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Noosa Electric Co.

Sunshine Coast Air Conditioning and Electrical

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10 Essential Electrical Safety Tips for Storm Season

Living in the beautiful Noosa region and across the Sunshine Coast means enjoying a stunning coastal lifestyle, but it also comes with the reality of storm season. Whether it’s a summer thunderstorm or the threat of a cyclone, being prepared can make all the difference in protecting your home and family. At Noosa Electric Co, we’re committed to helping the local community stay safe with practical storm preparation and cyclone preparation tips — especially when it comes to electrical safety.

Why Storm Preparation Matters

Storms can bring heavy rain, strong winds, and even flooding, all of which can impact your home’s electrical systems. Power outages, electrical surges, and water damage are common issues that can lead to costly repairs and safety hazards. By taking proactive steps before the storm arrives, you can reduce the risk of damage and ensure your home remains safe and functional during severe weather events.

1. Schedule an Electrical Inspection

Before storm season hits, it’s wise to have a licensed Sunshine Coast electrician inspect your home’s wiring, switchboard, and surge protection. At Noosa Electric Co, we can assess your electrical system to ensure it’s up to standard and advise whether there is anything we can do to improve the safety of your setup.

2. Install Surge Protection

Power surges caused by lightning strikes or grid fluctuations can damage appliances and sensitive electronics. Installing whole-house surge protection at your switchboard or using individual surge protectors on important devices can prevent costly damage. Learn more about surge protection solutions here.

3. Secure Outdoor Electrical Components

Strong winds and heavy rain can damage split system air-conditioning units, solar panels, and outdoor lighting. To minimise the chance of problems, it’s important to ensure that:

a. Your outdoor ducted air-conditioner and external split system air-conditioning units are securely mounted.

b Solar panels are properly fastened and inspected for any loose components.

c. Outdoor power points and electrical wiring are waterproof and in good condition.

Our team can help – contact us for more information.

4. Backup Power Solutions

Storms and cyclones can lead to power outages that last hours or even days. Consider investing in a backup power source, such as a generator or a solar battery system. A solar battery allows you to store excess power from your solar panels, providing energy when the grid goes down.

5. Use Generators Safely

If using a generator, keep it outside and away from windows to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.

6. Test and Maintain Smoke Alarms

With increased fire risks due to electrical faults during storms, ensuring your smoke alarms are in working order is crucial. Test your smoke alarms regularly and replace batteries as needed. If your smoke alarms are outdated or not interconnected, our electricians can install modern, compliant systems for better safety. Learn more about smoke alarms here.

7. Unplug Appliances Before the Storm Hits

To prevent damage from power surges, unplug televisions, computers, and major appliances before a storm arrives. This simple step can protect your expensive equipment and reduce the risk of electrical fires.

8. Know How to Safely Turn Off Power

In case of flooding or electrical emergencies, it can be helpful to know how to turn off your home’s power at the switchboard. Make sure everyone in your household understands the process. If you experience electrical issues during a storm, avoid attempting DIY fixes and contact a professional Sunshine Coast electrician for assistance.

9. Clear Overhanging Trees and Debris

Falling branches can damage power lines and create serious electrical hazards. Trim back trees near power lines and your home to minimise the risk of electrical damage during storms.

10. Post-Storm Electrical Safety

After a storm has passed, take precautions before restoring power and using appliances:

a. Check for water damage – If your switchboard or power outlets have been exposed to water, do not turn them on. Contact a licensed Noosa electrician for an inspection.

b. Avoid downed power lines – Stay clear of fallen power lines and report them immediately to Energex or emergency services.

c. Inspect appliances before use – If any electrical devices have been exposed to water or moisture, have them checked before plugging them in.

Stay Storm-Ready with Noosa Electric Co

At Noosa Electric Co, we’re passionate about keeping homes and businesses across the Sunshine Coast and Noosa safe with reliable electrical solutions. From surge protection to smoke alarm installations, solar solutions, and air-conditioning services, we’re here to help you prepare for storm season.

Don’t wait until the next big storm — get in touch with Noosa Electric Co today for an electrical inspection and storm preparation advice. Contact us now to learn more about how we can safeguard your home and keep your power running, no matter the weather!

