Month: August 2019

Save Electricity Using These Smart Home Systems

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save electricity using smart home systems

“Smart home system” is quickly becoming a popular term, due to the increased use of smartphones and smart home applications that automate many home appliances. With just a swipe of your finger, you can dim the lights, increase the cooling in your home or control your washer and dryer. Not only is smart home tech convenient, it is also energy efficient. If you’ve been looking to save electricity using smart home systems, look no further than this informative guide from Weeks Service Company. Here are some great smart home systems to add convenience and comfort to your home!

Smart Lighting

Lighting takes up 12 percent of your home’s energy consumption.  Out of the 10 main energy consumers in your home, lighting ranks 4th. So, it’s no surprise that one of the best ways to save energy is to turn off the lights in rooms that aren’t occupied. With smart lighting, you can do just that – and so much more! Enjoy remotely adjusting the lighting in your home from anywhere. In addition, you can automate your lights to turn on or off at certain times of the day.

Smart lighting will be a great choice if you’re a forgetful type. By automating your lights, you can ensure they are operating at a schedule that is convenient and energy efficient.

Smart Thermostats

You have probably already heard of smart thermostats. In a lot of ways, they’re like your programmable thermostat—they allow you to set a temperature schedule for every day. However, a smart thermostat offers many more options, as it is a device that can learn from your behaviors. Here are some interesting features included in smart thermostats:

  • Remote Climate Control

According to the Department of Energy, you can save 10 percent a year on heating and cooling by turning your thermostat up 7-10 degrees for 8 hours a day. While you can do this with a programmable thermostat, you can also do this with a smart thermostat remotely.

  • Self-Adjustment

With the use of sensors, a smart thermostat will be able to identify when you and your family are home and adjust the temperature accordingly. This way, you won’t have to do any extensive programming.

  • Energy Consumption Reports

Your smart thermostat will also provide you with data about the energy your AC is consuming. In addition, using the energy saving tips that smart thermostats provide, you can create a schedule with the accurate temperature zones to save on energy bills.

  • Maintenance Reminders

Your smart thermostat can also send you reminders to change your AC filter to ensure your AC is well-maintained.

Smart Washers and Dryers

Your washer and dryer also take up a decent chunk of your home’s energy consumption. While it isn’t clear if using smart washers and dryers will bring down your energy bill, there is no harm in considering it. Smart washers and dryers have features that will provide increased convenience and ease. A smart washer allows you to connect your smart phone to the appliance, like most smart home technologies. Through your smart phone, you can remotely monitor wash cycles.

In addition, the smart washer has other features such as maintenance reminders, energy-consumption updates, and sensors to determine how dirty clothes are in order to select the right amount water and detergent.

Similarly, the smart dryer also offers features that will allow you to monitor and control the dryer remotely. In addition, it has moisture sensors that can adjust the time and temperature to dry clothes without over-drying them – and steam settings to remove wrinkles.

Pro tip when purchasing smart home systems: Look for models that have been certified by Energy-Star to ensure energy-efficiency.

Weeks Service Company is Here for You!

Not only will you save electricity using smart home systems, but you will also be able to live a more comfortable lifestyle. To learn how you can add these systems to your home, get in touch with the professionals at Weeks Service Company. Equipped with the industry’s latest education and training, our technicians will be able to address your air conditioning, heating and electrical concerns. Call us today at 281-738-1362 or schedule a service on our website!

 

 

4 Signs of Air Conditioner Failure

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signs of air conditioner failure

You’ve probably thought about it— the day your trusted air conditioner finally gives out and you have to find a replacement. It’s a day you probably aren’t looking forward to because you most likely don’t want to deal with the frustration of finding a new AC system and getting it installed. However, you can make that dreaded day a little easier for you by being prepared. And the first step to being prepared for a total AC breakdown is by knowing about the signs of air conditioner failure. The team at Weeks Service Company is here to tell you how to know if your AC is failing, so you don’t have to carry on with a malfunctioning air conditioner that takes up your time and money.

 1. AC Is Not Blowing Cold Air

Your AC could be blowing warm air for a variety of reasons such as the ones listed below. You can fix these problems with the help of a professional. However, if your AC is consistently doing this, even after you consult a professional, your air conditioner might be signaling its incoming end.

  • Your Evaporator Coil is Freezing Up

A dirty evaporator coil or a dirty air filter can lead to your evaporator coil freezing up. To solve this problem, turn off your unit, replace the air filter if necessary and wait for the evaporator coil to thaw. If the freezing persists afterwards, get in touch with a professional.

  • There Is A Refrigerant Leak

Refrigerant is an important coolant present in your AC system which plays a vital role in cooling your home. If your AC is blowing warm air, there is a chance it might be low on refrigerant due to leakage. You will need to call a professional to refill the refrigerant in your AC system as refrigerant can be hazardous.

If your AC uses the R-22 refrigerant, it’s important for you to know that R-22 is being phased out (banned) because it is harmful to the ozone-layer. By next year, R-22’s production and import will become illegal in the United States. If you have been considering replacing your AC, now is the time to act.

  • Your Thermostat is On Heat

Your AC might be blowing warm air because of something as simple as your thermostat being left on heat. Check your thermostat to make sure it is on “cool” instead of “heat”. In addition, make sure the AC is set to “Automatic” instead of “Fan.”

2. Low Airflow

Low airflow coming from your AC could mean many things. It’s important not to jump to conclusions before trying everything out. Low air flow could be attributed to a dirty filter that just needs to be replaced. Low airflow could also be a sign of any leaks present in your AC’s ductwork. Sealing ductwork can be a dangerous task due to their hard-to-reach locations in the basement and attic, which is why it is best to contact a professional to inspect your ductwork.

Low airflow can also be a sign of a problematic compressor. The compressor in your AC system pressurizes the refrigerant to be pushed toward the condenser from the evaporator coil, changing refrigerant from hot, pressurized gas to cool liquid. Contact a professional you trust who can advise you on what you can do to deal with a malfunctioning compressor.

3. Recurring AC Breakdowns

This one is a no-brainer. If your AC is constantly blowing warm air, has low air flow or is consistently low on refrigerant, your AC might be signaling that something is failing. Recurring AC breakdowns could be a sign of poor maintenance, wrong AC size or poor installation. While you might need the help of a professional in finding the right AC size and proper installation, you can avoid frequent breakdowns by scheduling annual HVAC tune ups, changing your AC filter every 3 months at minimum, and checking in on your outdoor condenser once in a while.

4. Excessive Noise

Excessive noise is also one of the signs of air conditioner failure. A hissing or gurgling sound might indicate a leak in the refrigerant lines, while rattling might suggest that there is a loose item stuck within your AC’s fan. Squealing or screaming might be a sign of a problem with the compressor or an issue with the belt that connects the fan and motor.

Need A Professional? Contact Weeks Service Company!

There are many other signs of an air conditioner failing. Sometimes it’s just because your AC is too old and deteriorated and needs replacing. When you’re worried there’s something wrong with your AC, it’s important to contact a professional you trust who can give you sound advice. If you’re looking for experts in the League City area, look no further than Weeks Service Company! Give us a call at 281-738-1362 or fill out a service request form on our website.