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Easy and Effective Techniques for Pest Control

Signs To Look For When You Might Need Pest Control Services

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Easy and Effective Techniques for Pest Control

Julie | February 2, 2022March 12, 2022

Pests can make the surroundings unhygienic and pose a severe threat to the health of every being living there. When one says pets, it is not just rodents and cockroaches; the list also consists of fleas, mosquitoes, termites, bed bugs, and even fungus. They can infect the food supplies, and upon consumption of the same, it may cause health issues.

It is always right to contact the Pest Control Near Me at the first sighting of any colony formed by pests to avoid such consequences.

Reasons for pest infestation

Some of the common causes of pest infestation are:

– Dirty and unclean surroundings, especially food cupboards and any place where food is kept.

– Not using a trash bin with a lid

– Throwing trash anywhere other than the bin.

– Not cleaning stagnant water in pools, buckets, tanks, roads, or any water-holding container.

– Not cleaning the kitchen at night and leaving unwashed dishes in the sink.

Few insects around the house are not a cause of concern, but the problem arises when one cannot remove them even after constant efforts. This means that they have created a colony somewhere near. Such situations require immediate attention, and one must either try home remedies or call a professional to get the pest infestation under control.

Standard techniques used for pest control

Below are four techniques listed that can be used to get rid of the pests:

Organic Method

This is one of the best ways because, in this method, the elements used would not harm the surrounding plants and animals. Predator traps and baits are a sort-after solution under the organic process. Biodegradable poisons like Sodium fluoroacetate are often mixed with the bait to exterminate the pests.

Chemical Pesticides

Chemical pesticides are available in aerosol and liquid form. It is used to eradicate pests and is quite the foolproof method, but at the same time, it is also not safe for the people using them and the living creatures around them. Insecticides are for insects, herbicides for plants, and bactericides for bacteria. If one is not confident in using the pesticides themselves, they can call for pest control services.

Biological Control

This is an environmentally safe method and is mainly used in greenhouses but, if required, can be practiced outdoors too. In this method, the natural predators of the pests like parasites and pathogens are introduced in the ecosystem of the problems. The predators will either infect the pests with deadly diseases or feed on their larvae. This way, the population of pests will be controlled, and the environment is also not harmed.

Hygiene control

It is commonly seen that no or very few pests are found in clean surroundings. So one of the best DIY pest control is to keep the house and the surroundings clean. Refrain from leaving food unattended for too long. Clean the leftovers and cover them before storing them in the refrigerator. Also, clean the garden and clear the weed growth. With proper hygiene control, one may need pest control.

If one decides to hire pest control professionals, check their supplies to ensure they are safe and verified chemicals. Usually, after deep cleaning, for the next 4-6 months, one can rest assured that there will not be any pest problems during that time.

Signs To Look For When You Might Need Pest Control Services

Julie | January 1, 2022March 9, 2022

You might have found yourself caught up in the situation where you have asked yourself, “Do I need pest control services?” The answer can vary depending on your situation. If you notice insects and cockroaches roaming around in your house, you at least might want to get a pest control inspection.

Pests can be a real menace in homes and even commercial spaces. A pest inspection will ensure whether you have a pest problem or only a few random pests requiring no special treatment. “What is pest control?” some might wonder. The totality of the services is specially designed to remove rodents insects from your living or working space.

How to know you need pest control?

No one wants their home to be invaded by the pests, but unfortunately, it happens. It would help if you looked for some signs to ensure that your home has become a breeding ground for pests. They are the following:

You see pests

The most common sign of pest infestation is that you see many pests roaming in your homes. If you spot mice, cockroaches, or any other vermin, it is time to get the help of the experts. The pests can be hazardous for your property and the health of everyone in the family. It is best to eradicate the problem as soon as possible.

No use of DIY methods

The first thing that almost everyone does after sensing a pest invasion is adopted DIY methods. If the problem is minor, it might be practical and helpful to eliminate the pests. But, if your solutions don’t work any longer, it is a sign that you must contact a professional pest control service for the good of the people around you.

Reduced quality of life

A pest infestation can affect every part of your life and make it difficult to live comfortably. For instance, there are regular encounters with rats in your attic; it can be frustrating and annoying. Bed bugs in your rooms can make you spend sleepless nights full of stress. And without a good night’s sleep, you can’t function properly.