Call Noosa Electric Co today for expert electrical solutions in Noosa and across the Sunshine Coast.

Storm Season Preparation

Protect your Sunshine Coast home during the storm season with the installation of Surge Arrestors in your switchboard. We offer expert installation of these devices which are designed to add an additional layer of safety to your appliances and electronics from unexpected over-voltage surges from sources like thunderstorms and switching operations in the power supply.

How do Surge Arrestors Work?

Surge arrestors protect electrical systems by diverting excess voltage away from devices during power surges through the network, such as those caused by lightning strikes or sudden power restoration. Installed in your electrical panel or near sensitive equipment, they sense dangerous voltage spikes and instantly redirect excess energy to the ground, preventing it from reaching and damaging your appliances and electronics. Note, surge arrestors will not protect your home in the event of a direct lightning strike.

Surge Arrestors

Surge Arrestors

Protect valuable electrical equipment from over-voltages, and discuss a surge arrestor solution for your home or business today. Contact our team for more information:

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Bulkhead Vs Split System AC – What’s the Difference?

Bulkhead and Split Systems are two popular types of air-conditioner solutions used on the Sunshine Coast. In this article, we take a look at the differences between these two approaches. If you’re interested in an air-conditioning solution for your home or business, contact our team. We’ll help you determine the best solution for your premises and can also assist with sales, installation, and after-sales support and servicing for your appliance.

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The Main Distinction:

Different types of air-conditioning solutions can get a bit confusing. The words used to describe systems (such as split system or bulkhead system) are also sometimes used interchangeably by manufacturers – making it unclear how they are actually different. When you’re comparing bulkhead systems with split systems, the main thing is the difference with the internal unit.

The internal unit of the bulkhead air-conditioner is built into a wall or ceiling (usually a drop ceiling); the internal unit of a split system sits on the wall, so you can see the whole unit. Here are two photos illustrating this difference in action:

Bulkhead Air-Conditioner Installation
Split System Air-Conditioner Installation

Implications of an Integrated Solution

The fact that bulkhead air-conditioners are integrated into the building means that they create a more discrete and streamlined solution. However, because they are built into the room, their inclusion requires either a new build or a renovation. Meanwhile, split systems can be retrospectively added into virtually any existing room – because they are not integrated with the building. This makes them the logical choice if you’re looking to add an air-conditioner to an existing home or business.

3 Similarities Between Bulkhead and Split System Air-Conditioners

  1. Cooling Capacity: Both bulkhead and split system air conditioners are capable of effectively cooling indoor spaces. Both use similar cooling mechanisms involving the circulation of refrigerant to absorb heat from indoor air and expel it outdoors.
  2. Energy Efficiency: Both types of air-conditioners can be designed with energy-efficient features and technologies to reduce electricity consumption. Whether it’s through programmable thermostats, energy-saving modes, or high-efficiency compressors, both bulkhead and split system ACs can help lower energy bills while providing comfort.
  3. Customisation: Both bulkhead and split system solutions offer some level of customisation in terms of capacity and features. They come in various sizes and configurations to suit different room dimensions and cooling needs.

3 Differences Between Bulkhead and Split System Air-Conditioners

  1. Flexibility: Bulkhead systems have less flexibility in terms of placement due to the need for a wall-mounted installation. Split systems offer more flexibility in placement, as the indoor unit can be installed on various surfaces such as walls or ceilings, while the outdoor unit can be placed in different outdoor locations.
  2. Cost: Bulkhead installation costs may be higher due to the need for structural modifications to accommodate the unit. Split system installation costs may be lower as it typically requires less invasive installation and can often be retrofitted into existing spaces without significant structural changes.
  3. Maintenance: Maintenance and repairs on a bulkhead system may be more challenging due to the integrated design and wall-mounted installation. Maintenance and repairs on a split system are generally easier as components are separated between indoor and outdoor units, allowing for easier access and servicing.

What’s the Right Solution for Your Home?

