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Insider secrets # 19Summer is coming and we know it’s going to get hot. Over the years temperatures have continued to increase, and pergolas can be either a boon or a bust depending on construction and the material it is made from. Looking at two different examples of...

Insider secrets # 18With summer just around the corner, we looked at a good way, a better way and the best way to shade our windows from the sun, so let’s make a start. As mentioned previously, we discussed that the best way to shade the glass is away from the window...

Insider secrets # 17We are growing a grapevine over our pergola in order to keep it beautifully shaded in the summer which makes space much more usable. We have fitted stainless steel wires through the pergola rafters, to hold up the grapevine as they spread over the...

Insider secrets # 16Your home will never be cool in summer without effective shading. Because every home is different it may not be possible to implement the most effective shading options. Basically, there are three different ways that achieve shading in a home: 1....

Insider secrets # 15Split systems can be amazingly efficient heaters and coolers, but one thing that makes them less efficient is when they get dirty; as they’re continuously pumping air, they can get choked up with dust and then have the potential of growing mould...

Insider secrets # 14Exterior floodlights, especially those with a movement sensor, can come with light globes of 150 watts. As there are generally two lights per outdoor unit, 300 watts of light comes on whenever there is movement. Not only that but it is easy to...

Insider secrets # 13In part 2 of the downlight segment, we are going to discuss what we might do in order to fix the issues with LED lamps. The best outcome is to get rid of all the downlights, fix the ceiling, and only have surface-mounted lighting. There are a...

Insider secrets # 12There are multiple reasons why halogen is not a good idea, the first being the degradation of insulation. When you’ve got quite a few halogen downlights, you’re going to be missing between 7% and 10% of the insulation, whilst you only need to be...

Insider secrets # 11Pipe penetrations can be found in cupboards, bathroom and ensuite vanities and possibly in your laundry cupboard. They are usually large holes to accommodate the pipes, which have been cut oversized leaving large gaps even after the pipes have been...

Insider secrets # 10If you have got gas ducted heating with outlets in a timber floor, then this Insider Secret is for you. Sometimes there are gaps you’re not aware of inside the heating duct that you can locate by lifting the register off the outlet. Underneath that...