Benefits of hiring professional services

Professional services know what they do in-depth and deal with the pest problem better than anyone else. One might say they handle it the best way. There are many reasons for you to hire professionals and let them do their work, including:

Quick in identifying the problem

Professional services are quick in identifying where the problem lies. They can also tell you the pests’ possible entry and exit points. Not only do they detect the issues, but they also tell you about their solutions.

Save your time

When you try to do the pest control by yourself, it might take you long without proper knowledge. But, professionals save your time by removing the debris after completing the service.

Now that you know why and when you need pest control services make sure you don’t take any chances.

Different Types For High Quality Flooring That You Need To Choose

Julie | November 30, 2021May 5, 2022

With regards to kinds of deck, most mortgage holders normally consider either marble or tiles. Notwithstanding, there are various deck choices accessible out there. Some of them are normal, while others are lesser-known. All of these choices have their benefits as far as feel, cost, sturdiness, and different variables. High Quality Flooring is something that will be convenient for everyone.

It is the biggest surface in the home, and picking the best deck for your space relies upon your spending plan, way of life, and individual preferences. Each type has its interesting advantages, and figuring out which deck is best relies upon each room’s necessities and area.

Sorts Of Flooring

Vitrified deck tiles are made out of dirt and different minerals like silica, quartz, and feldspar prepared at high temperatures. Mostly covered with an outer coating, these tiles have a low water ingestion rate and are tough. They arrive in a huge assortment of plans, tones, prints, and surfaces.
Vinyl flooring is another adaptable choice accessible for individuals who need vogue choices at a proficient expense. Accessible in plans that mimic hardwood and stone completions, vinyl is one of the somewhat cheap choices. Stain-safe and water-safe, this sort of ground surface choice are very sturdy.
However, a high-upkeep well-known ground surface plan choice, hardwood flooring is accessible in strips, boards, and parquet designs. The hardwood deck can be very strong, assuming you keep up with it well. It is accessible in various normal shades like pecan and cherry and can supplement various stylistic layout topics.
Bamboo is a normally happening material, and the ground surface in this material takes after a hardwood floor. This kind of deck is genuinely simple to keep up with as it is water-and stain-safe and can give your home a modern look.
Tile is an eco-accommodating deck material delivered from unrefined substances like linseed oil, stopper, residue, and gum. It’s extremely well known in homes, an expense effective and exceptionally adaptable (as far as configuration) floor type.

Benefits With Flooring

Because of its expense viability, High Quality Flooring is broadly well known in many pieces. Known for their uncommon strength, imperviousness to fire, and broad toughness, blocks are likewise simple to clean. Be that as it may, they are profoundly permeable and can break off without any problem. So, before you begin on your ground surface undertaking, it pays to do a little research on the various types of decks and find out about their expenses and advantages. Then, at that point, you can find a story that fits both your space and your financial plan.

Winding Up

The deck choices recorded here are the most famous decisions, yet they’re not the only ones by all accounts. Glance through home brightening magazines and sites, and you’ll see an assortment of other deck types, like stone tile, stained cement, terrazzo, and elastic ground surface. So, on the off chance that you’ve taken a gander at every one of the standard choices and nothing very accommodates your taste and spending plan, don’t spare a moment to stretch out.

One more chance to consider assuming you’re on a limited spending plan is restoring or painting your old floors. Resurfacing an exhausted hardwood floor is significantly less expensive than supplanting it, regardless of whether you need to recruit an expert to do it. So, what are you waiting for? Choose something better and effective for your convenience and to make your home look better.

STRAWBERRY CULTIVARS

Julie | October 29, 2020December 10, 2021

Strawberries have been around for thousands of years. Two ancient species of strawberries are still know to exist. The woodland strawberry(Fragaria vesca) which is characterized by small, aromatic berries and the alpine strawberries(Fragaria montana fraga) with it small very tasty yellow or red berries. Alpine strawberries are a day neutral strawberry that can be grown in full sun or partial shade. They are also long lived and will continue to produce fruit all summer if well watered.

