our last blog post, took a look at ambient, task and accent lighting and the ways they can be combined to enhance the look and feel of any space. Try incorporating all types of light into your living room to achieve a living space which is as aesthetically pleasing as it is practical. Read our blog post about ambient, task and accent lighting to find out more. 

Feature lighting

While functionality is obviously the most important when it comes to lighting, aesthetics are very important when it comes to the special spaces in your home. Lighting can function as a piece of art or feature of any room. HunterCON is passionate about installing feature lighting options to enhance the aesthetics of your living space, helping to evoke the atmosphere or feeling that you most want to achieve. This may be in the form of specialised lighting or stylish lighting fixtures, but this is entirely up to you.

Contact HunterCON today

At HunterCON, it is an absolute pleasure when we get to turn your ideas into an incredible reality. HunterCON is a fully licensed electrical and air conditioning specialists located in Sydney’s Inner West, servicing the greater metropolitan area, including the Eastern Suburbs, Lower North Shore and South West. If you have any questions about bedroom lighting, or would like to book a quote for repairs, installation or maintenance, contact HunterCON today. With over nine years of experience, we pride ourselves on providing air-con and electrical services of the highest quality.

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ambient, task, accent lighting

Ambient, task and accent lighting

By | Electrical

While you might not have given it too much thought, the lighting in and around your home plays a significant role in achieving its overall look and feel.

ambient, task, accent lighting
Lighting experts utilise ambient lighting, accent lighting, and task lighting to create the perfect atmosphere in rooms, as well as indoor and outdoor living areas. But, what’s the difference between each type and why should it matter to you?

 

Ambient lighting

Ambient lighting is also considered as general, or overall lighting, serving as the main source of light within a certain space. Ambient lighting is the quickest and easiest type of lighting to achieve. Basic lighting fixtures can be used, such as a simple ceiling-fixed bulb. However, ambient lighting doesn’t have to be boring. Chandeliers, recessed lights and track lights may also be used to bring light and life into your home

Task lighting 

Once you have a general source of light, you can then add task lighting. Task lighting refers to any additional sources of light, which can help you better accomplish a specific activity. Choosing the right task lighting is much harder than choosing ambient lighting, as you need to consider how the two will work together. When deciding on task lighting, it is important to take the level of illuminance and contrast into thought. A poorly positioned task light can end up for the worse by reducing contrast and visibility. Examples of task lighting include lamps, motion-activated lights and vanity lights.

Accent lighting

Now that you have your main source of light, as well as light sources which will help you complete specific tasks, you need to add some atmosphere. That is where accent lighting comes in. Accent lighting is used for a number of aesthetic reasons, including highlighting certain aspects of your home such as furniture and artworks or bringing attention away from parts of a home which are not pleasing to the eye. Examples of this include spotlights, fairy lights, candles, dimmable lights, as well as lighting inside cupboards and display cabinets.

Choosing the right lighting combination

When choosing lighting for your home, make sure you consider all three types of lighting: ambient, task and accent. When it comes to task lighting, consider what types of lighting could help make your life easier. After that choose accent lighting which compliments your favourite features and creates a well-suited atmosphere in your home.

Contact HunterCON today

At HunterCON, it is an absolute pleasure when we get to turn your ideas into an incredible reality. HunterCON is a fully licensed electrical and air conditioning specialists located in Sydney’s Inner West, servicing the greater metropolitan area, including the Eastern Suburbs, Lower North Shore and South West. If you have any questions about bedroom lighting, or would like to book a quote for repairs, installation or maintenance, contact HunterCON today. With over nine years of experience, we pride ourselves on providing air-con and electrical services of the highest quality.

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bedroom lighting

Lighting tips for the bedroom of your dreams

By | Electrical

If there is one thing most people agree on, its that your bedroom should always be the most comfortable room in your home. You want it to look and feel just right and turn it into a space which is truly yours.

bedroom lighting
At HunterCON we believe the key to a good bedroom is good lighting. Check out some of our great bedroom lighting tips.

 

Remote controls

We are all well aware of the practicality and convenience of remote controls. Now, instead of your television or garage door, imagine using a remote control to adjust the lighting in your bedroom. With a lighting remote, you can turn your lights on and off, adjust the brightness and control various bulbs, all from the comfort of your bed.

