Month: May 2017

Three Reasons Why Natural Gas Isn’t Better Than Electricity

With all the publicity about rising gas prices the gas networks must be feeling the heat. (AAAARGH what a shocking ‘Dad’ Joke)   

Why else would I find an article on my Facebook feed entitled ‘Three Reasons Why Natural Gas Is Better Than Electricity’   

Like a lot of advertising there is a fair bit of Bull Dust around so lets look at what they say, (with my comments in Italics afterwards)

1. It’s always there when you need it

Natural gas infrastructure allows distributors to deliver gas to customers on demand, without the supply and reliability issues associated with electricity. In fact, when it comes to reliability, Australia’s natural gas network experiences only one unplanned outage, on average every 40 years.

But when it happens it can be a big one!  After the Longford Gas Disaster in 1998 the Whole of Victoria had no gas for more than 2 weeks. Daily cold showers over that one period was worse than the total of around 50 hours (say 2 hours a year) of power cuts over the last 25 years!   We were just happy that we didn’t have gas cooking.

Also what about these articles on the upcoming   Gas Shortage   that forced Malcolm Turnbull to step in

 

2. It’s up to 40% cheaper than electricity to use

Natural gas has always been consistently affordable and is likely to continue to be so well into the future. Unlike electricity, where increased consumption drives your tariffs higher, generally the more gas appliances you install the more you can save. This is because in most cases, the cost per unit of gas decreases as consumption increases.
While gas appliances may cost a little more to install initially, running costs are generally lower. This means that using natural gas almost always works out cheaper in the long run.
For example, take one cook top and hot water system running in an average Australian household for one year:

  • Running on electricity, the cost would be $1,156 p.a. in South Australia and $1,235 p.a. in Victoria.
  • Running on natural gas, the cost would be $782 p.a. in South Australia and $725 p.a. in Victoria.

Installing a heat pump would save 50 – 60% of the electricity costs. That would bring electricity costs down to below gas.   A solar hot water system with electric boosting could save more . . . . and think of the savings if you could get rid of the gas standing charge!

3. It produces significantly less greenhouse gas emissions than electricity

Yes, natural gas is a fossil fuel, but it is also far more environmentally friendly than electricity. Its chemical structure is quite different to coal, meaning its emissions are much lower.
Here are some quantifiable examples of why natural gas is a better environmental choice:

  • In South Australia, a gas powered hot water system emits 67% less CO2 than an electric equivalent
  • In Victoria, a gas powered hot water system emits 83% less CO2 than an electric equivalent
  • The emissions from a natural gas powered hot water system is on par with those produced by a system using 50% renewable energy and 50% coal electricity mix.
  • Gas currently delivers 44% of Australia’s household energy, but only produces 13% of household greenhouse gas emissions
  • Gas has a higher yield rate* from extraction to delivery (90%) compared to electricity, making it far more efficient.

With either of the alternatives mentioned in my response to Point 2 above the CO2 for electricity drops dramatically.   I also have 3kw of solar panels on the roof of my 2 bedroom unit,  on current performance it looks like I will be generating more power than I consume* . . . . Net effect no CO2 generated.

Although gas does have a higher yield rate what they don’t say is gas appliances have a lower efficiency typically 70 – 90% compared to electricity. Even the most basic electricity heater is 100% efficient. Some heat pumps are better than 300% efficient (for every kw going into the unit it delivers 3kw of heat)

Conclusion

If you want good advice on hot water, cooking, and heating your property don’t rely on the gas networks (or the electricity networks) . . . . find some independent advice, like this blog.

 

* Between when my solar system was switched at the end of January 2017, and 15th May 2015, I have generated 510kwhrs more power than we have used. I know I won’t be generating as much for the next few colder months, but I did miss out on a peak generating month of January.

 

The Essentials Of Picking Tile Patterns For Your New Home

Guest post from Paul (from Tile Home Guide)

A new house requires a lot of planning and many decisions.

While some homeowners know they want to use tile as a covering for floors and walls they don’t often know just what tile pattern to pick or how important it can be.

That being said here are some of the basics you’ll want to consider before you choose any layout.

Why Tile?

Tile is often the go to choice for certain areas of the home.

Its ability to add striking colors and beauty is of course undeniable.

With an endless array of materials to pick from it offers protection to your floors and walls from water and heat damage.

Many materials can even offer grip to make slippery steps or bathroom floors much safer.     

Layout Matters

Most homeowners don’t realise that the layout you pick is extremely important.

