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What Lighting Is Best to Reduce Energy Consumption?
November 15th, 2011A good portion of your energy consumption is brought to you by your lighting system. A long time ago, your choices include the incandescent and the fluorescent bulbs. And though they glow like forever, they also consume considerable energy.
The search for something “greener” has led manufacturers to come up with two: LED and CFL.
CFL stands for compact fluorescent light. It is well-known for its very distinctive twisted lightbulb. Though it is slimmer as well as smaller than the usual fluorescent bulbs, CFLs are extremely powerful and very efficient. They can help you reduce your lighting consumption to as much as 80 percent. They may be initially expensive, but they can last very long, for around 10 years. It’s also very easy to fit CFLs to any home since they use the standard socket dimension.
Meanwhile, you have the LED lights. A light source is actually composed of several LEDs or light emitting diodes. They are preferred by a number of homes since they are very cool. Simply put, they do not make the surroundings feel so humid. They are also very affordable, and a very small LED light can already illuminate a good amount of space. LEDs can also run without the use of any electricity but only batteries. This further helps you save energy.
Like CFLs, LED lights have a very long life span of around 100,000 hours—that is roughly 11 years of continuous operation. They are also durable and are resistant to heat and shock.
To make the switch, call and arrange for a qualified Gold Coast electrician from STO Property Maintenance Group to visit your address today.
Water Saving Devices to Reduce Your Water Usage
November 1st, 2011By the rate things are going, it won’t be long before we’re all going to be fighting for water, and we know how hard things are going to be then. Fortunately, as early as now, we already have a way on how control our water habits through the help of certain devices.
Dual-flash Toilets
The concept of dual flash toilets is fairly new. It may also seem weird. However, once you understand the principle behind it, you’re going to appreciate it and wish you can have it on your bathroom too. The toilet, as its name suggests, has two sets of flush, dispensing different amounts of water. You press the small button if you only have liquid waste such as urine and the big one for solid wastes such as fecal matter. This doesn’t mean you no longer consume water for the commode. However, the amount of water you use is commensurate to the waste material.
Low-flow Showerhead
We all love the effects of shower, especially if they’re gushing very fast. They seem to be working on all our pressure points, somehow massaging us in the process. But a lot of water is being wasted too. A number of experts have already recommended the use of the low-flow showerhead. It still gives off a strong current, but you reduce your water consumption to half or even more.
Drip Stop
A leaky tap drains not just water but also money. You need to fix it right away. Now one of the common causes is the rubber washer, which gets worn out as you close and open the faucet. The drip stop is your permanent solution.
To implement these water saving devices into your Gold Coast home or office, please call and arrange a free quote with a qualified Gold Coast plumber from STO Property Maintenance Group today.
Top 5 Ways an Electrician Can Reduce Your Energy Consumption
October 18th, 2011Whether you’re building or renovating a building or a home, it’s essential that you don’t perform the electrical systems all by yourself. You have to rely on a Gold Coast electrician—a professional one. That’s the only way you can take advantage of the following 5 benefits:
1. Create an efficient electrical plan. A Gold Coast electrician can help you develop an electrical wiring plan that uses the least amount of energy as much as possible. There will be no dead ends, and just the right amount of energy is being utilised by every running piece of equipment.
2. Incorporate systems that consume less energy. If you want to know what lighting systems, for example, consume less energy, you don’t have to go any further. Your electrician can answer that. What’s more, they don’t just tell you, but they can already integrate them into your home or building.
3. An electrician can maintain your wiring system. Why is this necessary? It’s like having a leaky faucet. You’re draining away money every time the water continues to flow from the tap. Besides, proper maintenance increases your safety level.
4. He can suggest ways on how to further reduce your electrical consumption. How you use your appliances is solely your discretion, but your electrician can teach you some strategies on how you can spend less on your electrical bills later on. For example, he may tell you why it’s necessary you should pull the plug instead of just pressing off when you’re not using appliances such as a television.
5. He can enhance ventilation. An electrician can also take care of your heating and cooling system. With his knowledge and expertise, he can improve ventilation so you don’t get to use your air-conditioning unit or heater often.
For any and all Electrical needs, contact Gold Coast electricians at STO Property Maintenance Group today.
The Importance of Gutter and Downpipe Maintenance
October 4th, 2011A lot of homeowners focus too much on the interior design of their property they forget to take notice on the less-beautiful but significantly important parts of the house, such as the downpipe and gutter.
The gutter and the downpipe almost share the same purpose: manage the flowing water that comes from the roof. To understand how these two really work, imagine the gutter running parallel to the roof; then the downpipe runs on the side of the wall. As rain pours, the gutter collects the rainwater then directs it to the downpipe or the spout. This way, water doesn’t seep in to your home, eventually weakening the structure in the long run.
