Author: Hannah

Categories
Plumbing

How does a solar hot water system work?

Solar hot water systems are environmentally friendly and reduce home energy costs.  These systems use the heat of the sun to warm your water, but the exact mechanisms vary.

Roof-mounted systems place large solar collectors on the roof, usually facing north, also known as a themosiphon system. Water held within the collectors is heated and then collected in a tank that can be installed on the roof or at ground level. Hot water rises to the top of the tank where the outlet valve waits. As water cools, it drifts to the bottom of the tank and is recycled through the collector to be warmed again. These types of systems will need to be installed by a professional who can check your roof to make sure it’s reinforced enough to carry the load.

Split systems use solar collectors on the roof and a tank on the ground. A pump moves water between the two locations. In this system, only the panels are installed on the roof, but the actual tank is mounted on the ground. Since the system is separated in this way, it’s unable to circulate the water adequately, so you will need to purchase an electric pump.

Both systems heat water using the suns rays.

When selecting a solar hot water system, consider your water usage in the kitchen and bathroom / Source: Buildtech homes

Why use solar hot water systems?

Solar hot water is more energy efficient than electric heating options. It uses fewer fossil fuels and has a lower carbon footprint. Some even come with solar cells to power the pumps so that these units are carbon-neutral in operation. However, many are made of materials that are anything but carbon neutral, so examine all claims objectively. In addition, the use of free solar energy makes a big dent in monthly energy bills, so most systems pay for themselves fairly rapidly.

Will shade impact my system?

A solar hot water system should be placed in full sun during the day. If you don’t have a shade-free location large enough for an appropriately sized solar collector, solar hot water heating may not be the answer for you. Most systems use a booster with gas or electric capabilities to help your system work at night or on cloudy days. If you do choose to go solar, your booster will simply power on more often.

How often will I run out of hot water?

The same booster that helps your system work in cloudy or shady conditions protects you from the nuisance of running out of hot water. Most boosters can be turned on manually, which means you’ll have to wait for your hot water. Others are set to turn on any time the water drops below a certain temperature. The latter option gives you less control over your bills but provides added convenience.

How to select the right size for the system

Make sure you get the size you need for your house. Consider how much water you use every day, keeping in mind that the typical person uses about 50 litres each day. If you think you use more than the average, whether for showers or washing clothes, look for a system that holds at least 300 litres in the tank. If you live alone or use less water than most people, a smaller tank may be adequate and more affordable.

Installing your hot water system

Once you purchase one that is the right size, the next step is to put it in the right location. Generally, a technician will help you with this process. The goal is to ensure that you are getting as much exposure to the sun as possible. North facing parts of your home’s roof tend to be the best. It may be necessary to make changes to this based on the structure of your home’s roof. You do not want anything overhead that will block the sunlight from hitting the solar panels.

One of the things to consider about your solar hot water system is the insulation you are using. To ensure that you get the most out of this heated water, make sure you do not lose heat. Insulating the storage tank and the pipes leading from it to the taps can help accomplish this. Be sure to choose materials that are acceptable according to the manufacturer.

Maintaining your solar hot water system

Once you have it in place, you need to maintain it. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for doing this. Generally, you will need to ensure that the solar panels remain dust free. Follow the manufacturer’s directions when it comes to replacing the sacrificial anode. In most cases, the extent of cleaning these involves nothing more than a soft brush and water to remove debris.

Solar hot water systems can help reduce home energy bills / Source: Ryza Homes

Installing in an apartment

Solar hot water options for apartments

Though most people living in apartments assume they have to deal with the high cost of traditional water heaters, there are some options to consider. If you live in a building block of units, try installing an individual storage tank, which is connected to a central collector located on the roof. It heats the water that gets sent to each apartment. This commercial system uses a pump to ensure water is circulating continuously. If you live in a villa or townhouse and have some money to spend, consider an individual solar hotel water system, though its important to keep in mind they can be difficult to install.

Apartment heat pumps

Some people who live in apartments wont be able to access solar hot water systems in a traditional sense. Thats when you should consider a heat pump, which uses a quarter of the energy of regular electric hot water systems. They take the heat from the surrounding air to heat the water you’ll use in your apartment.

Getting approval for solar hot water

Installing a solar hot water heater in an apartment building requires the approval of the corporate body. Hopefully they say yes and you can begin the steps to instal it. But they may find it impractical or too expensive to consider installing solar hot water heaters for all the apartments to use.

Plan your approach in advance when talking to the body corporate if you believe solar water systems are beneficial. Detail a list of advantages, such as the savings to owners as well as its limited impact on aesthetics. You’ll also want to include information estimating the total cost of installation. The more information you have, the more likely you are of succeeding in your goal.

Contact local plumbers

Choose the right installation professional

Once you have an idea of what you will pay for the process, ask a few questions before you hire an expert to install your solar hot water system. For example, find out if the professional you are considering can help you get any rebates. Rebates can add up to thousands of pounds, so it makes sense to make obtaining them as easy and fast as possible.

Get price estimates from at least a few companies before you make a decision. Of course, you should also make sure the professional you choose has installed plenty of systems like yours. In addition, find out if he or she provides a warranty on installation in case there is a problem with it in the future. Many experts in this field not only install solar hot water systems but also sell a wide variety of them, so they can help you choose the right one for your home.

Categories
Lighting & electrical

How does solar power work?

The sun provides us with an abundance of energy each day, its powerful rays offering an energy solution that keeps high energy bills at bay and minimises the need for damaging fossil fuels. Solar energy is a renewable and powerful source of power, producing more energy in an hour than what is used across the world in a year. By harnessing the sun’s thermal energy and with the right power system, solar panels can generate enough energy to sustain a household’s electricity usage.

How does solar power work?

Solar power systems are comprised of panels, inverters, switch boards, electricity meters and in some instances, a power grid. When a grid is connected to a solar power system, it draws energy from an inverter to power household appliances and any leftover electricity is fed back into the grid. Stand alone power systems are disconnected from a public grid and rely on a battery to store surplus energy to supply electricity during overcast days or overnight use.

Solar power is a green, sustainable and cost-effect source of energy / Source: M Bec Electrical

Stand alone systems with batteries aren’t as common as grid systems for homes but with improving battery technology and cheaper production, batteries are becoming more popular. The appropriate size and capacity of a battery will depend on the amount of power your household spends during the night.

The number of panels you require to power your home will depend on the number of people residing and the frequency of use. Usually, a medium sized home for 2-3 people will require a 3kw system whereas a large home for four or more people will require a 5kw installation to power a fridge, 20 or more halogen lights, multiple air conditioners and approximately five or more loads of washing a week.

What are the difference between an off-grid system & a grid connection?

The difference between the two systems is that an off-grid system is not connected to the community’s main power supply and stores its excess electricity in batteries. A grid-connected solar PV system is connected to the community’s main electricity grid, and the excess electricity is sent into the community grid.

Solar power inverters

A solar power inverter works very much the same way as a travel plug. It converts the electricity from solar panels into electricity that can be used in the home. Electricity used by the solar panels are DC power, and the solar power inverter converts it to AC power, which is usable in your home.

