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<link>https://www.alpinetradegroup.com.au/blog/is-it-socks-or-sandals-this-summer_112s60</link>
<description><![CDATA[TURNED ON THE HEATER THIS SUMMER?

When most of us think about a typical Aussie summer we&nbsp;don&#39;t think about socks and sandals! We think about;

Heat, sun, humidity, long summer nights, beach, swimming, sprinklers under trampolines, creeks and rivers, dry grass, hay, bush fires, coldies, ice, air-conditioning!

What is funny about this is the last word AIR-CONDITIONING?

Most of us associate this with cooling our homes, work places and cars etc. The weather heats up above 30 degrees and we &ldquo;chuck the air-conditioning on in order to cool ourselves down&rdquo;. 

However, the word actually refers to both heating and cooling your environment! Of course, this makes sense, right? We are conditioning our air to the desired temperature! HOT OR COLD! &nbsp;So, if you&rsquo;ve experienced a cold night in the Yarra Valley this summer and switched your heater on&hellip;you&rsquo;re really just running you AC!

This summer has thrown everything at us Melbournians&hellip; Hot summer days followed by rain, hail, wind, cold nights, more hot days and hot nights. It&rsquo;s OKAY!! We&rsquo;re resilient and tough and can deal with whatever mother nature decides to throw at us. However, what can help is having your homes heating and cooling (air-conditioning) equipment maintained and serviced ready to go any time of year!

Your home might have reverse cycle equipment (such as a ducted or split system), or a designated cooling system ( like an evaporative cooler) or a heating only system (a wood fire, hydronic heating etc). Whatever the case having them ready to be switched ON or OFF at a days&rsquo; notice is important if you want to remain comfortable in your home year-round. 

So, what can YOU do to ensure you&#39;re comfortable whatever the weather?


	You can have your equipment serviced annually &ndash; This is critical to prolong the life of your equipment but also maintain your warranty.
	You can become a member of our Total Care Club &ndash; So you don&rsquo;t have to remember to book in your service and as a member you receive;
	
		4 annual inspections of your homes HEATING, COOLING, ELCTRICAL and PLUMBING.
		Priority Scheduling.
		Live technical assistance (often we can troubleshoot issues without having to attend your home).
		Annual water, smoke alarm and carbon monoxide testing.
		15% discount on parts for repairs.
		$2400 worth of money saving vouchers. 
		24/7 Great service discount &ndash; which means no call out fees during business hours ever!
	
	
	You can start thinking NOW about colder months&hellip;. Get that heater quote, ask a service expert about your OPTIONS maybe a new reverse cycle system would be best for your year-round comfort.


If you would&nbsp;like to know more, or just want to be prepared whatever the weather give our team a call on 1300 252 225 today and stay safe and comfortable every day!
]]></description>
<title><![CDATA[IS IT SOCKS OR SANDALS THIS SUMMER?]]></title>
<guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.alpinetradegroup.com.au/blog/is-it-socks-or-sandals-this-summer_112s60</guid>
<pubDate>12 Feb 2021 11:40:00 +1000</pubDate>
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<link>https://www.alpinetradegroup.com.au/blog/happy-australia-day-us-aussie-are-a-clever-bunch_112s59</link>
<description><![CDATA[Happy Australia day!

Yes we are quite an innovative bunch of people!&nbsp; Let&rsquo;s look at some of the clever creations to come out of this great southern land. We bet you didn&rsquo;t know half of them!

1. The Refrigerator&nbsp;&ndash; James Harrison created the first ice making machine and refrigerator in Geelong 1856. As we raise a cold glass this Australia day we&rsquo;ll say Cheers to James!

2. &nbsp;Solar Hot Water&nbsp;&ndash; We can thank a CSIRO team lead by Roger N Morse for developing this environmentally friendly way of heating water back in 1953.

3. &nbsp;Power Board&nbsp;&ndash; Although never patented by Kambrook, their employee Peter Talbot invented the multiple socket electrical power board for powering multiple devices from one power point. Developed in 1972 and now used all over the world.

4. &nbsp;Dual Flush toilet&nbsp;&ndash; 1980 saw the release of the dual flush cistern by Caroma. Their employee Bruce Thompson devised a way to save thousands of litres of precious water with the creation of a button for number ones and another larger flush for number twos! Genius! 

5. &nbsp;WIFI&nbsp;&ndash; Although the wifi trademark is owned by an American company, it was the good people of the CSIRO once again who in 1992 patented a way to &ldquo;unsmear&rdquo; radio waves that echo off indoor surfaces.

6. &nbsp;Revolution Shower&nbsp;&ndash; The world&rsquo;s most adjustable shower! This Australian patented design requires no drilling or adhesives and will suit any shower. The rail system can also rotate high or low. Guaranteed to suit people of all heights

7. The Esky - Created in the 1940s by the Sydney-run&nbsp;company Malleys, the Esky was the first portable cooler in the world.

8.&nbsp; &nbsp;Zinc cream - Notoriously worn by cricket players, the white cream was first invented by the Adelaide based pharmaceutical company Fauldings in 1940.

9. &nbsp;Stubby holders - This stubby&rsquo; shaped bottle cooler was invented in the 1980s. The styrofoam or wet suit material strip was adapted to the Australian lifestyle, used to insulate beer cans and keep them cool.

10. Ugg boots - Originally a sock-like sheepskin boot, Uggs were used by surfers in Bondi to warm their feet after the surf. Who would have thunk it! This classic Aussie footwear can be traced back to the 1930s. 

11. Cork hat - This hat is another classic&nbsp;Australian&nbsp;invention. With corks attached by&nbsp;strings, they were designed to keep the flies away from jackaroos in the outback, and today remain&nbsp;an international symbol for Aussies.

LAST BUT NOT LEAST&hellip;.

12. The tradies best friend - The electric drill!

Melbourne City Council&#39;s first electrical engineer, Arthur James Arnot, patented the world&#39;s first electric drill in 1889. However, wasn&#39;t the nifty handyman-sized drill, it was designed primarily for excavating oil and coal.

&nbsp;
]]></description>
<title><![CDATA[Happy Australia Day- Us Aussie are a clever bunch! ]]></title>
<guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.alpinetradegroup.com.au/blog/happy-australia-day-us-aussie-are-a-clever-bunch_112s59</guid>
<pubDate>25 Jan 2021 18:47:00 +1000</pubDate>
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<link>https://www.alpinetradegroup.com.au/blog/how-to-choose-the-best-melbourne-or-yarra-valley-plumber-for-the-job_112s58</link>
<description><![CDATA[When you have a plumbing job, how do you know who to hire? You google it? Call the first plumber that pops up in your search results? Or maybe you see a van drive past a quickly write down their number? The truth is however, most homeowners don&rsquo;t want just anyone to do the work. They want to hire the company that can fix the problem and get their plumbing back to normal as quickly as possible. Someone they trust to give the right advice first time around. 

The following five pointers are a &ldquo;must do&rdquo; when engaging a new company for the first time.

#1. It all starts with good plumbing management

Before you even need to hire a plumber, make sure you&rsquo;re following these guidelines:


	Avoid dumping rubbish or personal hygiene products down the toilet, and avoid dumping fats or food waste down the sink. This will keep drains flowing smoothly.
	Each month, pour one cup of baking soda down the drain, followed by a cup of vinegar. Allow the chemical reaction to occur, and then pour boiling water down the drain. This method helps to clears out soap scum buildup and accumulated hair that gets caught in the pipes.
	Ensure your pipes are well insulated, which will help in warm and cold temperatures keeping your water cold water cool and hot water hot. Also preventing pipes from freezing on cold mornings.


&nbsp;

When you follow these very simple guidelines, you&rsquo;ll help to reduce the need to hire a plumbing in the first place. When you do need a plumber, here&rsquo;s how to hire the best one&hellip;

#2. Ask friends and family for recommendations

Nothing is better than the recommendation of someone else who has hired a plumbing company in the past. I&rsquo;m not referring to Uncle Franks nieces&rsquo; boyfriends&rsquo; brother who is a plumber&hellip; Ask your friends and family who they have used personally and why they would recommend them. It&rsquo;s possible that they have different priorities or problems than you are experiencing but it&rsquo;s a good place to start.

#3. Review their website and social media

See how the company is marketing themselves. Sure, you might look in the Yellow Pages but if they have no website or social media, that suggests they are not necessarily interested in helping a lot of people or sticking around for the long term, and they are not willing to invest in themselves or don&rsquo;t necessarily want to market their business.

While you&rsquo;re there check their reviews. This will show what other customers they serve and what those customers think.

As an additional bonus, good plumbing companies will help you further with great information on their website including regular blogs, tips and tricks and possibly newsletters.

#4. Contact the company

When they answer the phone, are you waiting long? Are they friendly and helpful&hellip;or are they too busy to talk to you? Do they suggest ideas that could help you right away, so you don&rsquo;t need to hire a plumber? Do they speak respectfully to you and ask you questions to find out more about the situation? Ask them about their covid-safe policy, and what precautions they are taking to ensure the safety of their staff and customers. This has never been more important.

#5. Meeting your plumber onsite

When the plumber arrives, it should be in a branded vehicle. They should be in uniform and have a clean, neat appearance. They should be professional and respectful to you; these are all things that help show that the company take pride in their work. When they look at your plumbing situation, they should offer suggestions and solutions that make sense to you. Great plumbers will not only diagnose the problem, but they will give you choices to solve your problem. They should present everything in writing and never try to make &ldquo;side deals&rdquo; with you or suggest ways to cut corners or do something unethical.

Summary

Are there other factors that may be considered when hiring a plumber, but these simple 5 things should all help give you piece of mind when choosing a company to help you.
]]></description>
<title><![CDATA[How To Choose The Best Melbourne Or Yarra Valley Plumber For The Job]]></title>
<guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.alpinetradegroup.com.au/blog/how-to-choose-the-best-melbourne-or-yarra-valley-plumber-for-the-job_112s58</guid>
<pubDate>07 Jan 2021 15:20:00 +1000</pubDate>
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<link>https://www.alpinetradegroup.com.au/blog/7-plumbing-tips-to-keep-this-holiday-season-festive_112s57</link>
<description><![CDATA[Victorian lockdowns have eased and now we can celebrate Christmas and a New Year with our loved ones across Victoria and the rest of Australia. So&hellip; Have you got family coming over for the holidays? You are probably opening your home to family and friends to enjoy the holiday season with you. But&hellip;. the holiday festivities can quickly diminish if you&rsquo;re not careful. So here are some proactive tips. In this article, we&rsquo;re sharing some hints and tips to keep your home&rsquo;s plumbing in tip top shape this holiday season.

Holiday plumbing tip #1. You might want a nice clean toilet but avoid using those colored tablets that claim to clean and deodorize. They&rsquo;re harmful to the seals inside your toilet, breaking them down and resulting in a leaky mess on your bathroom floor.

Holiday plumbing tip #2. Put strainers in the bottoms of your drains to stop any clogging agents from escaping down the drain. This includes your kitchen drain to keep food particles from plugging your drains, and also your bathtub drains if family members are staying over and using your shower. Clean your strainer in your kitchen anytime you have anything in it. You should also clean your bathtub strainer any time it is slow to drain.

Holiday plumbing tip #3. Before everyone arrives for the holidays, clear your drains so they don&rsquo;t plug up while the family is visiting. Put a cup of baking soda down the drain followed with a cup of white vinegar. Insert the plug and wait a few minutes to allow the chemical reaction to occur. Then, flush with boiling water to clear hair soap scum, and other debris out of your pipes. 

Holiday plumbing tip #4. Check overflow holes regularly to prevent blockage. Sinks use overflow holes if they start to overfill, and this isn&#39;t usually a problem, but it can be. Inspect and clean the overflow holes as part of your regular household maintenance. That way, if Aunt Myrtle accidently forgets to turn the water off, you won&rsquo;t end up with a mess!

Holiday plumbing tip #5. It is important to run your tap with cold water whenever you run your garbage disposal. The cold water will help keep the blades nice and sharp and will allow for a much smoother disposal. If you use hot water, any grease in the disposal will turn into liquid, while causes pipe clogging. This is never more important than the holiday season when you tend to have a lot of food preparation being done in the kitchen!

Holiday plumbing tip #6. When your family visits, remind them that only toilet paper can go down the toilet; nothing else! This will help prevent your toilet drain from clogging up.

