10 Common Electrical Problems Homeowners Should Never Ignore

As a homeowner, it’s easy to take electricity for granted. You flip a switch or plug in an appliance and expect everything to work perfectly. However, the truth is that there are several common electrical problems that homeowners should be aware of. Ignoring these issues can lead to serious safety hazards, from electrical shocks to house fires. 

In this post, we’ll discuss ten common electrical problems that homeowners should always pay attention to and what steps they can take to address them.

Overloaded circuits

An overloaded circuit occurs when too much electrical current flows through the wires. This can happen if you have too many appliances or electronics plugged into a single circuit or use devices that draw a lot of power, such as space heaters or hair dryers. An overloaded circuit can cause the circuit breaker to trip, but if it doesn’t, it can lead to overheating and a potential fire hazard.

Electrical surges

Be mindful of how many devices you use on a single circuit to prevent an overloaded circuit. Consider spreading out high-powered devices across different circuits or rooms. If you notice that the circuit breaker is frequently tripping, it might be time to have an electrician come out and assess the situation.

Electrical surges

An electrical surge occurs when there’s a sudden increase in electrical current. This can happen when lightning strikes, but it can also be caused by electrical devices turning on and off. Electrical surges can damage electronics and appliances and even start fires.

Consider installing surge protectors on your electronic devices and appliances to prevent electrical surges. These devices absorb excess electrical current and prevent it from damaging your electronics.

Damaged wiring

Damaged wiring is a serious fire hazard. Wires can become damaged over time due to wear and tear rodent activity, or physical damage. Signs of damaged wiring include frayed or exposed wires, burning smells, and flickering lights.

If you suspect that you have damaged wiring, it’s important to call a licensed electrician from www.proelectricianbrisbane.com or any other company immediately. They can assess the situation and repair or replace any damaged wires.

Electrical shocks

Electrical shocks occur when you come into contact with an electrical current. They can be mild or severe and cause serious injury or even death. Electrical shocks can occur if you touch a live wire, an appliance or device is damaged, or your home’s wiring is faulty.

To prevent electrical shocks, always turn off the power to any devices or appliances before attempting to repair or replace them. If you notice a tingling sensation or a shock when touching an appliance or device, stop using it immediately and call a licensed electrician.

Tripped circuit breakers

Circuit breakers are designed to protect your home from electrical fires by shutting off the power to a circuit if it becomes overloaded. Overloaded circuits, faulty breakers, or wiring issues could cause your circuit breaker to trip frequently.

Spread high-powered devices across different circuits or rooms to prevent tripped circuit breakers. If your circuit breaker is frequently tripping, calling a licensed electrician to assess the situation is important.

Flickering lights

Flickering lights can indicate damaged wiring, an overloaded circuit, or a faulty switch. While it might be tempting to ignore flickering lights, they can be a sign of a serious electrical issue.

Flickering lights

To prevent flickering lights, replace any damaged bulbs or switches. If the problem persists, calling a licensed electrician to assess the situation is important.

Outlets not working

If an outlet in your home stops working, it could be a sign of a larger issue. Outlets can stop working due to damaged wiring, a tripped circuit, or a faulty outlet. It’s important to address this issue promptly, as a malfunctioning outlet can pose a serious safety hazard.

To prevent outlets from not working:

  1. Be mindful of how many devices you’re using on a single circuit.
  2. If you notice an outlet has stopped working, try resetting the circuit breaker or replacing the outlet.
  3. If the problem persists, call a licensed electrician to assess the situation.

Warm outlets or switches

Warm outlets or switches can indicate an overloaded circuit or damaged wiring. If you notice that an outlet or switch is warm to the touch, addressing the issue promptly is important, as it can pose a serious safety hazard.

Spread high-powered devices across different circuits or rooms to prevent warm outlets or switches. When an outlet or switch feels warm to the touch, turn off the circuit and call a licensed electrician to fix the problem.

Burning smells

Burning smells can indicate damaged wiring, overloaded circuits, or malfunctioning appliances. If you notice a burning smell in your home, addressing the issue promptly is important, as it can pose a serious safety hazard.

Be mindful of how many devices you use on a single circuit to prevent burning smells. The moment you notice a burning smell, shut off the power to the circuit and call a licensed electrician.

