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Maintenance

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Air Conditioning Maintenance

Our Guide to Air Conditioning Service and Maintenance

By | Air Conditioning, Maintenance

Quality air conditioning service and maintenance are extremely important for extending the lifespan of your AC system. Without hands-on maintenance to take care of breakdowns and other faults with the right expertise, you can significantly compromise the wellbeing of your unit.

Continual service is a hallmark of the HunterCON experience, and we strive to ensure all of our customers are satisfied with the first phone call, right through to ongoing maintenance, developing preventative maintenance plans that are specifically tailored to you, and taking care of all kinds of breakdowns.

Air Conditioning Service and MaintenanceAir conditioning service and maintenance are extremely important for extending the lifespan of your AC system. Get in touch with HunterCON today.

Service & Maintenance

Regular maintenance of your AC system will ensure that it’s in optimal condition all year round, meaning you will never get stuck in the heat or cold without it. Even with normal usage, your system will collect dirt, dust, and allergens, and general wear and tear will eventually get the better of your unit without maintenance, so it is important to keep routine checkups scheduled. You can also self-maintain your AC unit to ensure it’s ready to go for the warmer and cooler seasons. Check out some of our self-maintenance tips here.

Benefits of Preventative Maintenance

Being proactive with a preventative maintenance plan provides improved comfort levels along with increased efficiency and reliability, ultimately leading to a reduction in repair costs, lower electricity bills, and an increase in the life expectancy of your system. Even something as simple as closing the blinds during the summer and pointing your AC units louvres downward can significantly increase AC efficiency, as well as reduce electricity costs.

What’s Involved

Servicing and maintenance of air conditioning units involve a number of processes. We have a wealth of experience with systems of all kinds, so no matter the size of the job we can help.

• Filter maintenance
• Refrigerant leak test
• Drain Maintenance
• Electrical component test
• Check insulation on refrigeration lines
• System operation
• Inspecting electrical connections
• Thermostat operation

Air Con Regassing

A properly-installed home or commercial air-conditioner should not lose much of its refrigerant over its lifespan. Connections, where refrigerant could escape from, are sealed mechanically, and AC piping is made from non-porous copper. However, it does happen, particularly with older units. In this case, it will need to be regassed.

We are highly experienced with regassing all types of units from all popular brands. When we re-seal the connections, you can be assured they will never leak again.

Our Guarantee

Trust is a hallmark of the HunterCON experience, and we strive to ensure all of our customers are satisfied right from the first phone call. All of our AC installations come with a 5-year warranty. We also include all of our customers in our preventative maintenance program, this way you never need to worry about remembering to have your unit serviced – we remind you when it’s due!

Types of Air Con

We can handle the installation of a wide range of air conditioning systems to suit your home or business. This includes split systems, multi-split systems, and ducted systems.

• Split systems – Split systems are an excellent choice for homeowners looking to stay comfortable all year round. They are designed to either cool or heat residential areas of all sizes. The system consists of two units: a sleek indoor unit that controls the climate of the room it is in, and an outdoor unit. This is an efficient, unobtrusive way to keep your home cool in summer and warm in winter.

• Multi-split systems – Multi-split systems are similar in that they have both indoor and outdoor units. However, a multi-split system has multiple indoor units that are connected to a single outdoor unit. These are suitable for homes and businesses that require multiple rooms to be cooled or heated.

• Ducted systems – Ducted systems are more common in commercial spaces, but are also suitable for larger residences. Ducted AC systems have a unit installed internally. From this central unit, a series of ducts cools or heats rooms individually.

Importance of Using a Certified & Qualified Installer

As with any trade, is extremely important to work with a certified and qualified aircon installer. This will not only ensure peace of mind during the installation process but also means you won’t have to worry about your system afterwards.

Licensed installers carry an ARCtick number, meaning they are qualified to handle the dangerous materials involved with air conditioning units. This also means they are fully qualified to advise on how the system works, general upkeep, formulate preventative maintenance plans and service your system when it needs it – nobody knows your system like the person who installed it!

We have fully licensed air conditioning installers (and electrical specialists) with a wealth of industry experience. We’re located in Sydney’s Inner West, and we service the greater metropolitan area, including the Eastern Suburbs, Lower North Shore, and South West. No matter where you are in Sydney, HunterCON is dedicated to providing an unbeatable aircon service.

Get a Quote

Now with over 10 years experience under our belt, we pride ourselves on providing fast and efficient service of the highest quality. If you’re looking for an aircon installation quote, please don’t hesitate to get in touch today.

