6 ways to reduce your electricity bill

The rising electricity prices, amongst other costs of living increases, are putting a lot of Australians under financial pressure.

Australian Energy Regulator released that from July 1, 2022, power bills in South East Queensland are expected to rise by up to $220 a year, or 12.6 per cent. And for the rest of the state, they are expected to increase by 9.2 per cent, or around $119 a year, as per the Queensland Competition Authority’s report.

But your energy consumption is controllable, and there are ways for you to soften the burden of these price increases.

Here are some ways you can save power and money on your electricity bill, including simple steps you can implement immediately.

1. Review your energy plan

When did you last review your energy plan? Now is the time to speak to your provider to determine how much they are increasing their prices and if you are on the right plan. If you’re unhappy with the outcome, shop around and compare providers. There are numerous comparison tools on the market, such as a free government service Energy Made Easy.

2. Use energy-efficient lighting

We highly recommend switching to energy-efficient LED light bulbs if you have old incandescent or halogen light bulbs. According to Energy Rating, switching from halogen bulbs to LEDs can save the average household $102 in yearly running costs! Other benefits include a long lifespan, no heat or UV emissions, low voltage operation and improved environmental performance, just to name a few!

3. Check your aircon use

Air-conditioners are big energy suckers, so use them wisely! To save money, we recommend to:

1. Avoid nighttime use - this is an easy way to eliminate 8 hours of your usage time and the money it costs to have it running all night.⁣⁣

2. Close it up - during summer, close your blinds and curtains to block direct sunlight, so your AC unit is not working overtime to cool the room. And in winter, close the doors to rooms you’re not trying to heat.

3. Fill the gaps - apply weather seals to doors, windows, and any other visible cracks to prevent warm or cool air from escaping. ⁣⁣

4. Set the temp to 24° - the ideal temperature for optimal aircon performance. ⁣⁣

5. Service it bi-annually - if you're noticing issues with your aircon, book a service!

4. Choose high-star energy rating appliances

Shopping for your appliances based on their energy rating can be advantageous for reducing your power bill, as they account for roughly 33% of your home's energy consumption! They might cost more but are worth it in the long run.

⁣The Energy Rating Label shows your household appliances' energy performance based on ‘average usage'. It displays how much a model costs to run and how energy-efficient it is compared to similar models. The higher the star rating, the more energy-efficient! You should pay attention to the following high energy consumption appliances:⁣⁣ air-conditioners⁣⁣, washing machines⁣⁣, clothes dryers⁣⁣, dishwashers⁣⁣, televisions, refrigerators, freezers and computer monitors. ⁣⁣

5. Unplug or switch off at the wall

When you’re not using your energy-draining appliances like those mentioned above, especially when going away on holiday, unplug or switch them off at the wall. This will save you more energy and avoid overloading your circuit during peak times. If you find this hard to remember to do daily, then consider automated timers and sensors or a smart power board to stop standby electricity for you.

6. Check the appliance settings

You can save considerably by adjusting your appliance settings. Use an eco setting where possible, and check that appliances are not running at extreme hot/cold, high or bright settings, as this generally increases energy consumption. With washing machines, use a cold water cycle as much as possible, as a hot cycle can use up to 10 times more energy. With hot water systems, the federal government recommends setting the thermostat to 60 degrees celsius for storage hot water systems or no more than 50 degrees on instantaneous systems.

Contact our team today if you need assistance making your home more energy-efficient!

Virtual Power Plant: What is it?

A virtual power plant is a software-based technology that will play an essential role in future energy storage.

Australian electricity providers are already collecting energy from thousands of household solar batteries and storing it in their virtual power plants to help balance the electricity grid, reduce reliance on coal power, and reduce power bills for those signed up.

As a household with solar battery storage, you can participate by sharing power with the grid and get rewarded for it, either through direct payments or bill credits.

Virtual Power Plants explained

A Virtual Power Plant (VPP) is a network of energy storage systems centrally managed by software to provide energy to the grid during peak demand. Virtual Power Plants allow renewable energy to be harnessed quickly, keeping the network stable and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.

The software-based technology allows renewable energy to be injected into the grid with lightning speed to address voltage imbalances and local disturbances and keep the network stable. Ultimately it is helping create a future where energy is more affordable and renewable.