There are many different forms of solar power inverters, and each has advantages. Here are just a few of the many types of inverters available for purchase:

Standalone: convert the DC electricity that is harvested from a battery to AC electricity. Solar panel inverters are used for many home sizes, so they come in a range of different sizes and powers. You can find standalone inverters to run small objects, which put out as little as 100W, and some can run quite large appliances, with an output of 8000W. To determine which size inverter you need, you have to do a quick calculation of the AC load that each of your electric appliances uses currently.

Sychroneous inverters: These inverters harvest energy from your appliances and stores it in a battery. The way this process works is that any excess power you don’t use gets allocated to the main grid. However, if you’re using more than your store, the inverter provides you with the excess electricity you need from the grid. The good thing about this kind of inverter is that it works as a generator in power-outage situations.

Multifunction: Multifunctional inverters are the most expensive ones, but they work as synchronous and standalone converters together, which gives you all the benefits of the above in one single inverter.

Modified sinewave inverters: If your solar power system lacks electric motors, a modified sine wave converter would be an affordable choice for you. The only downside is that they do create a buzzing sound as long as they’re running.

True sinewave inverters: These work very much in the same way as the sinewave inverters. However, they are a little bit more dear since they are compatible with more devices and they’re relatively quiet to run.

Source: Oracle Carpentry/Roofing Sydney

What’s a solar booster?

 Solar panels must be used with a solar inverter to transfer the DC energy to AC energy, and a booster works to rev up this process, especially in times where there isn’t much sunshine.

If you have a television that has very poor reception, you were probably told to purchase a higher powered antenna or a signal booster. The higher powered antenna or booster would give you more coverage, more channels and a clearer picture. The solar booster sort of works in the same way for your solar panels.

Benefits of using a solar booster

Solar panels often give you their best during clear sunny days. However, on days when it is exceptionally cloudy or dark, you may not get the best use out of them. This may cause you to time your hot showers or electricity use. A solar booster helps to increase your solar panel’s uptake of energy by up to 30%. This helps reduce your energy costs even more.

Besides the obvious benefits of being able to use your electricity and gas for longer, a solar booster can be connected to an off peak electricity or gas source to help you save even more money. Living in areas that are prone to cloudiness, long hours of darkness or extreme shade, makes it harder for your solar panels to work for you. Solar boosters can help them work as they normally would in a sunny area. They won’t give too much optimisation in these areas, but it will help the existing panels run more efficiently.

Installing a solar booster

Although solar boosters are available for purchase at many of the places that carry solar panels, installing them may be a bit difficult. It’s best to have a professional instal the solar booster for you. A professional will make sure that you’re getting the most out of your booster.

Contact local solar panel experts

Solar glossary of terms

How solar savvy are you? If you can’t describe a photovoltaic panel and you’re not sure what a grid is, this glossary of solar panel terms is for you. Here is a basic summary of basic solar power definitions:

Alternating Current (AC) is a type of electrical current that intermittently alters directional course, typically at a rate of 60 times every second.

Amorphous Thin Film is a photovoltaic, silicon-based film, mixed with other substances that is used to cover solar panels.

Charge Controller is a device that controls the amount of power that is sent from the solar panel to the battery tank to prevent overcharging.

Direct Current (DC) differs from an alternating current in that it travels in only one direction.

Feed-in Tariffs are rebate fees that your electric company pays to you when your solar power system feeds energy back into the grid. This fee is higher than the retail rate usually charged for electricity.

Grid Connect Solar Power is a solar power system that connects to the utility company’s grid. Any excess electricity generated by your solar power system is fed to the utility company’s grid.

Monocrystalline is a material, containing one crystal, that is used for semiconductors.

A Mounting System mounts and securely holds photovoltaic panels to the roof of your house.

Off-Grid Solar Power is solar-generated power that isn’t connected to the utility company’s grid and is instead stored in special containers and batteries.

Passive Solar Heating is a method of harnessing solar power to heat living spaces. Examples include storing solar heat and installing glass at the northern points of a house to bring in maximum light.

Photovoltaics is the method of converting light into electricity by using light-converting (photovoltaic) panels, modules or cells.

Polycrystalline is a material used for semiconductors that is made of tiny crystals.

Renewable Energy Credit Scheme (RECs) is a plan that offers cash back for regenerated electricity. According to current standards, a Renewable Energy Certificate (REC) stands for a single megawatt hour. These certificates operate through solar power or hot water systems and can help offset the expense of installing them. The quantity of RECs generated by your solar power system depends upon its size.

Shunt Adapter is an adapter that allows you to attach a shunt to a solar regulator, which you can use to precisely record and calculate high-level currents (such as those more than 20 amps).

Solar Inverter is a device that converts a direct current into an alternating current, which is then used in either grid-connected or off-grid systems.

Solar Regulator is another name for a charge controller.

Solar Site Analysis is an analytical tool that provides information about solar shading and helps you identify the best locations for solar power systems.

Solar System Monitoring is the practice of monitoring a solar power system to determine its efficiency. Ammeters and voltmeters are commonly-used analytical tools, and there are also other devices that are designed to measure solar power input and output.

Volt is the unit of force that is necessary to propel an amp of electricity through a resistor measuring 1 Ohm.

Watt is a power unit that is the equivalent of one single joule each second.

Categories
Kitchen

Kitchen splashbacks: Different types & maintenance

What is a splashback?

Essential in every kitchen, splashbacks help protect the walls of your kitchen from oils, greases and other cooking debris. Additionally, they add a touch of style to any kitchen and act as a decorative element.A splashback is the material located on the kitchen wall above the cooktop or sink that shields the wall from all sorts of kitchen messes that occur during the preparation of a meal.

Splashbacks can add a point of interest to your kitchen’s design / Source: Aspect Cabinetmakers

Different types of splashbacks

There are a wide selection of materials which you can choose from for your kitchen splashback. Every material has a different texture and will hence add a different dimension to your kitchen.

  • Tiles: Tiles come indifferent colours,shapes and patternsand are the most popular splashback material in the market. If you aim to create an individualised splashback, getting a tile splashback is the way to go. One drawback of tile is that you need to put in a little more effort to keep it clean as it tend to attract dirt and stains.
  • Mosaic: A splashback constructed of mosaic tiles is decorative and can create unique stunning effects. These mosaic tiles are laid neatly in sheet form. One drawback of mosaic splashbacks is that they require more hard-to-keep-clean grout than other tiles.
  • Glass: Glass splashbacks are extremely hygienic and easy to maintain. Due to their versatility, they are increasingly becoming popular. The options in glass splashbacks are textured glass, plain glass or glass with colours painted behind. Create a unique splashback by installing wallpaper behind the glass splashback. Glass splashbacks may tend to be expensive to install, so make sure you can afford it before you make the purchase.
  • Stainless steel: To add a modern look to your kitchen, opt for a stainless steel kitchen splashback. Although stainless steel will easily show fingerprints, smudges and other marks, it can be cleaned with little effort. They are available in a wide range of finishes, are very durable and heat-resistant.
  • Benchtop: Benchtop splashbacks are those that are built of the same material as your benchtop. The options in benchtop splashbacks are stone composite, laminate or a veneer of stone.
  • Timber: If you opt for a timber splashback, ensure that it isproperly sealedto protect it from contact with water. Timber splashbackscreate stunning visual effects.
  • Mirror: Mirrored splashbacks are not resistant to food debris and moisture and are not as sturdy as glass splashbacks in this sense.
  • Acrylic: a cheaper alternative to glass they come in a choice of designs, colours and surface textures that will meet any desire. Acrylic splashbacks can also be cut down to size, meaning you don’t have to worry about dirty seams in your kitchen. One of the best things about acrylic is how easy it is to maintain. All you need to do is give it a wipe!

