Smart Home Articles Archives

3 Ways To Make Your Home More Energy Efficient

September 13, 2018 by zakkleifeste

How Do I Save Money on Utilities?

Is your utility bill gradually increasing each month? Do you find yourself wondering how you used so much energy over the course of just one month? You’re not alone. Millions of Americans are looking to find ways to make their home more energy efficient. The good news: making your home more energy efficient won’t break the bank, and it can save you hundreds on utility costs in the long run. From energy-saving appliances to smart home gadgets, here are our top suggestions to consider if you’re looking to make your home more energy efficient.

What is energy efficiency?

Energy efficiency is simply the process of using energy (light, gas, and water) more efficiently. Energy efficient appliances, for example, use less water, electricity, or gas in order to run, while energy efficient gadgets cut down on the excess energy that is being wasted. Both energy efficient appliances and smart home gadgets can help you save on energy costs.

LEARN MORE ABOUT SMART HOME TECHNOLOGY

1. Energy Efficient Appliances

Utilizing energy efficient appliances throughout your home is one of the easiest ways to cut energy costs. If you’re in the market for a new refrigerator, washer, dishwasher, or other home appliance, consider an energy efficient appliance that can save you hundreds, if not thousands, on utility costs over the course of its lifetime.

Do energy efficient appliances really save money?

That brand new washing machine that boasts an Energy Star appliance sticker, it’s not a gimmick. Energy efficient appliances really can save you money on energy costs. These appliances can work in a variety of ways, and there can be pros and cons to each.

For example, a dishwasher may indeed be energy efficient in that it uses less water than its counterparts, but one normal cycle make take 4 hours to complete, whereas the others may take less than 2. On the other hand, energy efficient appliances can be beneficial as well. The newest models of washing machines, for example, are able to sense the amount of clothing inside, and in effect only draw in as much water as is needed to wash a particular load.

Is it important to use energy efficient appliances?

While it’s not absolutely necessary to use energy efficient appliances, it may actually save you money in the long run. Energy efficient appliances may cost slightly more to significantly more than other models, depending on the brand, size, and other factors, but because they use less water, electricity, and other forms of energy, they can save you hundreds of dollars per year in energy costs. You can also apply for tax credits when you buy energy efficient appliances. Overall, the long-term benefits and savings generally outweigh the extra initial costs.

LEARN MORE: How Do I Get Tax Credit For Making My Home Energy Efficient?

What are Energy Star appliances?

Energy Star appliances are those that have received the government-backed Energy Star seal of approval. In order to receive this distinction, products must be, on average, 20 percent more efficient than traditional appliances. It is estimated that approximately 90 percent of homes in the United States now have at least 1 Energy Star appliance, and in 2017 alone, more than 91,000 homeowners purchased energy efficient appliances bearing the Energy Star seal.

Energy Star ratings are given to products, commercial buildings, and residential homes. Over the last 25 years, millions of homes and office buildings have been constructed to meet Energy Star guidelines and codes, and Energy Star and its partners have helped save American families more than 3.5 trillion kilowatt-hours of energy, which amounts to an estimated $450 billion in energy costs.You can invest in Energy Star in a variety of ways, including:

Clothes Washers
Clothes Dryers
Dishwashers
Refrigerators
Freezers
Vent Hoods
Dehumidifiers
Water Heaters
Water Coolers
Room Air Conditioners
Furnaces
Ceiling Fans
Light Bulbs
Roofing Material
Windows
Televisions
Telephones
Home Audio Systems
Computers
Computer Displays
Copiers
Decorative String Lights
Commercial Vending Machines
Commercial Fryers
Traffic Signals

2. Smart Home Technology

Investing in smart home technology is another way to improve your home’s energy efficiency. As with energy efficiency appliances, smart home gadgets may cost more than traditional models on the front end, but the amount saved in energy costs in just a few months or years can more than makeup for the difference in price. Here are our recommendations for 5 gadgets to invest in if you want to take your home from energy enemy to energy efficient.

5 Gadgets to Improve Energy Efficiency

Nest Thermostats

Nest thermostats have become quite popular in the last few years, partly because of their sleek design, but also due to their ability to save hundreds in utility costs each year. Nest thermostats work by “learning” your home, your schedule, and your temperature needs. If you have a 2rd floor or other area of your home or office that is rarely used, for example, a Nest thermostat can create the optimum temperature throughout the home while maximizing your energy savings.