Here are some other useful posts on AC repair:

7 obvious signs that your AC system needs a service

How to save energy when using your AC system

7 reasons air conditioning units are a great option for any home

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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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How to maintain HVAC filters

By | Air Conditioning, Maintenance

While filters can make our life easier in a huge number of ways, they also play an important role in the functioning and efficiency of your air conditioning unit.


It is important to use fresh HVAC filters for your aircon to run efficiently and without unnecessary exertion. But how do you check if your filters in good shape?

 

Buy the right HVAC filter

When you go shopping for HVAC filters, you will realise there are a variety of shapes and sizes of filters. Check your AC unit manual to figure out which shape and size you need to buy. Locate the manual and make a note of the make and model number. If the manual is missing, the make and model should be visible on the ac unit. It is important to remember that purchasing a filter which is too small or large can result in gaps that allow dust and debris to pass through, which can potentially burn out your HVAC system.

Checking your HVAC filter

If you want to check whether your HVAC filter needs replacing, follow the subsequent instructions: 

  1. Make sure your unit is turned off
  2. Lift the lid of your air conditioner.
  3. Check to see if your filter is damaged or needs reconditioning. You may notice a build-up of dust and debris.
  4. Clean your filters. If it is the first time removing the filter from your unit, follow the manual instructions. If the damage isn’t too bad, use a vacuum for a thorough clean. If it appears to be very clogged, scrub it under warm water and ensure it is completely dry before placing it back.
  5. If the damage is too much for cleaning, replace your filter. Do this by carefully removing the access panels, removing the filter and replacing it with a new one. Make sure the arrow on the outside of the filter is pointing in the same direction as the airflow. 

How much maintenance does your HVAC filter need?

Regular cleaning of your AC Unit and its filters is an important step for prolonging the life of your air conditioner. It is a good rule of thumb to change your HVAC filters every 45 to 60 days. However, if you suffer from allergies or have pets, you may need to change more frequently, especially during the summer months.

If you are confused or unsure about how to maintain your AC unit, 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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Everything You Need to Know About Changing a Light Bulb

Everything You Need to Know About Changing a Light Bulb

By | Maintenance

Changing a light bulb is one of those household electrical jobs that everyone should know how to do. But, do you know how to change a lightbulb properly and safely?
Everything You Need to Know About Changing a Light Bulb

Take a closer look at what the best bulbs are, and how to go about safely changing yours when it comes time.

 

Types of bulbs

When replacing a light bulb, you need to understand that there are many variations to choose from, with some being more beneficial than others.
Each type has different variables, including cost, light production, and energy efficiency.

Incandescent: These bulbs are the “standard light bulb.” They give off warm, yellowed light and have been popular for many years, but lose 90% of their energy just through the heat they give off.

Halogen Incandescent: Halogen gas began appearing in bulbs after a 2007 law, which prohibited energy wastage in commercial products. This small change improved the energy usage of these bulbs while managing the same amount of light.

CFL: Compact Fluorescents are smaller with more brightness and improved energy efficiency compared to incandescent and halogen incandescent bulbs and have become much more popular recently.

LED: While LED bulbs are the most expensive, their powerful lighting and longer lifespans mean their prices are not too unreasonable.

Changing your lightbulb

1) Turn off the Power
Before you do anything, make sure your light switch is in the “off” position. After doing this, wait a few minutes to ensure that the bulb has cooled down before you touch it.

2) Find something safe to step on
You must find a secure platform to stand on while you work to minimise the risk of falling. This might be a chair, table or step ladder. The important thing is that you should be able to stand on it without it rocking or tipping.

3) Remove the old bulb
If the burnt-out light bulb is within reach, reach out and grasp it. Remember not to squeeze the bulb hard or you’ll risk smashing it. If the bulb doesn’t turn left, freely, the bulb might be a bayonet-style fitting. In this case, push the bulb firmly into the fitting to see if it retracts into the socket. If so, push it all the way in, then twist it left. It should slide, then stop and, when you lift your hand, the bulb should slide out.

4) Replace the bulb
Use the safety instruction guide to replace the bulb and ensure that your new bulb is appropriate for the light fitting you have. Change the light bulb by twisting it up into the socket, using the same amount of force you used to remove the dead one.

5) Test it out
Once the new bulb has been installed, flip the power switch to turn it back on. If your bulb is properly inserted, the light should turn on! Presto!

