Hot summer nights, we reckon they’re overrated
Too sweaty to sleep? One click of the button on your whisper-quiet Mitsubishi heat pump with wi-fi control and you’ll stay cool as a cucumber all night long.
The optimum temperature for a good night’s sleep is between 15.6 to 19.4 degrees Celsius, and as so many middle-aged women can attest, even that can feel too warm! Heat pumps will rapidly cool even the muggiest room, they’re cheap to run, ultrasafe – nothing to knock over and no hot surfaces –and they even filtrate the air while you sleep, leaving you bright-eyed and bushy-tailed after even the most humid summer night.
Don’t wait until winter, heat pumps are just as good at cooling rooms as they are at heating them, and Greg reckons that Mitsubishi products stand head and shoulders above their competitors for energy efficiency. All Mitsubishi pumps come with premium warranties and superior aesthetic appeal, with its Black Diamond Series – the George Clooney of heat pumps – winning several awards for its looks alone.
It’s so hot out there, so why are we smiling?
Ross and Yvonne Lamond had toyed with the idea of going solar for some time. Their Jones Rd property had two lines running in from the road, one to the house and one to the pump, and the costs were mounting up.
They were already running solar hot water, so naturally assumed it would be a simple process to go that step further and install solar panels for the entire house. The only problem? Every single electrical company that Yvonne contacted for a quote failed to even turn up, let alone make a start on the conversion!
The frustrated couple were almost ready to chuck in the towel when Yvonne came across Greg through her work at Selwyn Central Community Care, where he and Helen have been known to get behind the wheel of the community van on occasion.
Already experienced in dealing with powerlines, Greg got to work immediately, combining the two cables into one in preparation for going solar. He then worked with Infinite Solar Energy, a Wanaka-based company, to make the transition to a hybrid system and Ross and Yvonne couldn’t be happier.
“We’ve always made a point of using local tradesmen, and Greg just made it so simple. He turned up when he said he was going to, stuck to his quotes, and worked in really well with the solar guys. Juice were fantastic and just made the whole thing really easy for us. We would never use anyone else!”
If your power bill is giving you heart palpitations and you’re thinking of converting to solar, it’s really important to do your homework. Being a relatively new and unregulated industry, there are a few cowboys out there, so shop around, and be prepared for your system to take up to 7 years to start paying its own way without batteries, and 15 years with batteries. (if anyone tells you your solar’s earnings will cover its costs in fewer than eight years, run rapidly in the other direction).
Roof and power usage appraisal
With advancements in technology, concerns about solar panels damaging roofs have significantly diminished, especially with lighter, modern panels. At Juice Electrical, we understand the importance of a thorough assessment before installation. That’s why we offer a full appraisal of your roof’s condition and your power usage. This professional assessment ensures that your solar panel system is not only efficient but also perfectly suited to your property’s unique characteristics. Whether your roof is in pristine condition or has seen better days, our expert team is equipped to advise the best solar solutions for your needs.
Can I say goodbye to my power company and go off-grid altogether?
Batteries, while expensive, have come a long way and are becoming a good option for excess power storage. They are a good option for a new build that’s set back at a distance from the road, as the cost of running power lines into your home can be pretty hefty. Unfortunately, batteries don’t last forever, with a lifespan of between five and 15 years, so you will be looking at the cost of replacing them at least once, assuming you haven’t moved.
Saving the planet, one panel at a time.
Of course, there are plenty of upsides to solar, the most obvious of which is your reduced carbon footprint. A good solar system will increase the value of your property, and once it’s paid itself off, the satisfaction of having your power company pay you can’t be underestimated!
The buyback rate in New Zealand has increased from around 5c all the way up to 17c, now making solar a more attractive option. Powerswitch is a great website that contains an up-to-date list of buyback rates in NZ.
Industry group Sustainable Electricity Association, or SEANZ, has a solar optimiser tool to help you get the most out of your solar system.
Take the time to have a read and if you feel like solar might be worth investing in, give Greg at Juice Electrical a call today on 03 3796644 or reach out to Nick Weaving from Infinite Energy at 03 445 0572 / nick@infiniteenergy.co.nz.