Holiday plumbing tip #7. Don&rsquo;t be stuck with no Hot water! Have the team at Alpine on call for any of your plumbing desires or Issues! Specializing in Solar Hot Water Installations, Solar hot water repairs and servicing&hellip;Gas or Electric hot water systems to! No matter the system&hellip; &nbsp;No matter where you live&hellip; Alpine is your choice for an Emergency Plumber Eltham, Emergency Plumber Templestowe, Emergency Plumber Lilydale, Yarra Glen, Croydon, Ringwood, Mount Evelyn or even Pakenham&hellip;anywhere in the Yarra Ranges, and Eastern suburbs of Melbourne you name it.

This holiday season across&nbsp;is sure to be a&nbsp;fun and festive time with your loved ones! With a little preventive plumbing maintenance, you&rsquo;ll be able to focus on the festivities and not worry about any messy or embarrassing issues. Keeping your sh*# together!

However, If you do have a problem with your pipes at anytime &hellip;.or even just want to get some jobs completed or quoted over the Christmas period&hellip;

ALPINE IS OPEN and you can have one of our Plumbers attend your home or business&nbsp;by calling 1300 252 225!
]]></description>
<title><![CDATA[7 Plumbing tips to keep this holiday season festive ]]></title>
<guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.alpinetradegroup.com.au/blog/7-plumbing-tips-to-keep-this-holiday-season-festive_112s57</guid>
<pubDate>10 Dec 2020 13:02:00 +1000</pubDate>
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<link>https://www.alpinetradegroup.com.au/blog/smart-home-tips-for-staying-cool-this-summer_112s56</link>
<description><![CDATA[Being prepared for the summer weather across Melbourne and the Yarra Valley could mean being ready for a 40 degree heat wave, 50 + km per hour winds, rain, even snow :O&nbsp;

Below are our top 10 simple tips for making your home a smart home this summmer!

&nbsp;


	It&rsquo;s 35-40 degrees outside and as tempting as it is to set your AC thermostat to 19 please don&rsquo;t! Your unit may struggle, and your power bill will skyrocket! For best results set thermostats to 24 -25 degrees. Having the thermostat just one degree warmer than you normally would can cut cooling costs by 10%! 
	If you have zoning, use it! Why cool your whole home when you&rsquo;re only living in half of it! Cool the areas you are using of course that&rsquo;s why you have AC, but shut doors and blinds to other areas of the home. 
	We are fortunate in the Yarra Valley to be surrounded with beautiful views &#x1F60A; but by having window coverings such as drapes or blinds that fit correctly you can reduce seasonal heat exchange by almost half! Having light-coloured backings on window-facing sides also helps to deflect the sun&rsquo;s warmth. 
	Check the forecast in advance! If you know it&rsquo;s going to be a hot day&hellip; close windows, lower blinds and close off rooms not in use early. Don&rsquo;t wait for the heat to enter before you decide to try and cool down. 
	Love a bit of gardening? Let trees become your friend! Instead of a bare backyard, strategically plant shade trees, wall vines and thick shrubs. Be smart with deciduous trees, which can shade your home in summer and also let light into your home in winter. Unbelievably, planting smart for summer can make a difference of up to 12 degrees on hot days!
	Know your equipment! If you have evaporative cooling, make sure you open windows both sides of the house to allow cool breeze to flow through. If you have refrigerated close up the home on hot days. However, if the nights cool down, take the opportunity to open up your home and let the cool breeze enter. This will give your equipment a rest and save you energy and $$.
	On warm but not extreme days, the use of fans to cool down can e very effective. Fans are cheap to run, and evaporate moisture from the skin and creating a cooling effect. They can also be use in conjunction with other air-conditioning types.
	Get a professional to measure up if you&rsquo;re looking at buying a new air conditioner. So often the biggest mistake is the wrong size unit! A unit too small for the space will need to run constantly&hellip;and one too big will run in short cycles, causing extra wear and tear on the parts. As a customer you&rsquo;re more often better purchasing your unit threw the installer (they get better prices and ensure everything is included in the final cost) supplying your own if not sized correctly may often also risk your warranty even if the unit is new
	Ensure you have insulation in ceilings, walls and under the floor of your home. The better the insulation, the more likely cool air will stay where it&#39;s needed. Having double glazed windows will also help keep the cool in, and the heat out.
	Last, but certainly NOT least&hellip; Maintain your equipment! There are simple things you can do, such as regularly cleaning the filter, keeping outdoor units free of dirt, grass, cobwebs and critters. Have a refrigeration mechanic service your system regularly to ensure and worn parts are replaced, and that the unit is operating correctly. This is best done before the summer months. 

]]></description>
<title><![CDATA[Smart Home Tips For Staying Cool This Summer]]></title>
<guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.alpinetradegroup.com.au/blog/smart-home-tips-for-staying-cool-this-summer_112s56</guid>
<pubDate>01 Dec 2020 10:21:00 +1000</pubDate>
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<link>https://www.alpinetradegroup.com.au/blog/improving-the-indoor-air-quality-in-your-home-this-spring_112s55</link>
<description><![CDATA[Restrictions in Victoria and the eastern suburbs are still in place although with schools returning in a week, we are slowly starting to feel free again! We&rsquo;ve all been sealed in tight against the cold of winter and these restrictions of Covid-19. We know the warmer days are coming, as we have had little tastes here and there&hellip;. but what can we do in spring to help those living in our homes who are sensitive to indoor allergens or have respiratory problems?

Stale indoor air and heating systems can increase the amount of allergy-inducing dust mites, pet hair, and mold spores circulating through our homes. On days like today it may still be too chilly to throw open the windows to pull out the musty air.&nbsp; It has been widely recognised that most of the things that cause problems with indoor air quality are odorless. This means that unless you or one of your loved ones is suffering from symptoms (including asthma flare ups, fatigue, rashes, itchy eyes, even digestive issues) there&#39;s nothing to alert you to the problem.

If we&rsquo;re honest&hellip; it&#39;s probably not possible to eliminate all the allergens inside your home. However, you can easily reduce the number &mdash; and your exposure to them &mdash; by making some simple changes. Here are some tips to improve the air quality inside your home and hopefully reduce or remove allergy symptoms.

Keep it clean.&nbsp;

A clean house will be a healthier house. We are all be aware of improving our basic self-hygiene during this pandemic (washing hands, wearing masks, cleaning down surfaces etc..) However, we shouldn&rsquo;t forget about the whole home hygiene and include a thorough regular cleaning routine. Your cleaning efforts should focus on strategies to reduce the accumulation of pet hair, mold, and dust lurking in your home. Focus on the following:


	Vacuuming the carpets and area rugs at least once or twice a week with a vacuum cleaner equipped with a HEPA filter. Opting for hard-surface flooring instead of wall-to-wall carpeting may also cut down on allergens in the home.
	Regularly cleaning bedding, drapes, and other items that tend to attract allergens&mdash;particularly if you have pets. 
	Clearing clutter, because it traps and holds dust that can trigger a reaction.


Keep the greenery outdoors.&nbsp;

Although indoor plants can release oxygen and many people believe they should have a place in the home&hellip;Most indoor plants create more problems than they help. 

They are pretty, but they can also collect and foster the growth of mold. If you must have that leafy fern to complete your d&eacute;cor, consider moving them outside during winter and early spring, and only bring them indoors when the temperatures rise enough for you to have windows and doors open.

Maintain your equipment &amp; filters and consider UV lights.

If you have a forced-air heating or cooling system, you must clean/change the filters regularly. This can be done easily on your annual service. Ask your service technician about the condition of your filters/pads and they may recommend a HEPA or MERV filter over your standard one, especially if you have allergy sufferers in your home. Electrostatic filters can help ensure that dust and other airborne irritants get trapped instead of being recirculated throughout your home.

Consider having your ducts cleaned to remove trapped dust. This may not always be advisable, but it helps in some cases. Generally, a good quality return air filter should suffice most home heating/cooling systems. 

At Alpine we can also install state of the art Ultraviolet lights that have been proven to kill 99% of bacteria, viruses and mold spores that can be trapped inside your HVAC equipment.

Invest in an air purifier/dehumidifier or humidifier 

If you&#39;re allergic to indoor allergens and can&#39;t control the source of the problem, it may help to use an air purifier. &nbsp;Placed in the most commonly used areas of the house, these devices, in particular ionic purifiers, can help capture some of the irritants that may trigger your symptoms. 

If your home has damp areas you may want to consider installing a dehumidifier. This will help prevent the growth of mold. Bathrooms and laundries are common target areas. On the other hand, if your air is dry (from constant use of AC equipment etc) you may look at installing a humidifier. At Alpine we can install a whole home humidifier/dehumidifier that integrates with your existing AC equipment. These can be great options for year-round comfort in your home.

Let fresh air in, and stale air out!

Ensure you have appropriate ventilation in your home. Kitchen, bathroom and laundry exhaust fans are essential. And then, when you do get a nice spring day, open up the windows! Let the fresh air enter your home! Ask the team at Alpine about Heat recovery ventilation systems &ndash; they are a fantastic way to bring in fresh air, warm it up, and circulate it even in the colder months.

If you would like to know more about improving your indoor air quality, check out our page&hellip; https://www.alpinetradegroup.com.au/indoor-air-quality

or give our team a call on 1300 252 225. 

Alpine is a proud representative for &ldquo;eco healthy home &ndash; indoor air quality&rdquo; and can provide may different options designed for your specific home.
]]></description>
<title><![CDATA[Improving the Indoor Air Quality in your home this Spring ]]></title>
<guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.alpinetradegroup.com.au/blog/improving-the-indoor-air-quality-in-your-home-this-spring_112s55</guid>
<pubDate>05 Oct 2020 13:52:00 +1000</pubDate>
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<link>https://www.alpinetradegroup.com.au/blog/should-i-fix-my-own-plumbing_112s54</link>
<description><![CDATA[If you own a home then you know a key part of home ownership is caring and maintaining your home&rsquo;s plumbing system.

While there are licensed professionals to do a lot of the work that needs to be done, there are a few things you can do with your home&rsquo;s plumbing to keep it maintained in between check-ups with your local plumber.

#1. Avoid using harsh chemicals in your pipes. The chemicals poured down your toilet (including bleach or even those blue odour-removing tablets) can eat away at the rubber parts in the toilet, which means you&rsquo;ll need to replace them if they degrade too much. As well, you could cause very serious injury to yourself or a plumber if they are working on the pipes and those chemicals splash out of the pipes and gets in their eyes or on their skin.

#2. If your pipes squeak or knock, you may want to anchor them with clips or brackets. Do not drill holes in your plumbing! Instead, use clips or brackets to secure the pipes to beams and joists in your home. If the pipes are inaccessible to you, consider getting a plumber to help.

#3. Keep an eye out on your floor especially in your wet areas (laundry/bathroom/kitchen) and around your toilet and sink for water. This could indicate leaking and you&rsquo;ll want to fix that right away before it gets worse. Some leaks are simple fixes with a small repair, others may require a greater effort. A plumber will be able to help you find the source of the leak and recommend some quick and simple fixes.

#4. Avoid putting any fats, oils, or grease down the drain. These substances can harden and cause pipe back-ups, making a huge and costly mess on your floor. Dispose of household trash in your garbage and locate a local grease/oil depot to dispose of these substances. Occasionally, dump boiling water down your drains to clear any fat or cooking oil that may have been inadvertently poured down the drain. 

#5. Keep other household drains clear by pouring a cup of baking soda down your drain, followed by a cup of vinegar. Do this monthly to help agitate any debris or build-up. Repeat if necessary. Flush with a pot of boiling water (be careful that it does not splash you when pouring!)

#6. Use an inexpensive &ldquo;hair catcher&rdquo; (available at most dollar stores) to prevent hair from running down your drain and collecting in your pipes.

#7. If you live in an area that can get below freezing during the winter, make sure you turn off your water and drain your pipes before you leave for an extended period of time (such as a winter holiday). That way, if your house freezes, it won&rsquo;t cause a pipe burst from frozen water.

Owning a home is a great privilege and the Australian Dream. But it also comes with responsibility to make sure you are maintaining it. These simple tips will help you keep your home&rsquo;s plumbing (and your home) in tip top shape!

&nbsp;
]]></description>
<title><![CDATA[Should I fix my own plumbing?]]></title>
<guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.alpinetradegroup.com.au/blog/should-i-fix-my-own-plumbing_112s54</guid>
<pubDate>14 Sep 2020 14:40:00 +1000</pubDate>
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<link>https://www.alpinetradegroup.com.au/blog/leaky-roof-here-are-some-simple-tips-for-you_112s53</link>
<description><![CDATA[A roof is an essential part of your home&mdash;of course! But it might play a bigger role than you realize. Sure, you don&rsquo;t give it much thought, but it does a lot of work to keep your family safe and comfortable.