6) Dispose of your old bulb
It is important to remember that lightbulbs are made of glass which is quite fragile and when shattered poses risks for cuts and injuries. Do not ever throw burnt out bulbs directly into the bin. Instead, wrap up the bulb in another, smaller bag or a large piece of balled up newspaper or magazine pages.

With your bulb changed and the old bulb safely disposed of, there’s nothing left to do but enjoy your newly lit room!

If you have any questions about light bulbs or are looking for a quote for electrical installations, repairs, or general maintenance, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with HunterCON today.

With over 9 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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Childproof Your Home

Childproof Your Home

By | Maintenance

If you have a new member of the family, it might be a good idea to start thinking about childproofing your home. On average, children start to crawl at around eight months, at which point their new found mobility might also come with a good measure of curiosity. After this, it’s not long before little ones start to walk, so it’s a good idea to make sure that you’re one step ahead.
Childproof Your Home

In our modern lives, there are many objects that can prove hazardous to young children. Taking a few inexpensive measures to make your home childproof is an easy way to give you peace of mind, and a few extra minutes to make a cup of tea!

 

Be Furniture Smart

Furniture can be a major hazard for children, for many reasons, so it’s a good idea to make sure that the rooms where your little ones play are as safe as they can be. Tall furniture items such as bookcases should be secured with brackets to prevent them from tipping. Items that are heavy should be placed on the bottom of shelving units to prevent them from falling, and furniture units with sharp corners should have bumpers fitted.

Think About Strangulation and Choking Hazards

Children don’t always have the best judgment in snacks, and one of the ways they like to discover the world is by putting objects in their mouth. Anything that has the potential to be a choking hazard, such as loose plastic bags, should be removed from your child’s play area. Also be aware that looped cords attached to blinds, shades and draperies should be replaced as they pose a strangulation hazard.

Be Aware of Electrical Cords

Electrical cords are an obvious hazard for children. Children are naturally inquisitive, and what could seem like a new play toy to them could be potentially life-threatening. However, there are some measures you can take to make your home safer:

Areas dense with cables, such as to the rear on TVs and computers can be tidied with cable ties to make them harder to pull or chew.
Home improvement stores sell cable proofing, which comes in the form of long plastic tubes.
Make smart cable choices! Pick electrical cords with higher quality cables with thicker more durable insulation, some even come with a bitter non-toxic agent that makes them unpleasant to chew.

Have a Safe Play Room

You should make sure that you make every effort to childproof your home, however, it’s also a good idea to put extra attention into a dedicated. It should be free from electrical cables, electronics, breakables and chewables. Safety gates are a great way to divide rooms and hazardous areas and can be particularly useful for sectioning off stairways.

Be Conscious of Hot Appliances

It’s important to be particularly aware of appliances that get hot when in use, and children should be supervised if they are running or cooling down. The best idea is to have a storage place that is out of the way from children. Items such as oil heaters can cause burns and even fires if tipped over, so it’s best that they aren’t situated in the same room as your child’s play area.

Check Your Sockets

Electrical sockets can be hazardous if they are not properly maintained. Make sure that all your sockets are in working order, with no loose or exposed 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 today.

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What’s Involved in Rewiring a House

By | Maintenance

Older homes are cherished for their character and majesty, however with the extra years can come extra levels of maintenance. Just as you need to replace appliances and other electronics, the wires in older homes eventually need replacing. The safety hazards of leaving old and damaged wires unchecked are reasons enough to contact an electrician, luckily it’s a job that only needs to be done once in a generation.

Rewiring a home is something that all homes need eventually, but what’s really involved in rewiring a home? Read on to find out.

 

Why Rewire An Older Home?

Generally, if your home is older than 30 years it’s recommended that you get an inspection every 10 years. Houses older than 50 years need to be checked even more thoroughly as they may have dated knob-and-tube or cotton insulated wiring. Modern lifestyles use much more energy than 30 years ago, so a main factor in rewiring homes is bringing them up to date so that they can handle the power needs of today’s families, and so that they are futureproofed for years to come.

What Are The Signs You Need To Rewire?

If you have an older home, it’s a good idea to get an electrical inspection to make sure that your wiring is up to scratch. An older home will often show signs of electrical problems if it’s wiring needs replacing. Here are some signs to look out for:

• Your electrical box has a fuse rather than a circuit breaker, or it has a wooden box with iron switches and a ceramic fuse.
• Your home contains cables that are surface mounted that run along skirting boards, and/or up walls.
• Your home’s cables are lead, fabric or insulated with old black rubber.
• Your home’s sockets are different designs, which could indicate a partial rewire
• You experience regular tripped breakers or blown fuses
• Lights regularly flicker or dim
• Switch plates are hot or discoloured
• Light bulbs burn out
• Buzzing sounds or burning smells
• Loose outlets, cracks and broken insulation
• Sparks, arcs or shocks when switched and cords are touched

How Long Will Rewiring Take?

