A WARMER than average summer is forecast for the New England, with daytime temperatures in and around Inverell already in their mid-20s.
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Here are some tips from the town’s experts on keeping cool as a cucumber.
Air Conditioning and Refrigeration expert Chris Manuel says regular servicing of your air conditioning unit could lop hundreds of dollars off your electricity bill.
Services should be carried out regularly, he says.
“Also check to ensure the unit being installed is the correct size for the room you are trying to cool,” Mr Manuel said.
“I can help with this, investigating the area and finding the most energy efficient way to keep your home and business cool.”
Inverell born and bred, Mr Manuel started his own business last year.
“It was a natural extension to my apprenticeship,” he said
He installs, services and maintains high-wall split systems, reverse-cycle ducted and evaporative ducted units into domestic and commercial properties.
Mr Manuel is offering up to $400 cash back on new units installed for a limited time only. For more information, phone 0447 803 208.
Sapphire City Solar and Electrical is a family owned business that is a “one-stop shop” for air conditioning, solar power on-and-off grid, domestic and commercial electrical work, solar hot water, solar gates and solar water pumps.
“We've been supplying these services, both domestic and commercial, for more than 30 years,” director Stephen Prosser said.
Sapphire City Solar and Electrical has a team of six, full-time staff, including Stephen, his wife Carolyn, son Cale, daughter Shannon, Dylan and Nathan.
“We are CEC accredited for PV Solar on-and-off the grid systems including Lorentz solar pumps and trackers,” Mr Prosser said.
Residents are choosing to install hybrid power systems, where they can stay on-grid during the day and click over to a solar battery at night.
Recommended hybrid systems Sapphire City Solar and Electrical can install include Tesla, LG Chem, SMA and Delta products.
For more information, phone 6722 2345.
FREEZING treats in ice cubes and feeding them to your dog is a fun way to help pets stay cool in summer, veterinarian nurse Roz Martin says.
“It will also keep them entertained and help maintain good teeth,” Ms Martin, who works at Gowrie Vet Clinic, said.
Veterinarian Gundula Rhoades started the clinic in 2002 on her property just outside Inverell.
With expansion over the years, Dr Rhoades moved the practice into town in 2010.
Gowrie Vet Clinic, on Yetman Road, now has three vets, including Lyddy van Gyen and James Moody, as well as full nursing staff.
The clinic provides a range of care for all animals, including general consultations, dentistry, microchipping and surgery.
“Our mission is to provide friendly customer service and to practise the highest quality medical care while treating your pet,” Ms Martin said. She provided a number of tips for pet owners wanting to keep their animals cool over the summer months
For pets such as rabbits that are kept in cages, think about installing a small sprinkler system to keep them cool.
Keep cages out of direct sunlight.
If you are taking your pet on a long road trip, make regular stops so the animals can stretch their legs and take in water.
If you are leaving your animals for any length of time, make sure someone can come and check for adequate food and water, that bedding is in the shade and there are plenty of shady spots.
“We're happy to discuss your queries any time. Just drop into the clinic, or make an appointment to see us, we're open seven days a week,” Ms Martin said.