You don&rsquo;t have to be a roof expert, but it is a good idea to maintain some basic knowledge of your roof, so you know what&rsquo;s happening if your roof starts to leak. 

If you find a leak during a storm, wait until everything is dry before heading up to your roof. For your own safety, do not climb up in a storm to fix the leak! Yes, you&rsquo;ll want to fix it right away but it&rsquo;s better to allow a bit of water in while you stay safe! Wait until it&rsquo;s dry to inspect the leak so that you will be safe on your roof. 

Signs you might have a leaky roof could be discolouration or bubbling in the plaster inside your home (often on ceilings, but sometimes this can extend to the&nbsp;walls). You might have an obvious drip, or leak&hellip; or in very bad situations water could be affecting your power, causing lights&nbsp;to flicker or turn off- This can be very damgerous and many house fires can start when lighting in your roof is damagd or obstructed. This is where you need to keep safe.

In fact, safety should be your main consideration when caring for your roof. Even when the weather is beautiful and dry, your roof&rsquo;s steep angles and potentially slippery tin can mean unsure footing and a long fall. Inspect your roof from the safety of a ladder or secure yourself to your roof if you absolutely must go up there. Better yet, call a roofer to help you.

If you do find a leak in your roof, be aware that there might be more than one leak. One small leak is an indicator that there could be other small leaks you&rsquo;re just not aware of. During a storm, consider climbing into your ceiling space with a strong torch. Not only is it safer than crawling onto your roof, it will give you more information too: look at the roof from underneath; watch for leaks but also watch for water running down the trusses. 

When you look for a roofing expert, try to get one out to your house right away. If they are not able to come out right away (or if you choose to wait so you can get multiple quotes) then you may need to do a temporary repair yourself. Avoid using any permanent patching chemicals. Instead, consider nailing a heavy plastic over the leaky area (and, if possible, block off the higher edge of the plastic or, better yet, attach it on the other side of the peak of the roof. This isn&#39;t the best way to manage leaks, and is definitely NOT a permanent solution, but it can help you out in a pinch.

Look for a roofing expert with great online reviews who is helpful and explains everything. Avoid hiring a &ldquo;fly by night&rdquo; roofer, or your friend who has done some roofing in the past. Instead, hire a professional who can provide you with a warranty and clear pricing.

A leaky roof is frustrating and worrisome but it doesn&rsquo;t have to be permanent. When you see a leak, investigate further and temporarily cover it (but do so safely!) and then give an expert a call. 

Our team at Alpine are qualified local experts, servicing the Yarra Valley and Eastern suburbs of Melbourne.&nbsp; We have years of experience&nbsp;and have all the necessary PPE and Work Safe Methods to investigate and fix a leaky roof. We are also experts in reroofing, so if you need a quote on a new Colourbond roof, gutters or downpipes we have great prices to! We can even assess any damage inside the home and assit it the nessasary repairs.&nbsp;&nbsp;Keeping your roof in excellent condition means your home and valuables will be protected for many years to come.
]]></description>
<title><![CDATA[ Leaky roof? Here are some simple tips for you]]></title>
<guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.alpinetradegroup.com.au/blog/leaky-roof-here-are-some-simple-tips-for-you_112s53</guid>
<pubDate>11 Sep 2020 08:11:00 +1000</pubDate>
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<link>https://www.alpinetradegroup.com.au/blog/step-by-step-guide-to-help-troubleshoot-common-electrical-problems_112s52</link>
<description><![CDATA[Has this ever happened to you?

You want to turn on the coffeemaker in the morning&hellip; only to press the button and not see any coffee being brewed! Or maybe you plug in your phone to charger but it never charges! 

We never really think about our home&rsquo;s electrical systems until something doesn&rsquo;t work correctly. And then we notice that something&rsquo;s wrong!

Your home is made up of many systems, one of them being the electrical system: wires run through your home to power your lights, fans, and power outlets so you plug in your appliances and gadgets.

So, when something is not working, what should you do?

First, see if there is power anywhere else in the house. It could be that there&rsquo;s a power outage affecting your home or the whole block, but you didn&rsquo;t notice because it was such a sunny day! 

If there&rsquo;s power elsewhere, make sure there is nothing wrong with the appliance or gadget that you&rsquo;re trying to plug in! (It happens a lot: you might think there&rsquo;s something wrong with your home&rsquo;s power when in fact your coffeemaker has just decided to stop working or your phone cord has actually broken.)

If there&rsquo;s nothing wrong with the device then the problem may be associated with that power point and/or any other powered items sharing the same electrical line. (For example, maybe there are too many appliances plugged in and turned on to that one line.) Unplug other items that share the same circuit.

Next, head to your electrical switchboard (sometimes people call it a &ldquo;fuse box&rdquo; or &ldquo;circuit board&rdquo;) and look for any breaker that has been tripped. Reset it to restore power to that line. (Your circuit board is made up of circuit breakers that will temporarily &ldquo;break&rdquo; the line when something is wrong.)

If power is restored to the line, great! Go back to making coffee&hellip; and just keep an eye on how many items you are plugging in to the power points that share the line at any one time.

If power is not restored, you may consider calling an electrical expert to help you. Do not attempt to investigate further or do your own electrical repairs. Electrical current is dangerous and can even be deadly. Leave it to the pros. Give the team at Alpine a call on 1300 252 225 and we can have&nbsp;&nbsp;an electrical expert help you. We can &nbsp;quickly and easily diagnose the problem and give you a recommendation to help you solve it.
]]></description>
<title><![CDATA[Step by step guide to help troubleshoot common electrical problems]]></title>
<guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.alpinetradegroup.com.au/blog/step-by-step-guide-to-help-troubleshoot-common-electrical-problems_112s52</guid>
<pubDate>10 Sep 2020 14:17:00 +1000</pubDate>
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<link>https://www.alpinetradegroup.com.au/blog/top-plumbing-tips-for-a-more-comfortable-home-in-melbourne-and-the-yarra-valley_112s51</link>
<description><![CDATA[When it comes to plumbing, many things can go wrong. Some plumbing issues are very easy to repair, while others can become quite a bit more difficult. No matter how difficult or simple the plumbing problem may appear, it&rsquo;s wise to have some plumbing knowledge to ensure that repairs are done correctly and efficiently. After all, it&rsquo;s your home, and you don&rsquo;t want any nasty surprises by trying to do the work yourself without knowing what to do.

Use these tips to help you understand what could be happening around your home and make the best decision for your family&rsquo;s plumbing needs.

Prolong the life of your toilet. Avoid using harsh chemicals such as bleach tablets, blue toilet deodorizers, or the other odour removers inside your toilet. These may deodorize, but they can seriously damage the rubber pieces in the toilet, causing poor functionality or even complete breakdown of the fixture. This will create a messy surprise that no one wants.

Only water down the drain! Don&#39;t pour cooking grease, leftover frying fat or any oils down your sink drain. These materials may be liquid when you pour them in, but they will solidify and can constrict the space in your pipes. If you own a garbage disposal, grease can even cause the blades to stop working if they have fat on them. 

Bore or tank water can cause stains. If your home runs on well water and you notice any orange or pink stains in your fixtures or tub, this is because of iron in your water. You should invest in a water softener to help remove the iron. Ask a local plumbing company to recommend some water softener solutions that fit your situation.

Upgrade your shower heads. Not all shower heads are the same. Save money on water costs by investing in energy efficient shower heads that still give you a good shower but put out less water. A single energy efficient shower head can save you $100 or more each year.

Watch what you flush. Too many people use their toilet like a trashcan. To limit toilet problems, reduce what you flush down the toilet. Never flush paper towels, tissue, nappies, or feminine hygiene products. Even flushable wipes can cause problems! These things do not break up correctly and they can clog your pipes.

Use a screen. Hair is a common material in drain clogs. Stop the clog by covering your drains with screens to keep hair from going into the pipes. You can remove hair much easier from a screen as opposed to getting it out of the inside of a pipe.

Frozen pipes. Frozen pipes can be a messy situation if they are not addressed. If you discover a pipe has frozen, or even if you suspect a pipe might be frozen, open a tap on the line to allow the thawing ice to drain. This will relieve some of the pressure and could prevent cracks from appearing in the pipes.

It&rsquo;s easy to forget about your plumbing when it&rsquo;s working well. But when a plumbing emergency happens, it can get messy, uncomfortable, and even unsafe very quickly! Taking preventative measures means you will not have to spend as much on plumbing repairs. Drain blockages are probably the most frequent issue we see across Melbourne homes. Tree roots and other obstructions are also things that can cause havoc in homes across the Yarra Valley. Fortunately, there are ways to prevent plumbing emergencies from happening, and even ways to save money to make sure your family is safer and more comfortable. Having an annual plumbing inspection carried out on your home is a great way to spot problems before they turn into major headaches. Ask about how you can have a free Plumbing inspection as a TCC member. 
]]></description>
<title><![CDATA[Top Plumbing Tips For A More Comfortable Home in Melbourne and the Yarra Valley ]]></title>
<guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.alpinetradegroup.com.au/blog/top-plumbing-tips-for-a-more-comfortable-home-in-melbourne-and-the-yarra-valley_112s51</guid>
<pubDate>08 Sep 2020 13:15:00 +1000</pubDate>
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<link>https://www.alpinetradegroup.com.au/blog/how-to-save-energy-money-and-water-5-simple-hot-water-system-tips-every-homeowner-should-know_112s50</link>
<description><![CDATA[Hot water systems use A LOT of energy. Around one quarter of the average Australian home&rsquo;s energy use is chewed up by heating water! This is a big chunk of your electricity bills&hellip;especially in winter when the showers tend to get hotter and longer :S But there are a few simple things you can do to cut down on the energy your hot water system uses.

&nbsp;

Hot water systems can be dangerous for obvious reasons. Regular servicing by a professional should be done at the same time you service you heating and/or AC unit &ndash; to ensure the correct function and longevity of the unit. &nbsp;However, it may be possible for you to adjust the thermostat on your own&hellip;

If your hot water system is running at a higher temperature than it needs to be, it&#39;s using more energy than it needs to &mdash; and&nbsp;you might be able to turn the thermostat down a little. Every hot water system is a little different,&nbsp;some will have a thermostat you can adjust without having to break out a screwdriver. Simply remove the access panel at the bottom and make sure the number on the dial isn&rsquo;t set too high (or too low, because you don&rsquo;t want to encourage any bacterial growth in your system). Remember if there is any warning signs- not to remove a panel, please call your plumber. Don&rsquo;t risk it. &nbsp;

So&hellip;what temperature is the right one?

It depends on what system you have! Storage systems should be set at to 60degrees according to&nbsp;the Federal Government&#39;s Your Home sustainability guide. This is because you need at least 60 degrees Celsius to stop the growth of Legionella bacteria, any higher is just an unnecessary waste of energy. Instantaneous hot water systems (or continuous flow systems) don&rsquo;t need to be set as high as they do not store water &ndash; 50 degrees Celsius will suffice.

Another tip is to have your pipes insulated! Adding insulation is cheap, its something that a good installer will include in your new installation&hellip;However, its defiantly worth adding if you don&rsquo;t have it already&hellip;as it can save up to $185 a year from your energy bills according to the organisation&#39;s website. Heat loss from poorly insulated or uninsulated pipes can be significant.

Sustainability Victoria recommends&nbsp;closed-cell rubber insulation, but there will be a variety of options at your hardware store. Just be sure that the sleeve sits snugly, and it should be fixed into place with zip ties or duct tape. The first 2 metres of pipe coming from the hot water system are the most critical sections. If you&rsquo;re unsure, don&rsquo;t wish to crawl under the house, or think access is a problem give Alpine a call and we can take a look for you.

Maintain your system! As mentions above, you should service your hot water system. These units often get overlooked but should be serviced when you get your ducted heating or A/C system serviced. &nbsp;At Alpine Trade Group we have introduced a great program to our Melbourne and Yarra Valley clients that takes the hassle out of remembering to service your system. Ask one of our team about our Total care club. 

You can also give your storage system a hand by releasing the relief valve every 6 months. All you need to do is lift up the relief valve for about 10 seconds then put it down again. &ndash; this will help the longevity of the unit. 