If children and pets are not at home throughout the day, Nest thermostats can also be programmed to turn off after you leave for work and to turn on before you arrive, so your home can be comfortable day and night without wasting valuable energy. Nest thermostats also work with smart phone devices, such as Iphones and Androids, so you can program or power your Nest device remotely from your phone even when you’re away.

LEARN MORE: 3 Reasons to Invest in a Nest Thermostat

Lutron Maestro Room Occupancy Sensors

Lutron’s Maestro occupancy/vacancy sensors are able to detect when you enter and leave a room to automatically turn lights on and off when a space is left unused in order to maximize energy efficiency. Maestro sensors and systems are easy to install, and the startup cost is relatively inexpensive compared to the savings you’ll see in utility costs.

Philips Hue White LED Smart Bulbs

With the Hue smart bulbs, you can control the lights inside and outside of your home with your smartphone. In addition to maximizing energy efficiency by only utilizing lights when they are needed and being able to ensure lights are not left on in your home while you’re away, Philips’ Hue smart bulbs also add an extra layer of security to your home by allowing you to set timers for interior and exterior lights even while you’re at work or on vacation.

Belkin Conserve Socket

Belkin’s Conserve socket allows you to control the power in your home from a smartphone or mobile device, so you can ensure energy is not wasted when you’re away from the home. You can also control which areas of the home receive power, so kitchen appliances and living areas can remain “plugged in,” while unused bedrooms, bonus rooms, offices, and other areas don’t drain energy.

LEARN MORE: What exactly is smart home technology?

Evolve Showerheads

Evolve showerheads are luxurious and elegant while also energy efficient. Evolve utilizes the latest in water pressure sensor technology to balance flow rate, water coverage, and temperature while ensuring your hot water isn’t wasted. While you prepare for your shower, Evolve prepares your water for the optimum temperature and pressure, and when you’re ready, just pull the in-shower cord to engage warm water.

Ready to Make Your Home Smart?

Is your smart home actually smart? With Greenway’s smart home installation services, we can ensure your smart home gadgets and systems are set up correctly and functioning properly, so you can be assured you’re making the most of your smart home investments. Greenway also partners with Nest to install and service Nest thermostats, Nest Protect systems, and Nest cameras.

SCHEDULE MY SMART HOME CONSULTATION

3. Improve the Efficiency of Your Air Conditioner

An air conditioner is one of the most essential yet expensive investments you can make in your home. Chances are you are looking for an air conditioner that provides maximum efficiency with minimal added cost and maintenance fees. Greenway offers multiple brands of cooling units to fit every budget and preference, but regardless of which brand you choose, every A/C unit should be properly care for to ensure maximum longevity. Here are 3 ways to improve the efficiency of your air conditioner.

Routine Checkups and Maintenance

Routine checkups and maintenance are essential for ensuring your A/C unit is working properly. Even if your unit seems to be functioning normally, minor problems can become major catastrophes if they are not handled as soon as possible. Without routine checkups and maintenance, it’s difficult to know exactly how well your cooling unit is functioning.

How often should you have your air conditioner serviced?

Your air conditioner receive a checkup at least once per year, but we recommend having a technician service and recharge your unit at the beginning of summer and the beginning of fall. That way you can ensure your unit is working properly before the hottest part of summer arrives and that it’s working efficiently after months of extended use.

How do I maintain my air conditioner?

In addition to having a technician service your air conditioning unit, there are a few things homeowners, landlords, and business owners can do to ensure air conditioning units are cared for as well as possible. These include things like:

Vacuuming indoor vents
Cleaning around outdoor sensor unit
Keeping indoor and outdoor vents free from clutter and debris

Taking proper care of your air conditioning unit not only ensures you will have access to cool air when it’s needed, but that your entire home can remain as energy efficient as possible.

Place Lamps and Other Heat Sources Away from Thermostats and Sensors

Your air conditioning unit can only determine how often it should be running by the temperatures gauged from thermostats and sensors. Placing lamps and other heat sources too close to these thermostats and temperature sensors can drain energy by tricking your air conditioning unit into thinking it’s time to kick it into overdrive to produce cooler air. Likewise, placing fans and other cooling devices near thermostats and sensors can have the opposite effect, preventing your home from becoming as cool as necessary.

Close the Curtains

Believe it or not, closing the curtains can actually maximize efficiency in your home. During the hottest part of the day, sunlight coming through windows and doors can affect temperature readings on thermostats and sensors, which can affect how often your air conditioning units run and how much energy your home uses in order to stabilize indoor temperatures. If no one is home and sunlight is not an issue, closing the curtains and blinds can add dollars in your pocket by saving you money on energy costs.