The modern strawberry(Fragaria x ananassa) is a cross between the Virginia starwberry(Fragaria virginiana) and the Chilean strawberry(Fragaria chiloensis). The modern strawberry has large, sweet berries. The choose of the cultivar will depend upon several factors including climate, flavor, firminess, disease resistance, and ripening times. Climate is very important because productivity, frost tolerance, and ripening times varied from cultivar to cultivar depending upon the climatic conditions. Strawberries vary in taste from tart to very sweet. While a tart strawberry may be fine in pies or jams it will not be as tasty if fresh eaten. Firminess besides affecting how the strawberry is used, also affects how long the strawberry will last or if it can be shipped to distance markets.

Disease tolerance varies from cultivar to cultivar and a choice of a cultivar will depend upon if that disease is a problem in your area. Ripening times affect when the fruit will be available for picking. This will vary from cultivar to cultivar and also whether the strawberries are June bearers, Day neutral bearers, or Everbearers. The June bearers will produce one large crop in the summer. Day neutral strawberries will produce strawberries throughout the summer months though they normally have a large crop in the spring.

Production is lower during the hottest months of the summer with a somewhat larger crop in the fall. Everbearers produce two crops, one in June and another in the fall. In determing what varieties to grow, it is a good idea to check with your local extension office or mursery. Below is a list of some cultivars based upon what region they will grow in. Cardinal-June Bearer-large firm average tasting strawberry-Midseason-Susceptible to red stele and verticillium wilt but resistant to leaf spot and leaf scorch.

Sequoia-June Bearer-Very large soft very sweet berry-Early season-Susceptible to both red stele and verticillium wilt but resistant to viruses. Oso Grande-June Bearer-Very large firm berry with a good taste-Early midseason- suseptible to red stele and verticillium wilt but virus tolerant. Dover-June Bearer-large medium firm berry with a good taste-early season-susceptible to red stele but resistant to leaf scorch and verticillium wilt.

Allstar-June Bearer-large firm not very tasty berry-late midseason berry- resistant to leaf scorch and red stele. Atlas-June Bearer-Very large firm berry with a good taste-Early season-susceptible to red stele, intermediate resistant to verticillium wilt, resistant to leaf spot, and very resistant to leaf scorch.

Redchief-June bearer-large firm sweet berry-early midseason-intermediate resistant to verticillium wilt and resistant to leaf spot, leaf scorch, and red stele. Surecrop-June Bearer-large firm sweet berry-early midseason-resistant to very resistant for most diseases.

Fern-Day neutral-large firm sweet berry- suseptible to red stele with intermediate resistance to verticillium wilt. Tribute-Day neutral-medium to large size firm somewhat tart berry-resistant to red stele and verticillium wilt.

Tristar-Day neutral-small to medium sized firm berry with an excellent sweet flavor-resistant to red stele an verticllium wilt. Badgerbelle-June Bearer-large soft fair tasting strawberry-late season-Susceptible to red stele and leaf scorch but resistant to leaf spot.

Guardian-June Bearer-medium sized medium firm good tasting berry-midseason-resistant to very resistant for most diseases. Honoeye-June Bearer-large firm good tasting berry-Early midseason-Susceptible to red stele but resistant to leaf scorch, leaf spot, and verticillim wilt. Midway-June bearer-large firm good tasting berry.-Late midseason-Very susceptible to leaf spot, susceptible to leaf scorch, intermediate resistance to verticillium wilt but resistance to red stele.

Redcoat-June Bearer-medium sized, medium firminess with only a fair taste-Early midseason-Susceptible to red stele and verticillium wilt but resistant to leaf spot. Sparkle-June Bearer-small soft berry with a very good taste-Late Midseason-Susceptible to to leaf spot, viruses, and verticillium wilt, intermediate resistance to leaf scorch and resistant to red stele.

Veestar-June bearer-medium sized soft berry with a very good taste-Early season- Susceptible to red stele and leaf scorch but resistant to verticllium wilt and leaf spot. Ozark Beauty-Ever bearer-large, medium firm berry with a sweet taste-Susceptible to red stele and verticillium wilt.

Quinault-Ever Bearer-Large medium firm sweet berry-Intermediate resistance to verticillium wilt and resistant to red stele. Lester-June Bearer-medium large firm good tasting berry-Early midaseason-Susceptible to verticllium wilt but resistant to red stele and scorch. Lateglow-June Bearer-large mediumly firm good tasting berry-late season-tolerant to leaf spot and leaf scorch and resistant to red stele and verticillium wilt.