VPP power sources

The more common way for VPPs to collect energy from Australian households is through solar batteries. According to ARENA, Australians are leading globally for rooftop solar, installing more than 2.5 million systems with a collective capacity of more than 10 GW. Home batteries are also growing rapidly, with more than 73,000 systems storing almost 1.1 GW of power.

There are a variety of other energy assets and generators from which renewable energy can be sourced. An electric vehicle type is currently being trialled in the ACT that will have a vehicle-to-grid capability, offering households another significant renewable energy source in the future.

How you can get involved

Check if your electricity provider has a VPP program and compare it with other providers. Before signing up for one, you must ensure your battery is compatible with their system, as each VPP program has a different protocol. And if you have a specific VPP scheme in mind but haven’t installed solar yet, you’ll want to check this out before buying your battery.

The Ehlerth Electrical team are very experienced in solar repairs, replacements and installations. If you are interested in installing solar for your property, please reach out to our team today!

Solar in 2022 - FAQ

As Queenslanders, we are the lucky recipients of an abundant amount of sunshine. What better way to utilise this than to use it to power our homes and businesses. 

We know this can be a confusing topic to research, so the Ehlerth Electrical solar team has compiled their notes to help you navigate solar in 2022. If you are looking into your solar options or thinking this will be something you tackle a bit down the road, this blog will be a good starting point to help you understand what is involved in this process.

We have covered this in our most frequently asked questions (FAQs) below.

Is there a Government rebate? How can I access this? 

Yes! The Federal Government still has a solar rebate on offer called the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme. This involves the creation of a Small-scale technology certificate (STC) which acts as a form of currency and is used to recoup a portion of the cost of purchasing and installing a renewable energy system (usually solar). Your STC is calculated based on the number of solar panels you install on your property. This rebate does continue to diminish every year, however, it is not scheduled to end until 2030. 

To access this rebate, you must go through an installer with a Clean Energy Council Accreditation. For Ehlerth Electrical customers, all of the required paperwork and forms are completed by the solar team, and the rebates are accounted for in the initial quote. 

How do I know what system to use?

When deciding which system is best suited for your property, there are a few considerations. The first step for any solar project is to analyse the property's recent electrical bills across multiple seasons to highlight usage amounts and any notable trends, focusing on how many kilowatts are used over a specific timeframe.  

The second step is scouting the property to ensure it is appropriate for a solar installation and if it will be a reasonable option. Look at how many solar panels can fit onto your roof, is there any shading in the area and if other environmental factors come into play. If your roof is south facing a solar system would not always be a viable option. 

Once all of these factors have been considered, the solar team will work out the project logistics to determine how much power is needed for your property and if this can be reached with the available space. 

How long will it take to see a return on investment (ROI)? 

There is no definitive answer to this question; however, the expected ROI timeframe is usually between 3-5 years. Many factors can influence this, including the behavourial changes in households and businesses to ensure they are utilising their solar system in the most efficient ways. For example, opting to use appliances and machines during daylight hours versus nighttime to avoid after-hours consumption and therefore less reliability from the electricity grid and power you have to pay. 

What does it mean when someone says they earn money from their solar system? 

In basic terms, energy companies can buy back the electricity your solar system produces if it isn’t being used in your home. This is called a Feed-in Tariff, which differs from one energy provider to another. Depending on your household consumption, this may not be feasible as the energy companies have considerable differences between the price they buy your energy for and what they sell it back to you at. So it is usually best to focus on your savings instead of your earnings.

Why is it important to go solar in 2022? 

Not only is solar power a renewable energy source perfect for those wanting to decrease their carbon footprint, but it is a great way to help manage the rising cost of living. Our homes are becoming bigger and require a lot more power to sustain them. The amount of elements in the home requiring electricity is increasing exponentially. Often you will see houses with two ovens, multiple fridges, and more household appliances. Many homes are also installing electric car chargers, which put significant restraint on the grid when charging. In the end, solar helps lower the cost of your power bill and lets you spend money on more important things. 

The Ehlerth Electrical team are very experienced in solar repairs, replacements and installations. If you are interested in installing solar for your property, please reach out to our team today! 