Talk to our team to discover the right air-conditioning solution for your home. We’re experienced and can help you to determine an approach that will meet your cooling and energy objectives:

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Tips For Reducing, Managing & Removing Mould

Targeting Mould Sunshine Coast

High humidity, especially in January to March on the Sunshine Coast, is the recipe for an unwanted household visitor: MOULD. Suddenly, it’s everywhere.. if you find mould in your home, rest assured – you’re not alone! In this brief article, we take a look at the mould situation. What is mould? What causes it? What are the health issues? And, most importantly, what can we do about it?

What is Mould?

Mould is part of a group of very common organisms called fungi that also include mushrooms and yeast. It is present virtually everywhere, both indoors and outdoors. There are many different types of mould, and they all have the potential to cause health problems. [SRC: health.nsw.gov.au]

What Causes Mould?

The presence of mould is caused by wet, dampness and a lack of ventilation. [SRC: ABC] This makes humid summers on the Sunshine Coast the perfect opportunity for mould to proliferate. Especially in periods of extended rainfall and high humidity, conditions are optimised for the growth of mould inside and outside the home.

What are the Health Issues with Mould?

In order to reproduce, mould produces tiny particles called spores. Spores are carried in the air and may cause health problems if inhaled by people who are sensitive or allergic to them. [SRC: health.nsw.gov.au] Examples of adverse health impacts include:

  • Irritation of the eyes, nose, throat and skin
  • Allergic reaction in people with a mould allergy (e.g. asthma flare-up or hay fever symptoms).
  • Hypersensitivity pneumonitis—a rare lung disease where the lungs become inflamed due to an allergic reaction to certain inhaled substances (e.g. organic dust, fungus, mould or chemicals)
  • Infection.

Most healthy people will not experience health problems from contact with mould, however the risk increases for people with:

  • asthma, allergies or other respiratory conditions may be more sensitive to mould
  • a health condition or undergoing medical treatment that lowers their immunity are more at risk of infection (e.g. cancer and its treatment, organ transplant recipients).

[SRC: worksafeqld.gov.au]

Ensuring Your Air-Conditioner Is Mould-Free

Because we work with air-conditioners, it’s important to point out that regular cleaning of your air-conditioner unit is essential for mould control. Air-conditioners circulate the air you breathe, so it’s essential to ensure that they are clean and free of mould. This is particularly important on the Sunshine Coast, where high humidity, especially after rain, sees an increase in AC usage. We provide a professional clean & service for your split system or ducted air-conditioner. We recommend this service at lease twice a year to ensure your system is running optimally.

Using Dry Mode to Reduce Humidity

Some ducted and split system air conditioning units offer a mode called ‘dry mode’. In addition to their capability to provide heating and cooling for your Sunshine Coast home, this mode can also be used to humidify, dehumidify, ventilate and purify the air. [SRC: Daikin] If you’re consider a new air-conditioner on the Sunshine Coast, it’s a great idea to assess prospective units for this mode. Learn more about new air-conditioners here.

How to Prevent Mould:

Mould is caused by wet, dampness, lack of ventilation and humidity. The trick to preventing mould, or inhibiting its growth, is to prevent these conditions from arising at home. This is easier said than done when it rains incessantly for 5 months; however utilising your air-conditioner or dehumidifier during these times can also be helpful. Here are some handy tips to prevent or inhibit mould at home:

  1. Allow sunlight into your home, as much as possible.
  2. Allow air to circulate. Open doors and windows.
  3. Where does your clothes dryer vent it’s air? If possible, arrange for it to vent outside, as this air can be very humid and if vented inside, can create mould-growing conditions.
  4. Clean wet areas of the home regularly.
  5. Wipe away any moisture you find, and try to keep the inside of the home dry.
  6. Dry and air damp clothes and shoes outside if possible.
  7. Clean carpets and rugs regularly using a HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Filter) vacuum cleaner.
  8. Clean evaporation trays in air-coolers, dehumidifiers and refrigerators regularly.
  9. Don’t run evaporative air cooling systems with water during high humidity (over 65%). If the air feels humid, run the air cooler without water and open the windows.
  10. Allow space between furniture and walls so air can flow, particularly wardrobes.
  11. Don’t stack boxes or other items against outside walls, especially walls that don’t get a lot of sun.
  12. Place absorbent beads in affected rooms to soak up extra moisture. You can buy these at the supermarket.