Motion activation

There is nothing worse than banging your toe on the corner of your bed as you fumble to find the light switch and turn it on in the dark of the night. Bedrooms can be fitted with motion-activated lighting options. Our experienced electricians can quickly and easily install weak motion-activated solutions so that when you walk towards the door, a dim light will flick on. How cool is that?

Full-control lighting

Imagine being able to change up the mood of your bedroom with the turn of a dial. By shifting the brightness, you can create the perfect atmosphere for reading before bed, or even a romantic night in. HunterCON can install dials which allow you too quickly and easily take full control of your lighting. Another great thing about this option, is that is can save you power and money too!

Task lighting

The bedroom has many diverse functions and is not merely a place to sleep. You might use your bedroom as a makeup studio, a workplace, a mini art gallery, or a place where you play music. As such, lighting may be essential. HunterCon can install a range of practical options to enhance your space, such as a back-lit mirror, or spotlight.

Feature lighting

Of course, aesthetics are just as important as practicality when it comes to your bedroom. HunterCON can install a range of feature lighting options to enhance the aesthetics of your bedroom and evoke a certain atmosphere or feeling. This may be specialised lighting, or a beautiful lighting fixture, but this is entirely up to you.

Craft the bedroom of your dreams…

While lighting isn’t usually given first thoughts, it is certainly a building block in the bedroom of your dreams. At HunterCON, it is an absolute pleasure when we get to turn your ideas into an incredible reality. HunterCON is a fully licensed electrical and air conditioning specialists located in Sydney’s Inner West, servicing the greater metropolitan area, including the Eastern Suburbs, Lower North Shore and South West. If you have any questions about bedroom lighting, or would like to book a quote for repairs, installation or maintenance, contact HunterCON today. With over nine years of experience, we pride ourselves on providing air-con and electrical services of the highest quality.

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solar panels

The benefits of installing solar panels

By | Electrical

When it comes to powering your home, there are many options. And with new technologies being developed, there are now more environmentally friendly ways to create electricity. This includes solar power.

solar panels
So, how does solar power work and what benefits does it have? Let’s find out.

 

How does solar power work?

Solar power is one way that free, renewable energy can be created. It works by transforming radiation from the sun into electricity. Through installing Solar Panels on your roof, you can generate Direct Current electricity which is fed into a solar inverter. The direct current electricity is then converted into alternating current electricity to be used in your home. Through storing the energy captured during the day, solar panels can continue to power your home during the night.

Benefits of solar power

There are many benefits to installing solar panels into your home. Take a look at some of the great advantages to solar power.

Affordability: When solar power first came about, it was not an affordable option for many households. However, solar panels have gotten far cheaper over the years. In fact, you can expect to save at least 40% of the original prices of solar power systems. Right now, you can steal a 5kW system for about $12,000.

Value for money: As the prices of solar panels have gradually reduced, the average size of the solar power systems have increased. The larger systems will almost always offer a much better value for money and generate much more power.

Fast payback: The savings you make from generating your own electricity will mean that you can make up the cost of installing your system in as little as six years. In order to maximise the speed of payback and returns, you can increase your rate of direct solar energy consumption, or by reducing other energy use.

Increases your home’s value: The more solar panels you have, the higher your home’s value will be. On average you can expect \about $6,000 of value to be added per kW of solar power. So, if you installed a 5kW system into your home, your home’s value will go up by more than $29,000. Furthermore, solar panels can help you sell a home up to 20% faster than usual.

Reduces energy bills: Installing solar panels will lead to many future savings. Over multiple years, households can save thousands of dollars on their energy bills, leaving more money for other important things. 

Reduces electricity transmission loss: Solar panels increase electricity efficiency in multiple ways. One way is as a result of the electricity actually being generated and used in the same place. Through reducing electricity transmission loss, energy efficiency is improved and so too are your savings.

Improve power grid security: Every house that has solar panels installed is self-sustaining. This works to improve power grid security meaning that if a natural or human-caused disaster occurs, your home will be far less likely to experience a blackout or other issues. 

Contact HunterCON today!

HunterCON is a fully licensed electrical and air conditioning specialists located in Sydney’s Inner West, servicing the greater metropolitan area, including the Eastern Suburbs, Lower North Shore and South West.

If you have any questions about solar power, or would like to book a quote for repairs, installation or maintenance, contact HunterCON today. With over 9 years of experience, we pride ourselves on providing air-con and electrical services of the highest quality.