Rewiring can generally take a few days, depending on the size of your home, and if it’s a full rewire or just a couple of rooms. Sometimes a full rewire can be avoided if some of your circuitry is up to scratch. Despite this, rewiring will involve entering the sub-floor and ceiling space.

It’s best to plan ahead of time so you can make alternative arrangments as these spaces generally become unlivable when work is underway. To help you get a bit of an idea, kitchens can take up to a day, a small home can take four days and a larger home can take over a week.

What is Involved When Rewiring?

The first stage in rewiring a home is the fix stage, which involves gaining access to the sub-floor and ceiling space needed to access your home’s wiring. Next, new sockets will be installed (if required) in addition to new wiring for all power and lighting circuits. While in the fix stage, it’s a good idea to check and or rewire circuits for heating controls, alarms, smoke detectors and doorbells and to add any additional wires and or sockets you may need in the future.

If you have any questions about rewiring your home 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.

With over 9 years experience under our belt, we pride ourselves on providing fast and efficient service of the highest quality.

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How to Keep Your Pool Safe from Electrical Hazards

How to Keep Your Pool Safe from Electrical Hazards

By | Maintenance

It’s common knowledge that water and electricity don’t mix, so if you have a pool in your backyard you need to be especially careful. Electrical charges underwater can be hard to detect, they don’t make a sound and aren’t very visible, but by the time they’re discovered, it could be too late. Shocks in bodies of water are especially dangerous as they can cause people to drown, so it’s important that you take the necessary precautions to make sure that you keep your pool safe from electrical hazards.
How to Keep Your Pool Safe from Electrical Hazards

Water and electricity are a bad mix. For this reason, it’s especially important to make sure that all electrical appliances are kept away from the pool, and that the necessary electrical fittings such as pool lights, are regularly inspected.

 

Signs of Hazard

It’s very difficult to detect the warning signs of an electrified pool, however, there are a few things to look out for which could save lives. Here are a few signs:

• Tingling sensations, spasms, jolts and muscle cramps.
• The inability to move, or feeling as though something is holding you in place.
• Other swimmers seem panicked or confused or are avoiding a certain area.
• The pool lights are flickering.

If you notice any of these signs, the best cause of action is to evacuate the pool, avoiding metal surfaces such as ladder. The power should then be turned off at the electrical box immediately.

Typical Electrical Hazards

Electrical accidents involving a pool are not particularly common compared to other electrical accidents, however, there is still a risk to be aware of. Generally, there are two main categories, accidents from risky behaviour and accidents from faulty or hazardous equipment.

Risky behaviours include:

• Using appliances near the water, such as radios and TVs.
• Extension cords being used near the water which may fall in or get pulled in.
• Swimming in a storm.

Equipment Hazards include:

• Old electrical wiring that has not been inspected.
• Faulty underwater lights.
• Pumps and power washers that are not grounded properly.

If water is electrified, there is the possibility that holding a pool net or cleaner or even a metal pool ladder will cause electrocution through conductivity.

How To Prevent Electrical Hazards In Your Pool

To prevent electrical accidents in your pool it is important to cover both bases of hazard, risky behaviour as well as faulty equipment.

Electrical equipment powered by a mains supply should never be used around the pool. It’s important that pool users learn of safe electrical practices, this is especially essential for children. While you don’t have to eliminate fun, they need to learn of the best safe practices, for instance, instead of a radio with a cable, battery operated speakers a safe distance away are a much safer option. Most importantly, there should always be supervision around the pool area.

Another easy way to keep your pool area safe from electrical hazards is to schedule regular maintenance by a qualified electrician. It’s beneficial to upgrade all electrical aspects of your pool when possible, including your lighting and pumps. Newer equipment is less likely to malfunction than older equipment and installing electricals with a Ground-fault Circuit Interrupter or GFCI, can serve as a failsafe that shuts down when current is detected in water.

If you are installing a new pool or buying a new house with a pool, you should request an inspection by an electrician.

If you have any questions about electrical hazards, or if you’d like ideas to keep your pool 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 today.