Old electrical panels

If your home has an older electrical panel, it might be time to upgrade to a newer, safer model. Older electrical panels can be a fire hazard, as they’re not equipped to handle the electrical demands of modern homes.

Old electrical panels

Consider replacing an older electrical panel with a newer, safer model to prevent issues. This can help prevent electrical fires and other safety hazards.

In conclusion, homeowners should always pay attention to several common electrical problems. From overloaded circuits to damaged wiring, these issues can pose serious safety hazards if left unaddressed. You can keep your home and family safe from electrical hazards by being mindful of these issues and working with a licensed electrician.

A Guide to Hot Water Systems

There are many types of hot water systems and many different manufacturers. Some of these systems are very simple while others are more complex. Oftentimes, people don’t have time to do a lot of research when it comes to choosing a new system. This guide will help you choose the best model for your household’s needs. You can compare the pros and cons of different brands and models, and you can also determine the size of the system that you need.

Hot Water Systems

To find out which rebates are available for hot water systems, you must do some research. The federal, state and local government sites are the best places to look. You can also ask a local hot water system installer for information on rebates in your area. While this list is not exhaustive, it can help you choose the best system for your needs. It can also help you determine which products will be most beneficial for your home. Then, once you’ve found the model that’s right for you, make your purchase.

Types of Systems

Another thing to consider is how much water your home requires. There are many different types of hot water systems. There are modular systems that can be placed at the point of use. These are designed to provide hot water for a specific area. Then, there are the large steam plants that can have transmission losses. A modular system is an ideal choice. It also allows you to choose which one fits your needs. Then, you can compare the efficiency of different systems.

A tank system is one of the most common types of hot water systems. They are most commonly used for residential properties. These systems typically use a central boiler to heat water. These systems circulate the water to various coil units, which may be radiators or greenhouses. Either way, the water is heated, and then circulated to the various units. Depending on the size of your home, you can select a small portable tank or a large family unit.

Electrically heated storage tank system can be installed in a couple of hours. Although they are more expensive to install, they can be cheaper to operate than a storage tank system. They can be solar-powered, and most are energy-efficient. They are also available in many different sizes. There are various types of Hot Water Systems, so you can choose one that meets your needs.

How It Works

If you have more than one location, most hot water systems are designed to provide heat to multiple locations. For instance, several greenhouses and curing barns may draw heat from a single system. Large main distribution and return lines carry the hot water from the boiler to the individual loads. Each load has its pump and is connected to the other pumps in parallel. Check valves are necessary for parallel connections. You can select any type of hot water system that best suits your needs.

Hot Water Systems

Maintenance

According to KMS Services, besides the cost, there are other risks associated with hot water systems. Some systems are susceptible to flow accelerated corrosion. The aggressive chemistry of the water in hot water systems causes pipe erosion. Most parts of the system are vulnerable to this problem. Air can enter the system during a power outage. It can also cause noise. To avoid this, it’s necessary to open the air escape valves sequentially. This will let the water out.

It is important to regularly maintain your hot water systems to extend their lifespan. In addition, you should seek the advice of a professional plumber if your system isn’t performing at its optimal level. A good service provider will be able to fix the problem promptly, saving you money on repair and replacement. This way, you’ll be assured that your hot water system is in good condition and will last longer than the expected time. With regular maintenance, you’ll be able to avoid any problems that may occur.

In addition to annual maintenance, you should also consider a warranty. A warranty for a hot water system will protect you from expensive repairs and prevent dangerous situations. If you aren’t sure which type of warranty to buy, contact a plumbing professional today to find out more. They will give you peace of mind and a longer lifespan. You’ll be happy with your new hot water system for many years. It’s important to make sure that your hot water systems are working properly to ensure safety and efficiency in your home.

cleaning solar panels at home

Cleaning Solar Panels At Home – Tips and Tricks

You can clean your solar panels at home very easily and very cost-effectively. There is no reason to pay thousands of dollars for solar system cleaning when you can clean them for free right in your own home. The cost of cleaning solar panels on the roof is not much. The sun is full of energy and we are using that energy every day. We need this energy so why not let it shine and use it to power our homes?

Basic Tips

Now, how do you do it? Start with cleaning the solar cells. This should not be difficult. There is a really good manual out there that you can read all about cleaning solar panels on the roof. You can also check it out online if you like.