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outlet

Signs of an outdated electrical outlet

By | Electrical

It is understandable that homeowners rarely think about the electrical outlets in their home. They will work forever…right?

outlet
If a property was built even just a few decades ago, the chances are that all of your electrical outlets are outdated, putting you and your property at risk. Read on to find out whether your electrical outlets need replacing.

 

Why do outdated electrical outlets present risk?

Although there may not be any visible indication of any issues, outdated outlets most certainly put your property at risk. A few problems that obsolete electrical outlets often cause include:

Outlet And Surrounding Wire Degradation: consider inspecting these wires every few years to ensure the safety of your property.

 Inadequate power: Outdated outlets may provide insufficient electricity for your appliances and devices. Newer outlets will provide a more reliable source of energy.

Outlets Will Not Keep Up: Old wiring on your property is sometimes unable to keep up with new technologies or increasing power demands. 

 

Signs of an outdated electrical outlet

There are a few ways that you can tell that your outlets need replacing, including:

Plugs fall out easily: The connectors inside the outlet become worn out over time can become loose. As a result, plugs will fall off no matter what appliance is being used. Although it doesn’t seem too dangerous at the time, loose slots can actually result in electrical arcing, posing a significant fire hazard. 

Hot outlets: Outlets that get hot after minimal usage, very commonly indicates electrical issues that are caused by outdated outlets and wires.

Discoloured outlets: If the surrounding wall or the outlet itself is discoloured, that’s a definite sign replacement is needed. Scorch marks or melted plastic around the receptacle are the result of short circuits which may lead to fires. 

Sparks, smoke and smells: Sparks, smoke or strange smells coming from an outlet is a sign of a short circuit or water exposure. In particular, be aware of popping or sizzling sounds. If this occurs, be sure to switch off the power to the outlet and call an electrician.

If you have any questions about power outlets, or would like to book a quote for repairs, installation or maintenance, contact HunterCON today. With over 9 years of experience, we pride ourselves on providing air-con and electrical services of the highest quality. 

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Electrical must-dos before you sell your home

By | Electrical, Maintenance

When it comes time to sell your home, renovations and major improvements are not always in the budget. However, there are many electrical improvements you can make which won’t break the bank.


If you want to make the maximum dollar, have a look at these handy electrical tips before you sell you home.

 

Install smoke alarms properly

A great way to improve the value of your home is to make sure that home fire safety regulations are strictly followed, and this can be achieved through your smoke alarms. Smoke alarms should be located in the centre of the ceilings. Remember that placing alarms in kitchens ad bathrooms can create false alarms, which can be a significant nuisance. Also, be aware not to install smoke alarms 300mm of a corner of a ceiling or wall; 300mm of a light fitting, 400mm of an air-conditioning vent; or 400mm of the blades of a ceiling fan.

Avoid DIY electrical work

When preparing to sell your home, there is the temptation to watch a few DIY electrical instructional videos or to try and have a go at wiring yourself. This can not only lead to poorly completed electrical jobs but also increase hazards and safety risks. If any electrical work needs carrying out, it is almost always worth hiring a qualified electrician. They can carry out this work safely, efficiently and to a high-quality standard that DIY attempts will not achieve.

Replace old switchgear

A low-cost option for increasing your homes look and feel, is to replace all old, cracked, and discoloured light switches and power points. While it sounds simple, this small change can make a huge difference to the overall aesthetics of your home, potentially making or breaking a sale.

New lighting and light fittings

In areas where people spend a lot of time such as the kitchen, bathroom and living rooms, updating lighting and light fittings can give your home a fresh new look, and never has to cost the earth. For outdoor areas and garages and workshops, it may be worth replacing old Fluro lights for LEDs, and indoors you have a number of appealing, budget-friendly options.

Get a professional electrical inspection

Electrical safety inspections are designed to detect and amend all safety hazards regarding the wiring and electrical appliances in your home. Electrical inspections are a great way to give potential buyers peace of mind about the safety of your home. You can learn more about them here.

If you would like some more tips about electrical safety or would like to know more about installation or maintenance of electrical items, please do not hesitate to give us a call. With over nine years of experience under our belt, we pride ourselves on providing air-con and electrical services of the highest quality. Get in touch with us today.

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Electrical safety in your backyard pool

By | Electrical

While Summer has come to an end, our backyard pools still have plenty of use still left in them before Winter comes around. As such, it is essential to practice electrical safety around our pool at all times.