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5 Ways to Save Money on Utility Bills

September 4, 2018 by zakkleifeste

How Can I Save Money on My Utility Bill?

Energy costs are steadily rising, and chances are, you’d rather save money on energy costs than waste hours of energy every month. We recognize the importance of saving you time and money while helping you find solutions to conserve energy. That’s why we partner with brands like Nest to offer smart home gadgets that can help make your home more energy efficient. We even install and repair smart home devices, home appliances, and more.

READ MORE:What is a smart home?

1. Invest in a Nest Thermostat

Investing in smart home technology like a Nest thermostat is one of the easiest ways to maximize your energy consumption without wasting money. Nest thermostats are programmable and can even be controlled by your smartphone or mobile device.

How does the Nest thermostat work?

You can either create a custom routine or allow Nest to “learn” your routine in order to lower energy output when you are away from the home while maintaining the optimum temperature while you’re in the home.

Does the Nest thermostat really save money?

Because Nest thermostats allows you to control the temperature in your home, you can effectively cut utility costs by reducing the amount of energy you consume. In warmer months, cooling units account for a significant portion of your overall energy costs, and because Nest thermostats are relatively inexpensive compared to other thermostats, you’ll save energy, and money, in the long-run.

I WANT A NEST THERMOSTAT!

What are the best smart home gadgets?

Read our blog post on how to make your home as energy efficient as possible to learn more about saving money on energy costs by investing in smart home gadgets like energy efficient appliances, occupancy/vacancy sensors, and more.

READ MORE: 3 Ways To Make Your Home More Energy Efficient

2. Invest in Energy Efficient Appliances

Investing in energy efficient appliances is one of the easiest ways to be proactive about increasing your home’s energy efficiency. There’s no need to upgrade all of your appliances today. Simply investing in energy efficiency appliances when you’re in need of an upgrade can save you hundreds, if not thousands, on utility costs over the next few years.

Do energy efficient appliances really work?

Energy efficiency appliances work in a variety of ways, depending on the type of appliance, but yes, they really do work to conserve energy and cut energy costs. Energy efficient clothes washers, for example, are able to conserve water by automatically sensing how much water is needed to clean a particular load, so rather than using an entire drum of water for small and large loads alike, each load receives a custom amount of water tailored to fit its needs.

What are the best energy efficient appliances?

There are hundreds of models of energy efficient appliances on the market today. From home appliances like dishwashers and refrigerators to home technology equipment like sound systems and televisions, there’s an energy efficient option for just about every appliance and piece of equipment in your home. Just a few of the types of energy efficient products available today include:

Refrigerators
Freezers
Dishwashers
Hood Vents
Clothes Washers
Clothes Dryers
Furnaces
Air Conditioners
Water Coolers
Water Heaters
Televisions
Telephones
Audio Systems
Computers
Computer Displays
Copiers
Light Bulbs

3. Pull the Plug

You’re probably thinking this one is too obvious, but the reality is that most people don’t unplug all of their unused appliances, even though evidence suggests it can save hundreds of dollars per year on utility costs. When not in use, appliances still pull energy that can amount to hundreds of hours of kilowatts each year. There’s no added benefit to keeping appliances plugged in, and in fact, unplugging them can prevent electrical fires and safety hazards, so there’s no reason not to consider saving yourself energy and money!

Does unplugging appliances save money?

Unplugging unused appliances really can save you money. Energy costs from unused appliances can quickly add up to a significant chunk of change on your utility bills each month. While you obviously won’t want to unplug some appliances, like refrigerators and dishwashers, other appliances that are not used daily, or those that live on countertops with easy access to outlets, like coffee makers and toasters, can be easily unplugged to save energy and money.

How much can I save by unplugging unused appliances?

If you don’t want to have to worry about plugging and unplugging appliances on a regular basis, invest in power strips which can easily be turned on and off, or consider buying a Belkin Smart Socket, which allows you to turn appliances on and off remotely with your smartphone or mobile device, even when you’re away from home.

How much does it cost to run unused appliances?

Some of the most commonly used appliances that can be unplugged or turned off include televisions, lamps, coffeemakers, and other devices that don’t require constant energy sources. Here’s an idea of how much it’s costing you to run these appliances:

Falling asleep with the television on costs $55 per year.
Leaving just one lamp on all day costs an extra $25 per year.
Leaving unused audio and video equipment plugged in costs an extra $60 per year.
Allowing an A/C unit to run continuously costs approximately $500 more per year.

