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} : oY TURN TO TECHNOLOGY TO HELP LOWER YOUR ELECTRICITY USE OUTDOORS - AND GIVE THE PLANET AND YOUR WALLET A HELPING HAND Words JANE PARBURY oday’s energy costs mean every little reduction in power usage around the home makes a difference. Head outside — to the garden, garage, pool and more - to see where savings can be made. There’s the hub Smart home devices make using less energy easier. A smart home system such as Grid Connect allows your smartphone to control lighting, heating, cooling, entertainment and security remotely. So you can switch these on or off, even when not at home. As the Arlec team explains, “Smart home platforms also have ‘scene- setting’ capabilities, allowing you to set and automatically operate your appliances only when you want to.” Outdoors, this could mean security lighting coming on at dusk so you don't arrive home to a dark house, and garden lighting turning off when you're ready for bed. Turn to the bright side Solar is an obvious choice when trying to save energy. But beyond harnessing the — free! — power of the sun to illuminate pretty fairy lights over a gazebo, you can also use solar panels to drive outdoor security and safety elements. These include spotlights and intruder-spotting cameras, open- and-close skylights, automatic swing gates, path lighting and more! 56 bunnings.com.au | (O) bunnings | P) bunnings Many solar-powered items can be installed DIY, often with backup from batteries, but any hardwiring must be done by a licensed electrician. Some products, like Arlec’s solar hybrid powered movement-activated floodlight, are sold with a solar panel included, while others will need one or more panels purchased separately. Check the packaging to make sure. Let there be LEDs LED lighting is one of the best energy- efficiency innovations of recent years: LEDs use up to 75 per cent less energy than traditional halogen bulbs and last between five and 10 times as long*. They come in a variety of colours for practical applications such as to repel insects, or create a kaleidoscope to pretty up a party space. Most new outdoor lighting purchases will come with LED bulbs but, if you have old security, garage or shed lights, update them with new fittings that use LEDs. ly Roberts. Some opposite) James Moffatt, styling
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