Totem-June Bearer-Large firm good tsting berry-late season-Intermediate resistance to leaf scorch, resistant to leaf spot, red stele, verticillium wilt and tolerant to viruses. Benton-June Bearer-Large soft very good tasting berry-late season-resistant to red stele and tolerant to viruses.

Hood-June Bearer-large medium firm very good tasting berry-Early midseason-Resistant to most diseases. Shuksan-June Bearer-Large firm sweet berry- Midseason-Intermediate resistant to viruses and resitant to red stele and verticillium wilt.

Rainer-June Bearer-large mediumly firm berry with a very good taste-Late midseason- resistant to red stele and verticllium wilt and tolerant of viruses. Tillikum-Day Neutral-small to medium sized firm berry with a slightly tart taste- Susceptible to verticllium wilt and intermediate tolerant to red stele.

Pajaro-June Bearer-large very firm berry with a good taste-midseason-Susceptible to red stele and verticllium wilt, resistant to leaf scorch and tolerant of viruses.

SOIL TEXTURE

Julie | October 28, 2020December 10, 2021

Soil Texture is the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay in a soil. Organic Matter and particles greater in size than 2 mm are not include in the definition even though can effect the soil properties, greatly.

Sand are the particles which range in size from 2.0 mm to 0.05 mm in size. The sand size particles are often quartz. Quartz is relatively resistant to weathering. Minerals such as feldspar and micas may also be present in this size classification. Quartz is relatively inert while the other minerals contain nutrients which are essential for plant growth. The net effect is that sandy soils due to the significant amounts of quartz are well drained but also do not retain water or nutrients, very well.

Silt size particles range in size from 0.05 mm to .002 mm. Minerals such as feldspar and micas dominate this fraction. The greater surface area, the greater nutrient content of the minerals, and rapid rate these minerals decompose make silty soils more fertile and better able to hold water than sandy soils.

Clay are those particles with a size below .002 mm in diameter. The clay fraction due to greater surface area is better able to hold nutrients and water. Micas and Feldspars are also present in this size fraction but chemical weathering also leads to the formation of secondary minerals such as illite, kaolinite, smectites, and vermiculite. The secondary minerals are also characterized by having a negative charge due to dissociation of the hydroxyl groups on the clay surface or isomorphic substitution within the clay mineral. This enables the clay fraction to adsorb nutrients which are in the form of a cation such as Calcium, Iron, and Magnesium.

Clay soils have a tendency to hold water and nutrients well but drain poorly. The soil textural triangle at the top page divides soils into different classes. The names of the soil textural classes are based upon which fraction of the soil dominates the soil properties. A loam soil is a soil in which all of the particles contribute equally to the soil properties. It does not mean that an equal percentage of each size fraction is present. Clay due to it chemical and physical properties can have a large effect on how a soil acts even if it is present as a relatively low percentage compared to the sand fraction.

Different plants do better on different type of soil textures, watermelons and red pines grow well in sandy loam soil while corn does best in a loam types soil. Maples and beech are often found growing on loams and clay loams.

If a soil has a large fraction of particles larger than 2mm size even if clay may dominate the soil size fractions it’s physical properties will be different than a soil composed completely clay. The addition of organic matter to a soil will also affect the properties of a specific soil texture.

Organic matter will increase the ability of a sandy soil to hold nutrients and water due to the organic matter’s high exchange capacity. Addition of organic matter to a clay soil will improve the drainage capability of the soil because it helps bind the clay minerals together to form a larger structural unit.

SLEEP TO IMPROVE YOUR GAME

Julie | October 22, 2020December 10, 2021

Most of us have given up on childhood aspirations to become the next legendary quarterback or star point guard for our favorite team. You may, however, have children of your own still in pursuit of such dreams. Or maybe you are an avid runner, biker, or other sportsman looking to improve your skills. A study completed last year by Stanford’s Sleep Disorders Clinic and Research Laboratory shows that sleep can give added advantage to an athlete’s performance.