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How to keep your Pets Safe from Electrical Hazards

How to keep your Pets Safe from Electrical Hazards

By | Maintenance

In our modern lives, we have more and more electrical appliances that need plugging in, from phones that need to charge overnight, to juicers that get left on the kitchen bench. But with all the extra cables comes an added level of responsibility for pet owners. It goes without saying that electrical’s can be particularly hazardous to pets if left unchecked. So what are some measures that responsible pet owners can take to keep them safe from electrical hazards?
How to keep your Pets Safe from Electrical Hazards

A puppy doesn’t know the difference between an electrical cable and a chew toy, so if you’re a committed pet owner what are some steps you can take to keep your furry friends safe?

 

Be Cord Smart

Electrical cords are one of the most obvious hazards to pets. Animals are naturally inquisitive and what may seem like a harmless claw or nibble could potentially be life-threatening. Younger pets are even more playful so they’re even more at risk, but thankfully there are some measures you can take.

• In cable dense areas, such as behind a computer, use a cable tie to bunch cords together making them harder to chew.
• Many home improvement stores sell 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

If you’re a cat owner, you probably know that felines enjoy a nap in a warm place, whether that be a sunny window sill or a laptop. It’s important to keep hot electronics away from pets, for example, you could deter a feline away from that laptop by placing it on a stand or in a draw when not in use. A laptop might not be hot enough to burn, but what about appliances that generate a lot of heat, such as hair straighteners? These should be kept out of reach of pets until they cool down. Oil heaters can be particularly hazardous if knocked over, causing burns and in the worst case fires. Make sure that pets don’t rest on top of them, and supervise boisterous puppies when heaters are on. Stove tops can also present a set of challenges, so if you have a particularly inquisitive kitten, try investing in a hob cover.

Have An Electricity Free Play Room

It’s important to have a room that’s free of cords, electronics and breakables, where you can put your pet safely if you need to leave them for a period of time. Of course, it’s nice if your pet can roam free, but you never know what they might get up to while you’re ducking out to the shops.

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.

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How to Plan A Renovation Like a Professional

How to Plan A Renovation Like a Professional

By | Maintenance

Renovations are an exciting business. You only have to flick through a few TV channels in the evening to see ecstatic couples overhauling their homes. But when it comes down to it, TV programming isn’t always reality, and renovations can present a lot of challenges that you won’t necessarily see on TV.
How to Plan A Renovation Like a Professional

If you’re considering a renovation, it’s important to plan for the unexpected and to cover all bases to make your project as smooth as possible. Here are some steps you can take to help you to plan a renovation like a professional.

 

Research

Before you start anything, you need to do your research. If you don’t know what you like, how are you going to start on the design?

A good way to conduct your research is to have a look at websites such as Pinterest and Instagram and create a database of images that you think will suit your home. Also, don’t forget magazines and books, they can be a great way to get an eye for different shapes and colours, and to find themes that work well together.

Don’t rush into an idea. Try sitting on a collection of images that inspire you, and see if you still like them in a month. If you do, then great, it might be a keeper. If not, it might be time to take another look.

Write Up A Brief

Once you know what you want, you need to find a way to communicate these ideas to designers and builders. Try to concisely plan things out and take as many measurements as you can. This will mean that you can expect accurate quotes and in the end, you’ll be happy with the results.

Create A Budget

You’ve probably heard this one before, but don’t underestimate the importance of a budget. After you get a bit of an idea of what you want, you can start to request quotes, and at this stage, you need to figure out a budget.

How much money do you have to spend? You need to make sure that you have the cash for materials, contractors, appliances, walls, flooring and whatever it takes to get the job done. It’s recommended that 10-15% of your budget be set aside for emergencies and just in case situations because you never know what could happen.

Some ways to keep costs down include choosing standardised fittings and materials that tradespeople are familiar with, after all, labour costs tend to take up around a third of the budget. Not only are they easier to work with but they also are easier to replace down the track.

Think About Timing

When it comes to renovations, timing is very important. Think about when you’ll need the room/s that will be under construction. Summer can be a great time to do the kitchen, as you can use an outdoor BBQ while the renovation is underway. However, it’s recommended that you avoid January, as many tradespeople will have lessened availability.

Seasons can also your affect your budget, for example, pools are always going to be expensive during summer, when demand is high, however, you may find discounts in the winter time.

