drc_electrical

Why it is important to maintain your solar panels

Fri, 16 Dec 2022 09:47:10 GMT

Maintaining solar panels is important for several reasons

Solar Panel Performance

Performance: Solar panels that are well-maintained will generally perform better and produce more energy than panels that are neglected. Regular cleaning and inspection can help ensure that the panels are operating at peak efficiency (particularly in our Queensland climate). Solar panels become less efficient over time due to dust, dirt, and other environmental factors that can accumulate on their surface. By cleaning them regularly, you can maintain their efficiency and ensure that they continue to produce electricity at their maximum capacity.

Solar Panel Longevity

Solar panels are designed to last for many years, but like any other piece of equipment, they can degrade over time. Proper maintenance can help extend the life of the panels and ensure that they continue to produce electricity for a longer period of time. Solar panels are designed to last for many years, but their lifespan can be shortened if they are not properly maintained. By regularly cleaning and maintaining your solar panels, you can extend their lifespan and get the most value out of your investment.

Safety

Solar panels generate electricity from the sun, and as such, they need to be installed and maintained according to strict safety standards. Proper maintenance can help reduce the risk of accidents or injuries caused by malfunctioning panels. As solar panels generate electricity, so it's important to ensure that they are properly maintained to prevent electrical accidents. Regular maintenance can help identify and fix any potential issues before they become a safety hazard.

Warranty

Many solar panel manufacturers offer warranties on their products, but these warranties may be voided if the panels are not properly maintained. Regular maintenance can help ensure that the panels are covered by the manufacturer's warranty.

DRC Electrical and Air Conditioning are your solar panel maintenance experts across Ipswich, Springfield Lakes and Brisbane. Connect with our team today to arrange an inspection and protect your solar panel investment.

When was the last time you cleaned your air conditioning filters?

Tue, 18 Jan 2022 00:37:43 GMT

If your answer is never or not sure, can’t remember then you may be about to get a little shock ... no pun intended!

Happy New Year!!!

So, we are now halfway through our summer, it's time to think about air conditioner maintenance.

When was the last time you cleaned your air conditioning filters?

If your answer is never, not sure or you can’t remember, then you may be about to get a little shock when you open your air conditioner! Over time, a significant volume of dust accumulates on the filters this is a result of air circulating to cool your home through the warner months or/and heat your home through the cooler months.

How often should the filters be cleaned?

This would depend on your usage, however, generally it is recommended to clean your filters at the beginning of each season, which is every 3 to 4 months.

Leaving your air-conditioner filters uncleaned can also lead to:

Poor indoor air quality. Built-up dirt and allergens can be pumped throughout your home and affect the quality of the air your family is breathing. This can cause health issues both short and long term such as headaches, trigger asthma symptoms, fatigue and breathing difficulties for those who are prone to respiratory problems.

Decreased comfort. Clogged up air filters can restrict the amount of air coming out of your system so less air is coming out to cool or heat your home.

Reduced energy efficiency. With your system working harder than it normally does to maintain comfort in your home it means it’s consuming more energy which will result in expensive or increased electricity bills.

Risk of circulating contaminated air . Dirty air filters can also affect dehumidifiers from functioning properly, allowing mould and mildew to grow in the back of the system and circulate in your home.

How to clean split systems filters?

Make sure the power has been turned off.
Lift the cover on the front of the unit and carefully pull out the filters.
Check the filter for any signs of damage such as tears or gaps in the mesh. If there is excessive damage it will need to be replaced.
Fill a sink or tub up with warm water and submerge the filter. Move it around to dislodge any dust and debris caught in the mesh.
Take out the filter and drain the dirty water. Refill the sink or tub back up with warm water and this time at a splash of washing detergent or vinegar.
Submerge the filter and allow it to soak for 5 minutes.
After 5 minutes, remove the filter and allow it to dry naturally before placing it back into the AC unit

Here are a few helpful tips to prolong the life of your air-conditioner:

Clean the dust on the filters using the above procedure to wash the filters. Allow to dry thoroughly before replacing.
Keep the outdoor unit free from debris and obstructions which restrict airflow and cause the compressor to work harder.
Use built in programs and features for efficient operation like energy saving mode or movement detection mode if your unit has it.
Don’t be tempted to set the temperature too low for long periods of time, this will cool the home much faster at first, but it will also use a great deal more electricity if left low. Focus on closing blinds and window coverings, eliminating sources of heat from the area and after the area is cool, bring the set temperature back up to around 22-24 degrees which is far more energy efficient.