[SRC: ABC]

How to Remove Mould

  1. Obtain personal protective equipment, including half-face disposable respirators with P1 or P2 filters, to avoid inhaling mould spores when cleaning. You’ll find these at hardware stores.
  2. Place drop sheets on the floor and exclude people from the affected area if they’re not performing the work.
  3. Get 2 buckets: 1 for cleaning solution and 1 for clean water.
  4. Wipe the area clean with a microfibre cloth and cleaning solution. Don’t put dirty cloths back in the solution; rinse them in the clean water to avoid cross-contamination.
  5. After cleaning the area with the solution, wipe the surface with a damp cloth. Use a different cloth to the one you used with the solution.
  6. Wipe the surface dry with a clean cloth.

[SRC: qld.gov.au]

Making Mould Remover

Here are some tips for removing mould from qld.gov.au. They’re particularly useful because they include different options, so depending on what you have in the kitchen, you may not need to go shopping to get started.

Remove mould using a suitable mould remover, such as:

  • a solution of 3 parts vinegar and 2 parts water
  • a solution of 70% methylated spirits and 30% water
  • a solution of tea tree oil and water
  • commercial products from the supermarket. Follow the safety instructions to protect your eyes and skin.

Mould Removal Tips

Why shouldn’t I clean mould with a dry brush or broom?

This could release spores into the air, which may cause adverse health affects and spread mould to other areas. [SRC: qld.gov.au]

Why shouldn’t I clean mould with bleach?

Using bleach is not recommended because it’s not an effective mould killer. However, bleach will help to eliminate other disease-causing organisms that may be present because of contaminated floodwaters. [SRC: qld.gov.au]

Why should I keep changing cloths when cleaning mould?

Always use a different cloth with each process and throw them away after, or the mould spores will spread and mould will reappear. [SRC: qld.gov.au]

Why should I wear personal protective equipment when cleaning mould?

Our immune system does not like mould. It is not meant to be breathed into our lungs. [SRC: qld.gov.au]

Further Reading

Appliance Repair Vs Maintenance

When it comes to residential electrical appliances, have you ever considered the difference between repair and maintenance? How proactive is your approach? In this quick article, we explore appliance repair and maintenance to help you find the best way forward to give your appliance a long and useful life. If you live in the Noosa area on the Sunshine Coast and need assistance in this area, don’t hesitate to contact our team. We are experienced in all aspects, offering warranty and non-warranty servicing for most major brands since 1973. 

Repair Vs Maintenance – What’s the Difference?

While repair and maintenance are related, the difference is significant. Repair is responsive – an action taken as a result of appliance failure. Maintenance is proactive. It refers to actions designed to keep your appliance in good working order. While repair and maintenance are both necessary functions, a well-maintained appliance is generally less likely to break down and need repair.  

Sunshine Coast – Seasons & Appliances

On the Sunshine Coast, appliance usage varies at different times of year. For example, in Summer air-conditioning is used more, and in winter hot water systems and heaters get more of a workout. Meanwhile, coffee machines are on the go all year round! With this in mind, a proactive approach can be aligned with many appliances to ensure they are ready to deliver when needed most. 

Do All Appliances Need Maintenance?

While repair and maintenance are related, the difference is significant. Repair is responsive – an action taken as a result of appliance failure. Maintenance is proactive. It refers to actions designed to keep your appliance in good working order. While repair and maintenance are both necessary functions, a well-maintained appliance is generally less likely to break down and need repair.  

Keeping Up with Important Maintenance

Some types of electrical maintenance are more important than others. Smoke alarms, RCD switches, and air-conditioner cleaning needs to be done regularly. A great way to stay up to date with your electrical maintenance is to book a free reminder with our team. We’ll contact you each year to let you know it’s time to undertake your annual maintenance tasks, helping to ensure your home is up to date, compliant and safe. 

Costs of Repairs Vs Maintenance

The cost of repairs and maintenance for appliances on the Sunshine Coast will depend on the specific appliance. However, it is worth pointing out that regular maintenance, being proactive, is less likely to leave you high and dry during the peak time when you need your appliance most. Furthermore, most appliances require regular maintenance to ensure they continue to function properly. For example, if you don’t have your air-conditioner regularly cleaned, you will most likely end up circulating contaminated air due to the clogged and dirty filters.  