Tile splashback options

There are a wide variety of colours, patterns and materials available when it comes to tiles for your slashback. Here’s a few factors to consider:

Avoid the ‘Basic Square’ option: Many modern kitchens no longer have the basic rows of square kitchen tiles. Though this remains common in older homes, modernised kitchens focus on styles of all types instead. Depending on your interior design layout and goals, you may want to choose something with a bit more interest. Consider your options in sizes, configurations, and shapes. Here are some options to think about.

Choose mosaics: This is a popular option, though it has come and gone style-wise several times. Many people adore this look right now because it offers various material options, colours and patterns. Glass mosaics are perhaps the most popular option because they can create a very dramatic look. Try to create a V pattern by laying the pieces at angles. Combine them with other types of tiles as well. You can even add feature lighting for even more dramatic appeal.

Larger than normal: Another option you have is to use oversized tiles. These appear larger and make a bigger impression on the overall style of the kitchen. Many have a natural stone or faux stone look to them. This option works well in both a modern and a traditional kitchen. Choose more subtle tones for traditional appeal, which will look good with a timber benchtop. If you have modern stainless steel in your kitchen, pair this with a rough textured tile instead.

Rectangular tiles: Shape is a big deal in style today for the splashback. Choose rectangular shapes because they may help your kitchen look a bit taller or longer. You can use them in both horizontal and vertical patterns to create visual appeal in the space.

Your splashback to add colour and interest to your design / Source: Joao Viana & Sons Painting Pty Ltd

Factors to consider before purchase

Before you decide to install a splashback, take into account your available budget and the maintenance required for a particular splashback. Note that some splashbacks are easily maintainable and can simply be wiped down using a damp cloth. Others may need special care such as the use of cleaning agents.

Maintaining your splashback

If you take a little time to keep your splashback clean and maintained, it can protect the wall behind your food-prep and cooking areas for a long time. Besides, since it’s such a focal point in your kitchen, you want it looking good, right? Read on for some tips on how to maintain and clean your splashback. If you need even more information on keeping your splashback looking shiny and new, talk to a local kitchen supplier.

Choose your cleaning cloth carefully

Using the appropriate cleaning cloth is essential to maintaining the best finish. You should avoid using abrasive options, such as a metal or plastic scourer, as these can permanently damage or scratch the finish. Always choose a lint-free option, such as a cloth or paper towel, to clean marks and spills. For a streak-free finish, go back over the surface with a dry, clean cloth after cleaning the splashback.

Use the right cleaning materials

You should take as much care in choosing your cleaning products as you do your cleaning cloths. Your splashback material will determine what you should use to clean it. You might need something as simple as a glass or all-purpose cleaner, or you may need to choose a specialised stainless-steel cleaner. When in doubt, chances are that you can safely stick with just a solution of water-diluted, gentle dishwashing detergent. Regardless of your splashback material, always avoid harsh or abrasive chemicals.

Don’t let spills stand

If you let spills or food splashes sit, they are much harder to remove, and they can even permanently stain the splashback or grout. Get in the habit of cleaning spills as soon as they occur, and you will be ahead of the game when it comes to keeping your splashback looking great.

Seal the splashback

Sealing a splashback will protect it from water, regardless of its material. A stone splashback will need resealing every few years while a tie splashback will only need the grout resealed. Also, check the integrity of the border of silicone that helps the splashback maintain its water impermanence, as it might need to be replaced periodically.

Categories
Pets

How to pet proof your home

Welcoming a furry friend into your home and heart is new and exciting but knowing exactly what environment is needed for a new pup is hard to pinpoint, especially for first-time dog owners. With almost 4.2 million pet dogs in Australia, there’s no doubt we love our four-legged friends and whether it’s your first dog or another furry addition, here are some simple ways to make your home dog friendly.

1. Let ’em run free!

An outdoor space is essential to cater for energetic dogs. While it can depend on the breed – a German Shepherd will require more space to run free than a Dachshund – a back or front yard will be loved by all dogs. An outdoor space will also help with the potty training.

While you want them to get plenty of exercise, you’ll also need to make sure your fences are up to scratch.

The best way to avoid your pet getting out of your garden and onto the main road, or into someone else’s space and causing a mess, is to ensure that your fences and gates are high enough for them not to be able to jump or climb over.

If you have hedgerows, it’s also a good idea to put some metal netting along the hedging, so they can’t burrow their way through the hedge and into your neighbour’s garden too.

2. Harder the floor, the better

The harder the floor of your home, the better it is for your dog. 

After a daily walk, your pet’s paws are going to accumulate germs and not to mention a buildup of grass and dirt from a visit to the park. Let them have their fun without harbouring the hair, bacteria and lovely smell of an afternoon walk. If you live with a carpeted floor, keep your family away from unwanted germs with the right carpet cleaner near you.

Better yet, convert to tiles or hardwood flooring to keep your floor scratch-free, and provide a cool place for your dog to nap on warmer days.

For dogs, hardwood or tile floors are best / Source: Karin’s Pet Sitting Services

3. Lock it up

Some people tend to underestimate the brain power of a pet, but it’s not at all out of their reach to be able to open a door and find their way out! Animals are clever! For this reason, whenever possible, keep your doors locked, or at least the ones they have access to. It’s not difficult for someone to pop around to your house and open the door, and not realise they’ve not closed it properly, which gives your pet an excellent opportunity to go outside.

Similarly, gates should always be kept locked. The reason for this is that they aren’t as secure as doors are, and can quickly flip open or not be closed properly when someone goes outside. This means that the slightest impact against them, e.g. your pet jumping up at the gate, can cause the latch to open, and your pet can easily get outside. Keeping both options locked will ensure that your pet can’t escape out onto a busy main road, or explore the local area where there might be cars or other animals around.

3. Protect your furniture

You should also consider the types of couches and chairs you already have. A faux leather couch is your best bet because it won’t absorb odours and it’s easy to wipe clean from shedding of hair. Don’t forget that couch slip-overs are also an option as they are easily machine washable.

The best way to keep your furniture stink-free is to groom your dog from time to time.

4. Secure your bin lids

Regular flip bins are very easy for pets to get inside, where there is all manner of delicious leftovers for them to munch away on. Of course, this issue has two sides to it, because leftovers could be entirely unsuitable for your pet’s stomach and cause illness, and it will undoubtedly leave a mess on your floor at the very least.

It ultimately depends on how eager your pet is to get inside your bin. Some pets will never even try it, but some might be very determined! On the whole, regular swing bins aren’t a great idea, and a bin which pulls out of a cupboard (with a lock on the cupboard door) is an excellent way to go. This means your household garbage is contained and can’t be reached, and you don’t have to worry about cleaning up a mess or your pet becoming ill.