Electrical dangers in and around the pool can result in electric shock, injury and even death. Check out our simple tips to help avoid electrical danger and enjoy your pool.

 

Keep electrical equipment away from the pool

While it might seem obvious, water and electricity can be a recipe for disaster. As such, pool owners must take extreme care when electrical equipment is set up in close proximity to the pool area. Equipment that is not designed to operate in water such as televisions or radios can fall into the pool. As a result, these appliances place a current of electricity into the pool. If you touch a metal pool ladder or metal net handle in the energised water, it can cause a person to be electrocuted. It is a good idea to have at least two metres between the electrical equipment and the edge of the pool, to avoid it falling in and creating extreme safety hazards.

Be cautious of pool lights

Underwater lights in the pool are a great aesthetic and functional addition to your pool. However, should they crack or are defectively sealed, the voltage from the light bulb comes into direct contact with the water, putting electrical energy throughout the body of the water. To minimise the potential danger of the pool lights, conduct regular checks for defects. If there seems to be an issue with the lights or wiring, call a licensed electrician to solve the danger straight away.

Avoid extension cords

Never use extension leads, electrical appliances and cords near the pool. It would only take a splash from inside the pool or someone dripping onto the cord to possibly present an electrical danger. It is always a good idea to opt for battery-operated appliances and equipment instead of objects that require a cord to be plugged in. Minimising and even eliminating the use of cords around the pool area will reduce the risk of accidents occurring that could damage the electrical cord with serious consequences.

Be safe during storms

You should never use the pool during a storm. If lightning were to strike in the water, it produces an electric current which is potentially deadly. Furthermore, if the lightning struck the equipment that keeps the pool wired and running, the risk would be just the same. The safest option is to get out of the water if there is a storm, eliminating the danger of electrocution.

If you have any questions about electrical safety in your home and around your pool or would like to know more about installation or maintenance of electrical items, please don’t hesitate to give us a call.

With over nine years of experience under our belt, we pride ourselves on providing air-con and electrical services of the highest quality. Get in touch with us today.

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carbon monoxide

The importance of carbon monoxide detectors

By | Electrical

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a byproduct of burning carbon fuel like the gas on your stove and the petrol in your car. Even small doses of carbon monoxide can cause permanent damage or even in some cases, death.

carbon monoxideAs such, carbon monoxide detectors are important devices which work to detect the presence of CO gas and prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. Keep reading to find out more about CO detectors and why you should install them in your home.

 

What are they and how do they work?

Carbon monoxide detectors are the quickest and easiest way to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. They function similarly to a fire or smoke alarm by sounding an alarm when they detect carbon monoxide. Once the alarm sounds, the CO detector must be in a carbon monoxide-free environment to reset itself. Different sensors set off different types of alerts which include:

Biomimetic sensor: a gel changes colour when it absorbs carbon monoxide, which then triggers the alarm.

Metal oxide semiconductor: When the silica chip’s circuitry detects carbon monoxide, it lowers the electrical resistance, and this change triggers the alarm.

Electrochemical sensor: Electrodes immersed in a chemical solution sense changes in electrical currents when they come into contact with carbon monoxide, and this change triggers the alarm.

Where to place carbon monoxide detectors

It essential to have enough carbon monoxide detectors to cover all the levels in your home, including the basement and attic. Place a CO sensor near each bedroom and anywhere required by local laws.

When your detector alarm goes off

If the detector’s alarm is triggered, get outside immediately for fresh air. Check for any flu-like symptoms that could suggest poisoning and if any are observed, call emergency services straight away. If possible, open all doors and windows to air out your home before heading outside and do not reenter your home until the alarm stops sounding or your home has been deemed safe by the authorities. Contact a professional to evaluate all of your fuel-burning appliances and any other possible sources of carbon monoxide to prevent a future incident. Furthermore, it is a good idea to survey your home and prevent safety hazards with regular maintenance and inspections.

If you have any questions about carbon monoxide detectors and electrical safety in your home or would like to know more about installation or maintenance of electrical items, please don’t hesitate to give us a call.

With over nine years of experience under our belt, we pride ourselves on providing air-con and electrical services of the highest quality. Get in touch with us today.

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electrical safety in the workplace

Electrical safety in the workplace

By | Electrical

Although electrical safety is important at any given time and at any given place, it should be treated as an utmost priority in the workplace or office.

electrical safety in the workplaceThere are several different aspects of electrical safety that you need to consider in the workplace. Check out our handy guide below.