Because they are highly integral in taking care of your home, they also have to be properly maintained. The gutter and downpipe, for example, can actually collect debris such as leaves and even water. If these are allowed to accumulate, the gutter will no longer be able to support them and break down, sometimes separating itself from the roof. Before you know it, the water starts running through the walls, leaving stains and grossly sight. If the downpipe isn’t cleaned, the debris can build up right inside it, still causing overflow.
You also have to see to it that both the downpipes and gutter are in their great shape. It may also be necessary to install a gutter guard.
You can definitely do all these things, but it’s best to be sure of it. You can call on an expert to help you in your roof maintenance. If you have problems with your downpipes or need general plumbing work down around your Gold Coast home or business call STO Property Maintenance Group today.
STO Property Maintenance Group Specialise in Plumbing & Gas work
September 20th, 2011A lot of the plumbing system is something you cannot see immediately since it’s hidden among piles of concrete, but you cannot ignore it completely. In fact, it’s one of the most essential components of your home. After all, it supplies the water you need.
On the other hand, millions of homes in Australia are converting from electric to natural gas because it’s a lot cheaper. As long as it’s maintained properly, LPG gas is also very safe.
Both, however, require a high level of installation knowledge you cannot just do it on your own. Fortunately you have Gold Coast Property Maintenance companies such as STO Property Maintenance Group to help you out.
How STO Property Maintenance Group Can Help
The company has been in full operations for 7 years. Today it already has hundreds of loyal patrons all over the Sunshine Coast, especially in Noosa Heads, as well as in Gold Coast and Brisbane. Its customer support and website receives around 30 inquiries per day, which is a testament of people’s interest in their services.
STO Property Maintenance Group specialises in several key areas, including plumbing and gas work. The contractors are trained to do the following:
- Installation, repair, and renovation of plumbing systems
- Installation and repair of LPG and natural gas
- Conversion from electric to natural or LPG gas
- Detection of gas leak
- Maintenance of running toilets, water filters, dishwashers, etc.
- Hot water and septic systems
- Repair of gutter and downpipe
The company is open to free evaluation of your Gold Coast home. They can also give you excellent and affordable plumbing and gas work quotes for the project. To start, send in your query through www.stoproperty.com.au.
STO Property Maintenance Group Qualified Gold Coast Electricians
September 6th, 2011Just imagine a home without proper electrical systems—or perhaps no electricity at all. Though going back to basics isn’t really bad, it also means several hours of hardship. There are plenty of things you cannot do immediately. In fact, you’ll feel very limited.
If something goes wrong with your electricity, or you need to have a better electrical plan, it’s therefore recommended you search for an electrician ASAP. If you’re living within the Gold Coast, you can call on STO Property Maintenance Group.
STO Property Maintenance Group takes pride in its over 5 years’ of electrical experience. Our Gold Coast electricians too are all licensed by the state, thus, ensuring you’re obtaining a legitimate and effective job.
Moreover, the electricians do more than just install lighting systems. They have been trained to work with switchboards, fuse boxes, and home safety checks. They also cater not just to homes but also to commercial spaces, where electrical plans are much more complicated.
They are considered the best with regards to installation. Because they are already experts, they can finish the job in record time. But they can certainly do more than that. You can also depend on them when you need Gold Coast electrical repairs. STO Property Maintenance Group also encourages you to call on them if you ever need maintenance. This way, problems can already be determined before they get worse.
The company conducts on-site assessment for free. To take advantage of it, call their customer support at 07 5568 7664. Their line is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Need Gold Coast Fencing? Contact STO Property Maintenance Group
August 23rd, 2011
Would you like to have the following?
- Privacy
- Enhancement in your yard, patio, or garden
- Proper boundaries
- Better protection against thieve and trespassers
Then there’s only one thing you need: A fence.
A lot of homeowners will do a DIY fence. It’s fairly easy, at least they’d like to think. But there are far too many things to consider, besides the fence or design. At some point, you’ll surely believe that it’s more useful if you depend on an expert.
STO Property Maintenance Group is the premier specialist in the industry here in Australia. They specialise in almost anything related to your homes, including fences. They can;
- help create the most functional and aesthetically appealing fence
- customise your fence to truly fit your preference, need, and budget
- repair worn-out fences and may automate gates
- provide the best suggestions on how to take care of your fence so they definitely last for years
Being in the business for over 5 years, STO Property Maintenance Group has achieved a considerable amount of experience, knowledge, and expertise, allowing them to perform and finish any Gold Coast fencing job as soon as possible. They are also affiliates to several organizations and suppliers. They can definitely help you obtain the best service at the most affordable cost.
STO Property Maintenance Group currently operates in and around the Sunshine Coast, Brisbane, the Gold Coast and as far north as Tugun. You can contact their 24-hour customer support at 07 5568 7664 or send your e-mail at info@stoproperty.com.au. They can conduct a free on-site assessment.