Of course, you should take your trash outside regularly, but what if your pet likes to rummage through your outdoor bins? This is more of an issue, but it is possible to make sure these are less accessible. If you have a large free-standing wheelie-bin, prop it against a wall and put a heavy weight on top of the lid, which can’t be tipped over. Make sure you put this centrally, so your pet can’t jump up and knock it over, which could cause injury. Alternatively, a better option could be to invest in clips which fit on your bin lids and keep them closed.

If you can keep your outdoor bins in a section of the garden or yard where your pet can’t access, even better!

5. Keep anything harmful well out of reach

When it comes to pet proofing, think like you would when proofing a home for a child. A lot of this is common sense, and being one step ahead. That means that anything potentially harmful, such as medications, chemical cleaning products, wash powders, etc., should always be kept out of reach.

It’s easy to put washing powders on lower levels or the floor, near to the washing machine, but a very inquisitive pet could get into this and perhaps eat it, which would cause illness. The same can be said for any medications or cleaning products.

Source: Rhiannon’s Devine Pet Grooming

Keep items such as high on higher levels, perhaps a shelf which is way above any height they could reach. This means you can gain the access you need, but your pet can’t. While cats are agile and can climb, they’re unlikely to climb up high to items such as this, and it’s mainly dogs which are more likely to do so. Also, always make sure that you place medications in containers which have tight lids on them (plastic boxes are ideal), that you keep the lids screwed on tightly on any chemical cleaning products. If you can put wash powders into a plastic box with a lid, even better as an extra precaution.

Consider things like stair gates, and cupboard and draw locks to keep your pet getting into anything they shouldn’t.

6. Build a doggy door

A doggy door is a small frame with a flap that is installed into a door so that your dog can enter and exit your home whenever they choose, reducing the need for you to have to let them in. Doggy doors are available in a variety of sizes and can be installed on all types of doors and in some cases, even a wall. When you are done using the doggy door for the day, there is a security panel that you can latch into place, securing your house from other animals. 

Installing a doggy door is an easy DIY job, however there a few instance where it’s best to leave it a professional:

  • Installing onto a glass door
  • Onto a wall – as you may disrupt the wiring or structural integrity

To install the door yourself, you will need to measure your pet to ensure your doggy door will be big enough. Using the doggy door as a guide, mark each corner then drill a hole in each corner and use a jigsaw to begin cutting out the space where the door will go. Sand evenly around the edges, then screw the doggy door into place.

Categories
Building & renovations

Your essential guide to café design and fit-outs

Everyone in the hospitality industry knows; the café business is cut throat. Every year hundreds of Australians take the plunge and open their own cafe or coffee shop, often realising a lifelong dream.  Unfortunately, many will fail long before they have made their owners any money.

The café fit out is usually the biggest expense a new café owner will face. Get it wrong and the business is destined to fail, but get it right and you will have a thriving business on your hands.

So before you start, we’d like to offer some common sense advice on how to plan a successful fit-out and start your café business off on the right foot.

Know your budget

To lay the foundations for success, every new café owner should have a tight business plan. Managing ongoing costs will be key to the long-term success of your café, but initially, set up costs (including the cost of your fit out) will be your biggest expense, and the biggest risk you take.

There are several factors to consider when completing a cafe fit-out / Source: Blank Creatives

According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, more than 60 percent of small businesses cease operating in the first 3 years. A major reason for this is a lack of capital. If you spend too much on your fit-out you won’t have sufficient cash to run your business and will be destined for failure.

It will be very tempting to break the bank creating the café of your dreams but always remember, the more you spend on your fit out, the more you will need to turn over to break even or service any debt you incurred starting the business.

Whether fitting out a hole-in-the-wall coffee shop or a sprawling garden café, you need a realistic budget that you can stick to, and that all starts with a solid business plan.

Know your audience

First and foremost, your fit out must meet the needs of your customers. During planning, you should have spent plenty of time considering who your customers will be, and how your café will meet their needs. New café owners often try to be all things to all people. Most would be better off focussing on the needs of their core customers first.

For example, if your target audience is busy office workers collecting takeaway coffee and food, your fit out design will need to focus on customer flow and use of space. You will need clearly defined areas for ordering, waiting and collecting. Large signage that can be seen from anywhere in the cafe will speed up your line. Furniture and barriers can be used to gently guide customers where you want them to go.

If you want your clientele to sit down, relax and stay a while, your fit out needs to be spacious, comfortable and welcoming, it’s all about knowing your customer and designing for their needs.

Know Your Space

With good planning and design, a café can work in almost any space. Good design is making the best of what you have rather than trying to fit the right café into the wrong space.

The size and shape of your premises will dictate the kind of fit out that will work. Even if your dream café has luxurious soft booths or banquette seating, if it doesn’t fit, or reduces your seating capacity you will have to compromise if you want to stay in business.

Don’t neglect outdoor areas. If you are lucky enough to have a garden or courtyard area, consider a fit out design that makes the most of your extra space.

Take a good look at the bones of your building. You may discover some lovely old features you can use as a design element in your fit out. Exposed brickwork, hardwood floors and structural beams all add character to space and tie your business to the history of the building it is in.

To theme or not to theme

Kids and families love themed cafes! If that’s your target market, a big, bold, novelty theme is a great marketing strategy to get large profitable family groups through the door.

As with any design ideas, there are thousands of good, bad and downright ridiculous examples. A theme that is charming to one customer is tacky to another. When considering a theme, you should keep your customers front of mind in your designs. Try to resist indulging your own quirks too much. Remember your café is a business first,  if the customers don’t like your shelves of Star Wars memorabilia, they’ll have to go.

Instead of a specific theme, consider including a common design thread or colour that runs through the name, menu and fit-out design of the café.

Coffee is king

The espresso machine is the single most important decision you will make when fitting out your cafe. When picking a coffee machine for your café you need to consider:

Size & position: Your coffee machine (and barista) need to fit in your café. It will also need to be near a power supply, water supply and waste drainage.

Group heads: As a part of your business plan you should have estimated how many customers you will be serving at your busiest time.  Most cafes have a 2 or 3 group machine but you will need to factor in how many baristas you have working and how much coffee you will be serving per week when making your decision.

Boiler: Commercial espresso machines usually have 1 boiler, 2 boilers or a heat exchanger. Talk to your barista, they may have a preference or consider your clientele, the main drawback of a single boiler is you cannot draw coffee and froth milk at the same time, which can limit capacity.

Automatic or semi-automatic: Automatic machines take the pressure of your barista to control water flow, freeing them up to perform other tasks. However, some baristas prefer to be in control of the extraction process so will prefer a semi-automatic machine.

Price: Espresso machines vary greatly in price. Consider a reputable brand, that has the right mix of features and capabilities of your business. Your coffee machine is a big expense, but as the heart of your business, it should be seen as an investment. Some makers offer to lease and rent-to-own options. Servicing and maintenance may be an additional expense or built into your lease agreement.