 

Electrical appliances

Any workplace is a host to all kinds of electrical appliances, such as computers, AC systems and kitchen devices. There are a few things to keep in mind when using electrical appliances:

  • Checking appliances regularly for faults
  • Using electrical instruments how they were designed to be used 
  • Ensuring portable equipment has built-in safety switches
  • Buying electrical equipment with approved markings and in accordance to your workplace type. Any item to be used in a high-risk environment should be tested and labelled as safe in accordance with relevant safety standards before it is used.

Powerpoints

Powerpoints can easily present a number of risks and as such, are an important consideration. Remember that:

  • Powerpoints should never be overcrowded 
  • Appliances should be unplugged rather than yanked out of the powerpoint
  • When plugging in and unplugging appliances, make sure the plug switch is off
  • Report damaged sockets, and label them as unsafe.
  • All sockets should have safety switches and be adequately labelled.

Powerboards and leads

In order to manage risks associated with power boards and extension leads:

  • All power boards should have overload protection and integrated on/off switches
  • Powerboards must be kept well ventilated, clean and above floor level where possible
  • Extension leads should not be a permanent solution for power distribution and should always be laid safely
  • Cords and leads should be in good condition, heavy-duty and checked for faults before use.

Lighting and heating

There is a number of safety precautions which are relevant to heating and lighting in the workplace. They are:

  • Avoiding the use of unsafe halogen lamps
  • Ventilating fluorescent lights to avoid overheating
  • Switching off lights with any damaged wires
  • Never leaving a workplace unattended when lights or heating are in use. 

If you have any questions about electrical safety in your workplace or would like to know more about installation or maintenance of electrical items, please don’t hesitate to give us a call.

With over nine years of experience under our belt, we pride ourselves on providing air-con and electrical services of the highest quality. Get in touch with us today.

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keeping your pets safe

Keeping your pets safe from electrical appliances

By | Electrical

In our busy lives, sometimes it is hard to remember to be cautious with the electrical appliances in our home. But if you have pets, it is even more important to be careful.

keeping your pets safeIt goes without saying that electricals can be hazardous to our pets if left unchecked. So what are some measures that responsible pet owners can take to keep them safe from electrical hazards?

 

Be careful with cords

Electrical cords are one of the most obvious hazards to pets and its easy for your cat or dog to confuse dangerous electrical cords for harmless toys. There are a few measures you can take to make sure risk is minimised:
• In cable-dense areas, such as behind a computer, use a cable tie to bunch cords together making them harder to chew.
• Invest in pet-proofing, which comes in the form of long plastic piping that is difficult for pets to chew through.
• Consider choosing higher-quality cables with thicker more durable insulation.
• Some cables come with a non-toxic bitter agent that makes them unpleasant to taste and pet stores sell this formula as a spray that can be applied to discourage pets.

Be conscious of hot appliances

Cats love nothing more than a nap in a warm place, whether that be a sunny window sill or a laptop. It is essential to keep hot electronics away from pets to avoid burns or even electrocution. Make sure that pets don’t rest on top or to close to hot appliances such as oil burners, stoves, computers and hair straighteners.

Be aware of water

 If your pet likes to get up on the kitchen bench or the bathroom sink, it can be easy for them to knock electrical appliances into the water. Make sure you never leave any appliances such as hair driers or electric hand beaters where your pet might knock them into the water. If you must leave them in those places, then ensure that they are unplugged.

Pets and outdoor wires

Ensure outside areas are free from underground wires or cables that your pets might unintentionally dig up. If your dog enjoys digging, then make sure you know what’s in the ground that he might unintentionally dig up. All underground wiring and cabling should be at a depth that your pet won’t find it with his paws.

Check your sockets

Make sure that appliances are fully plugged into sockets, any exposed wiring or faulty cable could cause a shock if nudged by a wet nose. Make sure that all your sockets are in proper working order, with no loose parts so you can be sure that your pet can’t get anywhere near the insides of the socket.

If you have any questions about electrical hazards, or if you’d like ideas to help keep your pets safe please don’t hesitate to give us a call. With over 9 years of experience under our belt, we pride ourselves on providing fast and efficient service of the highest quality. If you have any questions regarding electricity in your house or are looking for a quote for electrical installations, repairs, or general maintenance, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with HunterCON about Power Boards today.