Most people know that solar energy is beneficial because it doesn’t consume non-renewable resources. That’s a big benefit, but it isn’t the only positive feature solar has to offer. It also helps stop pollution.

The Effects of Pollution on the Environment

Pollution can contaminate soil, air, and water. This has a dire effect on the ecosystem.

Air pollution leaves toxins on plants that are later consumed by wildlife. This can kill off essential populations of animals that are necessary to maintain the food chain. It can also increase the risk of health problems in wildlife due to contamination.

Litter like plastic and metal garbage doesn’t break down easily and can harm living things. In the ocean, discarded refuse is a serious hazard for marine animals. Pollution in the soil can kill plants or contaminate them, making anything that ingests them ill.

The Effects of Pollution on People

Pollution can also have a more personal impact when it comes to our health. Air pollution can cause respiratory illness and aggravated cardiovascular disease. It also places more stress on the heart and lungs, forcing them to work harder to supply oxygen to the body.

Short term exposure may cause discomfort but may not have a lasting effect. However, long-term exposure can cause permanent damage including accelerated aging of the lungs, loss of lung function and capacity, and the development of diseases like emphysema, bronchitis, asthma, and cancer. It can also lead to a shortened lifespan.

Water pollution can be just as dangerous. It allows water-borne diseases to spread like cholera, typhoid, malaria, jaundice, dysentery, and amoebiasis. Nitrates in water can restrict oxygen in the brain, which is especially risky for babies. Petrochemicals increase the risk of cancer, even at a low exposure rate.

Switching to Solar Stops Pollution

Solar energy is one of the most viable clean power sources we have. It can help reduce existing pollution problems and eliminate potential future concerns. How does solar stop pollution?

• No Burning Means No Air Pollution – Fossil fuels like natural gas and coal require combustion and mining. These activities produce greenhouse gas emissions that make their way into the air. The gasses produced include methane and nitrous oxide, which vent into the environment. Solar energy doesn’t burn, so no greenhouse gases are produced.
• Solar Keeps Waterways Clean – Solar doesn’t need water to generate power. That means there’s no need to tap into local waterways to keep your system running. Solar allows us to use electricity while keeping our rivers pristine.
• Less Hazardous Waste Produced – Coal-fired plants also produce millions of tonnes of toxic waste that must go somewhere. This material ends up in landfills and abandoned mines where it is out of the way but is a hazard for the environment around it. Solar doesn’t produce hazardous waste.

Solar makes it possible to go green without giving up the luxuries of modern life. Connect Electric is here to help you learn more about what life is like with renewable energy. Contact us today to find out if a new solar system can meet your needs.

Light bulbs are a common find in households, with most using many at a time. Replacements can get expensive, and constantly throwing away burned out bulbs generates more household waste. Connect Electric wants to share information on how to get more use out of your light bulbs so that you spend less and waste less.

• Check Your Voltage

If the voltage is too high, it can cause light bulbs to burn brighter and need to be replaced sooner. Test electrical outlets to ensure that they are supplying the correct amount of energy. This can be done with a multimeter. If the reading is over 125 volts, then you may have a problem in your electrical system that requires a professional.

• Keep Ceiling Fans Balanced

Fixture vibration can also cause light bulbs to burn out. This is usually a bigger problem in homes with ceiling fans. If the blades are not balanced, the fan may vibrate or shake when on. This can affect the lifespan of the filament in the bulb. Vibration can also occur in other situations, like light fixtures in garage door openers.

To correct the issue, minimise vibration as much as possible. You can also install heavy-duty filament bulbs that can survive better with vibration.

• Screw Bulbs in Securely

Make sure all light bulbs are screwed into their sockets securely. They may come loose if the lamp or fixtures is bumped or shaken. If you recently moved, you may want to check the existing bulbs in case the previous owner didn’t screw them in as tightly as they should.

Bulbs are fragile, so do not apply too much pressure when installing. However, they should be firmly in place so that they don’t tilt or wobble.

• Check Bulb Contact in Lamps

A small metal tab can be found inside the light bulb socket, right at the bottom. This is where the bulb connects to the power source, allowing it to light up. Sometimes, the tab can be pushed down too hard so that it doesn’t make full contact with the bulb. It may look like the bulb is burned out, but it may not be getting any power.

You can fix this problem by unplugging the lamp or turning off power to the fixture. Then, using a wooden popsicle stick, you can carefully bend the tab back into place. Replace the light bulb, turn the power back on and see if it works.

Old sockets may have a brittle tab that cannot be bent. This is a sign that it’s time to replace the lamp or fixture.

• Make Sure the Wiring is Working

Bulbs may go out due to a wiring problem. Damaged wires may not work. You could also experience a short circuit if current flows outside of the wiring. When this happens, everything can go dark and a breaker may trip. Wiring problems can be complex, so you may need to seek the advice of an electrician.

