LED stands for “light emitting diode.” This device is a semiconductor. Other types of lighting convert energy into heat and then light. LEDs skip the heat part, converting energy directly into the light we need. This process is more efficient, with less wasted electricity.

Manufacturers can customise the colour of an LED by using different materials to make them. Many produce white light by combining a blue LED with yellow phosphor.

Some will instead combine red, green, and blue LEDs to create white light. This method isn’t typically used for household lighting. It’s preferred when creating components for full-colour devices.

Are LED Bulbs More Efficient Than Other Lights?

LEDs have been hailed as the most efficient lighting option out there. There are many reasons for that. They pull far ahead of standard incandescent bulbs when it comes to efficiency.

An incandescent light will use approximately 60 watts per 10 LED watts. The LED uses five times less energy. Incandescent bulbs also only last a short time – usually months. LEDs can last up to 25 times longer (depending on quality and brand).

Halogen bulbs are another popular choice. Both halogen and LED products produce the same brightness. LED wins again by generating equal illumination while consuming 85% less energy. They also last approximately 10 times longer than halogen bulbs.

How Much Can I Save Using LEDs in My Home?

Some homeowners get excited when they hear about the energy efficiency and lifespan of an LED, only to feel uncertain when they see the initial cost. LED bulbs have come down in price in recent years, but they are still the more expensive option. That’s why it’s important to look at the bigger picture when deciding on what type to buy.

It’s impossible to know exactly how much you will save each year without knowing how big your home is, how long you leave your lights on, and how many lamps and fixtures you need to power.

According to the Australian Department of Environment and Energy website, electricity accounts for 10% of the average household budget. Replacing 10 halogen bulbs with LEDs can amount to an estimated savings of $650 over 10 years.

For those concerned about the initial expense, you’ll be happy to hear that LEDs generally earn that amount back in less than a year of use.

Manufacturer Viribright found a noticeable difference in long-term operational costs. The following list is based on using a 60-watt incandescent bulb and equivalent CFL and LED bulbs over 20 years. The totals include the cost of the bulb, and the energy consumed to power it:

• Incandescent bulb costs $211
• CFL bulb costs $54
• LED bulb costs $34

When you factor in the long-term savings, LED lights still win out even with their higher purchase price.

There are also environmental benefits to using efficient lighting that requires fewer replacements. Begin switching to LEDs now so that you can start saving on your annual household expenses.

Electric cars are here, but they haven’t entirely caught on. New research found that only one-third of Australians surveyed want one while the other two-thirds don’t expect to own one. Electric vehicles claim a mere .2% of the new car market.

While there are environmental benefits, most car buyers are more interested in the financial savings. Lowering fuel costs was the top reason given for wanting an electric car. An average petrol car that is driven around 10,000km annually would cost $1,350 to fuel. An electric model can be charged for the same distance for approximately $350.

That sounds great. However, there are some drawbacks. Electric vehicles tend to cost more to buy. There’s also a concern for the lack of charging infrastructure. There aren’t as many places to recharge compared to how many petrol stations are available across Australia.

Charging takes time. Fueling with petrol seems easy. You fill the tank, and you are on your way. An electric vehicle must sit and charge for a certain length of time. That amount of time varies based on several factors.

How Long Does It Take to Charge an Electric Car?

The amount of time needed to charge a vehicle will depend on the charging infrastructure and model being driven.

There aren’t many completely electric models available in Australia right now. Several well-known companies make them, including Tesla, BMW, Nissan, Hyundai, Jaguar, and Renault, with more on the way.

Different models require different charging times. For example, Nissan’s Leaf can be charged to full capacity in up to 24 hours when using the standard power source available in a home. If you buy a 7kW charger, the time goes down to just 7.5 hours.

Tesla’s Model 3 can travel around 48km per hour of charge. Using a Supercharger or Tesla Wall Box will reduce the time needed.

Jaguar’s i-Pace SUV is advertised as offering up to 11km per hour of charge using the same at-home power. That means you will have to leave it plugged in for 43 hours to get a full charge. Installing Jaguar’s charging device will increase that to 35km.

Hyundai’s Kona Electric is marketed as going from empty to 80% charged in a little over 9.5 hours when using a home wall unit. That time lowers to 75 minutes when using a fast-charging station. A full charge would take up to 28 hours.

Are Electric Cars Worth the Wait?

A full charge for any electric vehicle takes a while. It’s a lot longer than most people would want to wait when they have somewhere to be. However, some car owners explain that waiting isn’t as bad as it sounds. You don’t have to fully charge every time. Some may charge for just 30 minutes to an hour to get hours of driving.

Much depends on how much you drive and how accessible charging stations are to you. Electric cars can greatly reduce fuel costs and help the environment. In time, the technology will likely improve to increase the driving range per charge. For now, electric vehicles provide an eco-friendly alternative that can cut your annual fuel costs.

