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Electrical Tips

Is Your Electric Blanket Putting You In Danger? Find out here

As the temperatures drop and the cool creeps in, electric blankets and portable heaters make their seasonal appearance. The end of April marks the start of chilly nights for many suburbs across the country. With more families dusting off their heating devices, we thought it was the perfect time to share our top safety tips. **Be Prepared When Using Heating Devices** – **Portable Heater**: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and keep it away from flammable materials. – **Electric Blanket**: Inspect it for any signs of wear or damage before use. **Take Extra Precautions** It’s always better to be over prepared than underprepared in an emergency, especially with electrical devices. While electric blankets are excellent for staying warm overnight, they must be used with extreme caution. There are numerous stories about electric blanket hazards, and a quick search for “electric blanket” on the ACCC product safety site reveals many products being recalled

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Help & Advice

Average Water Bills In Melbourne

In Melbourne, water bills are a significant part of household expenses, varying based on usage, tariff structures, and the specific water provider. There are 15 water supply businesses contracted for urban water and sewerage services. Although they cannot set rates independently, their approach to water maintenance and supply can directly influence the average household water bill. Victoria, including Melbourne, boasts some of the lowest average water bills in Australia, highlighting the state’s commitment to maintaining reasonable water service costs for its residents. Here is a table comparing data from Canstar Blue research in May 2020 and January 2023 for average quarterly water bills across various Australian states: State Average Quarterly Water Bill 2020 Average Quarterly Water Bill 2023 VIC $312 $191 NSW $268 $200 WA $221 $204 SA N/A $205 QLD $323 $240 The recent survey conducted by Canstar Blue in January 2023 found that Victorian households have some of

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Plumbing

Carbon Monoxide: The Silent Killer

What Is Carbon Monoxide? Carbon monoxide (CO) is a dangerous gas produced by the incomplete burning of carbon-based fuels. It is odourless, colourless, and tasteless, making it particularly hazardous. When inhaled, CO displaces oxygen in the blood, depriving the heart, brain, and other vital organs of oxygen. High levels of CO can cause loss of consciousness and suffocation within minutes, without warning. **Where Is It In My Home?**Any appliance that burns gas can produce carbon monoxide. This includes:- Heaters – Stoves – Ovens – Fireplaces – Water heaters – Gas dryers – Generators – Grills **What Are The Symptoms?** Carbon monoxide poisoning can take effect as quickly as 20 minutes, with death possible in less than 2 hours after initial exposure. Symptoms vary depending on CO concentration levels and may include: – Headache – Dizziness – Weakness – Nausea – Vomiting – Chest pain – Confusion Not every symptom may

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Electrical Tips

How to Prepare for a Power Outage? According to Experts

Knowing what to do in the event of a power outage and being ready to act swiftly and safely can make a significant difference. As we transition into autumn, when weather conditions become more unpredictable with heavier rains, brisk winds, and thunderstorms, the likelihood of power outages increases in suburbs across Brisbane, Melbourne, Adelaide, and Sydney. It’s important to note that power outages aren’t always weather-related; they can also result from damaged infrastructure due to motor vehicle accidents, bushfires, animals, or faulty equipment. In some cases, outages may stem from issues within your home, such as faulty appliances, old wiring, or malfunctioning protective devices like ceramic fuses. **Key Steps to Prepare for a Power Outage:** 1. **Emergency Kit**: Assemble an emergency kit that includes essentials like flashlights, batteries, a portable radio, non-perishable food, water, and a first aid kit. 2. **Backup Power**: Consider investing in a generator or uninterruptible power

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Electrical Tips

Is Your Electric Blanket Putting You In Danger? Find out here

When the cool creeps in, the electric blankets and portable heaters come out. The end of April signifies the start of cold nights in many suburbs across the country. As more and more families start dusting off their heating devices we thought now was the best time to share our best tips. Be Prepared When In Use Portable Heater: Electric Blanket: Go The Next Step Being over prepared is always better than being underprepared in an emergency. This is especially true when it comes to electricity. Everyone has heard electric blanket horror stories, and while these products are fantastic at keeping you warm overnight, need to be approached with extreme caution. As a result, you only need to search the term “electric blanket” on this ACCC product safety site, to see how many products are being recalled with safety concerns. It’s important to ensure that your home has safety switches installed. Safety

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Electrical Tips

DIY – How to Change Your Light Bulb

You mentioned the blown light bulb in the kitchen. He acknowledged it but hasn’t replaced it for almost a month now. Trying to cook mama’s risotto recipe in the dark just isn’t the same. “Because there’s no light,” you sigh. Instead of enduring this disappointing cycle, take action into your own hands. Be the beacon that shines with a newly replaced bulb.   Changing a light bulb is one of the simplest DIY tasks, taking just a few minutes of your time. Surprisingly, a study found that 84% of adults don’t know how to change a bulb . We understand—it’s a low-priority task compared to larger issues like fighting for equal pay and environmental conservation, so not everyone has this skill. Don’t worry, this is a judgment-free zone. Laws in Australia governing electrical work are strict, and for good reason. Electrical work is dangerous if you don’t know exactly what you’re

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