An espresso machine is one of the biggest investments in a new cafe / Source: ADSWORK

Use your ears

If you are installing a sound system as part of your fit out, consider what your customer will be doing in your cafe. Whether business people in for a meeting or friends catching up, most customers won’t want their conversations overheard but won’t want to have to shout to be heard.

The acoustics of your space will affect how sound behaves in your café.  Hard flat surfaces will bounce sound around and will sound ‘noisy’, while soft surfaces at a lot of different angles will soak up the sound, letting customers hear the music, or each other more clearly.

The system you settle on will influence the ‘vibe’ of your café and is another cue you are giving potential customers about the experience they can expect at your café.

Give your compliments to the chef

Your kitchen fit-out will be one of the biggest expenses you face. If you have the budget, it is best to get professional advice about the equipment and installation you will need. At the very least, talk to the people who will be using the kitchen to produce your menu, they may have specific ideas about the layout or equipment that they prefer.

Lighting is key

The key to good café lighting is flexibility. Your café will probably be mostly open during the day and if you have nice big windows you may be able to make do with natural light. Customers need to be able to see their coffee, food and your menu but apart from that, the lighting should reflect the mood you think suits your customers best.

Contact local interior designers

Pick the right people

As you can see, a lot goes into a successful café fit out. A lot of new business owners get themselves into trouble by not preparing for the expense and complexity of a successful café fit out. If you haven’t started a café before, it may be a good idea to enlist some professional help from either a designer or a hospitality industry consultant. You may save money in the long run by avoiding common mistakes new business owners often make when starting their café.

Categories
Kitchen

5 simple kitchen renovation ideas

1. Vinyl wrap kitchen cabinet doors

Kitchen cabinets don’t just provide storage; theyre also a primary focal point for any kitchen. Switching up your kitchen cabinets is an easy way to add a decorative touch to any type of kitchen space, no matter what the size. Vinyl wrap are durable enough to stand up to everyday wear and tear, and they also look fabulous. Made from medium-density fiberboard (MDF) thats been cut, shaped and coated with glue, and then covered with pressed vinyl that goes completely around the door so that there are no visible joints.

Vinyl wrap doors are incredibly versatile, as MDF panels can be cut and shaped in a huge range of styles, from simple, flat designs to ornate surfaces that resemble carved wood. The vinyl wrap is available in a wide array of colours, textures and finishes, including simulated wood veneers and glosses.

Source: Ryan Linnegar Photography

Vinyl wrap doors are extremely popular with homeowners on a budget because they can replicate the look of wood so well. They cost significantly less than natural wood cabinets, but you have to look closely to see the difference. In addition to smooth wood grains, vinyl wrap can also simulate the look of different varieties of textured wood. This means that if you already have wood features in your kitchen, you’ll be able to select vinyl door coverings that will tone in beautifully.

Caring for vinyl wrap doors

Vinyl wrap doors are ideal for kitchen cabinetry because theyre incredibly durable. The MDF material is scratch resistant, so you dont have to worry about chips and marks. It is also engineered to seal out water and moisture, so your cabinets wont be in danger of warping. In addition, vinyl wrap doors require very little maintenance. You’ll never need to sand, paint or revarnish your vinyl wrapped doors, and they’ll never need furniture oil. To clean them, all you need to do is wipe them with a soft cloth or sponge and warm soapy water, and then allow them to air dry. Avoid using chemical cleaners, as these may damage the vinyl. For stubborn stains, you can apply a bit of methylated spirits, and then rinse clean. Otherwise, the only other maintenance you’ll need to do is oil the hinges occasionally.

2. New benchtops

What is the first thing to wear out in the kitchen? Often it is the benchtop. From all the spilling, chopping, and general wear and tear that benchtops take, upgrading to a new laminate, granite, or even marble top can make a vast improvement to the overall modernised look of your kitchen.

There are several different factors that need to go into your benchtop selection. First, think about how big you’ll need to make your benchtop; as a general rule, they should be between 600-900mm deep. Remember, if they’re too wide, you won’t be able to reach all the items you’ll need – but don’t make it too small as to detract from the food preparation! Figure our how many people are going to be preparing food, and get a benchtop that has room enough for all of them to do the work.

After that, you’ll have to figure out what your benchtop will actually look like. This is important, since the benchtop is such an important, dominating part of the kitchen.

Benchtop materials

You want to pick out a tiled benchtop that both fits into the existing decor and is practical enough to fit into your lifestyle. More serious cooks might want to go for heat and scratch-resistant materials, while casual cooks might want to go for laminates. Additionally, figure out how much of a renovation you’d like to do. Just replacing the benchtops might be more complicated than it seems – you might have to figure out how structurally sound your kitchen is before you do any work.

Granite is durable and resistant but needs to be sealed on a regular basis. The blended material Corian is seamless, stain- and heat-resistant and available in a range of options. The marble looks great but requires plenty of sealants. Quartz is low-maintenance and very durable. Concrete is very popular nowadays and can be cast right on-site, but has to be sealed often. Laminate is economical and versatile. Tiled kitchen benchtops offer plenty of designs, and are available in several different materials. Hardwood is sturdy and perfect for the home cook who wants to get serious.

Contact local kitchen renovators

From bargain to expensive, kitchen benchtops are available at a variety of prices. However, even if you are on a strict budget, do not skip the laminate benchtops. They are highly cost effective and will last for many years with little maintenance. Also, they are available in a variety of colours, effects and patterns. There are finishes that resemble stone or timber, so you can have that look without the cost. Additionally, laminates are available in designer options to provide stylistic flare to your kitchen. Use laminate benchtops in conjunction with laminated splash backs, doors and drawer fronts.

5. Splashbacks

Consider filling the gap between your new counters and cabinet doors. Connect your cupboards and benchtop elements by installing new splashbacks. Options for this feature include acrylic splashbacks, glass splashbacks, and even LED splashback which can install straight over your existing one.

Source: Mitroteam Projects

4. Small, personal touches

One of the quickest and least expensive ways of giving your kitchen the makeover it deserves is to add some personal touches. Let’s take a look at how we can do this on a budget:

  • Grow flowers on your windowsill: Find a colourful flower or useful herb to grow indoors on a windowsill.
  • Update your small appliances: You do not have to run out and buy a new stove or refrigerator unless you really want and need to. Instead, you can just update some of the smaller, frequently used appliances in your kitchen. Think about adding an element of colour while you’re out shopping for these; it will bring a new element to your kitchen countertops.

Also, think about swapping out those old handles and hinges for some new, interesting ones. There is a lot of freedom in this upgrade, as home decor suppliers have a huge range of options for you to choose from.

5. A fresh coat of paint

One of the easiest and most effective ways to hit refresh on a tired space is a fresh coat of paint. Depending on the layout of your kitchen, this could be a great option.

Another option to revamp your kitchen is a door respray or finish. You could paint over suede paint with a more durable and easier-to-clean 2-pack paint, or opt for a Japan black finish for a sleek and modern look. However, if you’re not confident in your DIY skills, it’s best to leave it to the professionals to avoid a potential floor disaster.

In addition, if you have a display cabinet that does not seem to be getting the most attention, think about painting its back wall with a bright vibrant colour that can breathe a new life into it.