The study focused on elite basketball players who were able to improve their on-court performance by extending their usual sleep time. The study completed by Cheri Mah and her colleagues suggest that “athletes may be able to optimize training and competition outcomes by identifying strategies to maximize the benefits of sleep.”

We all know the negative effects that come with a lack of a good night sleep. The dragging feeling, inability to focus, and lack of healing rest can hinder anyone’s ability to function at full capacity. This is especially true in the case of an athlete who has added stress of competition and physical exertion to cope with. It’s easy to see that sleep is definitely important to an athlete’s capability on the field, court, etc. This study, however, takes it a step further to say that an optimized sleep regimen combined with typical physical training and diet can actually make you play better.

“Intuitively many players and coaches know that rest and sleep are important, but it is often the first to be sacrificed,” Mah states in her article in the July 2011 issue of SLEEP. “Healthy and adequate sleep hasn’t had the same focus as other areas of training for peak performance.”

Researchers used the men’s basketball team to study preliminary findings that extended sleep improved performance with members of the swim team. Basketball players were asked to sleep a normal six to nine hour night for the first two to four weeks. Then the players were asked to sleep 10 hours every night for five to seven weeks.

By the end of the sleep extension phase of the study, players ran faster 282-foot sprints (16.2 seconds versus 15.5 seconds). Shooting accuracy during practice improved: Free throw and 3-point accuracy increased by 9 percent. Fatigue levels decreased following sleep extension, and athletes reported improved practices and games. Mah stated that one of the surprising facts found in the study was that most players kept a sleep debt from persistent sleep-loss. Questionnaires given to the athletes pointed to the athlete’s high-levels of daytime sleepiness resulting from such sleep debt. In the end, players admitted that a focus on sleep as a part of training was helpful to their performance on the court.

Mah suggests that optimized sleep is an “unrecognized, but likely critical factor in reaching peak performance.” The findings may also be applicable to recreational athletes and those at the high school, college, or higher levels. Of course, this study points to the benefits of long term sleep optimization. Sleeping late on Game Day, alone, will likely have no positive effects on performance.

So maybe you are thinking twice about letting your teenage athlete sleep in on occasion. We suggest going to bed early to get a head start on the next day. However you choose to improve your sleep, make up for your sleep debt, and improve your or your child’s athletic performance, make sure you start with a great mattress. Ten hours of sleep on an old, lumpy mattress isn’t going to improve your game anymore than ten hours of hard-core training. At Mattress Overstocked we know that great sleep starts with a great mattress. Browse through our collection on the website or come into the store find the best mattress to improve your game on the field, at work, and at life in general.

BEST SLEEP POSITIONS BODY

Julie | October 19, 2020December 10, 2021

If you aren’t sleeping well, your sleeping position might be to blame. You may be a devoted side, back, or stomach sleeper, utilizing the wrong mattress, or failing to support your body with pillows which may trigger a little unneeded tossing and turning. Here are some practical pointers to help you making every position simple on your body, so that you can sleep comfortably each night.

For Back Sleepers

Research has revealed that sleeping on your back can help to lower facial wrinkles; back sleeping can trigger issues with sleep apnea and even back discomfort. Unless your mattress is encouraging enough to prop up your spinal column, sleeping flat on your back might trigger your muscles to strain throughout the night, triggering tightness or discomfort.

To decrease backpressure, ensure that your mattress is comfy and helpful. If you observe that your mattress has pressure divots or unsupportive springs, check out a mattress store, such as Best Mattress, to see about buying a new variation. More recent mattresses with memory foam innovation provide a soft, flexible surface while underlying layers of encouraging foam supply the support you have to keep your back healthy and strong.

If your mattress remains in good shape, but you experience pain during the night, you need to also attempt propping up your knees with a sleeping wedge or a couple of pillows while you sleep. Sleeping wedges are developed to fit easily below your knees, and they generally include a detachable cover that you can clean when you have to. If you use pillows to support your legs, ensure to select ranges that are firm enough that they will not slowly deflate overnight. Down pillows work well, because the product compresses, but will not flatten totally. If your mattress isn’t in good shape, check out Sleep Junkie’s article about finding a great mattress for your needs.