4. Learn to Read Your Utility Meter

Learning to read your utility meter can save you hundreds of dollars on energy costs each year. We’re not saying your utility company is intentionally keeping you from saving money on utility costs, but utility meters, like any other form of technology, can malfunction. Knowing how to ensure your meter is reading properly can help you understand how much energy you are actually consuming and whether or not you are being overcharged.

How do you read a utility meter?

Reading a utility meter is not complicated, but it can be intimidating on first glance. In order to know how many kilowatt hours you have used, you should know that one kilowatt hour is equivalent to the amount of energy it would take to power a 100-watt light bulb for approximately 10 hours. Follow the link below with step-by-step instructions (and photos) to understand how to accurately read and interpret your utility meter:

READ MORE: How to Read a Utility Meter

Can my utility company reset my utility meter?

If you are actively monitoring your utility meter and usage and you have noticed that your utility bill and meter readings do not add up, contact your utility company in order to request a checkup. If your meter is more than a few years old, it may be in need of being replaced. Many utility companies are also replacing traditional utility meters with digital meters that are more user-friendly, so you might consider placing a request to have your meter upgraded.

Is my utility meter working properly?

If your utility bills are not accurately reflecting your utility use, there can be a number of possible causes. Your utility meters may need to be replaced due to faulty wiring or old age, or the information being distributed to the utility company may be wrong. Whether your utility company utilizes a human meter reader or your meter transmits data electronically, there may be a mistake or error in the transmission process.

Why is my utility bill so high?

In addition to added costs from unused appliances, it’s important to note that many utility companies have rates that fluctuate depending on seasons and “peak usage times,” such as in the evenings when more people are utilizing energy to make dinner, watch television, heat or cool the home, and use other energy-zapping equipment and technology.

5. Make Your Air Conditioner More Efficient

Your air conditioning unit is one of the largest sources of energy consumption on your utility bills, and for good reason, since you would certainly notice the difference if it were gone. To make the most of your home’s energy use, and of your investment, take care of your cooling unit to ensure it’s working properly. There are several ways to ensure your air conditioning unit is running smoothly and efficiently. Some of them require a professional technician, but others are easy enough to do on your own without spending a penny.

Routine Maintenance and Checkups

Each and every air conditioning unit, regardless of brand, model, age, and condition, should be routinely serviced and maintenanced to ensure any minor problems are found and resolved before they become major catastrophes that can costs thousands to repair.

How often should my A/C be maintenanced?

Every unit should be maintenanced at least once per year to ensure your home won’t be left without a cooling mechanism when summer rolls around, but we recommend having your A/C unit serviced in the fall as well, since overuse in the summer months can cause damage that is far easier and less expensive to fix on the front end than after months of use leading up to next summer. Take our word for it – you don’t want to be left without a working an air conditioner and a large repair bill in the middle of June.

SCHEDULE A/C UNIT MAINTENANCE

Close Blinds, Curtains, and Shades

Closing blinds, curtains, and shades around the home while you’re away or when you do not need or prefer added light can prevent the sun’s warmth from entering the home and affecting temperatures. Also, the sun’s rays enter your home and reflect on walls and other surfaces. If this happens near your thermostat, it can also affect how hard your air conditioning unit must work to cool your home.

Utilize Fans

Utilizing ceiling fans can cut energy costs by providing a method of cooling and circulating air at a much more affordable cost than running an air conditioner year-round. In the spring and fall, when you don’t need the aid of a cooling unit to create a comfortable temperature in the home, or when you’re away, fans are a great, low-cost alternative.

How do I know if my home is energy efficient?

Wondering how to maximize energy efficiency in your home? Greenway Home Services can recommend energy-efficient appliances and gadgets that can save your family hundreds, if not thousands, on energy costs each year. We can even install and repair most major appliances and smart home technology systems, including:

Washers
Dryers
Refrigerators
Microwaves
Ice Machines
Ranges and Ovens
Garbage Disposals
Trash Compactors
Nest Thermostats
Nest Protect Systems
Nest Cams

Looking for some help lowering your utility bills? Learn more about Greenway Home Services appliance repair, plumbing services, HVAC replacement, or air conditioning and heating services, contact representatives at our Memphis or Nashville locations today or schedule an appointment online.

MEMPHIS: 901-245-5710

NASHVILLE: 615-492-3258