Frequently asked questions

What is a periodic inspection?
A periodic inspection is an inspection and associated testing to check whether an electrical installation is in a satisfactory condition for continued service. On completion of the necessary inspection and testing, an Electrical Installation Condition Report will be issued detailing any observed damage, deterioration, defects, dangerous conditions and any non-compliances with the present-day safety standard which might give rise to danger.
There are no set guidelines as to when a property should be rewired. Just because your wiring’s old, it doesn’t mean it’s unsafe. Many factors can affect the wear and tear of your electrical installation, including the materials used and how your property has been used. We would advise that a periodic inspection is carried out on owner-occupied properties at least every ten years and every five years in rented accommodation. The test will certify whether the electrics in a property are safe and tell you if anything needs upgrading. You should carry out regular checks around the house on the condition of your cables, switches, sockets and other accessories. If you notice anything unusual – for example, burn marks on plugs and sockets, sounds of ‘arcing’ (buzzing or crackling), fuses blowing or circuit-breakers tripping – get a registered electrician to check your electrics as soon as possible.
Periodic inspection and testing should be carried out only by electrically competent persons, such as registered electricians.

Do you lease out a commercial or residential building? Well, did you know that you have to adhere to safety requirements, just like business owners? These are the electrical safety requirements for landlords (according to Energy Safe Victoria):

  • Prior to re-letting the property, ensure that all appliances are working properly and functioning safely make sure electrical appliances are inspected and cleaned to avoid fire and electrical hazards (for example, clearing debris in ventilation and heating/cooling systems)
  • Ensure that electrical wiring, outlets, switches, and residual current devices are in a safe and working order
  • Only allow a trained professional to conduct electrical or maintenance work to keep records of any work or maintenance to prove compliance

 

According to the Tenancy Check website, the following rules for electrical safety for landlords apply, the landlord must:

  • Ensure that all installations are working (for example, gas/electricity/cooling/heating)
  • The landlord must ensure that all installations are maintained and safe to use (this only applies to landlord owned appliances)


For more information about local legislation, visit your local government website or contact the Residential Tenancies Authority.

For more information about local legislation, visit your local government website or contact the Residential Tenancies Authority.
When an electrical installation is rewired, it is good practice to remove redundant wiring. If this is not possible, any redundant wiring must be permanently disconnected from any electrical supply so that it doesn’t present a risk.

Solar systems with the best return on investment match the solar output to the daytime energy requirements of the home.
By matching solar power generation to the home’s energy requirements, you minimise the amount of surplus energy to be sold to the grid. With the low feed-in tariffs, selling power back to the grid is no longer financially attractive.

The rates you will be paid by the electricity retailers for solar power sold back into the grid (Feed in tariff) have decreased considerably over the last decade. This has led to a key design principle that should be considered

Your electricity load profile considers how you use electricity through-out the day.A typical home uses most energy in the mornings and evenings as people are often at work or school during the daytime

  1. Not understanding the difference between the solar rebate and solar feed-in tariffs
  2.  Not getting multiple quotes
  3. Not installing enough solar
  4. Waiting for batteries to drop in price
  5. Make sure that you picked accredited and verified solar installer 
  6. Not knowing what protections you’re entitled to under Australian consumer law
  7. Thinking that because your roof isn’t north-facing, solar isn’t worth it

FEDERAL SOLAR INCENTIVE

The Australian government’s Renewable Energy Target (RET) programme seeks to boost renewable electricity production while lowering greenhouse gas emissions from the electricity industry. The Renewable Energy Target (RET) will supply 33,000 GWh of renewable energy between 2020 and 2030. 

The RET establishes a market to encourage the production and use of renewable energy. 

This facilitates the shift to a less carbon-intensive and more sustainable energy system. 

RET administers two schemes and renewable energy certificates. 

Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES): 

This program issues tradable certificates (STCs) based on your system’s expected electricity generation. 

You can sell these certificates to retailers, reducing the upfront cost. 

The number of STCs you receive depends on your location and system size. 

STCs, or small-scale technology certificates, are solar incentives available for systems up to 100 kW in size.