What you should expect from your electrician

Every person will inevitably find themselves in need of an electrician at some point in their life. Finding a trustworthy electrician can be difficult if you are a new homeowner, or recently moved into a new area. 

Having a go-to local electrician is not only essential for your safety, but if an electrical issue wasn’t fixed properly, it could be more costly getting another one to rectify it. To help you with this, we outline the expectations your electrician should deliver when working for you.

Provide a certificate of accreditation and licences 

All electricians in Queensland are required to hold an electrical licence and an electrical contracting licence. You must ask to see both of these accreditations before an electrician completes any work on your property. If they are unlicensed, any of the work they’ve completed will likely be deemed not up to standard, and you will fail your electrical inspection. You can manually check your electrician's licence on WorkSafe Queensland's website. 

Be investigative of your electrical issues 

Your electrician should ask you an array of questions upon arriving at your property so they can fully understand what the issue is and where it is coming from. You may be unaware of factors that could lead to a bigger or smaller problem. If your electrician takes your word over offering to do their thorough investigation, this is an indication they may not be as experienced as they have suggested. 

Be up to speed with the industry rules and regulations 

Electrical industry undergoes frequent updates to ensure best practice is maintained across the board. Your electrician's responsibility is to keep on top of these and make relevant upgrades or changes to your electrical plan. To gauge if your electrician is doing this, you can inquire about their staff training procedures. 

Complete the testing schedule 

After completing electrical work, your electrician should create a testing schedule for you to ensure the work was done correctly after a certain period has passed. Some electricians might opt out of these testing schedules and regard them as unnecessary. Skipping this crucial step is risky and unprofessional and should be reported to their business manager. 

Offer genuine advice and upgrades 

It is not uncommon for an electrician to attend your property and realise that there are more potential issues than initially thought. You should feel confident enough in your electrician to know when their advice is genuine, and the upgrades relating to safety and energy efficiencies they are offering are in your best interest. If you have hesitations about particular projects or upgrades, your electrician should encourage you to ask questions and offer to explain them in a simple, easy to understand way. By building a trusting relationship with your electrician, you have more power in your decision making. 

The Ehlerth Electrical team have heard their fair share of customer horror stories about unprofessional electricians. If you are searching for an electrician you can trust, please reach out to our team today! 

5 ways to Transform Your Outdoor Areas With Lighting

There is no denying that us Queenslanders enjoy a long summer afternoon backyard get together that drifts into the evening and by having a well designed outdoor lighting system you ensure you’re getting the most out of your outdoor areas, no matter the time of day. 

Parties aside, exterior lighting has many benefits for home improvement. Most notably, the ability to increase security and safety, street appeal, highlight unique features of the home and landscaping and create an ambience to your space after the sun has set. 

Outdoor lighting is one of our favourite services to design with our customers, we have outlined 5 ways to transform your outdoor areas with lighting: 

1. Lighting for security 

   If you are searching for ways to help you feel safe and secure in your home, consider the power that outdoor lighting has in this scenario. By installing automated sensor lighting, you can eliminate security concerns and help you feel safer when arriving or leaving your home. This is also important for your visitors to know where they are going without hazards being in their way

2. Festoon lighting  

   Undeniably a favourite lighting style of ours is festooning. Not only do they brighten an outdoor area up, but they also have an element of fun to them, unlike normal lighting options. They are easily maintained as you can have extra bulbs on hand for any of that may need replacing from time to time, but often have long lifespans. The dual beauty of festooning is that you can either have them up all year round or simply re-hang them when having an event or party. It is important to ensure the purchased lighting is appropriate for outdoor use.

3. Path lights 

   There is something magical about walking up a front path framed by path lanterns. Installing path lighting around your flower and garden beds helps yourself and guests see their way much clearer while also creating an ambience for your outdoor areas. There is a plentiful range of path lights to choose from depending on the design of your house. They can be integrated with your pathway, which adds an extra element of luxury or be stand-alone lighting fixtures in the ground. These are relatively inexpensive with there being many solar, LED or low voltage options. Another win is to have these automated for different times, meaning you won’t need to worry about turning them on or off. 

4. Spotlights 

   What’s the point of having a beautifully landscaped garden without showing it off? Exterior spotlights are the perfect way to give your garden a new look and feel as day becomes night. Using a mix of down and uplights, you can create a showstopping display of your favourite plants and use this as a way to frame the garden and outdoor areas. Get creative with these by introducing different colourways for some extra fun.