Some of them typically look their best when used on the wall while others tend to look more impressive as floor tile patterns.

There are a few which look stunning no matter where you choose to use them.

Also not all layouts work in every space.

For example some patterns will look much more impressive when used in large open spaces than ones that are confined.

So you will need to take a look at your space and the pattern you are considering to see if they will be a good fit.   

Always Make The Process Fun

While picking the right pattern is important there’s no reason not to make the process enjoyable.

You can start to do some research and look around from the comfort of your own home by using the internet or home design magazines.

You’ll want to look for images of not only tile layout patterns that you find attractive, but ones that are installed in areas that look like yours.

This can help to give you an idea of what your preferences are and what will work well in the area you are upgrading.

Of course reading up on that specific pattern will help as well.  

You can also go to visit friends, family members or locations that already have the patterns you are interested in installed for a firsthand look.

It can sometimes really help to see things with your own eyes.  

Get The Right Advice

While it’s always fun and extra rewarding to complete any upgrade or installation, you may want to get some advice from a professional if you are doing the job on your own.

A pro will know from experience what will help your space to look its bests.

So while you may be stuck on what backsplash tile patterns you prefer for your bathroom or kitchen, with a quick look he or she can give you advice not just on layouts but other things like size, shape, color, and material too.

This can mean the difference between succeeding and failing so whether it’s a contractor or interior designer asking for some advice even when going the DIY route, can be a game changer.  

Each of the many tile patterns available has its own special function at which it truly shines.

By knowing the basics, with a little planning, and by consulting a pro you’ll be sure to be able to use them to achieve your goals to make your new a home a sight to behold.  

 

For more info and tips on all types of tiles and tile projects be sure to check out: http://www.tilehomeguide.com/

Upside Down Roof?

I see this strange looking building most days.

I can’t help thinking the guy who built the roof was holding the plans upside down!

This is the exact opposite of that architectural expression ‘Form follows function’.

That large overhang provides minimal summer shading for the windows.

The huge rainfall collection area of the flat roof means this is a High Risk Roof . . . . . which is made worse by those small down pipes with no overflow protection!

 

For more Unusual House Photos, Wins, and Fails, have a look at: What the………………….?

 

What are the different types of construction?

Guest Post by Aaron

There are a variety of house construction methods available for your new build.

Each method has its own advantages and some are more popular than others.

Most Australian builders are used to building brick veneer, with the exception of Western Australia masonry(double brick),double are more popular.

There are also many alternative construction methods and materials.

The choice of method affects the finished look, the eco credentials, the ease of manually handling the materials and the budget.

It is important to choose the best building method for the outcome you require.

It not only affects the cost and design of your home but it also affects the maintenance requirements and long term value.

It can even affect your home’s efficiency, influencing your monthly bills.

Here are the different types of construction methods to help you decide which is right for you.

Masonry

Masonry homes are built from block, stone or brick.

Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (AAC) is a common lightweight block that provides strength and is an excellent insulation and sound blocker.

It can be covered with render, stone veneer or even clading for an easy and cost-effective finish.

Brick homes typically include an inner wall of block and outer brick or stone veneer wall.

Wood Framing / Brick Veneer

Wood framing consists of the main structure of prefabricated panels and trusses connected using nails or screws to form walls, floors, roofs and ceilings.

It is low cost and has design versatility as well as being quick and easy to construct.

A drawback of wood is that, if incorrectly treated, suffer damage in the form of rot, swelling, mould or attack from termites.

Being very lightweight it is quite a poor sound insulator insulator although added insulation can give great acoustic and thermal insulation.

Budget houses can be clad with timber or covered with a brick skin (brick veneer).

Steel Framing

This is similar to wood framing but offers more long-term durability and fewer flaws.

It costs slightly more than wood but has a predictable finish that results in straighter walls and a tightly constructed home.

Although steel framing is a thermally conductive material  proper detailing can address the problems

Concrete

Homes constructed with concrete can use cast-in-place concrete, precast panels or insulated-concrete forms that contain integral insulation.

Whichever method you choose, concrete homes provide long-lasting durability and strength with very little maintenance.

Concrete constructed buildings require specialist concrete repairs and this material is most commonly used on heritage buildings.

The restoration can be challenging but the use of this method offers a high level of fire and pest resistance and it can withstand high winds and tough storms.

Concrete homes tend to cost more than the more conventional ways to build a house and often require specialist builders to ensure quality finishes.

Green techniques

Eco-friendly built homes include straw bale, mud brick, and earth mound methods.