DRC Electrical are your air-conditioning servicing experts across Brisbane, Ipswich, Springfield and beyond. Speak to our qualified team about air-conditioning servicing for split-systems and ducted air-conditioning systems. Servicing all brands.

Does my solar system require maintenance or servicing?

Thu, 25 Nov 2021 01:58:12 GMT

Why you need to protect your valuable investment in solar panels. Partner with a Springfield Lakes Electrician who knows solar!

You only need to look at the images above to see that it is important to carry out regular solar health checks on your system to ensure that it is working correctly, efficiently, safely and at capacity.

Overhanging trees, dust, debris and storm damage can all take their toll on the output of your solar system. To try and have the wiring and components over the lifespan of a solar system perform appropriately, we do need to show some TLC in the form of cleaning and servicing. This will maximise your savings and prolong the life of your system in general.

It is also just as important to make sure your panels are clean, as over time, lichen and moss can build up. This is especially evident in areas where there are tress close to the roofline. Having these lichen spots on the panels will eventually cause hot spots and burns.

In addition, water and moisture ingress, vermin, hail and wind can all cause damage or deterioration to your system which can cause safety and fire hazards. Not having your panels cleaned regularly, within the guidelines of the maintenance schedule from your installer, may also void the warranty with the manufacturer.

When you have your system installed, the installer must provide you with instruction handbooks, documents required for warranty purposes, as well as a maintenance schedule. It’s important to follow this maintenance advice and check your system periodically.

What's involved in a solar health check?

solar panels secure and free of defects
no parts have corroded or deteriorated
isolator switches do not have any defects and switch correctly
cables have not been damaged or deteriorated
electrical testing to ensure all components are operating as intended
confirming fittings and cables are contained securely
reviewing the inverter display for recorded faults and performance
vents are free of debris/geckos
checking that access to the isolator switches has not been impeded, and/or
making sure the emergency procedures for shutdown and isolation are clearly displayed.

Who can assist in maintaining your solar panel investment? We are a local Springfield Lakes Electrician you can count on!

Call us today to book in your solar health check and a panel clean. DRC electrical service Inner Brisbane, Southside, Bayside, Eastern and Western Suburbs, Logan and Ipswich Regions. Connect with our team for residential solar panel maintenance.

Don’t be caught out by new smoke alarm legislation in Jan 2022

Fri, 17 Sep 2021 00:29:23 GMT

Springfield: Don’t be caught out by new smoke alarm legislation coming to effect in January 2022

Too often we see cheap smoke alarm systems installed in family homes that simply do not comply with Queensland legislation. It is always worth investing in a smoke alarm system that will meet upcoming standards and keep your household safe. For additional piece of mind, enlisting a qualified Electrician to install your smoke alarm network will ensure that there is no dodgy wiring, and all alarms adhere to the appropriate Australian Standard.

What does ‘interconnected’ mean?
This new legislation specifies that all Queensland households need to have interconnected photoelectric smoke alarms installed in every bedroom of the home, as well as in the hallways that lead to or connect with bedrooms. Interconnected smoke alarms will also need to be installed on every level of multi-story dwellings.

The difference between regular smoke alarms, and interconnected smoke alarms is their ability to speak to one another. With an interconnected system, when one smoke alarm goes off, all the other alarms in the home sound off at the same time. This interconnected network aims to give everyone extra time to escape, no matter where they are in the home at the time.

How will I be affected as landlord?
From January 1, 2022 all new rental leases, or lease renewals, will need to comply with the new domestic smoke alarm legislation. So, before you hand over the keys to the tenants, you really need to make sure you have booked in a trusted electrician to install interconnected smoke alarms systems in all bedrooms.

