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The Winter Watt-Watch

When winter hits, it's not just the temperature that drops — your bank account can start to feel the chill too, especially when the power bill arrives. Sure, your heat pump is working hard to keep you cosy, but it might not be the only appliance chewing through your kilowatts. Winter often invites a parade of sneaky power suckers that quietly inflate your electricity costs without you even noticing. Let’s pull back the curtain on the usual suspects. ...

Hot Water Cylinder Not Working?

If your hot water cylinder stops working, starts leaking, or trips your power, you’ll want to get it fixed fast. But do you call a plumber or an electrician?Around 80% of hot water cylinder problems are electrical, not plumbing. Getting a qualified electrician to look first can save you time and money.This guide will help you troubleshoot your hot water cylinder, understand common problems, and help you to decide who to call for repairs....

Essential Electrical Checks for Rural Properties Over Winter

Living the rural dream in New Zealand has its perks — wide-open spaces, the hum of nature, and peace you just can’t find in town. But when winter rolls in with its frosts, winds, and sideways rain, that peace can quickly unravel if your electrical setup isn’t up to scratch.Power outages, water pump failures, and temperamental generators are all part of the rural experience — but they don’t have to catch you off guard. A few proactive checks now can mean the difference between a smooth ...

⚡🎉 Double the Sparks, Double the Celebration! 🎉⚡

Today, we’re flicking the switch to maximum appreciation mode because two big milestones are lighting up Harkness Electrical! Toby is turning 19—old enough to know better, but young enough to still test the limits of every circuit breaker in sight. He kicked off his electrical apprenticeship back in January, and it’s been all systems go ever since. Watch this space—he’s already proving he’s got the spark (and a talent for locating every awkward crawlspace on the job). Here’s to a b...

Electrical Winter-Proofing Your Shed, Workshop, or Garage

Ah, the great Kiwi shed. It’s the heart of every DIY empire—equal parts workshop, storage, refuge, and, occasionally, a museum of forgotten projects and rusted ambitions. But come winter, it turns into an arctic tomb: cold enough to see your breath, dark enough to lose a thumb, and damp enough to grow its own ecosystem.If you're serious about your shed being a functional space through the frosty months, a few electrical upgrades can transform it from miserable to mighty....

🎉⚡ SURPRISE! You almost got away with it, Trude… ⚡🎉

Our brilliant office manager, Trude, wrangler of calendars and keeper of all things organised, nearly snuck her birthday past us. Nearly. We did wonder why there was cake…But in true sparkie style, we just thought someone blew a fuse and stress-baked.Turns out, it’s YOUR birthday!Happy Birthday to the one who: Keeps the chaos coordinated Answers phones faster than a circuit trips And somehow manages to put up with us!You thought you could hide your birthday, Trude — but not even you can ou...

Brighten Up: Outdoor Lighting Tips

Enhancing your outdoor lighting becomes essential as the days grow shorter and the nights longer. Not only does it add to the aesthetic appeal of your home, but it also ensures safety and functionality. Here are some tips to help you brighten up your outdoor spaces this autumn. ...

Energy Saving Tips

As the autumn season rapidly approaches, it's the perfect time to start thinking about how to save on energy bills. Here are some practical energy-saving tips to help you cut costs and make your home more energy-efficient....

Autumn Electrical Prep: Stay Safe!

As the leaves begin to change and the temperatures start to drop, it's the perfect time to prepare your home's electrical system for the autumn season. Ensuring your electrical system is in top shape can help you avoid potential hazards and keep your home safe and cosy. ...

Happy Birthday Chris

Happy Birthday to our Electrifying Superstar Chris! From fixing the most tangled wires to ensuring we never have a dull moment (literally), you've been a spark that keeps us all going. Your dedication and humour have made every day brighter and more fun.Here's to another year of high-voltage adventures, zero resistance to fun, and a never-ending current of happiness. May your birthday be as electrifying as you are, and may you continue to shine bright in everything you do!Cheers to you Chris, yo...

Thank you Emily

Celebrating Emily's Journey with Harkness Electrical! Last week, we bid farewell to Emily, who has been part of the Harkness Electrical team for the past two and a half years.Thank you, Emily, for all you brought to the business and for being part of powering our success.As you embark on your next adventure, we wish you nothing but the best. May your future be as bright and electrifying as your time with us!The Harkness Electrical team....

Celebrating a Milestone!

We are thrilled to announce that the Harkness Electrical team has just completed our 20,000th job! This incredible achievement wouldn't have been possible without the unwavering support of our amazing clients. Thank you for trusting us with your electrical needs and for being a part of our journey.A massive shoutout to our dedicated team for their hard work, expertise, and commitment to excellence. Your efforts have brought us to this remarkable milestone, and we couldn't be prouder.To celebrate...

The Benefits of Switching Appliances Off at the Wall

In today's world, where energy efficiency and cost savings are paramount, one simple habit can make a significant difference: switching appliances off at the wall rather than leaving them in standby mode. This small change can lead to substantial financial savings, reduce the risk of damage to your appliances, and potentially extend their lifespan. Let's explore these benefits in detail....

