Chalk Electrical
2018 Ipswich Business Awards Finalist
Here at Chalk Electrical, we are very proud to announce that we have officially been named a finalist in the customer service category at the 2018 Ipswich Business Excellence Awards! We would like to give a huge thank everyone in the community who voted for us.
October Chalk Electrical Newsletter
Warm The Ones You Love While Saving The Money You Like
Follow these tips to save money and keep your loved ones warm this winter without breaking the bank.
Save money through : Curtains and Windows Up to 40 % of heat loss during winter can be reduced by improving window coverings. Save money by using heavy, lined curtains which extend below the bottom window sill to keep warmth in. You can also install a pelmet (fabric covered box that sits over the curtain rod) to keep the cold air out and the warm air in.Use the Sun
Once the initial morning chill has passed, open your curtains and let the sunshine on the windows. Sunlight passes through a glass as a slow rate, which naturally creates long-lasting warmth. Take advantage of north-facing windows in the morning and west facing windows in the afternoon. Close the curtains again once the sun has passed to keep the warmth in.Healthy Heaters
If using air conditioning to heat your home, be sure to have them professionally serviced every 12 months. A poorly maintained air conditioner works harder to warm your home and is more expensive to run. Remember to give the filters a thorough cleaning every 3 months.Keep the Warm Air In
Installing quality insulation can reduce energy use for heating and cooling by up to 45%. Insulation can be installed under timber floors boards, in walls and in ceilings. Insulation also acts as a noise barrier and improves cooling in summer.Seal Cracks and Gaps
Gaps around windows, doors, walls and floorboards can account for up to 25% of lost heating in winter. It also allows cool air to enter, so warming attempts are less efficient.Reverse Ceiling Fans
Put your ceiling fans into a reverse cycle so they spin in the opposite direction. As hot air naturally rises, this will circulate warmth throughout your room. The reverse switch is usually located in the centre of the fan, where the blades meet the body. References: Environment Victoria – Top ten tips for a warm house; Bradford Insulation – Top 7 tips for a warm winter home without blowing the energy bill. Contact us for a quote.
Choosing the Right Security Camera System
Security camera systems can be a cost effective and reliable way to improve the security of your home or office. With technology constantly improving, the market is expanding and choosing the right system can be overwhelming. Before you make the decision to embark on camera installation, ask yourself these five questions.
1) What is Your Budget?
As with most purchases, you get what you pay for. Our message with cheap systems – buyer beware! Camera systems that seem cheap are usually cheap for a reason and will often cost you more out of pocket in the long term. Or worse, they won’t capture footage that is actually useful in protecting your home. An small, entry level camera system from a reputable brand name company is usually your best bet.
2) What Do You Want the Camera to See?
Are you looking to capture a trespasser’s face at your front door? Are you looking to capture a licence plate on a car parked in a car park? This will be key information to guide your selection. A camera lens with a shorter focal length (e.g. 10mm), has a larger field of view, whereas a longer focal length (e.g. 50mm), magnifies the image and captures less of the surrounds. A higher resolution camera will also provide a cleaner, crisper recording.
3) Do You Want Smart Phone Compatibility?
This one is pretty self-explanatory. Do you want to be able to check on your home while you’re at work? Or your business from home? Then choose a system with a compatible app and peace of mind will be right in your pocket.
4) Is Audio Important?
There is two elements to this one – hearing sounds being made through the surveillance and being able to speak through the surveillance system. Having the ability to speak to someone at your front door appeals to many customers. When recording sound, many cameras have the capability to start recording audio once it reaches a certain decibel level.
5) Do You Have Adequate Lighting?
There is no point in setting up good quality surveillance systems if your existing lighting lets you down. Settings that are exposed to a lot of sunlight may have different lighting requirements to darkened areas. Reflection or glare from competing for light sources can distort image quality. Many cameras also have the ability to switch to infrared mode during low light if you are wanting night time surveillance.
The take-home message: give us a call BEFORE you start the hunt for your security camera system. We install on average 1-2 a week, all types for all budgets, so whatever you are after we will be able to point you in the right direction. A 5-minute conversation could save you hassle and expense.
Need some help? Contact us!
Read more about the importance of security cameras here.