In Conclusion

Repair and maintenance are both essential undertakings for appliance management. In order to optimise appliance longevity and functionality, a regular maintenance schedule will help to proactively resolve appliance issues. We offer a free reminder service for important scheduled maintenance for smoke alarms, RCDs, switchboards and air-conditioner cleaning and servicing to help you stay up to date with your residential appliance safety and compliance.

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Appliance Error Codes

Noosa Electric Co specialises in appliance repairs for household appliances such as air-conditioners, washing machines, dryers, coffee machines and microwave ovens. When something goes wrong with your appliance, error codes provide clues to the origin of the problem. In this brief article, we take a look at error codes – what they mean, when they are shown, and what the best course of action is. If you’re in or nearby Noosa on the Sunshine Coast, please contact our team for any assistance with your appliance issues. We’ve been servicing and repairing appliances since 1973, and our team are licensed, qualified and experienced. 

Appliance Repair Warning

Appliance repairs should only be undertaken by a licensed and qualified professional. Please contact our team if you need any assistance with your appliance repair. We service Noosa and surrounding suburbs.

Useful Information to Note

If you experience an error code with your appliance, it’s useful to note the setting / part of the cycle you were using at the time, and to take a note of the code itself. This information is helpful for our technicians to resolve the problem with the appliance.

How Error Codes Are Helpful

Appliance error codes are helpful for these reasons:

1. They let you know there is a problem to be addressed – enabling action to be taken before a small problem becomes a big problem.

2. They may bring something to your attention that requires a simple and obvious solution, that does not require technical expertise.

For example, a washing machine error code may indicate there is a problem with a water supply, or an appliance may need to be turned off and on again to reset the system. If in doubt – contact our team.

3. Error codes may bring to your attention that a technician is needed for your appliance repair. This type of situation may involve a part replacement or technical procedure to fix the problem. 

Appliance Error Code Standards / Conventions

Unfortunately, there isn’t a standardised appliance error code convention – error codes have different meanings for different types of appliances and brands. For example, depending on your appliance, an ‘E1’ error code might mean a flood fault, an electrical short, insufficient air flow, or a range of other possibilities, depending on the brand and model. With this in mind, it is necessary to look up your appliance error code to understand the specific issue you’re dealing with.

How to Look Up Your Error Code

Here are three easy ways to look up your appliance error code:

a. Look up your error code in the manual that came with your appliance. 
b. Look up the error code online. The important thing is to ensure you’re looking up the correct error code. Make sure it is the same brand and model as your appliance.
C. Contact our team for assistance with your error code. 

Warranty and Non-Warranty Repairs

The repair process may be approached in different ways depending on the brand, model, and warranty status of your appliance. When you contact our Sunshine Coast appliance repair team, we will help you determine the appropriate process for your repair. This will enable the accomplishment of your repair in the most efficient way. 

Multiple Error Codes

The only thing worse than a single error code are multiple error codes. Multiple error codes may indicate the presence of multiple errors, or the possibility of a single error triggering other errors. In this situation, it’s best to contact our technicians for assistance. 

Intermittent Error Codes

Intermittent error codes are error codes that don’t appear all the time. This can make it difficult to know if there is something wrong with the appliance or not. In these cases, as mentioned above, take a note of the error code and the way the appliance was being used at the time. Contact our team with this information – it will help to find the origin of the problem. 

In Conclusion

1. It’s frustrating when your appliance has a problem, but error codes are the key to diagnosing and fixing the problem. 
2. When you experience an error code, it’s helpful to take a note of the way the appliance was being used, or the part of the cycle, during which the code was displayed, and also the code itself. 
3. There are different processes for arranging a repair of your appliance depending on whether it is under warranty or out of warranty. Either way, our team can help you with the correct process to arrange your appliance repair. 

For assistance with your appliance repair or maintenance in Noosa and nearby on the Sunshine Coast, please contact our team!

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Noosa Electric Co. acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we live and work. We pay our respects to the Elders past, present and emerging, for they hold the memories, the traditions, the culture and hopes of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

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