August 2nd, 2017
Heating your home in winter doesn't have to cost you an arm and a leg. All heaters cost money to run, of course... But some are cheaper than others, and some are particularly efficient in certain types of spaces. But how do you find the ‘right heater’ for your unique space? With such a wide range of options available, choosing the most cost-effective and efficient heating can ... Read more
February 23rd, 2017
With humidity an all-year-round issue in Australia, dehumidifiers have always been useful in our climate. But with ever-changing and unpredictable seasons in recent years, their benefit to your health and wellbeing only continues to increase. Why is a dehumidifier good for your health? Small, safe, and generally economical with their energy use, a dehumidifier is a great addition to the home and family. And not just for reducing ... Read more
July 4th, 2016
Looking into buying a dehumidifier? This guide provides answers to several dehumidifier questions, to help you keep your home’s air clean, clear and free from excess moisture. What’s the ideal humidity level to set on my dehumidifier? According to the National Asthma Council of Australia... "Indoor relative humidity should be maintained between 30 and 50 percent if possible. This is the range that is most comfortable for people, but ... Read more
June 10th, 2016
It’s getting cold in here! The months of June, July and August in Australia can mean many different things to many different Australians. Some people celebrate the Birthday of Her Majesty the Queen, while others gear up to hit the slopes at Thredbo, as the Queen’s Birthday long weekend is also traditionally seen as the opening of the snow season. Image courtesy of Ventrilock at FreeDigitalPhotos.net Over in the North ... Read more
March 31st, 2016
If you want to be prepared for the gradual change in seasons, or for a sudden cold snap, it’s worth investing in a heating appliance well before the mercury starts plummeting. But while heaters and similar warming appliances are certainly practical, they aren’t always the most stylish additions to your home’s décor, usually being designed primarily with utility in mind. To help you stay fashionable as well as ... Read more
December 11th, 2015
Have you just been invited to a friend's housewarming party and would rather not be the typical party guest that shows up to the door with a $15 bottle of wine (that they may or may not even like) you just quickly picked up on the way? Now, I’m not dissing $15 wines because there is definitely some good-tasting wine for $20 and under, but perhaps you ... Read more
November 25th, 2015
When summer rolls around, if an air conditioner isn’t a practical or affordable option, a fan is often the next best choice. Sometimes a refreshing breeze is just what you need to stay comfortable during the year’s hotter seasons. So what should you keep an eye out for when it comes to choosing a fan? Let’s take a look: Size It’s always important to pick an appliance that’s the ... Read more
October 21st, 2015
During summer months, fans and air conditioners become practically essential for staying comfortable at home during the day or the night. But if you go to sleep with a fan or air conditioner running in your bedroom, are you at risk of a swift and mysterious death? What is Fan Death? The Fan Death phenomenon is a longstanding folk belief, originating in South Korea, that leaving an electric fan ... Read more
October 15th, 2015
The days are longer, the water is getting warmer, and with temperatures reaching the early 30’s in some places around Australia that can only mean one thing, summer is coming! And with summer, comes the heat. So we thought it would be a great idea to come up with a list of tips and tricks that will help you and your family stay cool this summer. (Without ... Read more
September 29th, 2015
There’s not long to go until the Australian summer officially arrives, bringing with it the kind of temperatures typically found on the surface of the sun. If you’d prefer not to melt into a puddle of sweaty goo this year, you’ll want to be prepared for the seasonal onslaught and get your cooling solutions ready in advance. But will you choose to cool your home with an air ... Read more
September 11th, 2015
Rice cookers are designed to cook yep you guessed it, rice! But that doesn’t mean you should limit your rice cooker. After a bit of research (and a few trial and errors) I came across some really cool recipes that can be cooked in most standard rice cookers, and guess what? Some of them don’t involve any rice at all! Steamed Tofu & Asparagus [caption id="attachment_33434" align="aligncenter" width="400"] ... Read more
August 19th, 2015
On cold winter nights, my Cairn Terrier Alfred loves to snuggle up in front of the fireplace. He will stay there for hours, almost hypnotised by the orange flickering flames. However, on some occasions his wagging tail has gotten a little bit too close for comfort and his fur is often very hot to touch. Household heaters may be comforting for pets like Alfred, but can be dangerous. ... Read more
August 5th, 2015
If you’re taking a well-deserved break from the everyday home-work-sleep routine that will last longer than a couple of days, it’s entirely possible that a good chunk of your home’s electricity will end up going to waste… and you’ll still have to pay for it! source: Mjuzikxhankej on Wikimedia Commons Here’s a quick checklist of things to, well, check before you head off on your next great adventure: Switch ... Read more
July 20th, 2015
One great way to deal with the winter chill is to dig the old electric blanket out of the linen cupboard. But because we don't typically use these blankets all year round, it's usually worthwhile refreshing our memories of how electric blankets work, how to reduce their safety risks, and what their running costs are: How do electric blankets work? Imagine a pretty normal underblanket, designed to be fitted ... Read more
July 17th, 2015
Do domestic cats and dogs really need the lights, radio and TV left on for comfort when their owners are away? We spoke to Belrose veterinarian Dr John Thirlwell to bust some myths and set the record straight for pet owners. source: JKehoe_Photos on Flickr According to Dr Thirlwell, owners leave lights, radio, television and heaters/coolers on for their pets out of guilt because they think their cat or ... Read more