Existing rental laws insist that 30 days prior to the start of a tenancy, the landlord must test and clean each smoke alarm in the home. For piece of mind, it’s always a simple and cost-effective exercise to hire a professional to help with the testing. The safety of your tenants is counting on a reliable smoke alarm network.

How will I be affected as an owner occupier?

Back in 2017 it was mandated that all existing smoke alarms that were more than 10 years old had to be replaced with photoelectric smoke alarms which comply with Australian Standards (AS) 3786-2014. If this task was completed in your home, you are already meeting current smoke alarm legislation.

Your next step will be to start the implementation of an interconnected smoke alarm system in your home. This means all homes, townhouses and units that are owner occupied will need to install smoke alarms:

· On each story of the home

· In each bedroom

· In the hallways that connect bedrooms to the rest of the home

· In the pathway of travel to an exit

Owners will have until January 2027 to meet these requirements, however it’s never too early to liaise with your trusted electrician and begin the installation process now.

DRC Electrical is your electrician of choice for Springfield Lakes, Ipswich, Greenbank, Kenmore and the wider south east. Our team are trusted electrical contractors for smoke alarm installations, solar panel maintenance, general residential/commercial electrical work and more.

Why using a licenced electrician is important

ben@incahootsco.com.au (Ben Hayward) — Wed, 19 May 2021 20:00:25 GMT

It's important to work with an electrical contractor who is licenced and insured!

It's important to work with an electrical contractor who is licenced and insured. A licenced electrician is required to work to a very high level of skill and expertise. They also have to comply with all the legal and regulatory requirements, so they do not put you or your property at risk. There are obvious safety reasons why you should only use a professional electrician and you cannot risk any form of 'DIY' when it comes to electrical work. It's that simple.

With electrical work, it's more than just putting wires and plugs in the wall. Your electrical contractor needs to be able to assess a situation, and understand the quality of wiring, so he or she can identify any potential problems before they become a costly problem for you or your property.

Your electrician is also a great go-to for air conditioning and solar system maintenance. Ask your electrician to help you with these big projects as handing them off to an amateur will not only put your property at risk, but can also cause additional problems in the long run like having an electrical fires or worse.

"At DRC Electrical, we also specialise in a wide range of general electrical projects . So if you have a special electrical requirement, reach out to our friendly team and we'll be more than happy to help."

By going with an electrician who is licenced and insured, you can rest assured that all jobs are done properly, to the highest standards and at a competitive price.

For all your electrical needs in Ipswich, Springfield Lakes, Kenmore and the wider Brisbane metro area you can count on the team at DRC Electrical. Give Dan or Sasha a call today or leave a message via our website and we'll be in touch!

Why aircon maintenance is important

ben@incahootsco.com.au (Ben Hayward) — Thu, 06 May 2021 01:35:13 GMT

In Australia, and Queensland in particular, air conditioning is our friend

Like any good friend it’s important to check in now and again and see how everything is going. Your air conditioner is no different.

That cool air can be a life saver however if your air-conditioning has not been serviced in a while, that air you’re breathing in might not be good for your health. For example, if your aircon has mould within it, it will be spewing out spores into the air (and your lungs). Needless to say, this is something you want to avoid.

Regular maintenance of your air-conditioner will achieve some very positive benefits including,

1. Running at optimal efficiency which translates to lower energy costs – saving you money.

2. Potentially save you from expensive repairs with preventative maintenance which again will save you money.

3. Improved indoor air quality. Breathe easy knowing that the aircon is not pumping out some nasty dust or spores.

When should your service your air-conditioned?

While this may depend on environmental factors, it generally comes down to how often you use your air conditioner. Like any machine in your life, the more you use it (like a car) the more attention it will require to run well and provide a return on your investment.

DRC Electrical love helping people keep cool in Queensland. If you think your aircon is long overdue for a service, then don’t hesitate to contact our friendly team. We service Ipswich, Springfield, Brookwater, Kenmore and the southern and western corridors in Brisbane.