A&nbsp;storage tanks usually last between 10 and 15 years, while&nbsp;continuous flow units&nbsp;can last a little longer &mdash;&nbsp;roughly 15 to 20 years.

Be ready for your upgrade&hellip;

Hot water systems tend to keep ticking away&hellip;until one day, they don&rsquo;t! This is why, even if everything is tickity boo, it&rsquo;s a good idea to do a little research on hot water systems before you need to. A good idea is if your unit is approaching the 8-10-year mark, have a little think about what you might do when its time to replace it&hellip; Do you want to simply replace it, or upgrade&hellip;? Will you be better off going from a storage unit, to an instantaneous system&hellip;or should you choose a solar system? 

A&nbsp;solar hot water system is the best option for long-term energy and financial savings&nbsp;because you&#39;re consuming less energy to heat your water. But everyone&rsquo;s needs are different. Its just as important to match the hot water system to your household size and usage.

If there&rsquo;s not many people in the house &hellip;a continuous system might be a good idea as your only heating the water you use. Storage tanks are more designed for a larger family&hellip;

Finally, using less hot water means your system needs to heat less water.

Understanding your water usage is important here&hellip; Most of us use over half our hot water in the bathroom! Installing efficient shower heads is probably the simplest and most important fact here (besides monitoring shower time). A showerhead with at least a three-star efficiency rating can reduce your shower time water usage by about half.

Roughly a third of your hot water use is used in the laundry! Use cold water as much as possible, including when you run your washing machine. (I Never knew that my favourite cycle heated the water, because I never paid attention until my mum pointed it out! All I do now is manually set it to cold water and boom! Still my favourite cycle&hellip;only better!)

The rest of the hot water usage is in the kitchen &ndash; If you have a dishwasher, sometimes it&rsquo;s important to pre- rinse, but this can be done with cold water. Keeping mixer taps on the cold position&nbsp;when they&#39;re not in use. Mixer taps can increase hot water use as they mix hot and cold water together - If you do not need hot water or need it only for short uses, move the mixer tap to the cold position to avoid drawing down on your hot water system.

Of course, If you notice any drips, fix those as soon as you can! 

&nbsp;

.
]]></description>
<title><![CDATA[HOW TO SAVE ENERGY, MONEY AND WATER! 5 Simple Hot water system tips every homeowner should know.]]></title>
<guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.alpinetradegroup.com.au/blog/how-to-save-energy-money-and-water-5-simple-hot-water-system-tips-every-homeowner-should-know_112s50</guid>
<pubDate>14 Aug 2020 17:45:00 +1000</pubDate>
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<link>https://www.alpinetradegroup.com.au/blog/keeping-warm-in-lockdown_112s49</link>
<description><![CDATA[You could upgrade your heater &#x1F609; but&hellip;there are some other ways that could help you avoid feeling the chill right now. If you live in Melbourne or the Yarra Valley, we&rsquo;re experiencing cold nights, and miserable wet foggy days&hellip; We are spending much more time indoors home-schooling our kids and working from home while we&rsquo;re in our second lockdown for the year&hellip; So what if your cold&hellip;? Try some of our top tips to keep warm. If they don&rsquo;t work&hellip;Please remember, we can help, and we are open to serve you! As heating is an essential service, we&rsquo;re taking all the precautions possible to keep you safe and warm during this unusual winter. Call us anytime for advice on 1300 252 225. 

TOP TIPS TO KEEP WARM&hellip;

#1. Get your calories - To keep your bodies core temperature up, you need food to burn. Aim for one hot meal a day at a minimum. Eat a variety of vegetables, fruits and unprocessed foods.

#2. Wear socks to bed&nbsp;&ndash; This simple trick helps keep your whole body warm!&nbsp; It also sends signals to your brain that its time to sleep&hellip; If you just can&rsquo;t sleep in socks, wearing warm cosy slippers for a few hours before bed also really helps. &nbsp;

#3 Get your flannies out! &ndash; Soft, flexible fabric that breaths. There is nothing better than flannel pjs. Not too hot, or too cold, they&rsquo;ll keep you cosy in winter.

#4 Get your IRON and Vitamin B12 &ndash; Without these you can get anaemia and this can make you feel cold, because it reduced the amount of oxygen that is&nbsp;carried around in your blood because of the reduced number of red blood cells. If you don&rsquo;t get enough from your food, or have trouble absorbing B12 you may need to take supplements. Make sure you eat plenty of chicken, eggs &amp; fish. Get your iron from sources like pork, seafood, chickpeas and leafy greens.

#5 Dress in layers &ndash; Lots of layers are better than a single heavy one. Thermal underwear that wicks away moisture, and then layers (generally three&nbsp; layers work well). Make sure you use wool or down in the middle layer.

#6 Heat your mattress &ndash; A heated mattress pad is perfect and doesn&rsquo;t bunch up like a sheet. A lot of people who use one can turn their home heating off at night to. Make sure its not too old tho,&nbsp; these will wear overtime...If needed purchase a new one, and remember to have your appliances tested and tagged every 1-2 years to ensure their saftey.&nbsp; As faulty applicances are responsible for the majority of house hold fires. (Our team&nbsp;at Alpine can do this for you)

#7 Spice up your life! &ndash; Jalapenos, Indian and Mexican food&hellip;anything that&rsquo;s hot! Food literally warms up your body, and there&rsquo;s no problem with that! Unless you have ulcers, or other stomach issues. Look up some local businesses and see if they have a home delivery service... Supporting local take away&nbsp;business&#39;s during these times will ensure your favorite places are open when life goes back to normal.

#8 Walking and exercise &ndash; Go for a walk or a jog&hellip; Not only will you warm up, it helps build your muscles, which can also burn calories and makes body heat. If you&rsquo;re healthy enough vigorous exercise can raise your core body temperature. If you cant (or prefer not to)&nbsp;exercise outside (your back yard might be small) remember, there are lots of exercises we can do inside. Things like jumping jacks, sit up and push ups, even walking around your backyard and hanging the washing out etc... Anything to keep you moving! You may wish to join in with a zoom class or two to keep you motivated...

#9 Waterproof shoes! &ndash; Just because your foot wear is insulated, doesn&rsquo;t mean its water resistant. Boots that aren&rsquo;t sealed for moisture can turn into ice blocks fast. Pair your water proof shoes with nice thick socks. Thick socks and gumboots are the perfect ISO&nbsp;trend in the valley.

#10 Keep track &ndash; Tell your doctor if you&rsquo;re more sensitive to the cold than in the past. Alot of appointments can be done over the phone atm, to avoid having to leave the house.&nbsp;&nbsp;It could be related to a medical issue, with nutrition, blood cells, thyroid gland or something else. Try to note severity and how often it happens and your GP may want to run some tests. &nbsp;

&nbsp;

Most of all - Hug your loved ones,&nbsp; give them a phone call or write them a letter, stay home, be sensible, and stay safe ... We can do this.
]]></description>
<title><![CDATA[KEEPING WARM IN LOCKDOWN]]></title>
<guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.alpinetradegroup.com.au/blog/keeping-warm-in-lockdown_112s49</guid>
<pubDate>28 Jul 2020 14:07:00 +1000</pubDate>
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<link>https://www.alpinetradegroup.com.au/blog/it39s-wet-it39s-cold-do-you-have-a-problem-with-mold_112s47</link>
<description><![CDATA[Its winter! Its wet! Its cold! And it&rsquo;s the time of year that you may be experiencing problems with mould in your home! 

The thought of mould makes many people cringe. Mould spores spread easily and cannot be completely eradicated. Mould can cause allergens and irritants that may compromise your own and your families health.

The best approach is to control the moisture levels in your home. Avoiding excess moisture in the air will prevent mould from growing in the first place.

In wet, cold, wintery climates like we experience here in Yarra Valley, it may be hard to avoid the excess moisture in the air &ndash; especially as some older homes may be poorly designed and not have sufficient ventilation or light. Below we will list 10 things that you can do to control moisture levels indoors, and the mould that grows as a result.

1. Recognize the problem areas of your home and correct them.&nbsp;You can&#39;t mold-proof your home, but you can make it mold-resistant. Conduct a FUN self-audit of your home &#x1F609; : where are the problem areas? Does the laundry flood? Do you notice frequent condensation on windows? Are there water stains on the ceilings? 

Preventing mold from growing or spreading might be as simple as installing mold-resistant products, or repairing damaged gutters. Or it may be a matter of major excavation and waterproofing. Whatever the case, address the problem now. It might cost some money up front, but it will surely be more costly down the road if mold continues to grow unchecked.

2. Dry wet areas immediately.&nbsp;Mold can&#39;t grow without moisture, so tackle wet areas right away. A puddle of water from a leaky pipe, even a spill on the carpet should be dried within 24 to 48 hours. If you&#39;ve experienced a flood, remove water-damaged carpets, bedding, and furniture if they can&#39;t be completely dried. Even everyday occurrences need attention: don&#39;t leave wet items lying around the house, and make sure to dry the floor and walls after a shower. Don&#39;t leave wet clothes in the washing machine, where mold can spread quickly. Hang them to dry &mdash; preferably outside or in areas with good air circulation.

3. Prevent moisture with proper ventilation.&nbsp;It may be that your routine domestic activities are encouraging the growth of mold in your home. Make sure an activity as simple as cooking dinner, taking a shower, or doing a load of laundry doesn&#39;t invite mold by providing proper ventilation in your bathroom, kitchen, laundry, and any other high-moisture area. Use AC units and dehumidifiers (especially in humid climates), but make sure they don&rsquo;t produce moisture themselves by checking them periodically and ensuring they are serviced regularly by a licenced professional. New homes have a higher energy rating, making them more air tight, so simply opening a window when cooking, washing dishes or showering, or running an exhaust fan may be necessary.

4. Equip your home with mold-resistant products.&nbsp;Building a new home or renovating an old one? Use mold-resistant products like cement sheeting, and mold inhibitors for paints. Traditional plaster is composed of a gypsum plaster core pressed between plies of paper. Not only is traditional plaster more susceptible to mold, but it is also difficult to rid of mold, and removal and replacement can be expensive. Mold-resistant gypsum board is also available; the core of the plaster is developed in such a way to prevent moisture absorption, and thus prevent mold growth. Choosing Aluminium windows over timber can not only save you time and money on maintenance and upkeep throughout the life of your home, but it can also eliminate mold.

&nbsp;5. Monitor humidity indoors.&nbsp;The EPA recommends keeping indoor humidity between 30 and 60 percent. You can measure humidity with a moisture meter purchased from your local hardware store. You&#39;ll also be able to detect high humidity by simply paying attention to potential problem areas in your home. Telltale signs of excessive humidity include condensation on windows, pipes, and walls. If you notice condensation, dry the surface immediately and address the source of moisture.

6. Direct water away from your home.&nbsp;If the ground around your home isn&#39;t sufficiently sloped away from the foundation, water may collect there and seep into your foundations.

7. Clean or repair roof gutters.&nbsp;A mold problem might be a simple matter of a roof that is leaking because of full or damaged gutters. Have your roof gutters cleaned regularly and inspected for damage. Repair them as necessary, and keep an eye out for water stains after storms that may indicate a leak.

8. Improve air flow in your home.&nbsp;According to the EPA, as temperatures drop, the air is able to hold less moisture. Without good air flow in your home, that excess moisture may appear on your walls, windows and floors. To increase circulation, open doors between rooms, move furniture away from walls, and open doors to closets that may be colder than the rooms they&rsquo;re in. Let fresh air in to reduce moisture and keep mold at bay.

9.&nbsp;Keep mold off household plants.&nbsp;They&#39;re beautiful and help keep your indoor air clean &mdash; and mold loves them. The moist soil in indoor plants is a perfect breeding ground for mold, which may then spread to other areas of your house. Instead of getting rid of your plants, try adding a bit of Taheebo tea to the water you give to your houseplants. The oil of this tree, which withstands fungi even in rain forests, helps hinder mold growth in plant soil and can be found at natural food stores. Or keep the plants outside during winter&hellip;

10. Understand your local climate. By understanding what works best in your climate you can make the best decisions to protect your home from the build up of mold.&nbsp; In humid areas, you may need to have a dehumidifier installed (these can be intergrated into most heating/AC systems). In damp, cold areas you must be sure to make proper drainage a priority, as well as allowing as much natural light in as possible (UV light kills mold spores). Knowing your climate is very important.

&nbsp;

In summary, there is no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to mold prevention. Knowing what works for your climate and your home is an important first step.

