Simple ways to save energy include choosing LED light bulbs and replacing old appliances with energy-efficient models. If you don’t already have one, consider installing a solar system. And if you want to take things a step further, you can get a qualified professional to inspect and analyse the more technical aspects of your home renovation plans. Tenmen Electrical offers comprehensive home energy audits to identify areas where you’re wasting energy and suggest ways to improve your home’s energy efficiency and reduce your bills.

Not usually. LED lights don’t need any special wiring. As long as the light fitting and bulb base match and the voltage is correct, you can simply swap out halogen and incandescent lights for LED bulbs. One thing to keep in mind is that LED lights are sensitive to heat, so air-tight enclosed light fittings may need to be replaced with LED-specific options. Similarly, depending on the model of LED light you choose, you may also need to replace the dimmer switch. However, if you’re renovating your home, it’s a good idea to have your existing wiring and components checked by a qualified electrician. You don’t want to have any electrical problems after you’ve finished your renovation.

Yes, the vast majority of gates can be automated, although a few gate models can’t be converted. Apart from the gate model, other factors to consider are the layout and condition of your existing gate and any possible groundwork, mechanical, and electrical work required.

Since 1 January 2017, Queensland Fire and Emergency Services has required all new dwellings and dwellings being substantially renovated to have smoke alarms that are:

• photoelectric (AS 3786-2014)
• do not contain an ionisation sensor
• hardwired to the mains power supply with a secondary power source (e.g. battery)
• interconnected with every other smoke alarm in the dwelling so all activate together

Smoke alarms must also be installed on each storey:

• in each bedroom and in hallways that connect bedrooms and the rest of the dwelling
• or if there is no hallway, between the bedrooms and other parts of the storey
• and if there are no bedrooms on a storey, at least one smoke alarm must be installed in the most likely path of travel to exit the dwelling

Safety switches protect circuits and appliances from electrical faults, reducing the risk of electrical accidents. Therefore, it is recommended to have a safety switch for every circuit in your home. Having multiple safety switches not only prevents the whole house from losing power if there is an electrical fault, but it also makes it easier to identify and fix the problem.