Categories
Design & technology

How to market your small business online

Getting a small business off the ground is a challenging, time consuming and costly exercise. After going through the effort of planning and setting up, the next thing you need to focus on is getting found by potential customers.

Usually, this means paying for ads. Thankfully though, there are ways that you can get around paid advertising, to begin with, especially when your budget may be a little low after paying for setup. Instead, you could invest in a professional graphic designer to revamp your logo or animation on your site. Or maybe you don’t yet have an online website and need to hire a qualified web designer or developer. Below, we’ve gone through the top 6 advertising methods that you can engage in to get your small business off the ground.

Source: Blue Platypus

Google my business

If you’re wondering how thousands of businesses manage to appear on Google Maps, then the chances are that they have a Google My Business profile. These are completely free and are a great way to help potential customers discover you.

Many internet users perform search queries which include terms such as “near me” e.g. “lawyers near me”. With an optimised Google My Business profile, you could appear in both Google’s search results and Maps for related customer queries.

Some of the key benefits of owning a Google My Business profile include:

  • You can get found on Google Maps
  • A potential customer can build their trust of your business through customer reviews
  • Information such as opening/closing and peak visit times is available on demand
  • An optimised GMB profile helps improve your search rankings

Google My Business also offers insights on how many people visited your profile, and whether they did so via Maps or a search query. If you see that it’s beginning to pay off, you can always pay to show up at the top of the maps pack, which will help your business generate even more enquiries.

Social media

Social media networks are visited by billions of people every day. As a result, they’ve become a mighty competitive space between businesses. In fact, social media websites Facebook and YouTube are the second- and third, most visited websites in the world.

It’s no secret that just about all social media channels have become a “pay to play” environment in terms of exposure to new customers. Though there are always ways to beat the system.

Generally, posting content across Facebook, Instagram and YouTube are completely free, albeit with limited exposure. With Facebook in particular, though, you can take things one step further.

There are many neighbourhood community Facebook groups, each presenting an opportunity to reach a localised audience. Every time a new post is made within these groups, users are notified.

To find a neighbourhood community group, begin by typing in a suburb name in the Facebook search bar. Then, you will see a list of related groups under the “groups” tab. When you find your group, join and then you can begin posting away. Just be mindful of any community posting rules.

Another great way to increase exposure via social media is with the use of “stories”. This is a feature derived from Snapchat and has been adopted by Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.

Email marketing

The letterbox drop of the 21st century, email marketing is among the most effective online advertising channels. You can take advantage of email marketing platforms such as Mail Chimp who offer their services for free for up to 2,000 subscribers.

The trickiest part is building up a relevant subscriber list. Depending on how aggressively you want to generate subscribers, this could be a costly exercise, though we’ll keep to the free methods.

The easiest and cheapest way to acquire a new email subscriber is to ask a customer in person. If someone has engaged with your business already, then the chances are that they will be more open to receiving emails from you due to familiarity.

Another great way to obtain new email addresses for free is through the use of lead magnets. For example, if you own a pool cleaning business, then you can offer a free downloadable pool safety checklist in exchange for website visitor emails. This is something that you can ask your web design expert to setup for you.

The final free method that we’re going to is the method of blogging. Essentially, this is offering free and useful information to your website visitors. Take this article, for example. At the end of the article, you can place a newsletter sign up form. Then, users who find your articles useful might be inclined to subscribe.

Abandoned cart emails

If you own an e-commerce site, chances are you’ve experienced customers leaving your site before finalising their purchase or completing a form. This is can be referred to as an abandoned cart. A way to win back these customers is to implement an abandoned cart email strategy for your business.

Firstly, this involves capturing the customer’s right email in the early steps of your online form. As long as you can successfully capture your potential customer’s email, you can target them with a personalised follow-up email.

There are multiple reasons why a customer may have leave part-way during your checkouts process, from the shipping costs being too high to getting distracted. Strategies for your abandoned cart emails can include sending easy steps to complete their purchase or creating a clear call-to-action.

Another strategy can you implement is applying a multivariant split test on both your email campaigns and landing pages. By implementing this technique, we were able to convert 60% of users who landed on our abandoned cart landing page.

Local citations

Local citations are the digital version of those thick Yellow Pages books that were once delivered to your door on an annual basis. Here you can input your business details such as name, address, phone number, trading hours, services you offer, website address and more.

Admittedly, these have become less effective as free advertising methods, and many businesses have moved over to paid services such as ours where you only pay when you get a potential customer.

Online directories mainly apply to businesses with physical addresses. If you don’t operate from a physical address though, you can look for link roundups related to your services online. Then, ask these websites to include your site as well.

Contact local SEO and SEM experts

Review websites

Many customers turn to review websites to find out whether or not a business is worth visiting or not. Think of Word of Mouth. Not only is it the best way to get free publicity, but on this Australian site, customers can leave reviews about businesses such as restaurants and bars, dentists, beauty salons, doctors and more.

The best part about Word of Mouth is that the brand has built trust among its community members, meaning that all you have to worry about is getting some positive reviews. The Word of Mouth website receives thousands of visitors on a monthly basis, so this represents a massive opportunity in terms of reach.

Thankfully, Word of Mouth allows you to list your business for free. Using the free profile, you can respond to customer reviews, upload photos and even post your own deals. There are also paid options, which allow you to create targeted ads, including customer support and even remove competitor ads from appearing on your profile.

Categories
Gardening & landscaping

A complete guide to indoor plants

Indoor plants have become a calling card of the millennial decor, and with good reason. Once extremely popular (the 1970s saw a boom in indoor plant life), this style is suddenly back in vogue. Try it out – you might be pleasantly surprised at the difference in the house after you bring some flora inside.

If you’re looking to hop onto the trend and unsure where to start, here’s some helpful tips on which plantlife might be the best addition to your home.

Benefits of indoor plants

Indoor plant life can add a real boost to your home. A few of the right kinds of plants can add a touch of beauty to any room in the house, especially for extremely urban environments where nature is limited to what springs up between the cracks in the cement. In those cases, you should definitely try to add just the slightest touch of green to your life. Having plants around is also very relaxing. Coming home to see your plants grow is automatically revitalising and helping to take care of them can serve as a calm, soothing release after a long day.

Indoor plants look great, and also help to purify the air in your home / Source: Alice Bonicelli Interior Design

Another bonus? Plants will help clean and purify the air around you – removing pollution. So not only will your house look better, you’ll breathe better in it. You don’t even need a whole garden’s worth of plant life; just one or two will work wonders! 

Types of indoor plants

There are a myriad of options when it comes to selecting a type of indoor plant. While considering your options, it’s important you consider how much maintenance and light they require – and if that fits your home and lifestyle.

If you decide to bring a few plants inside your house, there are a few specific species you should try. 