If you want to know how ALPINE can help you with improving your indoor air quality, speak to one of our team members today 

1300 252 225.
]]></description>
<title><![CDATA[It&#39;s wet, it&#39;s cold, do you have a problem with mold?]]></title>
<guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.alpinetradegroup.com.au/blog/it39s-wet-it39s-cold-do-you-have-a-problem-with-mold_112s47</guid>
<pubDate>09 Jun 2020 12:19:00 +1000</pubDate>
</item>

<item>
<link>https://www.alpinetradegroup.com.au/blog/blocked-drains-what-a-pain-how-to-avoid-them_112s46</link>
<description><![CDATA[Blocked drains can be a real pain! 

You if you have a blocked sewer drain, storm water drain or any drain that is designed to take the waste and water away from your home to be processed &ndash; you need it fixed fast! The longer a drain is blocked, the higher the risk of flooding or more permanent damage to your home and property.

&nbsp;

Its important to understand that drain pipe damage can be a result of many things.&nbsp;Natural ground shifts, age, tree roots (common in the Yarra Valley), and any other variable that could cause even the slightest crack within your drain pipe. Little cracks alone should not keep you up at night. However, its when these little cracks start to catch all the things that should not go down your drain that&rsquo;s when a build-up can occur. So its important that we are conscious of everything that goes down our pipes. Things such as:

Paper towels, feminine hygiene products, even tissues and hair should not go down your toilet! 

In your kitchen you should watch that no food scraps go down your sink&hellip;and limit or avoid washing fats and oils down the drain as they can build up in your pipes causing blockages.

&nbsp;

These things mentioned above can get caught on small cracks in your pipe and act as a net capturing waste as it passes by. Eventually this is what causes a blockage. Dust and fats act more as a growing wall which also grabs and uses waste passing by to slowly build a dam in your pipes.

&nbsp;

As you can see its important to understand why drains get blocked in the first place. Because with the correct care and management a blocked drain may be avoidable all together. If, however, you find yourself with a blocked drain or sewer pipe, Alpine trade group can take care of everything. Our camera can assist with determining the cause of the blockage and we are able to resolve most issues quickly with our Jetter drain cleaning system. 

A water Jetter is made of a flexible hose, with a precision nozzle at the cleaning end. As water is pumped through the hose at a high pressure it is able to break away the clog and eventually break through the barrier without causing interior damage to the pipes.
In addition to clearing out the clog a rear-facing water jet designed to propel the hose through your drain pipes also cleans the pipe as it moves. This double pressure cleaning of your pipes ensures that not only is your clog cleared, but your pipes are cleaned and will last longer.
A water jetter can clean the sewage waste pipes from inside your house, as well as the leaf and debris build up in your storm drain pipes.

Alternatives can include using a drain snake, which can be affective in unblocking drains. However, as this works by using a metal coil in a spinning motion to physically push and move the blockage &hellip; there is a concern that the snake can cause more damage to the interior of the pipes. That is why at Alpine we use the combination of camera and Jetter make for a fast and efficient drain cleaning solution. 
]]></description>
<title><![CDATA[Blocked drains! What a pain! How to avoid them!]]></title>
<guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.alpinetradegroup.com.au/blog/blocked-drains-what-a-pain-how-to-avoid-them_112s46</guid>
<pubDate>05 Jun 2020 11:47:00 +1000</pubDate>
</item>

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<link>https://www.alpinetradegroup.com.au/blog/how-to-hire-a-contractor-during-the-covid-19-crisis-the-7-most-important-things-to-consider_112s45</link>
<description><![CDATA[Here&rsquo;s the thing about your plumbing or electrical: It doesn&rsquo;t care,&nbsp;at all,&nbsp;about what&rsquo;s happening in the world. So, the reality that you&rsquo;re dealing with a global health crisis? It simply doesn&rsquo;t care. But at&nbsp;ALPINE TRADE GROUP,&nbsp;we do!

Whilst the lucky ones have begun a new journey of &ldquo;working from home&rdquo; we have also been given the task of teaching our kids how to&hellip; &ldquo;carry the 1&rdquo; and if we&rsquo;re honest some of us have had to look up the difference between fiction and non-fiction texts. &nbsp;We also understand some of you have been laid off&mdash;or you&rsquo;re afraid that news is coming. We know you&rsquo;re worried &ndash; but the most important thing is the health of our loved ones. Things feel really heavy right now.&nbsp;Please know we&rsquo;ll get through this together.

We wanted to offer tangible help, below is a list of 7 KEY THINGS&nbsp; to think about if you need to hire a tradie in the coming weeks. We know it&rsquo;s no fun to imagine dealing with a leaky roof or your heater blowing out cold air at the beginning of winter&mdash;but we want you to feel prepared if something happens.&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;

7 Ways to Vet a Melbourne Tradie During COVID-19

&nbsp;

Obviously, bringing a stranger into your home during a global pandemic isn&rsquo;t ideal.&nbsp;But if you suspect (or you&rsquo;re certain) you have trouble brewing, don&rsquo;t hesitate to call in a professional&nbsp;plumber, refrigeration mechanic or electrician. But first, be sure to vet your options.

&nbsp;

#1 Ask them over the phone what additional precautions they&rsquo;re taking during this time&hellip;

Good Technicians are serious about cleanliness. But now, more than ever, they should be able to give clear and specific answers to the following questions:


	What procedures do you have in place to monitor your team members&rsquo; health? And at what point do you prohibit them from coming to work?
	Has anyone on your team tested positive for coronavirus&mdash;or complained of flu-like symptoms&mdash;in the past 14 days?&nbsp;
	In the last two weeks, has anyone on your team had close contact with someone who&rsquo;s tested positive for the virus (or has been presumed positive)?
	What hygiene procedures do you have in place for your supplies and equipment?&nbsp;
	Do you provide your team with sanitizing wipes, gloves, eye protection, and masks?
	When you arrive at my home, what can I expect in terms of hand-washing and so on?
	What form of contactless payment is available?


&nbsp;

#2 Make sure they are licensed and security screened.

Hiring a licensed tradie with a current police check is important no matter what&rsquo;s happening in the world. After all, unlicensed home services contractors can make costly mistakes that put your home and family in danger. Let&rsquo;s be honest, there&rsquo;s enough unseen dangers out there right now! It&rsquo;s important to have confidence and trust in the people we let into our homes.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

#3 Check their online reviews.

All tradies will tell you how good they are.&nbsp;Don&rsquo;t just take their word for it.&nbsp;Instead, check their Google and Facebook reviews to see if other homeowners have had good experiences with them. You&rsquo;re looking for a company with a reputation for fair prices, exceptional service, and honesty.&nbsp;

Unfortunately, there are some that will be using COVID-19 as an excuse to take advantage of people in crisis. Vetting by checking reviews will help you avoid getting ripped off.

&nbsp;

#4 Choose a company that&rsquo;s been in business more than 10 years.

The reasoning behind this point is simple -FACT, one in three new small businesses in Australia fail in their first year of operation, two out of four by the end of the second year, and three out of four by the fifth year. So, there is a fair chance that the unbranded man in a van offering the cheapest price will not be around to help you with any problems that may arise 1-2 years down the track).

&nbsp;

#5 They are a branded company

#6 They have insurance covering them for damages and public liability &ndash; Let&rsquo;s hope they don&rsquo;t need it, but protecting your home (one of your greatest assets) is essential. Yes, your man in a van typically charge less than a small to medium sized company, and it&rsquo;s tempting to save a little money right now. Or maybe you have a handyman friend or family member who&rsquo;s been financially affected by the pandemic, and you want to hire them to help them out. That&rsquo;s kind and gracious of you&mdash;but please consider finding another way to lend a hand. It&rsquo;s just not worth the risk! Give yourself peace of mind that your job will be done right the first time.

&nbsp;

#7 Find out if they give back to your community.

Companies that are supporting our community actually care about families like yours. That also means they&rsquo;re more than likely honest folks who are doing everything they can to keep their customers safe. Plus, it&rsquo;s awesome to &ldquo;reward&rdquo; generous businesses by supporting them when times are tough.

&nbsp;

How can we serve you?&nbsp;

We genuinely hope you don&rsquo;t need a plumber, or electrician until all this is over and this coronavirus thing is just a &ldquo;remember when&rdquo; memory. &nbsp;But if something happens, we&rsquo;re ready to serve you&mdash;honestly and with an abundance of caution. In the meantime, stay safe, stay healthy&hellip; and stay home.
]]></description>
<title><![CDATA[How to hire a contractor during the Covid-19 crisis -The 7 MOST important things to consider]]></title>
<guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.alpinetradegroup.com.au/blog/how-to-hire-a-contractor-during-the-covid-19-crisis-the-7-most-important-things-to-consider_112s45</guid>
<pubDate>16 Apr 2020 07:11:00 +1000</pubDate>
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<link>https://www.alpinetradegroup.com.au/blog/heat-recovery-ventilation-systems_112s44</link>
<description><![CDATA[A new product has hit the market and we are in love! HRV systems or (Heat Recovery Ventilation systems) are a brilliant concept, and can improve indoor air quality by providing fresh air ventilation in a unique way....

With fires across the country over summer severly impacting air quality outside...Plus the fact that we have increased the use of chemicals inside our homes, with aerosols, sprays, cleaning products, airfreshners etc... our children are developing allergies at an alarming rate and its never been more important to think about the quality of air we breath everyday. This is a sad instance where if you are living in the beautiful Yarra Valley and Eastern Suburbs you may not be breathing in the &quot;fresh country air&quot; that we were once use to.

If you&#39;re having&nbsp; problems with moisture in your home and are concerned about rising damp, black mould, and condensation... If you suffer from allergies, asthma or concerned about all the volitile organic chemicals in the air inside your home then you really need to check out HRV systems.&nbsp;

They are designed to draw out the &quot;stale&quot; warm air in your home, and use it to warm the&nbsp; &quot;fresh&quot;&nbsp; filtered incoming air. They can also be reversed and remove the warm air, and bring in cooled air.&nbsp; Simple concept, but the benifits are huge!&nbsp;

To learn more check out the following video&nbsp;

https://www.youtube.com/watch?reload=9&amp;v=PMFaC0aFP5M

These HRV systems can be designed from the beginning when you are completing a new build, or can be installed into exisiting homes.&nbsp;

To find out what system may be best for you give us a call 1300 252 225
]]></description>
<title><![CDATA[Heat Recovery Ventilation Systems]]></title>
<guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.alpinetradegroup.com.au/blog/heat-recovery-ventilation-systems_112s44</guid>
<pubDate>19 Feb 2020 11:53:00 +1000</pubDate>
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<link>https://www.alpinetradegroup.com.au/blog/keeping-cool-back-at-school_112s43</link>
<description><![CDATA[The weather across Melbourne is heating up again towards the end of the week&hellip;Proving that summer is defiantly not over just yet. Kids can be all GO GO GO and they often forget to take a break&hellip;which can lead to overheating and heat stroke. Many schools across Victoria and the Yarra Valley may have an &ldquo;extreme weather policy&rdquo; that is implemented on code RED days&hellip; This may consist of inside play, which is great to stay cool. However, it&rsquo;s also still important to remember the following tips to help keep your kids cool when they are outside in the coming days. 

Teach your kids to be self-aware &ndash; As they run and play with their friends, they may be too excited to sit and cool down. Teach them the signs of overheating and let them know that its ok, to talk to their friends and teachers about how they may be feeling. Mild symptoms which indicate its time to cool down may include:


	Being sweaty
	Red in the face
	Out of breath


Followed by more sever symptoms of overheating/heat stroke such as;


	Nausea &ndash; that feeling of being sick in the stomach
	Vomiting &ndash; loosing fluids from vomiting is a danger sign
	Cramps &ndash; sharp muscle and stomach cramps
	Super thirst &ndash; when a few gulps of water is not enough
	Dizziness &ndash; feeling light headed and dizzy
	Weakness &ndash; too weak to play any longer
	HIGH BODY TEMPERATURE &ndash;37&deg; is normal core temperature 


So what is the best weapon against heat stroke ?

SHADE, WATER &amp; AIRFLOW!