These homes are energy-efficient and can be built on a budget provided you are prepared to put in a fair bit of effort yourself.

Straw bale homes represent a sustainable and eco-friendly design with enormous potential.

Earth mound homes, including those made from adobe and those sheltered underground, provide another energy-efficient design possibility.

Structured insulated panels (SIPs) are one of the most widely used green construction methods.

They consist of sheets of foam insulated sandwiched between sheets of aluminium, steel, plywood or fibre cement.

These panels form the walls, floor and ceiling of a home to create a virtually unbeatable level of energy efficiency and watertight construction.

A SIP home tends to be well insulated and draft free, so it needs less energy to heat and cool than a typical stick frame.

This means you will need a smaller heating and cooling system, saving you money and the environment.

Patterned Brickwork

What do you think of patterned brickwork?

I think it can look well if its used with restraint and understanding.

Unfortunately I don’t think this example that I recently saw qualifies.

Those triple block features at the window are supposed to represent Quoins (stone blocks to reinforce corners) . . . .that and the over complex single pattern on the building corners are the opposite of what you would see on a genuine old patterned brick house.

A much better option would be to have the ‘Quoins’ on the corners and a plain brick window edge.

Do you agree? . . or do you think I’m just being picky?

 

The Wonderful Benefits of Growing Plants Indoors

Guest post by Laura Bennet

The environment has a huge impact on someone’s well-being.

When you think of yourself looking at a picturesque view of the mountainside or a beautiful wide garden, you consider yourself being in a calm and serene place.

Living in a big and loud city can sometimes be exhausting.

However, when you come home and look at all those green and colourful plants in your driveway, your day gets better.

Tending to plants and flowers in your backyard can be a form of relaxation after a busy week.

Having one or many of those little green living things inside your home can be a great addition to your interior. A pot of flowers on your coffee table can give the whole living room more life.

But plants inside your home are not just accessories. When you know the many health benefits of having plants indoors, you might just raid your backyard garden and use plants to redecorate your home.

To encourage you to put plants in every nook of your home, consider the following good things indoor plants can give you.

Indoor Plants as Air Purifier

Even children know that plants absorb carbon dioxide and give off oxygen.

Having plants inside your home is like having your own air purifier, no expenses paid.

Plants are considered as nature’s first air purifier and you can take advantage of that in your own home.

They remove the toxins and contaminants in the air and can prevent your home from having indoor air pollution. According to a NASA research, plants indoors reduce up to 87 percent of volatile organic compounds in just 24 hours.

Putting some green plants inside your home to act as air purifier will certainly give you a healthier and fresher air indoors.

This will reduce your risk of having health problems like stroke, heart disease, lung cancer, and respiratory infections. You can also plant tomatoes in your kitchen to have a fresh supply while reducing air pollutants whenever you cook.

Indoor Plants as Natural Humidifier

Aside from giving off oxygen, plants also release moisture vapor as part of the photosynthetic process.

This increases the air humidity around the plants.

Putting plants inside your room to act as a natural humidifier can save you money from buying a humidifier machine and can also give you a lot of health benefits.

It softens the feel of a room, minimizes dry air and reduces airborne dust levels. This will help you avoid having coughs, itchy eyes, dry throat and runny nose.

You can add Boston fern as one of your living room ornaments and take advantage of its ability as a great air humidifier.

Plants Provide Calmness

Can you remember a time when you were sick and someone brought you flowers?

Flowers do make you feel better, and even better when in a pot and alive.

There is just a way with flowers and plants that improve your mood all the time.

Having a pot of that green living thing in your workspace gives you calmness throughout a busy schedule and makes you more productive.

Looking at and growing plants can also reduce stress and help you relax. Plants are considered mood enhancers that produce optimism and positive energy, thus, reducing stress, anxiety, and depression.

Indoor Plants as a Natural Life Hack

There are a lot of benefits in having plants indoors.

Some plants act as natural humidifiers or air purifiers and there are plants that can help you improve focus and memory.

Certain plants can even make you more efficient at work or while studying.

Having plants around while you bury yourself in homework actually improves concentration.

Studies also show that having the smell of plants and herbs like mint early in the morning can improve your memory and brain function.

Having a plant like mint on your bedside table or in the window in your room can be your natural life hack.

Conclusion

With Plants inside your home you derive a lot of health benefits.

Having plants in every corner of your home can be your way to a more healthy, natural and safe indoor environment for you and your family.

Did these health benefits encourage you to start thinking about putting little pieces of Mother Earth inside your home now?