  • Weeping Fig plants are extremely durable. If you’re the forgetful type who might go a few days without watering or caring for your plants, this kind of plant should still be just fine. Weeping Figs also last for quite a long time. 
  • Peace Lily plants are quite beautiful and grow fine in darkened parts of the house; just be sure not to overwater them.
  • Philodendron, or”Xanadu” plants are compact plants that also do very well in darker areas.  
  • Lady Palm trees grow very slowly but look very beautiful – just ensure that they are placed in rooms without air conditioning. 
  • Dracaena trees are also very elegant, but need to be watered constantly. 
  • Poinsettias aren’t just for Christmas anymore. They do very well as indoor plants and add a nice touch of colour to any apartment. 
  • Orchids add an exotic, gorgeous touch to any home, and they also come in plenty of beautiful varieties.  

Caring for your indoor plants

Select plants which go with the overall room decor. Indoor plants are the perfect way to decorate an empty corner, or as a room divider, or as a connecting link between your indoor and outdoor areas.

Tending to your indoor plants

Plants need to adjust to a new environment before they can be permanently left indoors. They can be taken indoors anytime, if you have a year around regulated heating system at home. If not, try to get the plant acclimatised before bringing it indoors fully, in order to avoid damage. Place it on the southern end of the house where it will not get direct sunlight, while also reducing the quantity of food and water afforded it. You can ascertain whether it has adjusted well and take it indoors when it shows signs of new growth.

Plants have growth spurts during the warmer season, and should be taken outdoors to have fertiliser applied. Water soluble fertilisers have an advantage over organic ones as they are odourless. Fish and organic seaweed are perfect fertilisers as they allow the plants to absorb the essential nutrients. For aesthetic value and rapid growth, it is advisable to prune your plants occasionally. To keep away sap sucking pests, you could spray the plant with a special oil meant for the purpose.

Where to place indoor plants to give them adequate light

Exposure to direct sunlight is detrimental to the health of your indoor plants. On the other hand, lack of sufficient light can lead to pale and unhealthy plants, with thin, long, and weak stems; stunted new leaves, and overall stunted growth. They thrive best in well-lit areas with filtered sunlight. When leaves mature naturally, they turn yellow and fall off.

You need to understand the temperature and sunlight needs of your plant in order to position it best in your home. Plants which thrive in darker places are the Rochford holly fern, the Parlor and Kentia palms, aspidistra and sansevieria. Plants like the Devils ivy, Boston ferns, African violets, the Madonna lily, weeping figs and dracaenas, do well in bright spaces.

Water requirements of indoor plants

A plant needs more water during the summer, and less water if it is kept in dimly lit areas. However, it is advisable to check the soil for dampness before adding more water. Leaving water in the saucer can lead to rotting of the plant root. Brown spots on the leaves signal over watering, which is the greatest cause of plant death.

The best plants for your bathroom

The bathroom can be a tricky room in your home to decorate with plants and flowers. The limited amount of light and excessive humidity can be a nightmare for many plant species, but there are actually some that thrive in just these conditions. Here are some plants that you can keep in your bathroom to add some personal style and help keep the air fresh.

  • Aloe Vera: Just like many other members of the succulent family, aloes do not require too much attention. They can get by just fine with a dash of sunlight and some water once a week or so.
  • Bamboo: Lucky bamboo, despite the name, is not actually bamboo. It is a tough indoor plant that will thrive in either water, soil or crystal soil. If its green colour begins to fade or dull, simply make sure your bamboo gets an extra dose of sun.
  • Chain of hearts: Aptly named, this is one house plant you will love! Its heart-shaped leaves look especially stunning when this plant is displayed as a hanging arrangement. This plant also only needs to be watered moderately during the warmer summer months.
  • Dieffenbachia: You may know this plant better as dumb cane. It has broad, oval-shaped leaves and can do very well without much light at all. On the other hand, this cream and green beauty will need some extra water to help it flourish.
  • Ferns: Ferns are known to enjoy rainforest type settings. This means loads of moisture in the air and indirect sunlight.
  • Figs: With their glossy leaves, figs can handle moderate light but will need some extra water in the summer.
  • Orchids: Nothing quite compares to the beauty of an orchid. Whether in bloom or not, they will give your bathroom a real touch of class. They do very well with a medium amount of light. You can ease off on the watering during the winter months, but summer calls for a regular watering routine.
  • Spider Plant: This plant is part of the lily family and does very well without much care at all. It will need an adequate amount of light and looks especially stunning when displayed in hanging form.
Stylish modern white bathroom with bathtub and indoor plant on windowsill
Source: Ryan Linnegar Photography

Spotlight on maidenhair ferns

Who wouldn’t love to have a maidenhair fern in their living room or their kitchen? With its delicate, lacy appearance and soothing green hues, a maidenhair fern is a resilient plant that can make an ideal addition to your house.

As the name suggests, a maidenhair fern is a type of fern that can be grown both indoors and outdoors. There are many varieties of maidenhair ferns and some varieties, like the \”Fragrans,\” thrive better indoors as they cannot tolerate excessive sunlight. Similarly, other varieties, like the Valley Mist and Rough Maidenhair, are commonly grown outdoors. 

Contact local gardeners

Caring for maidenhair ferns

Location: If you are growing an indoor maidenhair fern, choose a spot that is not prone to temperature fluctuations, like the bathroom. At the same time, make sure that the position remains fixed as maidenhair ferns are very sensitive to changes in moisture, temperature, etc. Indoor ferns can be grown in pots, hanging baskets, or terrariums. Finally, never place them in a dark spot, and protect them from temperature extremes.

If you are interested in growing outdoor ferns, select a spot that is partially shaded since these ferns require only moderate sunlight and an appropriate level of moisture. 

Sunlight: They require adequare, yet moderate sunlight. Place them in a well-lit spot but out of direct exposure if outdoors

Water: You will need to water your maidenhair fern regularly as they thrive under high moisture conditions. They also require regular application of liquid fertilisers for proper growth and development. If you are worried that you might forget to water your maidenhair fern regularly, invest in a self-watering pot. These pots have a reservoir of water, which is released into the plant at regular intervals.

Pests: Maidenhair ferns are also prone to infections in the form of pests. Therefore, make sure that you use a protective spray like Confidor, but always use the spray outdoors where there is decent ventilation. 

Repotting: Typically, these ferns need to be repotted once in two years. In the meantime, if the ferns become too large, repot and divide them into two or three parts. To ensure regular growth, use high quality potting mixture with adequate levels of sand and peat. While potting, be careful not to insert the crown of the fern inside the soil as this would arrest further growth. Finally, prune dead ends with a simple pair of scissors every now and then. 

Categories
Building & renovations

4 ways to create a self-sufficient home

There is a lot of talk about sustainability these days, especially when it comes to home design. Finding a sustainable home design is important not only for your budget’s sake, but also from an eco-conscious view point as well. Australia now has stringent requirements for builders of new structures to create buildings that are sustainable and energy efficient.

Designing a sustainable home

Designing a sustainable home is about choosing materials that are not necessarily cost-effective now, but will last the longest and provide the most wear. It is important when designing a home that you ensure that the design will work for some time to come with energy efficient aspects such as a north facing living room, energy efficient windows, open floor plan, and more.

Source: S.F.D Caringbah

What is sustainability?

Sustainability is the ability to endure through change and requirement. A sustainable home design is not only appealing and attractive but energy efficient, spacious, and provides effective use of square footage. Other aspects of sustainability include good insulation, sealed windows, energy efficient heating system and minimal use of natural resources.