Lightning may not strike often, but when it does, it can cause big problems. The average bolt of cloud to ground lightning contains around 1,000,000,000 joules of energy. That is enough power to run a 60-watt lightbulb for half a year and a refrigerator with its door open for a full day.

The Top End is known for its spectacular storms. Over one Christmas Day, the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) recorded over 91,000 strikes in the Darwin region. The area provides the three main ingredients for intense lighting: moisture, heat, and instability.

Even if you don’t live in Darwin, you should still be concerned about lighting protection. An estimated five to 10 people are killed, and 100 more are seriously injured by strikes each year. Lightning can also cause thousands of dollars in property damage.

What Is a Lightning Protection System?

A lightning protection system uses rods that are positioned at intervals on the highest points of a structure. These are strategically installed at the highest-risk locations. They connect to conductor cables that provide a safe path to the ground.

Today’s lightning rods are a little different than they used to be. They are much smaller and can usually be installed so that they blend with the building’s architecture.

Does a Lightning Protection System Attract Strikes?

It may sound counterintuitive to install something that looks like it attracts lighting, but these systems work. They won’t increase your risk, because lightning strikes when and where it pleases. It doesn’t care if you have a rod in place or not. Lightning can also strike structures at a lower elevation or on the ground.

When a strike occurs, the rods will make sure that the energy generated moves safely down and away from your home. Without them, your property could be severely damaged or burn down.

Side flashes can also occur. A side flash happens when electrical current jumps from the object that was struck to nearby bodies. That can include people and animals. Lightning protection can help shield your property from side flashes as well as full-on lightning strikes.

Do I Need Lightning Protection on All Buildings on My Property?

It is best to protect all buildings on your property as much as possible. Building codes may not require it, but it can save you a lot of money and safeguard the people inside the structure. Consider the items that you have stored in a building. Would you be ok losing its contents in the event of a strike or fire caused by a strike?

Human safety is another concern. If the building is a home or business where people will spend a lot of time, it should be protected.

Lightning protection is available for structures of all sizes, from small residential properties to big office buildings or industrial facilities. The first step is to request an estimate for a lightning system installation. Spending the money now could save you thousands of dollars during the next thunderstorm.

Most people used to rely on incandescent lights to brighten their homes. Today, household lighting uses a variety of bulbs. These are often more efficient than what was available years ago. It can be difficult to know which type of bulb is the best option for you. The first step is understanding the technology and how it can lower your expenses and increase efficiency.

LED Light Bulbs Explained

Light-emitting diodes, or LEDs, are a popular choice for many lighting applications. They offer superior lifespan and are highly energy efficient. They emit direct light rather than diffused light and are often used as a component in circuitry. Once they reach the end of their lifespan, they don’t just burn out like incandescent bulbs. They tend to fade out, providing some illumination.

LED bulbs last as much as 10 times longer than halogen products and uses 25% of the energy consumed to generate the same amount of lighting. Some appliances and fixtures utilise smart technology that includes LED bulbs. This can sometimes counteract the money-saving benefits by lowering efficiency when left on in standby modes. Otherwise, they offer a great alternative to incandescent bulbs because they consume 75% less energy and last 25 times longer.

CFL Bulbs Explained

Compact fluorescent lights, or CFL bulbs, are another energy-saving option. They require one-fourth of the energy used by incandescent lights. Much like LED bulbs, they can last as much as 10 times longer. They are quiet and offer warmer colour compared to older fluorescent technology.

Some households prefer CFL over LEDs because they are cheaper to buy. However, they are not quite as efficient as LEDs and only last about half as long. They also contain a small amount of mercury (approximately 4 milligrams per bulb). They don’t break easily, but if they do, proper safety precautions should be taken when removing the pieces and cleaning up. Homeowners should review the recommended procedure before using CFL bulbs so that they are prepared in case of an accident.

Halogen Bulbs Explained

Halogen bulbs are a type of incandescent lighting. They are similar in appearance and functionality. However, they are 30% more efficient than traditional incandescent bulbs. They also offer a longer life span.

Halogen lights are not as efficient as CFL or LED bulbs. They cost less, making them an appealing short-term option. People who aren’t ready or don’t have the money to invest in expensive LEDs or CFLs can opt for halogen to help lower utility bill costs. The average halogen light uses approximately 35W to 50W and emits illumination that’s similar to natural daylight.

What Type of Light Globe Should I Use?

Each type of light globe offers different benefits. Halogen is a cost-effective option that will help a household begin to lower their energy consumption. LEDs are more expensive but provide an impressive lifespan and significant efficiency. CFLs are a good middle ground if someone isn’t prepared to pay for an LED but wants more energy savings than a halogen will provide. Remember to also consider wattage, brightness, shape, and colour before choosing a new light globe for your home.