Environment Service Central Articles and Advice

Service Central Developers polling well in Victorian Competition - help them!

When they're not hard at work on the nuts and bolts behind Service Central's IT systems, our developers often like to turn their mind to solving other problems. Recently, three of our developers - Paul Ferrett, Gavin Ballard and Thomas Rose - developed a web application designed to help consumers make truly informed decisions about their transport options. Read more...

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Home Energy Guzzlers

Save up to 30% on Energy Bills with Window Film Read more...

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Window makeovers that make cents

As budgets tighten home owners seek renovation ideas that deliver major results for minor costs. The burning question is how can you increase the value of your home and make it run more efficiently without breaking the bank? Read more...

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Save Water around the Garden

Looking for ways to save water around the garden? This helpful article will give you some great water saving advice, from choosing the appropriate plants to landscaping ideas to using greywater and rainwater Read more...

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Saving Water around the House

In this day and age water is becoming recognised more and more for the precious commodity it is, especially here in Australia. With water restrictions in full force during both winter and summer, we are being asked to do everything we can to save water. Below are some simple tips to help you save water throughout the home. Read more...

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Organic pest control

In the past, when chemical was king we all wanted a pesticide that would kill the most bugs with the fewest applications and as cheaply as possible. This approach has long been proven to be detrimental to people, animals and to the plants as well. Here are some ideas that might be able to help you cut down on the number of chemicals that you use. Read more...

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Tips for maintaining your air conditioning unit

Proper maintenance of your air conditioner will also save energy. How do you maintain an aircon unit? Read more...

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Guide to Choosing Curtains and Blinds

So you want to fit new curtains or blinds, and aren't sure what to choose? Both provide privacy, temperature regulation and security as well as adding ambience and managing light in a room. Here are your choices to think about. Read more...

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Solar Inverters and how they are rated

Inverters are all rated, and these rating should tell you three things; the continuous rating, the half hour rating and the surge rating. You need to consider all of these when purchasing an inverter. Read more...

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How do photovoltaic panels (solar panels) work?

Almost everyone has seen solar panels on calculators, and if you think about the traditional image of a satellite, the wing-like panels attached to the satellite are also solar panels. 'Photo' means light, and 'voltaic' means energy. But how do these panels actually absorb energy and transfer into energy that you can use in your home? Read more...

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Will my solar PV system still work when it's cloudy?

It's a popular but incorrect myth that when it's cloudy your solar PV system will not work. But that's not true, because of these reasons. Read more...

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Does the position of solar panels on my roof affect the amount of energy they generate?

Definitely - panels that face north generate far more solar energy than those that face west. Read more...

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If you have solar power and there's a blackout, what happens?

Logically, you would still have power available - but this isn't the case. When you're connected to the grid you might experience a 'brown-out' which is dangerous. (A brown-out is a dip in voltage availability, and it's called that because the lights generally seem brownish with lower voltage). Read about options for continual power and what happens in a blackout. Read more...

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Does the energy used to make solar power systems reduce the positive impact of using solar?

All manufacturing - no matter what is being manufactured - uses energy. Energy to locate the materials, transport, actually make the product, sell the product, etc. PV systems are manufactured and before they're 100% 'renewable' the energy used to manufacture the system must be paid back to the environment. Read more...

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How long will a grid connect solar power system last?

ecause the industry is relatively young and products used today haven't been around for ages, there's not a 100% perfect answer to this. But... Read more...

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Video: Bill Gates on energy innovation

Bill Gates talks about the need to innovate in the energy sector. Read more...

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How to fix a leaking tap

A video guide to how to fix a leaking tap. Read more...

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How to change a tap washer

A quick and easy video guide as to how to change a tap washer and put an end to those leaky taps around your home. Read more...

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How to save energy in the home

A video guide to how to save energy around your home. Read more...

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What affects the amount of solar energy you get from your solar panels?

Solar energy strength depends on several factors including amount of light, latitude and time of year. Read more...

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How to maximise the value you get out of your solar hot water system

Just having a solar hot water system isn't enough - you need to make sure that you have it installed by a professional, and once it's installed you should use it efficiently. Read more...

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What's the difference between a solar PV system and a solar hot water system?

What's the difference between a solar PV system and a solar hot water system? What are your sustainable water heating options? Read more...

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Flat plate solar collectors vs evacuated tube solar collectors

What's the difference between flat plat and evacuated tube solar collectors, and which is better? Read more...

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Tips before buying a dishwasher

Buying a dishwasher is an exciting prospect for most people who don't have one already! Even for those who've already experienced the joys of a dishwasher, read this article to find out what to look for in a new dishwasher. Read more...

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