Why you need to maintain solar panel systems

ben@incahootsco.com.au (Ben Hayward) — Wed, 05 May 2021 08:36:22 GMT

There are some good reasons why you need to stay on top of solar panel maintenance

The power of the sun: If you want to keep taking advantage of solar power, it's important to make sure your panels are working at their best. Maintenance is key!

Regular inspections of your solar panels is a necessary, but sometimes overlooked part of maintaining them.

By ensuring regular routine maintenance is undertaken, you can be confident your solar panel system working for you. Routine maintenance will also allow the performance of your power system to stay where its supposed to be so that long-term savings are maximised. DRC Electrical are your reliable team when it comes to solar panel system maintenance in Springfield Lakes and beyond.

How often do I need to maintain my solar panel system?

This is dependant on the specifications outlined by the manufacturer or installer. Keep all original documentation handy!

Who can undertake routine maintenance on my solar panel system?

Not you! Unless you are a licenced electrician or registered installer. Unlike standard electrical products, turning a solar panel system ‘off’ at the switch does not mean that the system no longer poses an electrical hazard. With roof mounted systems, some maintenance tasks may need to be conducted on the actual roof which can present additional risks and height safety requirements.

It is recommended that solar panel systems should only be inspected and maintained by a licenced electrician.

DRC Electrical are your reliable team when it comes to solar panel maintenance. If you are looking for an electrician who can assist with solar or other electrical services reach out to our qualified professionals today. We proudly service the western and southern corridor including Brookwater, Kenmore, Sinnamon Park and Augustine Heights.

Will solar save me money?

ben@incahootsco.com.au (Ben Hayward) — Sun, 25 Apr 2021 18:47:54 GMT

Solar power systems can absolutely save you money. The question is, how much exactly? The final figure varies on a number of factors which we'll talk about in this post.

Solar power can help you dramatically reduce the running costs on your property, especially in Queensland, the sunshine state. To find out how much money you can save with solar panels for house or business, there are a number of factors that need to be considered:

Your average energy consumption

Checking the back of your last power bill is a great way to find out how much electricity you use. It's also necessary for figuring out what kind of solar system will be right for you, and whether it'll save money in the long run!

In a nutshell, larger properties or households with higher energy requirements will need a solar power system around the 5kW range or higher.

Usage patterns within your family home or business

Your solar system will produce electricity during daylight hours and any excess electricity generated is fed back into the grid, unless you have a solar battery or other location where you plan to divert excess energy. Your provider credits your export of power, which helps offset your bills while also conserving natural resources - a win for your wallet and the planet.

Your feed-in tariff rate

Energy providers will typically offer you a rate of 8c/kWh for the solar power that is fed back into the grid, but it's best to check with your provider and if possible shop around for better rates. Rates can vary state-to-state too, so make sure you're getting an accurate quote!

The size of the system you install (a big variable)

With solar power, size matters. If you don’t install a system that is large enough to cover your current usage then the payback period will be too long and the ROI won't be as high as it could have been if you installed larger unit.

For example, a larger solar system, such as a 5kW unit, will produce far more energy than smaller ones that are 2 kW or less. Remember the main factors that will determine how large of a solar system you should install: The size and consumption behaviour of your property. Finding the perfect match between what is best for your needs means spending less money on electricity costs than if you had installed too small or too big a system. Your electrician is a great resource to help you choose the right system for your property.

Where you live - geographic location

Australia is blessed with with plenty of sunshine, and here in south east Queensland we get to enjoy that more than anyone. If you're considering installing a solar system, it's important to consider the climate of your region. You'll find that in Queensland, where temperatures are high and there is plenty of sun exposure, your energy production will be much higher than if you were living somewhere like Melbourne where you can have four seasons in a day.

The amount of solar radiation in your region will determine the size of a system. For example, you may need to install 2 kW unit where there is more sunlight than anywhere else or up to 3kW units if that area has less sun to get the same results.

Keep your solar system in top shape with regular maintenance to make sure it is operating at peak performance - and saving you money. We are your reliable team when it comes to solar system maintenance in Springfield Lakes, Ipswich, Brisbane and beyond.