Tag: energy saving tips

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!

 

 

5 Summer Energy Saving Tips

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summer energy saving tips

As the summer temperatures increase, so does your energy usage. You use the AC more often and relax frequently with some entertainment through your computers, TVs or other electronics. If you have kids who are home from school, they’re probably using up more energy and electricity too.

Everything is fine and dandy until the utility bill arrives and you’re shocked to see the spike in your bill. If you’re confused about what you should do to prevent that spike in the future, you’re in the right place! The team at Weeks Service Company has some easy summer energy saving tips for you.

1. Consider LED Lighting

One of the most common summer energy saving tips is to switch to LEDs. LEDs or light emitting diodes are the most energy-efficient lighting technologies. According to the Department of Energy, LEDs use  75 percent less energy and last 25 times longer than incandescent lights. Whether it’s for your kitchen, your living spaces or holiday lights, LEDs are a great option if you’re trying to save more energy.

2. Use Your Thermostat Wisely

With the overbearing Texas heat, it’s understandable if you’re inclined to bring the thermostat down to 60 degrees. However, it’s important you’re smart with your thermostat so you can be comfortable while saving energy and money. Here are some ways you can do that:

  • Set your thermostat at as high a temperature as comfortably possible. If it’s 90 degrees outside and your thermostat is set to 50 degrees, your home will not cool any faster. In fact, your AC might run overtime to provide the cooling necessary.
  • According to the Department of Energy, you can save up to 10 % a year on heating and cooling by simply turning your thermostat back 7-10 degrees for 8 hours a day. Leave your thermostat at a higher temperature when you are away so your AC isn’t cooling an empty home.
  • Consider a programmable thermostat so you can set up a schedule of temperature changes instead of constantly changing the thermostat setting manually.

3. Don’t Let the Cool Air Out

If you want your home at comfortable temperature, it’s important you don’t let the cool air out and keep your home well sealed and insulated.  Make sure your windows are sealed shut and use weather-stripping on your doors and windows to ensure there are no air leaks. To avoid any extra heat, draw the blinds and curtains in the hottest parts of your home.

 4. Make Use of Your Ceiling Fan

Try increasing your AC’s temperature a few degrees more than usual and turn the ceiling fan on.  Fans create a wind chill effect by circulating air in the room, making it more comfortable for occupants, even if the AC is on a slightly higher setting. Just remember to turn off the fans when you leave the room!

 5. Unplug Items Not in Use

Unplug all electronic devices not in use such as an extra television you don’t use or a fully charged phone and laptop. According to the Department of Energy, a fully charged phone that is still plugged in can use up to 2.24 watts. Doing this with many appliances can increase your energy bill by up to 10 %. Remember to unplug, especially when you leave the house for prolonged periods.

 

Weeks Service Company: Providing League City with Quality HVAC and Electrical Service

Consider these energy saving tips so you can spend these months relaxing, without worrying about your utility bill. The team at Weeks Service Company is here to ensure you are comfortable this summer by catering to your HVAC and electrical needs. With our dedicated professionals, you will be in the hands of friendly and experienced technicians who can give you effective solutions to your problems. Call us at 281-331-9555 or schedule a service on our website!