Sustainable home design principles

Sustainable home design principles include:

  • Prime location, orientation and landscaping to maximize exposure to natural sunlight and breezes.
  • Solar energy elements
  • Water recycling and efficiency
  • Alternate energy sources such as solar or wind power
  • Low energy consumption
  • Recycled materials

Ways to create a self sufficient home

1. Save water

Unless you have a well somewhere on your property, going completely off the grid when it comes to the water supply is nearly impossible; still, it doesn’t mean that there’s nothing you can do to save water and minimise its consumption. You can collect rainwater from your own rooftop and use it for the toilet, washing clothes, and watering plants. What is more, if you properly maintain your rainwater tank and follow the Department of Health’s guidelines, you can use it for cooking too. Having a rainwater tank can save you a lot of money. You can also save water you used for washing your hands and use it to flush your toilet, for example.

2. Waste management

We all make a lot of waste every day, but if you start sorting it, recycling, and making compost, you will be able to minimize the impact you have on the environment. Compost is easy to make, all you need are organic materials you can layer: scraps of vegetables from your kitchen, grass clippings after mowing your lawn, dry leaves and twigs in autumn, as well as shredded paper. You will also need a bit of soil in order to create a concoction which becomes humus which you will be able to use to fertilize your garden naturally. Keep in mind that dairy and meat products shouldn’t be thrown in compost bins, as these attract the ‘wrong’ kind of insects.

3. The sun is your friend

It’s possible to produce your own electricity and not pay for it by installing solar panels on the roof of your home or pick free-standing ones and leave them in an open area. Solar panels use the sun’s rays and warmth and convert them into electrical energy which you can use to power your home in any way: for cooking, electrical appliances, charging your phone… You name it! Even though they used to be rather expensive and difficult to get, solar panels are more affordable today than ever. They will allow you to save a lot of money too: a 5kw solar system will save you up to $1800 a year. As the electricity prices rise every day, solar panels are a common sight everywhere.

Solar is a renewable source of energy and can help save you money on bills / Source: Hot Water Heroes Pty Ltd

4. Natural heating & cooling

Your heating and cooling systems are taking up a lot of energy and money, so by switching to solar panels, your monthly bills will be significantly lower. Your reliance on these can also be reduced, however, if you make small changes in your household: if you opt for increased ceiling and wall insulation as well as double glazed windows, you won’t have to rely on artificial heating and cooling. The best thing is that both of these things can be added as building sustainability upgrades for your modular home. Also, you’ll want to close off areas of your home which you aren’t using all the time: living room during the night and bedrooms during the day.

Wrap up

Turning to alternative sources to provide your own heating, cooling, and water, as well as to manage your own waste is a great way to do something for our planet. You might think that it’s not much, but you’d be surprised to discover how much those ‘little things’ matter when you consider the bigger picture. Attaining self-sufficiency is challenging, but definitely worth it, and if you’re willing to put in more effort, you’ll manage to get your own self-sufficient home and do something for the environment.

Categories
Heating & cooling

A complete guide to gas heating

When the frigid temperatures of winter hit, you don’t want your home to become uncomfortable and cold. You want to be cozy and warm! You can achieve a comfortable temperature in your house all winter long by having gas heating installed in your home.

What is gas heating?

Any heater in your home that uses natural gas or liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) is a gas heater. They produce large quantities of heat, which makes them popular. They’re also much more cost efficient to run than electric and are more energy efficient than other methods of heating. Several types of gas heaters exist; however, they fall into one of two categories unflued or flued. Unflued gas heaters lack a vent, so the emissions are released into whichever room they’re located. There are strict emissions requirements for this type of heater, but they still aren’t suited for rooms with bad ventilation. They’re dangerous in small rooms as well. Fluid heaters have vents and are safe for small rooms and rooms that aren’t ventilated well.

Gas heaters come in different varieties including the following:

  • Convective space heaters
  • Gas ducted heating
  • Radiant space heaters
  • Gas fireplaces
  • Gas powered hydronic heating
  • Gas log fires

Gas heating installation

It’s good to know that there are several different ways to use gas to heat your home. Portable gas fireplaces are one option to heat your living areas. Space heaters are another. If you currently have an outlet in your home for them, then they’re simple to hook up. The outlet is known as a bayonet fitting, and it connects to your heater. If you choose permanent fireplaces or ducted heating, you may have a bit of a rough time installing them. For this reason, you should opt to hire a heating professional such as a gas fitter.

Maybe you don’t even have a gas hookup at your home. In this case, you’ll need to have gas pipes installed. When natural gas isn’t available in your area, you can opt to use LPG. This particular type of gas is available in large bottles and must be replaced on a regular basis. Installing gas isn’t just complicated, it’s also very dangerous. Therefore, you should hire a registered gasfitter to complete the job.

Ducted gas heating

Vented ceiling ducts are typically made of sheet metal and run from your central heating unit to various rooms in your home. These ducts are installed in the ceiling cavity and are connected to ceiling vents that allow the warm air to flow into the room.

The installation of vented ceiling ducts is a complex process that requires specialized knowledge and tools. A professional heating installer or duct fitter can help you determine the best location for your ducts and vents, as well as the appropriate size and materials for your specific home. Find someone to work with so that in the future, you don’t have to worry about how to remove ducted heating ceiling vents and how to put them back.

Benefits of ducted gas heating

1. Greater control

Ducted gas heating creates heat by burning gas in a central area and then uses the network of ducts to distribute heat throughout your home. Since ducting is modular, you can install it in as many or as few rooms as you want. This type of heating gives you more control because you can also specify different areas in your home that are heated only when you need them to be, such as heating your bedrooms at night and your living spaces during the day. As with all heating systems, you also have control over the exact temperature at all times.

2. Gain efficiency

Compared to electric heating, gas ducted heating is much more efficient in energy usage since gas is cheaper than electricity and it generates heat more effectively. Additionally, gas-generated heat burns cleanly and leaves little waste behind, so you aren’t using excessive resources. Stay on the lookout for a high “Energy star” rating as well so that you can ensure your gas ducted heating is as efficient as possible, thus saving you money in the long run.

3. Avoid outages

Another benefit of ducted gas heating is that since it doesn’t rely upon electricity to run, you won’t experience heating outages. Even if there’s a blackout in your neighbourhood, you’ll still have heat in your home. Moreover, because gas ducted heating is so efficient, you can effectively heat your entire home no matter how cold it is outside. Even if the outdoor temperature drops below 5 degrees, your house will still be warm without overloading your heating system and costing you more money.

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4. Healthier living

Finally, ducted gas heating is just healthier than other heating systems, which is good news for people with asthma or allergy problems. You’ll never worry about your heater completely drying out the air in your home, and any emissions from the gas are easily vented outside, so as not to pollute your air quality. However, there’s no need to be concerned over emissions from ducted gas heating because it actually produces far less than solid fuel heating systems.

How much is gas heating installation?

If you already have gas hooked up to your home, it’s inexpensive to install. And even if you don’t have gas, the price is still relatively cheap. A majority of the price is the expense of the heater itself. Keep in mind, installation of gas ducted heating is about half the price of electric ducted heating.