Break Your Project Down Into Manageable Sizes

When it comes to renovations, it’s usually best to focus on one room at a time. If you have a greater vision, work out how you can achieve it over time, and break it down into bite sizes pieces. Try complete one before moving onto the other. This means that you’ll have less of your house out of action at any one time. Smaller sections also means less to go wrong at any one time, and more chance of staying within budget.

Arrange a Building Inspection

Does your project require structural changes? If so, it’s probably a good idea to get a building inspection. You don’t want a contractor to start pulling a wall down, only to find that the house isn’t structurally sound. A building inspection can give you the clear vision needed to plan down to the last detail.

Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help

Not all projects are the same, and although you might think you can pull off a design on your own, it’s usually best to consult a professional. Architects and interior designers will be able to give you a better picture of what is possible. If you’re thinking of renovating a bathroom you might want to consider talking to a plumber, and if there’s electrical work, it’s best to consult an electrician.

If you have any questions about planning renovations or would like to know more about installation or maintenance of electrical items please don’t hesitate to give us a call.

With over 9 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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Home Eco-Friendly

How to Make Your Home More Eco-Friendly

By | Maintenance

Making the decision to go green has many benefits, not only will you be doing the Earth a favour, but you also have the potential to save a lot of money. Becoming eco-friendly doesn’t mean you need to make sacrifices, it just means a shift in perspective towards environmental consciousness.

One of the best ways to look out for the environment, and for your wallet is by carefully considering the energy you use and looking to see if there are any improvements to be made.
Home Eco-Friendly

It may take a bit of an investment to go eco-friendly, but the results will more than make up for the expenditure in the long run.

Meanwhile, you can feel great knowing that you’ve done something awesome for the environment.

Install Energy Efficient Light Bulbs

LED bulbs are a recent technology that has been around for a little while, however, until recently they have been somewhat out of reach for most renovators price range. Luckily prices have dropped dramatically in the last 10 years, giving consumers all the benefits without breaking the bank. LEDs are hailed for being incredibly efficient, in fact, they use 80% less energy than a standard light bulb.

Not only do they use less energy, but LED lights also last longer, with most manufacturers claiming their lights will clock in upwards of 50,000 hours. So they use less energy and don’t need to be changed as often, which means less waste, however, they also use less harmful chemicals than other types of light bulbs, it’s a triple win!

Install Solar Panels

Solar panels are one of the first things many people envision when they hear the term eco-home. They provide clean green energy and in the best conditions can allow you to sell power back to the grid. Living in Australia means we have the perfect climate to make the most of solar panels, and in fact, we clock in one of the highest amounts of sunlight hours in the world. A consideration is that unlike LEDs, solar panels will take a fair bit longer to pay themselves off, however, when you consider the benefit to the environment you can see the positives in a long term investment.

Install a Programmable Thermostat

Heating and cooling your home is one of the biggest ways to use energy and at times it can be pretty easy to leave your air con on for longer than you really need, particularly in those chillier winter months. The best way to avoid wasting energy through unnecessary heating is by installing a programmable thermostat which keeps your temperature steady when you need it most.

Keeping your temperature at a nice steady 23 degrees saves a lot more energy than blasting your aircon on cool mode for short periods of time. Thermostats can also be programmed to turn on when you need them most and turn off when you don’t need them. Imagine coming home to a nice cozy home that warms up just before you put the keys in the door, and cools down after you get tucked into bed.

Insulate

Insulation is one of the most intelligent ways to boost your home’s green rating. It provides a barrier between you and the great outdoors and makes the most of your air conditioning by trapping in the temperature that you desire.

Insulation isn’t just about what’s between your walls, it can also come down to curtains, windows as well as rugs, which prevent heat transfer through the floor.

Make Good Choices in the Kitchen

There are a lot of things you can do in the kitchen that will help the planet in the long term. Composting is an obvious one, which can be used to fertilise soil for growing your own veggies. Utilising reusable bags, containers, bottles and coffee cups is a great step that drastically reduces your footprint by cutting down on disposable waste.

Also, consider energy usage. How are your fridge and oven rated? Some appliances use more energy than others, so doing a bit of research before buying appliances can be very beneficial. Consider small steps such as keeping the oven closed while cooking. Opening an oven for a small amount of time can cause it to lose a significant amount of heat, meaning it will have to work harder to heat up again. The same goes for your fridge, try not to leave it open for any longer than necessary.

If you have any questions about becoming eco-friendly or would like to know more about installation or maintenance of energy efficient electronics and appliances, please don’t hesitate to give us a call. With over 9 years experience under our belt, we pride ourselves on providing air con services of the highest quality. Get in touch with us today.