The Risks and Dangers of Damaged and Broken Switches.

Switches are an integral part of our daily lives, controlling the flow of electricity to various devices and appliances. However, when these switches become damaged or broken, they pose significant risks and dangers at home and in the workplace. Understanding these hazards and the benefits of using modern switches can help ensure a safer environment for everyone. ...

Stay Cool This Summer

As the summer months approach, keeping your home cool becomes a top priority. One of the most effective and energy-efficient ways to maintain a comfortable temperature is by installing ceiling fans in your main living areas. Not only do ceiling fans help to circulate air and create a cooling breeze, but they also offer several other benefits to homeowners. In this blog post, we’ll explore how ceiling fans can keep your home cooler, provide tips on their optimal use, and highlight their advanta...

Upskilling the team

Congratulations to Josh on successfully qualifying as an Independent Electrical Inspector. This now allows the business to provide mains electrical inspection services, undertake Caravan WoEF (warrant of electrical fitness), and, most importantly, it simplifies and speeds up job completion as we no longer have to wait on an inspector to be available to sign off on our jobs.Who said you can’t teach young pups anything nowadays? Well done, Josh....

Indoor and Outdoor Lighting Design

Lighting is not just a practical necessity; it's a style statement that can transform any space. At Harkness Electrical, we understand the power of proper lighting and how it can enhance indoor and outdoor areas' aesthetics, functionality, and safety. Our lighting design services are tailored to bring out the best in your space, ensuring that it looks, feels, and works exactly as you envision.Enhancing Spaces with Light Proper lighting can dramatically alter the perception of a space. It ca...

Training Staff On Electrical Safety

Training staff and employees on electrical safety is crucial for any business, especially those that handle electrical equipment or work in environments with electrical hazards.  Here's an outline and a series of bullet points on the topics every employee should know about electrical safety in the workplace:1. Introduction to Electrical SafetyThe significance of electrical safety training in the workplace.Common electrical hazards and the potential risks they pose.2. Identifying Electrical ...

Powering Safety: A Guide to Extension Lead Care and Selection.

Maintaining power extension leads is crucial for both safety and functionality. Regular inspection of extension cords can prevent electrical fires, shocks, and other accidents. It's essential to check for any physical damage, such as fraying, cuts, and abrasions, that can expose wires and increase the risk of electrical hazards. Overloading extension cords with excessive electrical load can also lead to overheating and potential fire hazards.Environmental exposure to moisture, extreme temperatur...

Ensure your electrical items are safe to use. Test Tag them.

Test Tagging, or test and tag, is a safety procedure where electrical appliances are inspected and tested for safety and functionality. The benefits of this process apply to both personal and professional settings.Test Tagging ensures that electrical equipment operates safely for the home user, preventing electric shocks, fires, and other hazards. This peace of mind is invaluable, especially in households with children or older people.The advantages extend further for businesses and tradespeople...

Maximising Your Heat Pump's Efficiency During Winter

As the winter chill sets in across New Zealand, ensuring your home remains warm and comfortable becomes a priority. Heat pumps are popular for many Kiwis, offering an energy-efficient way to keep the cold at bay. However, it's essential to understand and implement a few critical practices to get the best out of your heat pump during the colder months.Understanding Your Heat PumpHeat pumps work most efficiently when maintaining a temperature rather than constantly changing it. It's a common misco...

When the power goes out.

When a storm hits, and the electricity supply fails, it can be a challenging and stressful situation.Here are some tips on how to be prepared to manage in a storm when your electricity supply fails:1. Have an emergency kit ready: Prepare an emergency kit that includes flashlights, batteries, a battery-powered radio, non-perishable food, water, and first aid supplies. Keep this kit in an easily accessible location.2. Invest in a generator: If you live in an area prone to storms and power outages,...

Get your switch board checked

Attention homeowners! 🏠💡 Have you checked the age or condition of your switchboard switches lately? If they resemble the ones below, they may be nearing the end of their lifespan. Our team has observed a spike in issues with these older models in recent months, causing unexpected power problems and electrical fires. Don't wait until a problem occurs to get them upgraded, as they are crucial to ensure the safety and efficiency of not only your electrical system but also your home. Call Emil...

10 Tips To Help You Save Money On Heating During Winter

Saving money on heating during the winter months is a common concern for many households in New Zealand. Here are 10 tips and tricks to help you save money on heating while staying warm and comfortable: 1. Insulate your home: Proper insulation can help keep the heat inside your home, reducing the need for heating. Make sure your walls, ceiling, and floors are well-insulated to prevent heat loss. 2. Seal drafts: Drafts can let cold air into your home, making it harder to heat. Check for drafts ar...

The Hidden Hazards of Overloading Multiboxes: A Safety Guide

In today's gadget-driven world, multi-boxes, also known as power strips or extension blocks, have become ubiquitous in homes and offices. They are a convenient solution for operating multiple devices simultaneously. However, their convenience can lead to dangerous practices, such as overloading, which poses significant fire risks. Overloading occurs when the total demand on the multi-box exceeds its capacity, causing overheating and potentially leading to a fire.Understanding the capacity of you...