5. Fairylight trees

   Draw inspiration from the fairy light trees situated around Brisbane and have your own version of this installed at your home. Simply wrap the trunk of the tree of outdoor fairy lights and watch as it brings a new life to the area. Not only are these incredibly beautiful, but they do an excellent job at providing lighting for your exterior space.

Exterior lighting is a great way to extend a house’s life outside the interior walls. If you are searching for innovative ways to do this with your own home or would like to increase the security and safety of your property, please reach out to the Ehlerth Electrical team today! 

7 Electrical Tips for New Home Builds

Building a new home is equal parts exciting and overwhelming, with most people only doing it once or twice in their lifetime. For many, their new home build is the result of years of hard work, planning and cultivation of dreams for their future. This often leads to multiple moments of stress, indecisiveness and, unfortunately, disappointment when elements fail or don’t turn out the way they were intended. 

Electrical planning is done very early on in the building process, with rooms and fixtures having to be planned well before the end date of construction. With technology and home interior trends changing all the time, knowing your electrical plan and lighting can be difficult to foresee. This blog aims to break down our top 7 electrical tips for new home builds in 2022. 

1. Have an understanding of your electrical use 

   Every household and family will use a different amount of electricity, understanding how much will be needed for your new home is crucial before your electrician can determine the type of wiring necessary. Consider writing down an electrical ‘wish list’ of appliances, features, electronics and outlets per room to provide a clear guide for your electrician to follow and avoid disappointment.

2. Plan for the future

   Building is a very expensive endeavour, with some dream elements having to take the back seat while must-haves are prioritised. It’s completely normal to include additional wiring and plans for future ‘wishlist’ projects to be undertaken once after the build has finished and more financially viable to do so. This can include electric car charging systems, additional air conditioning, smart home automation and solar panel installation. 

3. Be innovative with your outlets  

   If there is one thing Australian’s love, it’s having ample electrical outlets available to them. However,  they don’t always make the most attractive interior element to a space if placed in the wrong position or not matching the decor. There are multiple ways outlets can be updated, from opting to use a more aesthetically pleasing cover to converting a two-plug outlet to a four with USB slots included. Where the outlets are placed can completely change the flow of the house in terms of practicality. Consider requesting a charging drawer in the kitchen and bathrooms to avoid cables on the bench, and don’t forget the all-important bedside table outlets.

4. Automate your lighting 

   Increase the simple luxury of your home by installing a smart home automation system for your electrical appliances and lighting. Controlled by a central device or mobile phone, these can be programmed to dim or turn on lights at particular times and create an ambience to your home. These are becoming increasingly popular due to the research showing how much lighting can be detrimental to sleep patterns and productivity levels. 

5. Consider your home’s heating, cooling and ventilation systems

   Make a conscious effort to communicate with your electrician about your home’s systems as early as possible. This way, the contractors can work together to make sure all load requirements and equipment is accounted for in the build process and nothing has to be compromised. 

6. Remember exterior features

   The home is beyond the inside of the walls of a house, extending the planning to the exterior of your property is important to reach a satisfying finish. From automated spotlights for safety and security to elevating street appeal and optimising entertaining hours beyond the daylight, well-executed exterior lighting is key. 

7. Take photos behind your walls  

Nothing is more frustrating than having to go through unnecessary electrical issues in your home when problems unexpectedly arise. Requesting photos of your electrical system from behind the walls, along with detailed diagrams of the home makes troubleshooting issues a lot easier. Especially if a different electrician than the one originally working on your house is being used. 

Electrical planning for a new home is time consuming, but ultimately can save thousands and dollars (and hours) in the future. The Ehlerth Electrical team are well experienced in providing electrical plans for new builds and are on the forefront of electrical innovation. If you need help navigating this process, please reach out to the Ehlerth Electrical team today!

3 Proactive Electrical Inspections That Can Keep You Safe

Running into electrical issues and emergencies is never a fun experience for anyone, and often comes at the most inconvenient of times. However, when it comes to electrical safety and efficiency, scheduling regular inspections for your home or workplace, might help prevent electrical hazards from arising in the first place. 