For Side Sleepers

The majority of chiropractic doctors and family practitioner advises side sleeping because it enables the body to extend easily throughout the night. Because side sleeping motivates circulation as well as takes pressure off the back for individuals with bigger mid-sections, side sleeping is normally recommended to pregnant women or individuals who deal with back injuries.

If you sleep on your side, place a pillow in between your knees to keep your back comfy. Without the pillow, the weight of your upper leg can strain your back and trigger discomfort the next day. Because sleeping on the exact same side night after night can really put pressure on your organs, attempt to alternate sides. Never ever place your arm straight under your pillow, because it can limit blood circulation and result in nerve damage.

Use a pillow that is encouraging enough to keep your head and spinal column in a straight line, and do not hesitate to switch sides of the bed so that you alternate your sleeping side.

Stomach Sleepers

Because stomach sleepers face down sleep, they have the tendency to have fewer issues with sleep apnea, which can happen when the tongue falls in reverse into the throat. Stomach sleeping can be difficult on your back and neck, which is why you require making sure to use the ideal pillow.

Always use an exceptionally soft, flat pillow if you sleep on your stomach. Utilizing pillows that are too perky might trigger your neck to stick out upwards as you sleep, which can strain your back. If you experience lower pain in the back when you sleep on your stomach, attempt putting a pillow below your hips to prop up the area.

HOW TO BE ORGANIZED WHEN YOU LIVE IN A SMALL HOME

Julie | October 18, 2020December 10, 2021

By this stage in your life, you would have thought that you would be living in a mansion. But 3 kids later you and your husband may still be living in your first home. We understand that at this time the house would have started to get claustrophobic.

That is because kids tend to take up a considerable amount of space. But this reason alone should not be enough for you to give up and move. That is because there are numerous ways to thrive in a small home. All you have to do is look for these ways.

De-clutter Regularly

You may have looked at a hdb hub showflat before you purchased your home. But when you did you would not have seen this space looking so small. One of the main reasons for this would be the fact that this show flat would not have been cluttered. We know that every home tends to accumulate various items over the years. But you should not let this happen. The only way to stop this would be by de-cluttering on a regular basis. This can be at least once a month or once in a couple of months. Then you can assess every corner of your house and throw out the items that you need. This includes everything from the clothes you have to the food you purchased. If you have no plans of wearing something then it should be donated. We understand that you purchase various grocery items and end up forgetting about them. Well, in that case, a regular de-cluttering session would be crucial for you.

Separate Rooms Into Zones

If you are living in a small home you would obviously not have many rooms. But that does not mean you can recreate these rooms in some way. One of the best ways to do this is by separating rooms into zones. For instance, if you take the living room we know that you ideally have the television in here. But why don’t you also create a play area for your children? We know that you won’t have a separate room to convert to this purpose. Thus, that is why zones would become extremely useful to you. Furthermore, the best part is that this way you can all spend time together. We know that you would be engaged in different activities. But you would at least still be in the same room.

You should never think badly about living in a small home. Instead what you should try to do is make this space homey and cosy.

ENERGY SAVING MORE THAN JUST A BUZZ WORD

Julie | September 29, 2020December 10, 2021

Every third product you see on the shelf has got a little leaf or lightbulb or sunshine symbol claiming that it’s ‘green’, that it will save you money on your energy bill, that it’s good for the environment. So how do we sift through the items that truly are using the phrase only to sell themselves, the items for which the only true ‘green’ aspect is the color of the packaging, and reach the items that truly are beneficial for the environment, that truly will save you money each month, that you really can feel good about buying?

The thing to understand is that no product is a magical fix. There are pros and cons to everything, and it is up to you to decide whether that product is right (and SAFE) for you, for your lifestyle, and for your family.

CFLs (Compact Fluorescent Lightbulbs)

You may have seen us mention CFLs in past energy-saving posts. So what is all the hullabaloo about? Are they really the key to saving money on your energy bill and thus helping the environment? The truth is a bit more complicated than that. CFLs can last a great deal longer than incandescent bulbs (thus reducing waste), but this assumes that the lightbulb will be turned on once and left on for most of the day. CFLs take longer and use more energy to start up than regular incandescents, so if you continuously turn them off and on throughout the day (often the case in different rooms of our homes), then CFLs are not any more energy-efficient (perhaps even less) than an incandescent lightbulb. They may be a better option for an office or other place where the lights will only be turned on once throughout the day.

