The Home Improvements Thread (2)

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Mista_Mobsta said:
Eish - I have 4 older gen AVR's idling away - what's the general usage per AVR at idle?
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No idea, I knew that the new ones improved massively while working, by just seeing the house total power increase when I use the old AVR in the braai room. The newer AVR in the lounge barely use anything nearly as much when turned on and playing sound softly. Never thought about looking at their idle usage. Now I will however!
 
Tinuva said:
No idea, I knew that the new ones improved massively while working, by just seeing the house total power increase when I use the old AVR in the braai room. The newer AVR in the lounge barely use anything nearly as much when turned on and playing sound softly. Never thought about looking at their idle usage. Now I will however!
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I think overseas regulations have a requirement that it needs to be below a certain usage when on standby. (or at least, that's what I got from googling). Obviously didn't apply to older ones - still wonder what its doing with 50w - probably keeping warm :p
 
xrapidx said:
I think overseas regulations have a requirement that it needs to be below a certain usage when on standby. (or at least, that's what I got from googling). Obviously didn't apply to older ones - still wonder what its doing with 50w - probably keeping warm :p
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50w is insane for something that is suppose to idle. Damn.

So the newer AVRs, I have one that is broken and when I opened it up, must admit the transformer that run the different panels was erm, quite complex. Like I know basics but that thing is on another level. It has multiple components, so I suspect when it is on idle, it only runs the front lcd panel with the buttons and remote receiver. Every individual control board have their own wires coming out of that transformer. I suspect somehow, this newer AVR turns most parts of the transformer off to save power. Almost like each board have their own power unit, I really don't know how else to explain what I saw. I am guessing, on the older AVRs, that whole thing just stays on regardless whether on idle or not.
 
Tinuva said:
Eh, I try to avoid situations my wife don't like with the automations. The automations should make our life easier, not work against our habits if you understand what I mean. When my wife complain about something I actively try to see if I can improve the automations. Just my philosophy around it. And trust me, there were complaints. I see it as requests to improve whatever I have done.
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With you, hence today the appliances were on so she could use them. The time thing is easier now, cos all you have to do is say 'Alexa , Time' . So it's a win/win :)
 
Mike Hoxbig said:
What happened to the days of just putting a clock on the wall?
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My wife HATED Alexa when I first started with the automations around the house. Now she enjoys the fact that she can do multiple timers, listen to music, get her reminders/calendar on demand and entertain our little girl pretty much anywhere in the house!
 
Mista_Mobsta said:
My wife HATED Alexa when I first started with the automations around the house. Now she enjoys the fact that she can do multiple timers, listen to music, get her reminders/calendar on demand and entertain our little girl pretty much anywhere in the house!
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Ours is Google, which means even our mitv sticks are controlled by it now :)
 
Nothing is complicated . We don't have clocks on walls (yech). I introduced a small complication with the move to solar but we past it now.

Alexa is great in the kitchen especially if cooking and hands dirty ,etc.

What is the best but no longer in the kitchen is a squeezebox radio I have . We never listen to it anymore , but that clock is internet enabled and brightens dims based on ambient light. Always works and precise but now in our bedroom. 15 years old now. I love it.
 
Mike Hoxbig said:
Trust me I'm all for automation, but there's no need to overcomplicate some things. It's quicker to look up than to ask a question and wait for a response. Your brain processes visual cues faster than words, give it some credit... :p
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Lol, I wasn't being deep, I was quoting an Aretha Franklin song
 
Folks, what sort of paint can I use on the pavers? I'm getting reports of roof paint, poly floor paint and normal outdoor wall paint. Also would I need to lay down primer first, area is around 70sqm with the lapa.

Ignore the pool, we just got out of winter
b08dcf3b6a119bd0f2bf9fe5934fdec5.jpg
 
Does anyone know what I need to buy to connect this water outlet pipe to a dishwasher inlet hose (that normally screws onto a tap)?


Screenshot_20220806-183420.png
 
Mosgi said:
Folks, what sort of paint can I use on the pavers? I'm getting reports of roof paint, poly floor paint and normal outdoor wall paint. Also would I need to lay down primer first, area is around 70sqm with the lapa.

Ignore the pool, we just got out of winter
b08dcf3b6a119bd0f2bf9fe5934fdec5.jpg
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Uhm I've just gotten out of winter and my pool is still crystal clear :) rather maintain it than trying to fix that later.
Also to the original question there is paver paint you can get. It's designed for paving, my dad did his 20 years ago and still stands up.
leroymerlin.co.za

Paving paint GRIPSEAL Pavecote Ashford 5L

For use of porous paving, concrete, floors, common brick, cement brick, tiled roofs and plant pots. Pavecote is highly durable, abrasion, UV and hot-tyre pick up resistant. Water based and weatherproof, it is also environmentally friendly.
leroymerlin.co.za leroymerlin.co.za
 
Mosgi said:
Folks, what sort of paint can I use on the pavers? I'm getting reports of roof paint, poly floor paint and normal outdoor wall paint. Also would I need to lay down primer first, area is around 70sqm with the lapa.

Ignore the pool, we just got out of winter
b08dcf3b6a119bd0f2bf9fe5934fdec5.jpg
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Just a thought, wouldn't power washing it be a better option ? Feels like paint, brings in a new maintenance headache down the line ?

Edit: unless you want to change the look of course
 
Are all bathroom extractor fans interchangeable? The one in the place I'm moving to is super loud and sounds terrible, so I want to replace it with a quieter one ASAP. Is there anything I need to measure to make sure it fits?
 
derp90 said:
Are all bathroom extractor fans interchangeable? The one in the place I'm moving to is super loud and sounds terrible, so I want to replace it with a quieter one ASAP. Is there anything I need to measure to make sure it fits?
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The mounting hole size in the ceiling board (assuming it's a ceiling mount you have) should be the same, most seem to be 200mm, 250mm or 300mm. Remove the existing fan unit, measure the hole opening, then match up a new one

Edit: does the current one have a vent pipe attached, or is it just the extractor fan unit? Will make a difference if you have the vent pipe...
 
So I' have gutted the house inside, new tiles throughout, redoing all piping, will be installing new kitchen and bathrooms soon.

The only thorn in my flesh is the ceilings. They are really ugly, AND, they are most likely asbestos (yay 1960).Guess I'll masks up with the proper PPE and rip it all out
 
howardb said:
The mounting hole size in the ceiling board (assuming it's a ceiling mount you have) should be the same, most seem to be 200mm, 250mm or 300mm. Remove the existing fan unit, measure the hole opening, then match up a new one

Edit: does the current one have a vent pipe attached, or is it just the extractor fan unit? Will make a difference if you have the vent pipe...
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Hmm I'll have to check I guess. Do they often just blow the air into the ceiling?

I want this one: https://www.builders.co.za/Gas-&-Ap...xtractor-Fan-(100mm)-C4S/p/000000000000644248
 
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