Don’t hesitate to comment below and share if this has been helpful to you.

Laura Bennet is founder and main editor of HumidGarden.com. 

E bay Appliance – Fail

I’ve previously talked about Ebay Fails before and here is one we did ourselves a few weeks ago.

My wife bought a low priced hair dryer wand on the internet recently.

The problem was when it arrived this was the power plug fitted.

In case you aren’t familiar it is a standard UK power plug.

By the time I had driven down to Bunnings and spent $5 on a replacement Australian plug it didn’t seem so cheap!

 

For more Unusual House Photos, Wins, and Fails, have a look at: What the………………….?

Sweater Weather Wonderland

5 Tips for Preparing Your Backyard for the Winter

Guest post by Hubert Dwight

Image courtesy of www.vintageindustrialstyle.com

If you love nothing more than kicking back in the yard with a beer or a glass of wine, you might start to dread the approach of winter.

When the days are short, many of us struggle to get any use out of our yards at all, because it’s already dark by the time we’re winding down.

This can be frustrating, but the solution is simpler than you think.

Winterising the garden means more than just shutting off hoses and laying down mulch.

If you create an all-weather entertaining space, for example, with plenty of heat and light, it won’t matter what time of year it is.

You can relax with friends or enjoy a little quiet time whether it’s the height of summer or a blustery fall afternoon.

Keep reading for some advice on how to transform your garden into an all year round retreat.

 

Romantic Lighting

The biggest priority, particularly if you want to use your garden after dark, is light.

You need plenty of illumination for safety and security, but it doesn’t have to look coldly functional.

When shopping for garden lights for your home, try to combine clear, bright spotlights with much softer diffused lighting.

Be creative. You can string fairy lights from the trees or install old-fashioned lampposts. You can even build spotlights into your deck or patio.

 

Reliable Heating

The other essential part of winter gardens is a reliable heat source.

It doesn’t have to be some huge, expensive system.

There are plenty of sleek and chic patio heaters which don’t take up much space or consume all that much energy.

HeatStrip, for instance, produces slimline, minimalist heating units which can be installed in awkwardly shaped or hard to heat areas.

They are low energy and specifically designed to fit a broad range of patios and verandas.

 

Sturdy Furniture

Whether it’s winter or not, if you’re hosting friends in the backyard, you’re probably going to get peckish at some point.

The good news is that high-quality garden furniture is more affordable than ever.

Just remember to be careful when choosing materials, because you need items which are going to withstand the elements.

Aluminium is a great choice as it doesn’t easily rust or corrode. However, it can get very hot if left in direct sunlight.

 

Pick Out a Feature

One way to add interest and intrigue to a nighttime garden is with a feature spot.

This might be your favourite tree or even a striking piece of garden art.

If you have a soft spot for sculpture, you could place a faux classic in the middle of the lawn or off to the side, nestled in the foliage.

The trick to making it pop, especially after dark, is the right kind of light.

Use soft, diffused spot or string lights to illuminate the feature and draw the eye.

 

Plant Some Pale

You might not think it to see them in the daytime, but pale coloured flowers look awfully striking after dark.

So, if you want to make sure that your yard is pretty even in the dead of night, add some white and pale blue plants.

Foxgloves and forget-me-nots are two wonderful choices.

White roses look fantastic too, especially when the light from your patio gives them an ethereal, luminescent quality.

For intoxicating scents, sneak in a little evening primrose.  

 

Why Your Garden Should Be an All Round Retreat

Many of us write our gardens off during the winter, but this is a lot of time for them to be out of action.

If you want to get as much value from the space as possible, don’t let the cold weather force you back inside.

All you need is a good heater, some pretty lights, and a good group of friends to banish those winter chills.

Braided Hoses Problems

Have you got one of these flexible stainless steel braided hoses?

This is one fitted to my toilet.

They were initially mainly used in inaccessible areas.

These days being fairly inexpensive they are often used to make all sorts of connections easier.

Problems

According to this article in ‘The Age’ they are responsible for one in five of all water damage claims.

It seems they have a limited lifespan.

Many braided steel hoses are used in accessible but closed areas where heat, moisture and fumes can react with the woven mesh, causing  corrosion that leads to hose failures.

Things like chemicals, stored in under sink cupboards, can also further shorten their life, by causing deterioration of the internal hose.

Having sharp bends also makes them more prone to failure.

If you already have these hoses make sure you regularly inspect them and change them at the first sign of damage.

 

Exit mobile version