Next, check to see if there is any debris on the roof that needs cleaning. This may include leaves, bird droppings, and even insects. This is a great chance for you to get out and buy some organic garden fertilizer to use as a green eco-friendly fertilizer for your home. If you want chemical-free fertilizer, this is the way to go.

When cleaning solar panels at home, you need to be careful not to do anything that will damage the solar cell. And you don’t want to burn yourself. If you are going to be using a razor blade to do the cleaning, wear a mask and gloves. And wear a comfortable pair of shoes that will allow you to clean safely.

cleaning solar panels at home

I use special cleaning products. Just scrub away any algae or grime that you find. Rinse well to help get all the chemicals off of your solar cells.

Performance Improvement

Once you have cleaned your solar panels at home, you will notice a big difference in their performance. They will run much cooler as a result! This will also help you keep your bill down if you are on a budget. Good luck cleaning solar panels at home!

Now, this may sound like a lot of work, but it is very easy once you have the right tools. Also, you can save a lot of money by cleaning your panels yourself. You should buy the panels and parts you need, rather than cleaning them yourself. This way you will be able to keep your panels looking new for a longer period!

More Tips

Here are some other tips to keep in mind when cleaning solar panels at home. You will want to be careful when handling and moving these heavy panels around. And, they are also very cold which means you will want to wrap each panel in an old blanket or towel to keep them nice and warm. Be sure you keep them out from the sun during the day. This will help them to retain more heat.

Another tip for cleaning solar panels at home is to make sure to remove all the leaves and debris that may be on them. This will cause unnecessary damage. After cleaning them, be sure to let them air dry completely. I prefer to let them sit in an open area outdoors for about four hours. This allows the dust and dirt to fully evaporate before cleaning them.

And, the last piece of advice for cleaning solar panels at home; don’t use any chemical cleaners when cleaning. They can do a great deal of damage. Also, be careful not to leave them on too long. Your panels are pretty delicate. Enjoy!

solar power at home

What You Need to Know About Solar Panels for Home

Solar power at home can be achieved in a variety of ways. Solar cells are the most commonly used of solar solutions and these come in many different shapes and sizes. They can be purchased directly from manufacturers or you can find them pre-made in kit form. This allows you to select a solar solution that best fits your needs.

How Do Solar Panels Generate Electricity?

The photovoltaic cells on the top of the solar panel system collect solar energy which is converted into direct current electricity. Depending on the solar cells, the electricity produced may be in the form of DC electricity or 120-volt AC electricity. Either way, solar electricity is clean, effective and reliable. But solar cells are limited in size and efficiency and need to be optimized for optimum solar power generation.

But once you have the solar equipment in place, it is not just a matter of plugging it in and seeing the lights come on. Now you have to work hard to gather the solar energy you need and store it efficiently. One of the best solar panels out there is the flat top grid solar equipment. This is the most efficient at collecting solar energy and storing it efficiently. The flat-top grid solar equipment is installed right above the roofline. The panel system is then connected to batteries, which are used to store solar energy.

Many homeowners choose to add on additional solar panels as needed. Adding additional solar panels is an excellent way to save money, even on your electric bill. But when adding on additional solar panels, you will also need to consider extra batteries. Batteries are the key to storing energy so that it is ready to use when the sun goes down. However, the batteries need to be backed up with energy which means they must be stored properly.

solar power at home

Benefits of Solar Power

To reduce your carbon footprint and help protect our environment, many homeowners are considering purchasing a solar power system. Solar electricity generated from renewable resources such as the sun is clean, effective and reliable. It is extremely easy to install and can greatly lower your monthly power bill. Some solar power systems are sold together with solar panels, making it that much easier to assemble your solar power system. Not only is solar power an extremely cost-effective alternative, but it is also good for the environment.

One of the most important parts of a solar system is a battery. A solar battery consists of a group of solar cells that are wired together. Solar cells can be made out of silicon, indium, gallium and selenium (CIGS). These solar cells are wired in a stack which forms a type of solar battery bank. The solar cells collect the solar energy during the day and store it in a rechargeable battery bank. At night or on cloudy days, the stored energy is converted into DC which is then routed to home power lines and is useful to power many of the electrical items in your home.