Below are 3 electrical inspections that can keep you, your family and your workplace safe. 

1. After a serious storm event where damage is expected

   With Queenslanders being accustomed to storm cells and severe weather conditions, troubleshooting electrical issues can be easily overlooked after a major storm. However, if your property is damaged, has experienced flooding or a significant power outage, it is best practice to have your electrical systems inspected to ensure no hidden defects or electrical hazards. In the case you have experienced flooding, do not attempt to identify any electrical issues before a licensed professional has inspected both the wiring and any additional appliances at risk. When storm season is approaching or coming to an end, a routine inspection is a great way to proactively find damage before it escalates into a more serious issue. 

2. After purchasing a new property  

   Once a new property is secured, it is the homeowner’s responsibility to ensure electrical safety for the property and those who live or visit. By making a conscious effort to have routine electrical safety inspections, you are futureproofing your property, household members and guests from electrical damages and potential injuries. 

3. If your home is older than 25 years old 

   We often come across older homes that have had the same owners for multiple decades that have unresolved electrical problems hiding just out of plain sight. It is not unheard of for these properties to experience unexplained tripped circuits or power outages and for these to be so commonplace they aren’t deemed serious enough for an electrician to investigate. However, it is incredibly important that if a property is experiencing electrical issues, or is over 25 years old, a licensed electrician is engaged for an annual inspection. Often, their wiring is old, the circuit breaker isn’t working properly, and in some cases, illegal DIY work has been conducted putting all household members in serious harm. These electrical issues are much easier to rectify before a major disaster has occurred at the property, such as an electrical fire. 

Electrical inspections are designed to help troubleshoot electrical issues before they become a serious, damaging event. The Ehlerth Electrical team are well trained in conducting safe, proactive electrical inspection and take home electrical safety very seriously. If you need help in this area, please reach out to the Ehlerth Electrical team today! 

4 Ways to Protect Your Pets from Electrical Hazards

Our pets are an extension of our family, so protecting them from potential injuries and hazards is just as important as protecting everyone else in the household. Some of the biggest hazards in the home are electrical. In particular for curious animals who don’t understand the causes or dangers of electrocution. Pets can be the cause of electrical issues and fire hazards, especially if they enjoy chewing on cords and electronic appliances.

Below are four ways you can help protect your pets and prevent unfortunate accidents from occurring.

1. Handle cords safely

   Whilst it may seem like a lot of effort, unplugging appliances from the wall and putting the cords away out of reach is a great way to safeguard your animals from entangling themselves or causing electrical accidents. If you can make a habit of doing this before leaving the house for the day and overnight while you’re asleep, it will significantly reduce the risk of electric shock or a house fire from igniting. Mobile phone devices are the main culprits as they are often left in low-level electrical outlets and still emit a small charge when plugged in. Moving these to a safer, higher outlet and keeping the cords away from the ground will eliminate this issue.

2. Have a designated electricity-free area

   Like children, creating a safe playpen area for your pets free from electrical appliances, cords and outlets is a great way to have peace of mind when leaving them home alone during work hours. If this area is outside, you will need to consider the outdoor electrical hazards (such as under-ground cables if your pet likes to dig) and make sure this area offers shade and water for the animal.

3. Use reliable equipment

   Using reliable equipment is not only a benefit for protecting your pets and family but also a quality assurance for your home’s electrical system. Avoid cutting costs on cheaper outlets, extension cords and powerboards. Reliable equipment can reduce the need for regular maintenance or replacement, save you money in the long run, and be safer for the occupants of your home.

4. Train your pet and educate household

   As mentioned above, pets aren’t taught the dangers of electricity, which is one of the main reasons they need protection from electrical hazards. Committing to training your animals that particular areas of your home are off-limits can save their life and prevent potential house fires from happening. Often, pets explore and chew household items because they are bored and looking for entertainment. Consider purchasing chew toys or implementing more games to engage them with to eliminate some of this curiosity. Educate your household on these practices to avoid accidents. This is a timely opportunity to teach your kids about electrical safety and how they can help you protect your pet/s.

Home electrical safety is critical and should be a priority when a pet is brought into the home. If you need help upgrading your home's electrical system or outlets to protect your pets and family, please reach out to the Ehlerth Electrical team today!