	Shade &ndash; A simple cotton wide brimmed hat. Playing in a shady place under trees or artificial shade. Proper clothing, keeping covered up will protect kids from the sun, so long sleeves and&nbsp;light colours if possible.
	Water &ndash; Having a drink bottle full of fresh water for your child to drink through out the day. Adding a squeeze of lemon to the water adds flavour and vitamin C.&nbsp; Making sure they are dinking plenty of tepid-to-cool water. Ice water can cause stomach cramps when a child is overheated. 
	Airflow &ndash; Teach kids to look for a breeze in trees and greenery. Avoid hot rooms, never leave kids in cars or spaces where there is no airflow. If inside a building ensure air-conditioning is available and working efficently.


So, to keep your kids cool when they go back to school, ensure they know how to look out for the signs of heat stroke, and also educate them on the benefits of shade, water and airflow. 

As for when the school bell rings at 3pm&hellip;. Make sure you have a cool house to bring the kids back to! Call ALPINE Trade group today 1300 252225 and get the best advice on reverse cycle air conditioning, split systems or evaporative coolers. We install service and repair all types. 
]]></description>
<title><![CDATA[Keeping cool back at school]]></title>
<guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.alpinetradegroup.com.au/blog/keeping-cool-back-at-school_112s43</guid>
<pubDate>28 Jan 2020 13:58:00 +1000</pubDate>
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<link>https://www.alpinetradegroup.com.au/blog/how-to-use-your-air-conditioner-to-improve-your-indoor-air-quality-during-victoria39s-fire-season_112s42</link>
<description><![CDATA[Across Victoria the smoke from the fires burning across the state can not only be seen, but felt. This makes it a difficult time for not only those immediately affected by the fires, but those with allergies, asthma or respiratory conditions living in other parts of the state.

The smokey air, is made up of a composite of gas and fine particles that are produced when wood and other materials burn. It is the fine particles can enter your home or office in a number of ways and be detrimental to your health, especially if you&rsquo;re already vulnerable. Some of the ways smoke can enter is;


	Trough open windows and doors
	Through mechanical ventilation devices, such as exhaust fans (found in your kitchen and bathroom). 
	Through &ldquo;HVAC&ldquo;&nbsp; Heating and air conditioning systems that have a fresh air intake.
	Infiltration through small openings or cracks around doors and windows.


This advice is appropriate for those that live in a fire affect town, and also to other vulnerable people across the country. Keep your windows and doors closed, and run your AC however, ensure you have switched OFF the fresh air intake. Reticulate the air inside your home &ndash; the same advice is given when using the air conditioners in your cars. If you have a box AC close the outdoor damper. 

Some other things to think about to improve your immediate Indoor air quality are;


	Consider purchasing a portable air purifier (these may be tricky to get, now as many parts of the state have sold out) 
	Upgrading to a high efficiency HVAC filter. A filter can help improve the indoor air quality during the remainder of the fire season. The ideal filter is one with a minimum efficiency reporting value (MERV) of 13 or as high as your system fan filter can accommodate. 


Our Service Experts at ALPINE TRADE GROUP can help guide you and recommend the highest rating filter that will work for your system.&nbsp;&nbsp; Call us on 1300252225 and see how we can help improve the Indoor air quality in your home.

&nbsp;
]]></description>
<title><![CDATA[How to use your Air conditioner to improve your indoor air quality during Victoria&#39;s fire season..]]></title>
<guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.alpinetradegroup.com.au/blog/how-to-use-your-air-conditioner-to-improve-your-indoor-air-quality-during-victoria39s-fire-season_112s42</guid>
<pubDate>15 Jan 2020 15:47:00 +1000</pubDate>
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<link>https://www.alpinetradegroup.com.au/blog/hot-water-system-maintenance-is-often-overlooked-by-australians_112s41</link>
<description><![CDATA[Australians have become accustomed to having hot water at our fingertips. This instant access to hot water is essential in keeping our households and businesses running. Hot water for our dishes, washing up, our hygiene routines, household appliance function and more&hellip;

When&nbsp;hot water systems&nbsp;break down, all of a sudden we have a big inconvenience and fixing the issue becomes a matter of urgency&hellip; and if its an emergency, you can be sure it&rsquo;s going to cost you more $$$ !

Generally, in the&nbsp;Yarra Valley we understand that we must get our cars serviced in order for them to remain reliable with the&nbsp;kilometers we drive.&nbsp;We&nbsp;service our air conditioners and our heaters so they are reliable in the peak seasons&hellip;but did you know that by performing regular maintenance on your hot water system you can in many cases avoid a costly breakdown.

There are now so many types of hot water systems found in homes across Melbourne, these include instantaneous flow systems, electric or gas storage systems, solar and heat pump systems. Depending on what type of hot water system you have, the service frequencies may vary, however the components that need to be monitored are the same for most systems. The key components are the Sacrificial anode and the Temperature Pressure Relief valve. The longevity of the system will be dependent on the sacrificial anode and if it is replaced before going rusty, and the TPR valve being checked often enough to ensure its correctly operating (its job is to vent hot water in the pressure in the tank gets too much). 

How to tell if your Hot Water system needs servicing&hellip;


	Leakage of water out of the hot water system
	Problems with your Pilot light 
	Inconsistent temperatures
	Variations in water pressure
	Odd noises coming from the system (grumbles)
	Presence of sediment in water


You may also wish to refer to your water heater manual for specific brand and model advice.

Until the 21st of January 2020 we will be offering a FREE&nbsp;hot water system service to all clients that book in a refrigeration, air-conditioning or electrical service with us! Call today 1300 252 225 &amp; mention this post!
]]></description>
<title><![CDATA[Hot water system maintenance is often overlooked by Australians&#133;]]></title>
<guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.alpinetradegroup.com.au/blog/hot-water-system-maintenance-is-often-overlooked-by-australians_112s41</guid>
<pubDate>07 Jan 2020 10:51:00 +1000</pubDate>
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<link>https://www.alpinetradegroup.com.au/blog/reasons-why-you-should-install-a-backup-generator-if-you-live-or-own-a-business-in-the-yarra-valley_112s40</link>
<description><![CDATA[Melbourne&rsquo;s weather is so unpredictable&hellip;however generally during summer we can expect mostly pleasant days, followed by days where temperatures sore in the high 30&rsquo;s 40 degrees. Most of us are lucky enough to have some form of air-conditioned in our homes/or offices&hellip;.but as power outages frequently occur during this season, most of us have not considered what will happen when extreme weather causes a black out. 

Across the Eastern suburbs each summer, strong storms with high winds appear every year, which bring down power lines. There is also a higher demand for electricity during the summer because of increased air conditioning use, increased demands on our refrigeration and coolrooms. This may cause rolling blackouts and brownouts in areas where utilities services cannot cope with increased power&nbsp;demands.&nbsp;

Fortunately, a backup generator can supply electricity during the duration of a power outage by being powered by diesel or alternate fuels. &nbsp;Below we will list a few points that a back up generator can literally save the day.

&nbsp;

*Keeping food cool &ndash; When power outages last for days, the food you&rsquo;ve stocked up on over the Christmas period begins thaw, and can spoil in the refrigerator if the power is out during a hot summer day. Even worse if you are a small business owner and have a coolroom or freezer room packed full of stock thats costly to loose....Then there is the lack of business if you have to close the shop doors during a power outage.

* Keeping people and pets cool &ndash; Every man and his dog has the Air-conditioned turned up high which increases &nbsp;demand and eventually a black out. When there&rsquo;s no power, your split system, or ducted unit is no good to you&hellip;. 

The only way to stay cool is to eat an icy pole (which has melted because your fridge isn&rsquo;t working) &hellip;.or to run through the sprinkler(which doesn&rsquo;t work because your water pump doesn&rsquo;t work without power!) Or go to the local shops.cafe or resturant and sit under their airconditioner (unless they have closed the doors because they have no power too!) This doesn&rsquo;t leave you with many options to stay cool&hellip;except perhaps, opening the windows and praying for a cool change.

*Keeping your property safe &nbsp;&ndash; Many people who live in the Yarra Valley have rainwater tanks and are not connected to mains supply of water. As mentioned, most pumps need power to get the water out of the tank, so with no power&hellip;you have no water which can be critical if a bushfire was to start and your plan is to stay and protect your property. 

*Staying connected &ndash; When the power is down, there goes our phone chargers, our televisions and our radios&hellip;Without a back-up plan, many people can quickly become isolated during a power outage and this can be serious. There is an increased risk of fire in the Yarra Ranges during summer, and health concerns for&nbsp;the young, elderly residents and also our pets during extreme hot weather. &nbsp;Keeping informed with the latest weather conditions and being able to call for help if needed is essential. Finally if you run your own business and the power is out.... &quot;YAY&quot; say your employees....an unplanned&nbsp;day off!&nbsp;no computers or phones, means no work can be done...being offline for an extended period can cost your business significatly.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

If you have a back-up generator properly sized and installed by a licenced electrician, you can avoid all of these circumstances and ensure that your family, home and or business is safe during summer 2019-2020. At Alpine we deal with many major brands, and can supply and install generators from 7kVA to 2200kVA in size. AKSA generators, powered by Mitsubishi, Perkins, Cummins, John Deer, Yanmar, Kubota or Izuzu engines.&nbsp;

Give us a call at ALPINE today and speak with us to discuss what options best suit your needs.&nbsp;1300252225.
]]></description>
<title><![CDATA[Reasons why you should install a backup generator if you live or own a business in the Yarra Valley.... ]]></title>
<guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.alpinetradegroup.com.au/blog/reasons-why-you-should-install-a-backup-generator-if-you-live-or-own-a-business-in-the-yarra-valley_112s40</guid>
<pubDate>03 Dec 2019 09:28:00 +1000</pubDate>
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<link>https://www.alpinetradegroup.com.au/blog/what-is-a-dangerous-carbon-monoxide-level_112s39</link>
<description><![CDATA[WHAT IS A DANGEROUS CARBON MONOXIDE LEVEL?

Every winter we get asked the same questions by clients, asking about Carbon monoxide (CO)&hellip; What carbon monoxide levels are dangerous?... So we thought we&rsquo;d share with you some information.

As most people know, CO is a deadly, colorless, odorless, poisonous gas. It is produced by the incomplete burning of various fuels. These fuels include coal, wood, charcoal, oil, kerosene, propane, and natural gas. Equipment powered by internal combustion engines also produce CO. In many parts of Victoria and the Yarra Valley ducted heating (powered by natural gas) is a popular choice for heating homes during the colder months. 

What levels of CO are dangerous&hellip;? 

CO concentration is measured in parts per million (ppm), and this can be detected with a specific tool called a carbon monoxide reader or alarm. However, when speaking about the health dangers of CO poisoning you must consider the concentration of CO, and also the length of exposure. 

Most healthy people will not experience any symptoms from prolonged exposure to CO levels of approximately 1 to 70 ppm. However, patients that are at higher risk, such as heart patients might experience increased chest pain. Being exposed to CO levels above 70 ppm for a prolonged period, will cause minor symptoms...(see below).&nbsp;Now for the really scary part....&nbsp;sustained CO concentrations above 150 to 200 ppm, may cause&nbsp; sometimes death!

What are the symptoms?

Some more truths&hellip;. Winter is when we all switch on the heating and warm our homes. It is also the season for the dreaded cold and flu! If you have children, work in healthcare, or childcare, or even just go outdoors to do the weekly shopping at the supermarket your likely to pick up a bug and get sick at least once this winter. Now what if I told you, that the symptoms of low to moderate CO poisoning are similar to that of the flu! (without the fever).

They may include; headache, fatigue, shortness of breath, nausea, dizziness.

High level CO poisoning results in more severe symptoms such as; Mental confusion, vomiting , loss of muscular coordination, loss of consciousness and as mentioned even death.

&nbsp;

So, there are some of the facts&hellip;what you need to consider now is which appliances/equipment in your home are fuelled by any of the above. If you have any (which most of us do) you need to think about when you last had it serviced by a professional. Our technicians are trained in how to detect dangerous CO levels, and also how to isolate, decommission or repair the source of any CO leaks. Call or email us on 1300252225, enquiries@alpineheatingandcooling.com.au and get one of our experts to give you peace of mind this winter.

Along with an annual service of all equipment you can also safeguard your home from CO poisoning by completing the following.

&bull; Ensure there is some fresh air intake periodically into your home.

&bull; Don&rsquo;t use a gas heater overnight or for extended periods.

&bull; Minimise the use of exhaust fans at the same time heaters are used. Using exhaust fans in the kitchen or bathroom can create negative pressure and lead to gas heater emissions being sucked back into the house rather than allowing them to be exhausted to the outside air.

&bull; Do not use an unflued heater in a bedroom and minimise daily usage of unflued heaters.