CFLs are not compatible with ordinary dimmers. A dimmer is a nice energy-saving solution for evenings, mornings, and other times when you just need a little lighting. Use less light = use less energy! But in order to use a dimmer with CFLs you need to buy a special dimmer and special dimmer-rated CFLs. Taking into account the carbon footprint associated with transportation of all the separate components, it may be a better option to stick with incandescents until you can’t buy them anymore (2014).

The last issue with CFLs is the fact that they do contain mercury. You must take extra care when getting rid of used CFLs, and breaking one in your home is an entirely different can of worms. There are recycling centers available, but again the issue of an extended carbon footprint due to separate transportation may outweigh the energy saved by the lightbulb.

This isn’t to say that compact fluorescent lightbulbs have no positive attributes- many homeowners see a yearly energy savings of over $100-$200 simply from switching to CFLs, but it is up to each individual to decide how often they turn off/on their lightbulbs, if they are willing to put in the effort to recycle them, and if they are comfortable with the mercury inside the bulb. Used correctly and safely and combined with other truly energy-saving practices, CFLs can help you save quite a bit of energy and money each year.

Energy Star Products

In the past, and particularly associated with food service industry products, there have been issues with fraudulent Energy Star ratings. However, a product with a false Energy Star rating is still a functioning product, which somewhat sets it apart from the previous category (CFLs) in that the difference between products is not potentially dangerous, just potentially less energy-saving. Since numerous studies have come out pinpointing the potential for fraud and abuse, Energy Star has made efforts to improve its approval system, introducing a third-party-approval requirement to reduce the number of fraudulent certifications.

Because Energy Star is a government-backed program, there are government incentives for purchasing Energy Star appliances. It is still essentially a win-win for the consumer when you remember that no product is a perfect, magical, 100% clean product that uses zero energy and costs next to nothing. What you end up with is a product that has gone through a screening process and as likely as not is going to save energy, and with possible monetary incentives to boot.

“May or may not” is not ideal, but until a better method is adopted, Energy Star is better than nothing.

Solar Power

The good news about solar power is that it IS effective and not dangerous if you have a professional install it and you use it correctly. The issues that come into play are the efficiency of the panels (some currently only harness as little as 40% of sunlight, but technology is getting better all the time!), the upfront costs, and the fact that not every home can use solar power efficiently. Maybe you flipped for the home nestled in a grove of oak trees, but now that luscious shade makes it impossible for you to use solar power. The roofs of some homes do not point in the right direction (true South is best) or they are not new enough to install a complex system atop.

Provided you shell out the cash for a top-of-the-line solar system to power your home, you could be harnessing as much as 80% of sunlight. With such a situation, the return on investment is swift and apparent. Even those who can’t afford the most technologically advances systems will see instant savings on their bill. Solar panels pay for themselves over time. Provided your home is positioned correctly, your roof is new enough, and you are not directly in the shade, solar power is one of the best options currently available for saving energy, saving money, and helping the environment through the use of clean, renewable energy. Just make sure to keep your solar panels clean!

If your home doesn’t meet those standards, the best you can really do is wait.

The lesson to take away is to do your research before making any changes in the name of saving energy. Certain companies and organizations may try to guilt you into purchasing their products, but if they are unsafe or not truly energy-efficient then you have been duped and potentially put in danger. No product is magical- they’ve all got positive and negative attributes, and it is your responsibility (and your right!) to choose what is right for you. Good luck

EXTRA HELP TO KEEP YOU GREEN

Julie | September 25, 2020December 10, 2021

There are a number of federal and state based incentives in place to assist you in taking steps towards energy efficiency and play your part in hitting our target together:

Solar power

The Federal Government offers rebates of up to $8000 for households, schools and community organisations that use their own solar power to generate electricity (photovoltaic panels) through the photovoltaic rebate program (PVRP).

Full details are available from the Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts website or by phoning 1800 808 571.

You might also qualify for money back from the Federal Government Mandatory Renewable Energy Target (MRET) scheme by selling Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs). The number of RECs you can sell will depend on the size and efficiency of the system you install. Visit the Office of the Renewable Energy Regulator (ORER) for details of how the scheme works or phone (02) 6274 2192.

