Energy bills go up all around in Australia during Winter with most of the energy in households being spent on heating. While we can’t change the energy prices, we can do things to lower our energy bills and save some money.

Here are some ways to save money on your energy bills:

Use Less Heating

Instead of turning on the heat or portable heater when it gets cold, pile on the layers and heat up your home naturally by letting in the natural sun during the day, keeping doors closed and closing the curtains when it gets dark. Having carpeting or a rug will also add natural warmth to your home.

Use Your Heating Smartly

If you do use your heating regularly, make sure that you only turn it on when there are people at home and turn it off whenever you leave the house. Also make sure to turn it off at night when everyone goes to sleep.

According to energy.gov.au, keeping the temperature on your heating system between 18 and 20 degrees celsius can help you save money on your energy bills, as every degree you increase your heating can increase your energy use by up to 10%.

Use a Drought Stopper

A cold drought can squeeze through even the tiniest of spaces, which means that any spaces you have in your windows or doors can cause cold air to enter your home and warm air to escape. Invest in some draught stoppers like door snakes, door seals and draught-proofing strips to ensure that the warm air stays in your house and save up to 25% on your heating costs.

Only Heat the Room/Area of the House You’re Using

Most modern ducted air systems come with the option to heat/cool only certain rooms or areas of the house. Heating only the rooms of the house that you use the most (bedrooms and living areas) will go a long way towards saving you money on your energy bill.

Use Curtains and Carpeting/Rugs

On a sunny day, ensure that your curtains are kept open to let in the natural sunlight and once the sun starts to go down, close your curtains to trap in the heat. Curtains provide extra insulation, as do rugs and carpeting.

Use a Hot Water Bottle

Using an old school method, like a hot water bottle, to heat your bed can be just as effective as using an electric blanket, with one key difference: it doesn’t cost nearly as much!

Invest in Energy Efficient Appliances

Investing in some energy efficient appliances like an energy efficient heater will use less energy and save you money in the long-term.

Consider a Wood Fireplace

If your home gets really cold during Winter and you don’t want to spend too much money on energy bills, it might be worthwhile investing in a wood fireplace. Although the upfront cost of installing it may be more expensive than a heating/cooling system, it will be sure to save you money in the long run, as you aren’t paying any heating bills.

Compare Energy Plans

Some energy providers have better deals than others and most of them have special deals to attract new customers. Comparing different energy plans ensures that you’re not paying more than you should be. Use Energy Australia’s online estimation tool to compare energy companies.

If you have any questions or concerns about your electricity usage or electrical appliances, feel free to contact us on 0478 740 546. At Russo Electric, we have over 25 years of electrician work experience in Sydney, and we pride ourselves on consistently delivering honest and trustworthy advice.

Hiring an electrician that is reliable and most importantly, licensed and experienced is crucial. Working with electricity is a dangerous job, and an electrician needs to know what they’re doing so they can complete the job safely.

Before hiring an electrician in Sydney for the first time, it’s important to be aware of certain things so you know that you’re hiring an experienced and reputable electrician.

 1) Are they Licensed?

Every electrician in Australia has to be licensed to carry out electrical work. In New South Wales, electricians must have either a Contractor Licence, a Qualified Supervisor Certificate, or an Endorsed Contractor Licence.

If an electrician is caught working without a licence, they can get fined $22,000 (for an individual) or $100,000 (for a company).

The last thing you want is an unlicensed electrician coming to do work in your home, as that can be incredibly dangerous for both the electrician and you and your family and you could be held liable if something goes wrong. Ask to see their licence and make sure the name on the licence matches the electrician’s name.

 2) What to Expect

If you’re planning on having a lot of electrical work done, you probably want to have a rough estimate of how much the job will cost and what it will involve. An estimate should include the materials and labour that will be involved and an estimate of how long the job will take.

It’s important to note that for smaller electrical jobs, an electrician may charge by the hour and that some may charge a higher rate for after-hours or weekend work, or may even charge a service call fee. Find out as much as you can before any work is done, so you’re not taken by surprise.

 3) Are they Insured?

It’s important that every electrician is insured as electrical work is risky. Ask the electrician for a copy of their current Public Liability Insurance Policy which will protect the electrician and the homeowners from being liable in the event of an accident occuring.

If an electrician isn’t insured and an accident happens, you could be in for a long financial and emotional battle.

 4) Does the Electrician Work for a Reputable Company?

If you’re hiring an electrician from a company, do some research on that company. What kind of services do they offer? Where is their office located? What areas of Sydney do they service? What are their reviews like?

Take the time to find the right electrical company for you; don’t just settle for the first result that comes up in a Google search.

 5) When Can You Schedule an Appointment?

A reliable electrician is someone who offers to help you and who can schedule an appointment for you in the time period you request. If the electrician is vague about their availability, then that should send up red flags, especially if you’re enquiring about an emergency electrical issue.

At Russo Electric, we have over 25 years of electrician work experience in Sydney. We pride ourselves on consistently delivering honest and trustworthy advice. If you have an electrical problem, please contact us on 0478 740 546 to find out more or visit our website at: https://www.russoelectrical.com.au/

In 2006, the New South Wales Government introduced a new legislation that stated that all homes must have at least one working smoke alarm per floor. At least one smoke alarm needs to be installed between the kitchen and the bedrooms, so it can be heard during the night. A working smoke alarm can mean the difference between you and your family getting out of a burning house safely, or having a fire end in tragedy. 