&bull; Consider replacing old heaters with new ones &ndash; get a quote from us at ALPINE, we&rsquo;ll help work out the best heating solution for your home and help design a safer efficient system.

Call today 1300252 225

IF YOU THINK YOU MAY BE EXPERIENCING SYMPTOMS OF CO POSIONING &ndash; GET OUTSIDE IN THE FRESH AIR IMMEDIATELY! CALL FOR HELP AND GET CHECKED BY YOUR DOCTOR. ONLY RETURN TO YOU HOME ONLY AFTER IT HAS BEEN CHECKED BY A PROFESSIONAL.

Also see the following useful links.

https://www2.health.vic.gov.au/public-health/environmental-health/environmental-health-in-the-home/carbon-monoxide-poisoning-in-the-home

https://www.esv.vic.gov.au/campaigns/carbon-monoxide/
]]></description>
<title><![CDATA[WHAT IS A DANGEROUS CARBON MONOXIDE LEVEL?]]></title>
<guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.alpinetradegroup.com.au/blog/what-is-a-dangerous-carbon-monoxide-level_112s39</guid>
<pubDate>18 Jun 2019 12:36:00 +1000</pubDate>
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<link>https://www.alpinetradegroup.com.au/blog/tips-to-save-you-money-on-your-energy-bills-this-winter-in-the-yarra-valley_112s37</link>
<description><![CDATA[Having efficient heating in your home is one of the best ways to keep your energy costs downs. However, there&rsquo;s definitely other ways to help warm up your house this winter. In fact, it&rsquo;s just as much about keeping the cool air out as it is about keeping the warm air in.

So, here are&nbsp;some handy tips and tricks to ensure&nbsp;your home is warm and cosy while still keeping the costs down.

1. TRAP THE HEAT INSIDE

Living in the Yarra Valley comes with beautiful autumn (and even some winter) days &ndash; frosty mornings, sunny days, and chilly nights. Make the most of mother nature, and let the sun shine into your home during the day! But don&rsquo;t forget to close the curtains and blinds as the sun goes down. Glass gets cold as the temperature drops, both inside and outside. Closing the blinds is a simple fix, ensuring that cold air is trapped between the glass and the blinds, rather than entering the room.&nbsp; For double the effect, double up on blinds and curtains! For those rooms that you may not use frequently &ndash; you can also add bubble wrap to the windows as a cheap form of double glazing.

The more you have on your walls the more insulation you have to trap heat in. Bookshelves, photos etc. all help.

You will be surprised how much heat is lost through your doors, both internal and external. Hot air will try and escape whilst the cold air finds its way in. However, as simple as a door snake can go a long way in fixing the problem, or even just use&nbsp;rolled up towels.

2. CLOSING DOORS AND ZONING

Inside and out! Closing the front door when you duck out to your car is important to avoid heat loss, but also internally. &nbsp;If you&rsquo;re not going to be using the study, or even the bedrooms for the rest of the day, shut the door. No point heating a room if you are not using it! This is also where you can speak to us at ALPINE about zoning -&nbsp;if you haven&rsquo;t already got this option, it&rsquo;s a great way to heat specific areas of your home (at different temperatures, or some rooms and not others).

3. ENSURE SUFFICENT FLOORING

10% of heat loss (or more) can be related to the type of flooring in your home. &nbsp;Carpet is the number one choice for retaining heat, but for those rooms with floorboards, tiles or stone you should invest in a rug. &nbsp;They can keep you warm underfoot, are easily cleaned and are also a great way to add colour and aesthetic appeal to the room.

Check for cracks and gaps around the floors and windows. &nbsp;Floorboards and skirting boards contract and expand as houses age and with everyday use, so it&rsquo;s quite common for gaps to appear.&nbsp;By filling them with an appropriate filler you cut down on the draughts.

4. FIND YOUR INNER MASTER CHEF

Using the oven during winter can not only put a wonderful smell in the air of hearty food, but it will also heat it up! &nbsp;If you have an open plan living and dining area, cooking is a great way to warm up the air in the area.

5. TIMING IS EVERYTHING

Use your heater efficiently! Don&rsquo;t run your heater all day especially when you&rsquo;re not home. If your heater runs on&nbsp;a thermostat, set it to 20-21 degrees and leave it there! While you may be inclined to boost this up to 25-27degrees, optimal temperature is in fact 21degrees.&nbsp; If you don&rsquo;t have a thermostat on your heater try using a thermometer in the main living area to figure out the temperature. Timers can also be fantastic, setting your heater to switch on 30minutes prior to waking up or getting home means you&rsquo;ll have a toasty warm house without running your heater at maximum temperature (which can cause it to go into defrost and use a lot of power).

&nbsp;

It&rsquo;s almost inevitable that heating and energy bills increase during winter. But if you follow some of the tips mentioned above you can minimise the need to be blasting heating constantly during the day. &nbsp;All new homes in Victoria and particular the Yarra Valley must have a 6-star energy rating which means having sufficient insulation, double glazed windows etc&hellip; and then there&rsquo;s the smaller things mentioned above, that we can all do; like closing doors and windows, curtains and blinds, to cooking a hearty meal and throwing on a warm blanket and a pair of slippers and spending more time together in the common living zones of your home. It&rsquo;s easy to minimise your costs and still keep your family snuggly and warm.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;
]]></description>
<title><![CDATA[Tips to save you money on your energy bills this winter in the Yarra Valley&#133;]]></title>
<guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.alpinetradegroup.com.au/blog/tips-to-save-you-money-on-your-energy-bills-this-winter-in-the-yarra-valley_112s37</guid>
<pubDate>11 May 2018 12:16:00 +1000</pubDate>
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<link>https://www.alpinetradegroup.com.au/blog/surge-protection-in-your-home_112s38</link>
<description><![CDATA[With the wet weather increasing across the Yarra Valley in the coming months, the possibility of losing your gear during a thunderstorm or major power outage is more likely. These events can be not only costly, but very inconvenient. There really is no reason you shouldn&rsquo;t have your equipment protected with a surge protector. Below we list a few of the key things you should consider if you&rsquo;re thinking about surge protection.

1. Different types

There are different types of home surge protection available. However, the principle of all types of protectors is the same. They basically attempt to limit the voltage supplied to a device by either blocking or sorting to ground unwanted voltage above the safe threshold. Some of the different types are as follows


	Surge protected outlets &ndash; these are a good idea to have in your office and or home theatre room. You can see when they are surge protected when the light is on
	Switchboard mounted surge arrestors &ndash; help to protect all your electronics in your home
	Surge filters &ndash; are a single plug in outlet
	Surge protector boards &ndash; these are different to power boards although look similar externally (many have basic surge protection built in but are NOT surge protectors, and are generally a lot cheaper)


2. Clamping voltage and Joules

Clamping voltage (CV) or let down voltage is a term often associated with surge protection. The lower the CV the better the protection (in most boards), however low CV can limit the overall life expectancy of the system. Surge protectors offer protection in amounts called joules. Unlike CV, the more Joules the better! Joules represents how much energy the device can absorb in a single event without failure. The best protectors offer around 1000 joules.

3. USB connections

Many surge protectors come with USB connections, so you can charge your mobile devices. Generally, this is either 1 or 2 amps. For a mobile phone, 1 amp is enough, but for a tablet, you&#39;ll want 2 amps for quicker charging. Something to be aware of when choosing a board.

4. Power spikes can occur across all wires

If you want total protection, consider that phone and cable lines can carry power spikes too. Some surge protectors have connectors for these as well.

5. Travel buddy

If you think about it, we take our electronics everywhere, and why should we only protect them at home and not when we travel. Most hotels and hostels have few accessible outlets, yet there are always multiple devices that need charging. Having a portable surge protector that you can keep in your suitcase can be handy for a number of reasons &ndash; it also serves as a USB/phone charger while you&rsquo;re traveling &#x1F60A; one cord, is better than multiple.

6. They don&rsquo;t last forever

If you&rsquo;ve used a surge protector board for protection. Over time, it is going to wear out. Some will give you a warning when they do. However, most won&#39;t. If you&#39;ve had a serious electrical event (like lighting blew out a transformer down the street), you should consider getting a new surge board just in case.
]]></description>
<title><![CDATA[Surge protection in your home]]></title>
<guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.alpinetradegroup.com.au/blog/surge-protection-in-your-home_112s38</guid>
<pubDate>18 May 2018 14:20:00 +1000</pubDate>
</item>

<item>
<link>https://www.alpinetradegroup.com.au/blog/why-to-consider-a-gas-ducted-heating-upgrade_112s36</link>
<description><![CDATA[Gas ducted heating can be one of the most affordable heating choices for you and your family. Not only are new systems reasonably priced, but with natural gas readily available throughout Australia, it is a great choice when it comes to heating your home. Gas ducted heaters are environmentally friendly, producing less emissions than other forms of heating, and newer units even reaching a 7-star energy rating.

Gas ducted heating systems heat your home quickly and&nbsp;are designed with the environment in mind. However, don&rsquo;t be fooled&hellip;not all gas ducted heaters are created equal.

At Alpine we supply, install and service all major brands of gas ducted heaters across the Yarra Valley and Melbourne metro areas. However, we highly recommend that clients consider a Braemar heater, with a fantastic 7-year warranty, and up to 7-star energy rating, these Australian made units are fantastic. Enquire today and ask about our $150 cash back special this winter 2018.

Like all other heating and cooling systems (especially those that use gas) gas ducted heaters should be maintained or serviced annually, if not twice a year.

Systems that are not serviced regularly can result in a number of issues including;


	Filters getting blocked
	Flame sensors can get a build-up of carbon which prevents them from working
	Heat exchangers can crack causing carbon monoxide to leak into your home
	Damaged or missing ducts
	Many older units (10 years +) probably have a low energy rating and by upgrading to a newer unit will save you $$$ in running costs (see graph for some stats on how much you could be saving).


All in all, it is important that all homeowners have their gas ducted heating serviced regularly by a qualified tradesperson. At Alpine, we can also assess whether your current system is correctly sized and determine if it may be time to consider upgrading your unit.

Call 1300 252225
]]></description>
<title><![CDATA[WHY TO CONSIDER A GAS DUCTED HEATING UPGRADE]]></title>
<guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.alpinetradegroup.com.au/blog/why-to-consider-a-gas-ducted-heating-upgrade_112s36</guid>
<pubDate>17 Apr 2018 15:41:00 +1000</pubDate>
</item>

<item>
<link>https://www.alpinetradegroup.com.au/blog/faulty-wiring-the-cause-of-too-many-house-fires-in-the-yarra-valley_112s35</link>
<description><![CDATA[CFA Victoria suggests that there&rsquo;s an average 3,000 house fires per year in Victoria. There has been a surge in the Yarra Valley as the cold nights set in and people are switching on their heaters, electric blankets, and using open fires in attempt to stay warm.

Many of these house fires are caused by faulty wiring. However, bad electrical work and also faulty appliances can all cause these potentially deadly fires. A majority of the house fires recorded have resulted from a simple careless mistake. Those fires caused by faulty wiring, could still be preventable by having a licenced electrician complete a simple safety check on your homes internal wiring and by testing commonly used electrical appliances.

Below is a list of warning signs that you may have faulty wiring &ndash; It&rsquo;s recommended if you experience any of the following that you call a qualified electrician TODAY, to prevent serious injury or death.


	Flickering of lights
	Fuses that blow often
	Power outlets that no longer work
	Differences in light intensity between globes
	Getting shocked when connecting an appliance to an outlet
	Notice a buzzing sound from a light switch
	Acrid/Charred smell or charred look around outlets


If you live in one of the many older homes in the Yarra Valley get one of our qualified electricians out today to come and perform a safety check at your home call 1300 252225.
]]></description>
<title><![CDATA[FAULTY WIRING THE CAUSE OF TOO MANY HOUSE FIRES IN THE YARRA VALLEY]]></title>
<guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.alpinetradegroup.com.au/blog/faulty-wiring-the-cause-of-too-many-house-fires-in-the-yarra-valley_112s35</guid>
<pubDate>10 Apr 2018 16:22:00 +1000</pubDate>
</item>

<item>
<link>https://www.alpinetradegroup.com.au/blog/rusty-water-rusty-pipes-locate-the-problem_112s34</link>
<description><![CDATA[Most homes are supplied with water in one of two ways... You may be connected to mains water, where you pay Yarra Valley Water (or equivalent) a fee for supplying you with water year-round. Or like many residents in the Eastern Suburbs and right across Victoria, you may have water tanks that store your water and pumps that bring it to your house when you turn on the tap. Both have one thing in common and that is a lot of pipework! We expect the water coming from your taps to be clean and clear. However, what happens when the color and taste of your water is suddenly a little off? The cause could be rust and depending on the age of your pipes and water heater, it could be coming from inside your house.