Need a Gold Coast Concreter or Tiler?
August 9th, 2011These days, a home can never do without floor tiles and concrete slabs. The former provide warmth or insulation for the feet (since concrete is usually cold), as well as enhance the overall look of the home. On the other hand, concrete slabs give the home not only shape but also the foundation.
Though there are plenty of tips on how to add concrete and tiles, the best option is to leave the work to the experts, such as STO Property Maintenance Group.
STO Property Maintenance Group has been the champion for installation and renovation. For over 6 years, they have served thousands of homes covering the Sunshine Coast way down to the Gold Coast, and they’re adding more as the company continues to grow.
One of their main secrets is getting the best team to work on projects. With regards to concretes and tiles, they have those that are certified experts in the field. They are licensed by the state and they have several years’ experience attached to their names.
In the process, they don’t just do the work. They can provide suggestions on what to do to make the most out of these tiles and concretes. They can help you plan out the design, taking into consideration both aesthetics and function. Moreover, they can be depended on for both home and commercial spaces, as well as renovations and installation.
STO Property Maintenance Group offers free concreting and tiling quotes for all projects. You simply have to call them at 07 5568 7764. Their customer support is available 24/7.
Electric Hot Water over Solar Hot Water: What Is Best?
July 26th, 2011There is a grand debate between the electric hot water and solar hot water. Which one should you use?
Let us begin by the advantages and disadvantage of electric hot water. It turns out that electric hot water is more practical financially than the solar counterpart, knowing you will spend thousands of dollars for the solar power even if you factor in all the tax breaks or other types of incentives. Second, you tend to generate more heat a lot faster when you use electricity than solar power.
However, if you are thinking of saving the earth, then solar power is the way to go. Australian’s have already been given notice that electrical costs will increase significantly, becoming unaffordable for a lot of low income families. If you want to prepare yourself, then it’s best buy a solar power system now.
You will also make the most of your investment if you can find other uses for your solar power. You can use it to run other appliances, for example, so you can completely free yourself from electricity.
Right now, though, the data comparison for both may not be fully enough to help you make the best choice. That’s why it’s highly recommended that you deal with experts, those who know the ultimate differences between the two. One of them is a property maintenance company. They don’t just install systems, but they also offer you suggestions on what system fits your needs, preferences, as well as budget.
If you would like to talk to an expert regarding this matter or hire an expert to fit electric hot water system at your Gold Coast home or business hire a Gold Coast electrician from STO Property Maintenance Group.
How to Repair a Blocked Drain
July 12th, 2011You can’t miss a blocked drain. No matter what you do, you can’t get rid of the water build-up on the sink.
A clogged drain can be either serious or not. If it’s the latter, then you don’t have to worry too much, at times it will free itself. If it’s not, then you know that things are going to get a little more complicated.
Repairing the Clogged Drain
One of the first things you have to do is to determine if the problem is local or not. It’s local if it affects only a particular sink. It is not if all of your sinks are experiencing the same thing. By then, the issue may already be in the sewage.
Next, you choose the technique to use. The easiest would be to boil water. Usually, the main causes of blocked drain are hair, tepid water, and some food. Perhaps you haven’t flushed them out properly, so they’re stuck in the drain. The boiling water will help soften their hold on the sink, making it easier for you to flush them after.
This strategy, however, is not ideal if you have a PVC pipe. Boiling water softens it. You also don’t have to pour the water to the porcelain sink but only on the drain directly.
You can also use plungers, which are more complex. If the problem is in the tub or faucet, what you need is a cup plunger. Only the toilets make use of the flange plunger.
Unless you can solve the problem with boiling water, though, you better call an expert. This way, you don’t end up making matters worse. If you have a blocked Drain, or need a Gold Coast plumber for any plumbing job around your business or home, please call STO Property Maintenance Group for a free quote; 07 5568 7664
Featured Services
When you need a Concreting or Tiling job done in Byron Bay, Gold Coast, Brisbane, Sunshine Coast or anywhere in between, STO Property Maintenance Group will be there. …
If STO Property Maintenance Group were to have a specialty it would be Plumbing & Gas Works. …
Need an Electrician? When you need a relabel qualified Election for your job STO Property Maintenance Group are only a call away. …
Tired of gutters that overflow every time it rains? Why not prevent these things from happening by enlisting one of our Roofing services. …
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latest Blog Posts
What Lighting Is Best to Reduce Energy Consumption?
A good portion of your energy consumption is brought to you by your lighting system. A long time...
Water Saving Devices to Reduce Your Water Usage
By the rate things are going, it won’t be long before we’re all going to be fighting for...
Top 5 Ways an Electrician Can Reduce Your Energy Consumption
Whether you’re building or renovating a building or a home, it’s essential that you don’t perform the electrical...