Solar hot water

The Federal Government offers rebates up to $1600 for eligible households who upgrade to a solar or heat pump hot water system.

Visit the Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts website for full eligibility details and application forms or phone 1800 808 571.

You might also qualify for money back from the Federal Government MRET scheme by selling RECS. Visit the Office of the Renewable Energy Regulator (ORER) for details of how the scheme works or phone (02) 6274 2192.

Insulation

The Federal Government offers rebates of $1000 for landlords with tenants to install insulation in their rental properties.

Visit the Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts website for full eligibility details and application forms or phone 1800 808 571.

All states are eligible for the Federal Government rebates and may also qualify for the Renewable Energy Credits program (detailed above). Some states have additional energy rebates.

New South Wales

Hot water system rebates of up to $300 for gas hot water systems 5 star or higher and up to $1200 for solar and heat pump systems. It is possible that applicants may be eligible for rebates under both the Federal and the State Government schemes.

Ceiling insulation rebates of up to $300 are available.

Victoria

Solar hot water rebates of up to $1500 are available for systems that are not covered by the Federal Government scheme.

Gas hot water systems of up to $700 are available for households that currently use a peak (day-rate) electric water heater or a water heater fuelled by wood. The rebate is also available on instantaneous and storage gas water heaters that have a 5 star rating (4 star internal systems only).

Ceiling insulation rebates of up to $500 are available.

Renewable Remote Power Generation Program (RRPGP) provides rebates for households, communities, not-for-profit, business, government and other organisations in off the grid areas to support the installation of renewable generation systems. This program is administered by Sustainability Victoria , phone 1300 137 880.

South Australia

The Renewable Remote Power Generation Program (RRPGP) provides rebates for households, communities, not-for-profit, business, government and other organisations in off the grid areas to support the installation of renewable generation systems.

Solar hot water rebates are provided by the SA Government: $700 for a new two-panel system; $500 for a new one-panel system; $700 for a heat pump system; $500 for any solar retro-fit or pre-heating system.

Applicants may be eligible for rebates under both the Federal and the State Government schemes.

Solar Feed-In Scheme is a tariff to pay householders and other small electricity consumers 44 cent per kilowatt hour (kWh) of electricity fed into the electricity grid.

Tasmania

The Renewable Remote Power Generation Program (RRPGP) provides financial support for the installation of renewable energy generation systems in areas of Tasmania that otherwise rely solely on fossil fuel for electricity supply.

Western Australia

The Remote Area Power Supply (RAPS) Program provides rebates for the installation of renewable energy power systems used instead of fossil fuel generation in off-grid areas (anything that is not connected to the south west network or the Pilbara region) of WA.

The Rural Renewable Energy Program provides rebates for grid-connect renewable energy power systems in specific ‘fringe of grid’ areas of the South West electricity grid.

The Renewable Remote Power Generation Program (RRPGP) is available in WA and provides rebates for large scale renewable energy systems in off-grid areas.

A Solar Water Heater Subsidy is available: $500 for natural gas-boosted solar water heaters and $700 for bottled LP gas-boosted solar water heaters used in areas without reticulated gas. The Sustainability Energy Development Office (SEDO) also has a directory of eligible solar water heater suppliers.

The Regional Energy Efficiency Program provides energy reduction rebates for households, businesses and other organisations in ‘off-grid’ areas. The program provides free light globes to households and rebates for ceiling insulation and energy efficient (high energy star rating) models of air conditioners, fridges, freezers and controllers. Energy audits are also available to some businesses and organisations.

Queensland

The Renewable Remote Power Generation Program provides rebates for households, communities, not-for-profit, business, government and other organisations that install renewable energy systems in ‘off-grid’ areas, phone 1300 369 388.

Solar Bonus Scheme is a tariff to pay domestic and small energy customers for the surplus electricity generated from solar systems that is fed back into the electricity grid. Customers signed-up to the scheme will be paid 44 cents per kilowatt hour (kWh) of electricity fed into the grid

Northern Territory

The Renewable Remote Power Generation Program provides rebates for households, communities, not-for-profit, business, government and other organizations that install renewable energy systems in ‘off-grid’ areas, phone (08) 8999 5194.

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