• Choose Efficient Light Bulbs

Choose efficient light bulbs to get more use out of them. LEDs are the best option. They cost more initially but can save you a lot of money in electricity use and replacement bulbs. Incandescent lights are the least efficient and are best replaced with something newer.

Contact Connect Electric if you notice problems with your wiring or light fixtures. We can help you find solutions that are safe and cost-effective.

We often take our electricity for granted. We don’t think about it too much unless there is a problem. Homeowners need to be proactive when it comes to maintenance. By taking a few easy steps, you can avoid hazards and help prevent or stop ongoing problems.

Connect Electric wants to share this electrical safety checklist to help you protect your home and family.

• Don’t Ignore Tripping Breakers – If you have breakers that trip often, this is a sign that something is wrong. Don’t ignore it. An electrician can inspect your wiring and breakers to determine the cause.
• All Circuits Must Be Grounded – All circuits must be properly grounded to ensure safety. You can use a multimeter to verify grounding.
• Only Use GFCI Outlets in Wet Areas – Any outlets that are in an area with a water source, like the kitchen or bathroom, must use a GFCI outlet. Newer homes should have these installed, however, older houses may not.
• Unplug Appliances Before Cleaning – Unplug appliances before you clean them. This will allow you to reach all areas without risking electrical shock. This is especially important when using water or liquids to clean.
• Cover Outlets in Homes with Children – Children may not realise the danger of electricity, so make sure you cover your outlets. This can be done with a separate outlet cover or by installing tamper-resistant outlets that have built-in shutters.
• Replace Wobbly Hardware or Plugs – If you notice outlets or switches that seem wobbly or stick out of the wall, or if you have plugs that are loose in the outlet, replace them. This can cause connection issues or even become a fire or shock hazard if the prongs are partially exposed.
• Be Mindful of Heat Sources – Keep all cables away from heat sources like space heaters or radiators. Do not arrange furniture on top of cords or run them under rugs. This type of setup increases the risk of electrical fire.
• Know the Signs of Bad Wiring – Know the signs of bad wiring so you can deal with the problem before it becomes dangerous. Outlets may feel warm to the touch, may make a buzzing sound, lights may flicker, or you may smell a burning odour. Turn off power and contact an electrician if you notice any of these signs.
• Use Proper Cables Outdoors – If you need power outdoors, make sure you use an extension cord rated for the job. Indoor cords are not as insulated as those made for outside use.
• Unplug Devices When Not in Use – Unplug as many devices as you can when not in use. This reduces fire hazards and will cut back on the amount of wasted electricity in your home.

Know When to Hire an Electrician

One of the most important things to remember is when you should hire an electrician. Some jobs require professional knowledge to handle safely. If you have questions or notice problems with wiring, Connect Electric is here to help. Let us know what’s going on and we’ll help you find a solution.

Cost has always been one of the major factors people point to when discussing renewable energy. While the environmental implications are very important, the price also affects how viable a power source is for the larger community.

Independent financial think tank Carbon Tracker recently released a report that found that the cost of renewable energy is lower than the previous cost-effective option, coal.

For years, coal was relied upon as an affordable way to bring power to millions of people. In the United States, nine out of every 10 tonnes of coal mined was consumed to generate electricity. Coal makes up 73% of the resources used to produce electricity across Australia. Natural gas comes in second with a mere 13%.

A total of 78 countries around the globe used coal for energy in 2019. That was up from 66 countries in 2000.

With so many regions reliant on coal, it can be a hard sell to switch to an alternative. However, according to the Carbon Tracker website, “coal developers risk wasting more than $600 billion because it is already cheaper to generate electricity from renewables than from new coal plants in all major markets.”

Out with the Coal and In with the Renewables

Many communities are faced with a decision: continue using coal or invest in renewable technology. Some speculate that it might be cheaper to build new sustainable energy facilities over the next decade rather than continue operating existing coal power stations.

The report also called for policymakers to stop investing in coal and to begin redesigning regulations in the power market. The goal should focus on minimising stranded asset risk but to also accelerate the transition to a lower-carbon economy.

A world map was included that highlights the countries where renewable energy is cheaper to use than coal. The list includes Russia, Japan, Vietnam, South Korea, India, South Africa, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia.

Despite the signing of the Paris Agreement, coal still features prominently in the energy market. This stems from its availability and low cost. Millions of tonnes sit underground while powerful companies backed by governments try to take advantage of this otherwise unhealthy resource.

The shortcomings of wind and solar also work to coal’s advantage. Wind requires a breeze while solar needs the sun to shine to work. However, improved technology has increased efficiency and minimised the impact of these problems. When coupled with the lower cost, renewables become a strong contender against previous heavyweight coal.

Renewable Energy at Home

You have the option to decide how you want to power your home. Solar systems are more affordable than ever and can be installed on-site so you don’t have to rely on delivery from the grid. 

Connect Electric can help you learn more about why renewable energy is a better alternative to harmful fossil fuels like coal, natural gas, and petroleum. Contact us today to discuss your electricity needs and to find out how solar can help you stop relying on coal.