Replacing the Battery in Your Smoke Alarm

It’s crucial to make sure your smoke alarm batteries are in working order. Most smoke alarms will make a chirping noise every 30-60 seconds when their battery needs replacing. If you don’t hear a chirping sound, it’s still a good idea to check your smoke alarm’s battery on a monthly basis. The easiest way to do this is by using a broom handle to push the ‘test button’ on your smoke alarm. If the battery is in good condition, your smoke alarm will make a high-pitched sound. If the battery is low, the sound the smoke alarm emits will be weak or non-existent and the battery should be replaced straight away. Batteries usually last 1-2 years in smoke alarms. 

How Often Should I Replace My Smoke Alarm?

According to Fire and Rescue NSW, smoke alarms should be replaced at least once every ten years, as they stop functioning as effectively over time and aren’t so sensitive. Fires can be incredibly unpredictable and fast-moving and ensuring that you have a working smoke alarm could be the one thing that saves you and your family’s life in the event of a fire. As technology evolves over the years, it’s also important to replace your smoke alarms so you have a smoke alarm with multiple sensor technologies. 

Maintenance Tips

The important maintenance tips to remember include: 

• Test the smoke alarm battery. Test it by using a broom handle to push the ‘test button’. The battery should be tested on a monthly basis. 
• Smoke alarms should be cleaned with a vacuum cleaner and a duster to remove any dust and debris that could damage the smoke alarm and cause it to stop working properly. You should clean your smoke alarm every 6 months. 
• Your smoke alarm battery should be replaced once a year just to be on the safe side. Write a reminder down or change it on the same day every year (when the clock changes to Daylight Savings Time). 
• Replace your whole smoke alarm every ten years. Over time, smoke alarms become less sensitive to smoke and won’t work as effectively. The newer smoke alarm models also have new technology in them – such as multiple sensors in one device. 

Having a working smoke alarm is one of the most essential items you can have in your home. Unfortunately, fires can break out in the blink of an eye and most people are caught off guard. Having a smoke alarm warn you during the first signs of smoke will ensure that you and your family have a good chance of getting out of the home safely. Don’t underestimate the importance this little device holds!

Households are using more electricity than ever before due to the number of technological devices that are being used in the home; this means that we are more exposed to electrical hazards, which can cause serious harm like house fires and electrical injuries. Electrical injuries can come from many different sources but generally fall into one of three categories – burns, electric shock, and electrocution. Therefore, it’s important to know what you can do to protect yourself and your home from electrical hazards to avoid these types of accidents or injuries altogether.

Faulty Wiring 

Faulty wiring is one of the leading electrical hazards in the home. Faulty wiring can cause housefires, power surges and other electrical hazards, so it’s crucial that you know the warning signs of faulty wiring. These signs include: 

• Buzzing or flickering lights: If your lights are flickering and dimming, it could be a sign of faulty wiring, especially if they dim/flicker when using multiple appliances. 
• Hot power outlets: If your power outlets are hot or vibrating, that is another sign of faulty wiring. 
• Burning smells: If you can smell burning, it is a sign that heat has already damaged your wiring. 

If you notice any of these warning signs or aren’t sure if your wiring is in good shape, don’t hesitate to contact a professional electrician to come out and double-check that everything is working correctly and that there is no immediate danger. 

Overloaded Power Outlets 

Most homes have extension cords and outlets with multiple power appliances and devices being plugged into them. Every power outlet has a specific power load that it can safely handle. If this load is exceeded, it can cause the circuit breaker to trip, which shuts down the power supply. 

If there is no circuit breaker, then overloaded power outlets can become a real fire hazard, as they can become overheated, which can cause the wires to begin to melt and can lead to a fire. 

Signs that your power outlets have become overloaded include: 

1. Your power outlets making a buzzing noise
2. Power outlets becoming hot 
3. Power outlets having a burning smell 
4. Scorched power outlets

To avoid this fire hazard, make sure you don’t overload your power outlets and switch them off in the event of a storm or when you go away on holiday. 

Old and Damaged Appliances 

Old and damaged appliances are a common electrical hazard, even if they are working normally. Always check your old appliances for frayed or cracked power cords, and replace them if they reach a certain age. 

Phone, tablet and laptop chargers should also be checked regularly as they are used extensively and highly prone to damage. These chargers should be replaced when the cords become damaged to avoid any electrical hazards. 

Plugging in/Using Appliances and Devices Near Water Sources 

Appliances, devices and water do not mix and should be kept at a safe distance from each other as water is a good conductor to electricity. However, if an appliance/device does come into contact with water, it is crucial to act quickly and turn off the power source to avoid Electrocution and power shocks. 

The obvious solution to this hazard is to keep appliances and devices a safe distance away from each other. 

Children 

Young children are often exploring and getting into things that they shouldn’t be getting into; this is no exception for electrical appliances and power outlets. Keep children safe by ensuring all electrical appliances in your home have protective covers over their power supplies. 

Stop children from becoming seriously harmed or causing an electrical accident by teaching them never to remove a protective cover or go near electric wires or outlets; make it clear to them that doing so could expose them to deadly voltage levels or electric shocks.

If you notice a problem with your electrical appliances, power outlets, power cords, or light bulbs, do not try to fix the problem yourself, but contact an electrician straight away. At Russo Electrical, we have over 25 years of electrician work experience in Sydney. We pride ourselves on consistently delivering honest and trustworthy advice. If you have an electrical problem, please contact us on 0478 740 546 to find out more.