 

STATE,TERRITORY AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT SOLAR SCHEMES AND REBATES

Tax breaks:

Instant asset write-off: For small businesses with a turnover below $50 million, the cost of your solar system can be instantly deducted from your taxable income in the year of installation (conditions apply). Source: Australian Taxation Office.

Loans: Financing options with favourable terms to cover the cost of solar systems.

Rebate swaps: Options to exchange bill rebates for solar subsidies.

Solar rebates: Direct subsidies to reduce the cost of solar system installation.

The availability and specifics of these solar incentives can vary greatly depending on your location and the type of installation—residential or commercial. Here are some examples:

 

Australian Capital Territory (ACT)

Zero-interest loans between $2,000 and $15,000 are available under the Sustainable Household Scheme for energy-efficient home improvements. Up to a total value of $15,000, qualifying households can select from various equipment, such as solar panels, battery storage systems, heating and cooling systems, and more. Ten years is the repayment period, and depending on the results of credit checks, borrowers may be eligible for amounts over $15,000. However, interest may be charged. 

The Health Care Card is one of the concession cards qualifying for the Home Energy Support Programme (HESP). Pensioner Concession, Veterans’ Affairs Gold, and Health Care Card holders are eligible for loans up to $10,000 and a 50% rebate (up to $2,500) for installing energy-efficient items. For non-unit properties, the UV eligibility requirements for HESP are $750,000 or below, and for units starting in 2022, they are $300,000 or below.

Victoria

There is a zero-interest lending option available up to $1,400 for new and existing residences.

Victorians can cut their energy bills and shrink their environmental footprint with the Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU) program. This government initiative offers solar rebates and discounts on energy-efficient appliances, lighting, heating and cooling systems, and even draft sealing, making it easier for residents to save money and live sustainably. Depending on the upgrade, the average household can save from $120 to $1,100 per year on energy bills.

South Australia

If you live in South Australia and are interested in solar energy, incentive programmes are available. The City of Adelaide provides incentives for concession/senior card users and rented residences, and incentives for solar PV systems are available to households and landlords for up to $5000.

The City of Adelaide’s Sustainability Incentives Scheme offers incentives to property owners, tenants, and non-profit groups, which are some of the examples of those who will receive incentives to encourage the installation of electric vehicle charging stations. This program aims to make charging electric vehicles more affordable and accessible and promote sustainable transportation within the city. They can claim up to $2,000 to offset the cost of installing a charging station on their property.

New South Wales (NSW): Peak Demand Reduction Scheme (PDRS) incentives will be available to homes and businesses with rooftop solar from 1 November 2024. These incentives will allow them to install household battery storage and link to a Virtual Power Plant (VPP). These incentives will lower the cost of electricity bills and help families and businesses make the most of the solar energy they produce.

 

While rebates and tax breaks offer a welcome upfront saving, don’t forget the ongoing benefits of solar:

Reduced electricity bills: Generate your clean power and significantly reduce your reliance on the grid, leading to lower electricity bills.
Increased property value: Homes with solar panels are often more attractive to buyers, potentially fetching a higher price.
Environmental benefits: Solar power is a clean and renewable energy source, helping to reduce your carbon footprint and combat climate change.

.They use less energy to transfer heat from one place to another instead of generating it, so they are eco-friendly and will make your energy bills fall to the ground

They have a long lifespan.

Heat pumps are low on maintenance.

While heat pumps are versatile and can adapt to a wide range of temperatures and climates, there are still some downsides to consider.

They are not the best option in extremely cold weather conditions.

Some of them can be quite noisy.

Heat pumps’ up-front cost can be quite high.

 

You may assume that the size of your room dictates the capacity of air conditioner you should buy. 

But although room size is an important consideration, every home is different and there are actually many other factors that will affect your air conditioning capacity requirements.

Room size: What’s the length, width and ceiling height? While floor space is important, so is total volume – a room with high ceilings will require more energy to cool and heat.

Insulation: Are the ceilings and walls insulated? What’s underneath and on top of the room?

Location: Where do you live? A room in Darwin will need a more powerful air conditioner for cooling, compared to an otherwise identical room in Hobart.

Orientation: Which way does the room face? A large north- or west-facing window can let in a lot of heat in summer, whereas a shaded, southern-facing window will be cooler.