There&rsquo;s a chance rusty water could stem from your public water supply, especially if you live in an older city that hasn&rsquo;t refurbished its water system in many decades. But in our area it&rsquo;s generally internal, and you can investigate a little before you call your local plumber.

Is It Rust?

Rusty water will have a distinctive metallic odor and a reddish-brown appearance. This can be determined without an expensive test.&nbsp;The rust particles themselves are oxidized iron, and they don&rsquo;t seem to pose a health hazard, they can leave unsightly stains in your porcelain and white linens and one would not recommend the long-term ingestion of Rusty water.

Find the source?

The first question is whether the rusty water is originating within your home plumbing or not. To investigate, go to the fixture where you first noticed the rusty water and fill a glass with cold water only. Check the sample for rusty odors or coloring, then let the cold water flow for several seconds before checking another sample. Next, repeat with the hot water. If the rusty water is only present in the hot water supply or if it goes away after several seconds of running water, those are both strong indications that the rust source is in your home.

Your DIY test should help you further narrow down the source if you find that it&rsquo;s coming from within your home. If rusty water came from the cold water tap, that indicates a corroding pipe or pipes in your home plumbing system. If it&rsquo;s coming only from the hot water tap, that means your water heater is may be rusting out.

What Next?

The fix comes down to one word: replacement. If an old section of the public water system is rusting out, it&rsquo;s the public authority&rsquo;s responsibility to replace those failing pipes. If an old section of the pipes in your home have rusted out, a qualified plumber can conduct a thorough investigation to identify the rusty pipes and craft a plan to replace them.

If the source is your hot water heater, replacement is also necessary. Once corrosion begins, it will usually progress until the integrity of the tank fails completely. However, there is one thing you can do to avoid your new water heater rusting out: have a plumber replace the anode rod every few years.

An anode rod is a long, metal rod that extends into your water heater tank. Its purpose is to attract corrosive particles so they attack the rod and spare the water heater. But the rod itself is eaten away in this process, and when it&rsquo;s whittled down to its core, there&rsquo;s nothing stopping those particles from moving on to attack the tank. The lifespan of an anode rod is typically five years, or shorter if you have a soft water (typical of many homes on tank water in the Yarra Valley and Eastern Suburbs).

Want to have your hot water heater serviced and protected to ensure its longevity? Or do you already need help investigating the source of your rusty water? Call your local plumber at Alpine Plumbing and Gasfitting today.
]]></description>
<title><![CDATA[Rusty Water? Rusty Pipes? Locate the problem]]></title>
<guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.alpinetradegroup.com.au/blog/rusty-water-rusty-pipes-locate-the-problem_112s34</guid>
<pubDate>20 Mar 2018 11:29:00 +1000</pubDate>
</item>

<item>
<link>https://www.alpinetradegroup.com.au/blog/the-health-benefits-of-hydronic-heating_112s29</link>
<description><![CDATA[Hydronic Heating is the recommended heating solution for those with allergies or sensitivities to air movement, or disturbed by the sound pitch which can come from air vents. Unlike many forms of heating systems which blow warmed air around the room, Hydronic Heating provides a steady level of continuous heat which emanates from an in-room unit or panel.

As the Hydronic Heating unit does not rely on blowing air around the room, it significantly reduces the impact to allergy sufferers by avoiding the unnecessary disturbance of dust and other airborne particles such as pollen. Dust and other airborne particles can cause significant distress to allergy sufferers by causing irritation to their airways.

For those sensitive to noise, the Hydronic Heating units are whisper quiet, relying on the flow of heated water from a separate &ndash; out of room &ndash; boiler or heating unit. The Hydronic Heating unit is a closed loop system, so there is no odour and the water is continually looped back through the circuit for optimal recycling and efficiency.

Other health and safety features of Hydronic Heating include the absence of any naked flame or super-heated surface.

The absence of a naked frame in the room environment avoids the potential for burns or the accidental ignition of furnishings. Due to the construction of the Hydronic units, the heating panels are thermostatically controlled to provide the desired level of comfort. This means that the heating panels can get warm to touch, but when the thermostat is set at normal operating temperatures, the panels do not get hot enough to cause a serious burn.

The last health benefit of Hydronic Heating is that the in-room units do not emit any form of potentially harmful gas. As a closed unit system filled with warmed water, the Hydronic Heating panels permit peace of mind to sleep in the room with. For all these reasons hydronic heating is gaining popularity in Melbourne and the Eastern suburbs as the premium choice of home heating.&nbsp;

Whilst generally, Hydronic Heating systems are less common in Australia, they are considered to be the predominate heating technology in use worldwide. This means that the technology used in them has been well refined and fully tested in some of the world&rsquo;s most difficult climate conditions.

So for those with heath conscious heating at the top of their mind, Hydronic Heating is the best alternative. It&rsquo;s quiet, clean and efficient, whilst at the same time avoiding the disturbance and circulation of airborne particles.

To understand&nbsp;how Hydronic Heating could form part of a healthy heating plan for your home, contact Alpine Heating &amp; Cooling today for further information. We have been installing Hydronic Heating in Melbourne and the Snow Fields for more than 30 years, so we can quickly guide you to the right system for your needs.
]]></description>
<title><![CDATA[ The Health Benefits of Hydronic Heating]]></title>
<guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.alpinetradegroup.com.au/blog/the-health-benefits-of-hydronic-heating_112s29</guid>
<pubDate>15 Jun 2017 16:31:00 +1000</pubDate>
</item>

<item>
<link>https://www.alpinetradegroup.com.au/blog/10-reasons-to-install-led-lighting-in-your-home_112s33</link>
<description><![CDATA[LED stands for &lsquo;Light Emitting Diode&rsquo;. LED&rsquo;s are an energy efficient lighting that will save you money on your power bill. Here are&nbsp;10 reasons you should be getting an LED lighting installed in your home.

1. LED&rsquo;s have a lower power consumption, using approximately 85% less energy than halogen or incandescent lights and about 5% less energy than compact fluorescent globes.

2. LED&rsquo;s also have a longer lifespan.&nbsp;LED lights have a 30,000-50,000-hour estimated lifespan. Other types of lighting, such as halogens are typically only 5,000 hours and incandescent 1,000 hours. They can also be switched on and off frequently without affecting the lifespan. They are a perfect option for homes in the Yarra Valley and other regional areas as you will eliminate the need to get down to the shops when your standard globe pops and leaves you in the dark.

3. LED&rsquo;s also differ from standard lighting as they do not burn out and stop working rather they emit lower output levels, becoming less bright over a period of time.

4. LED&rsquo;s are free of toxic chemicals and are 100% recyclable making the ecologically friendly. Most conventional fluorescent light bulbs contain mercury or lead that are dangerous for the environment.

5. LED&rsquo;s are not a fire risk like traditional globes that get hot when switched on. Because LED&rsquo;s operate at a much lower temperature, they are also designed to have insulation installed directly on top of them. You can have loads of LED&rsquo;s installed and switched on at the same time and not have to worry about increasing the heat in your home.

6. They emit no UV rays or infrared radiation which makes LED lighting a suitable option for objects and materials that are sensitive to heat and UV.

7. They look AWESOME! Their flexible design means LED&rsquo;s can deliver light more efficiently to a desired location; they can also be dimmed to control the colour and light distribution. A combined LED system can create amazing lighting effects.

8. Instant lighting is achieved with LED&rsquo;s as they reach full brightness instantly in comparison to traditional lighting which can take several seconds to reach full brightness.&nbsp;

9. LED&rsquo;s are hardy and compact; their durable design makes LEDs great for use in extreme temperatures, meaning they work equally as well inside as they do outside, suitable for all types of Melbourne weather.&nbsp;

10. A low-voltage power supply is ample for-LED lighting which makes them a good choice for outdoor settings and is a big advantage in remote or rural areas. As many homes in the Yarra Valley are now opting for alternate energy sources, you can even connect them to an external solar-energy source!&nbsp;

So, if you&rsquo;re still not convinced the LED&rsquo;s are the way to go, give us a call on 1300 252 225 and let us tell you again about the SAVINGS! You&rsquo;ll be happy you made the change for a smarter looking, green future.
]]></description>
<title><![CDATA[10 REASONS TO INSTALL LED LIGHTING IN YOUR HOME]]></title>
<guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.alpinetradegroup.com.au/blog/10-reasons-to-install-led-lighting-in-your-home_112s33</guid>
<pubDate>14 Mar 2018 12:07:00 +1000</pubDate>
</item>

<item>
<link>https://www.alpinetradegroup.com.au/blog/ducted-reverse-cycle-air-conditioning_112s32</link>
<description><![CDATA[Ducted reverse cycle air conditioning is a whole climate solution for your home or office space. Ducts are installed throughout the building in either the wall, ceiling or floor space. There is then an internal unit that is installed inside the roof space, and then the only visible part of the air-conditioned is the controller pad which is generally installed in a main living area or other central location. There is an outdoor condenser unit that works to circulate and refrigerate the air for the entire property through the ducts. Certain areas of the home or office can be zoned, so the owner has full control of every zone and can turn them on or off when they desire.

Because of the fact that ducted reverse cycle systems are large and involved with all the ductwork and zoning systems they can be fiddly and take longer to install. The intricate nature of the installation and zoning systems means they are best installed when a property is being build, however can be installed into existing homes.

&nbsp;

Ducted air conditioning systems can start from $5000 however, the cost really depends on the area that needs to be heated and cooled and if it&rsquo;s a new build or going into an existing home or office. The best thing about ducted reverse cycle systems is that they are a complete climate solution. Melbourne is known to present four seasons in one day, and with a flick of a switch your ducted reverse cycle system will have you toasty warm, or nice and cool. We find our clients in the eastern suburbs love the versatility of a ducted reverse cycle system. There is no need for another type of heating or cooling when your unit has been designed to suit your needs and installed by a professional. For a free measure and quote, and to see if Ducted reverse cycle air-conditioning is the right solution for your home call Alpine heating and cooling today on 1300 252 225.
]]></description>
<title><![CDATA[Ducted Reverse Cycle Air conditioning ]]></title>
<guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.alpinetradegroup.com.au/blog/ducted-reverse-cycle-air-conditioning_112s32</guid>
<pubDate>05 Mar 2018 15:30:00 +1000</pubDate>
</item>

<item>
<link>https://www.alpinetradegroup.com.au/blog/what-you-need-to-know-about-electrical-safety-switches-or-rcds-in-victoria_112s31</link>
<description><![CDATA[Electrical Safety Switches or RCD&rsquo;s (residual current devices) protect our family and loved ones against electrocution by immediately switching off&nbsp;the supply of electricity when electricity leaking to earth is detected at harmful levels.&nbsp; However ensuring you choose the right RCD for your home/office and that it is correctly installed is a critical part of their performance. They are installed in your meter box or distribution board and testing them regularly is recommended. It is a small investment that will provide long term protection for everyone against serious injury and death.

Once installed, RCD&rsquo;s need to be tested on a regular basis to ensure correct operation. The frequency of testing will depend on the environment, for residential properties in the Yarra Valley and Eastern suburbs we recommend every 12-18 months. For the workplace, every 6-12 months, however this may be more often in the construction industry (3 months).

Previously in Victoria testing of certain types of RCD&rsquo;s has indicated that certain models had the potential to fail under certain circumstances. Energy Safe Victoria has given manufacturers until 1st July 2018 to ensure their products meet the strict ESV standards. After this date, all RCDs supplied and installed in homes across Victoria and the Yarra Valley must comply with the new standards.

Due to the fact that 15 Australians are killed in preventable home electrical accidents each year and around 20 times that number are hospitalised with serious injuries. Having RCD Safety switches appropriately installed and regularly tested in your home and work place should be highest priority.
]]></description>
<title><![CDATA[What you need to know about Electrical Safety Switches, or RCD&#39;s in Victoria]]></title>
<guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.alpinetradegroup.com.au/blog/what-you-need-to-know-about-electrical-safety-switches-or-rcds-in-victoria_112s31</guid>
<pubDate>20 Feb 2018 11:26:00 +1000</pubDate>
</item>

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