The solar cells in the solar battery have been treated so that they will accept electrons (the electric charge) from the sun. When solar energy hits the cell, the electrons are knocked free, thus allowing the stored energy in the battery to be released. In turn, the electricity created by the solar generator is routed to the electric components in your home. Home solar generation system guides will show you how to assemble and install your solar generation system using the available solar cells.

Commercial solar power queensland bonus feed in tariff

How Does A Solar System Work?

Electricity is generated for consumption in your home or business as a result of sun shining on the solar panels which generates DC electricity, which is then converted to AC electricity by the solar inverter that is then available for your consumption.

If the solar system generates more electricity then you consume at any point in time, then the surplus electricity is fed back into the electricity grid. The surplus electricity which is fed into the electricity grid is metered and you will receive a credit on your electricity account. The rate per kWh that you are paid for the physical amount of electricity that is fed into the electricity grid is called a “Feed in Tariff”.

The amount of the Feed in Tariff varies depending upon what Feed in Tariff Program you are eligible for.

What Is The Feed In Tariffs Structure In Australia?

Australia unfortunately has had numerous solar feed in tariff programs and incentives on a state by state basis over the last 6 years, most are expired and no longer open to new entrants.

Here is a table of most of the Feed in Tariffs that have been available over recent years:

State Max Size Rate Paid per kWh Model Program Commenced Due To Finish
NSW 10kW 60c/20c# Gross 1 January 2010 1 January 2017
QLD 5kW 44c/16c# Net 1 July 2008 30 June 2028
QLD 5kW 8c# Net 9 July 2012 30 June 2014
ACT 30kW 1:1# Gross 1 November 2009 30 June 2020
ACT 30kW 7.5c Net 1 July 2013 No Expiry
VIC 5kW 60c# Net 1 November 2009 1 January 2024
VIC 5kW 25c# Net 1 October 2011 31 December 2016
VIC 5kW 8c Net 3 September 2012 No Expiry
SA 30kW 44c# Net 1 July 2008 30 June 2028
SA 30kW 6c Net 1 July 2014 No Expiry
Bandanna Energy 100kW 20c Net 1 January 2015 3 Years from Start of Contract
Bandanna Energy 100kW 10c Net 1 January 2015 No Expiry

# Program closed to new customers

Bonus Feed In Tariff Product

Our proposed product is that Bandanna Energy will provide our customers with electricity contracts that contain bonus feed in tariffs of 20c more than the Government Regulated Feed in Tariffs below when you have purchased solar from one of our Sales Partners. This offer is subject to our Terms and Conditions and Bandanna Energy receiving approval from the Australian Energy Regulator.  Please refer to the Terms and Conditions to consider whether the product is appropriate for you.

Bandanna Energy will also provide our customers that are not eligible for the 20c Bonus Feed in Tariff product, electricity contracts that contain bonus feed in tariffs of 10c more than the Government Regulated Feed in Tariffs.

The Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal have issued a draft determination for NSW solar feed in tariffs for 2014/15 and recommend the retailer contribution should be 5.3c/kWh for solar energy exported back into the electricity grid.

What Is The Difference Between Net And Gross Feed In Tariffs?

Under the Net Feed in Tariff program, the customer receives the feed in tariff only for the surplus energy that is exported to the electricity Grid. However, under the Gross Feed in Tariff program, the customer receives the feed in tariff only for the entirety of the electricity that is generated by the solar system and exported to the electricity Grid.

LED lighting

The Lights On Program is where Urth Energy provides energy efficient products such as LED lighting.

We will change all of your old 50w Halogen down lights for 9w Energy Efficient LED lights.

Lighting can account for over 30% of a household’s electricity bill. By replacing the old halogen lights with the energy efficient and cost-effective, you reduce ongoing electricity bills and your carbon footprint.

What Are The Other Benefits Of LED Lighting?

The new, energy-efficient LED lights operate at much lower temperatures than halogen lamps, are more durable and only use a fraction of the energy. This reduces the need for Cooling in the hot months and also improves home safety.

Quality LEDs offer a strong, focused light that is equivalent to a halogen lamp but require less power than old technology. Using a 9w LED light, produces the same amount of light as a 50w halogen down light and generates approximately 70% less CO2.

Replacement globes are almost a thing of the past. Once installed, a quality LED light lasts up to 15 times longer than an average halogen down light and all things being equal, provides over 20 years of lighting for a living room, kitchen or bathroom.