Ultimate Home Living February 2015

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ultimate

home living February 2015

The Adviser. Australia No. 1:1238 Wednesday, February 18, 2015 – Page 19

ultimate

home living

Cut your energy costs DURING the Summer months it can be difficult to keep your energy use down, especially when it comes to trying to cool your home, but there are some simple and effective tips to follow that can not only cut your energy bill down, but make for a more efficient way of living.

Comparing energy and gas plans could save you money if another provider proves to be more cost-effective and suitable. Over time, this could amount to significant savings.

When making major purchases such as buying new washing machines, fridges, televisions or clothes dryers, pay attention to the affixed Energy Rating Label. The higher the rating, the more efficient the appliance is. But it’s not just the big items that make all the difference. Installing energy efficient lighting throughout your

home will also reduce your energy usage.

In the kitchen, small things such as running the dishwasher only when it’s full and using an electric frypan, pressure cooker or microwave rather than an oven can make all the difference.

Additionally, all door and appliance seals should be intact.

When it comes to airing out your laundry, it’s best to use a clothes horse or hang them outside where possible. This is a much more natural alternative than using a clothes dryer.

And finally, the Summer sun can be harsh on your home’s internal temperature, especially if your home isn’t insulated correctly. But you can beat the ‘Aussie’ heat by closing windows, doors and curtains and if possible, use fans rather than air conditioners to really save that energy.

Have a healthy lawn and save water

Page 20 – The Adviser. Australia No. 1:1238 Wednesday, February 18, 2015

IT can be difficult to keep a green, luscious lawn at the best of times, but when it comes to the Summer months the task seems to get that little bit harder.

While a ‘healthy’ and ‘maintained’ lawn may seem out of reach there are some tips that can help get it there and keep it there.

BEFORE SEWING To prepare the area, spray existing ve ge t at ion w it h g lysoph ate bas ed herbicide, leave for two weeks then till the area to loosen the top soil to a depth of 5cm. Spread seeds evenly, rake over it lightly and keep moist.

WATERING Your lawn needs a water when the grass does not ‘spring’ back up after being walked on. After watering the soil should be moist to a depth of 10-15cm. Shallow watering only encourages the grasses to develop shallow root systems-making them more prone to dryness!

WETTING AGENT You should use a good ‘soil wetting agent’ if you water your lawn. Use on sand or clay soils. When you water it will soak into your lawn into the root zone, and not run-off, resulting in maximum water utilisation and efficiency.

FERTILISER Fertilising should be done as regularly as required to encourage the growth required to repair damage to your lawn.

MOWING HEIGHT Mowing heights should be adjusted to suit the growing conditions. When the turf is growing strongly it may be cut fairly low. If it is experiencing heat stress or the growth is beginning to slow then be careful with the mower, and raise the height or don’t cut at all.

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home living

A wealth of industry experience ONE-STOP-SHOP… Surdex Steel is your one-stop-shop for steel products and services including cutting, drilling, profiling, slitting and sheering. Surdex Steel Storeman, Colin Wilson and Branch Manager, Gary Hallum. Photo: Alicia Niglia.

SURDEX Steel, a member of the Southern Steel Group, and a dynamic leader in the steel industry, offers the largest steel distribution service across Victoria.

One of five regional branches, Surdex Steel Shepparton, “Pride themselves on providing quality customer service,” says Branch Manager, Gary Hallum.

“We like to think of ourselves as a one-stop-shop, not only supplying steel products, but also cutting to length, drilling, profiling, slitting and sheering to suit your needs.”

Surdex Steel stocks all your building and construction needs, whether you require steel farming solutions, sheds, domestic house or commercial development. The range of products on offer include, Steel Sheet and Coil, Structural, Tubular and a wide range of building products.

The team at Surdex Steel boast a wealth of industry experience and knowledge and offer customers an expert advisory service.

Surdex Steel Shepparton is located at 27 Hawkins Street, for more information on Surdex Steel’s range of products and services, phone 5831 2700 or visit the website www.surdexsteel.com.au

The Adviser. Australia No. 1:1238 Wednesday, February 18, 2015 – Page 21