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Home Smarter

Step into Your Future: Make Your Home Smarter

You don’t have to be a “Techy” to enjoy the benefits of smart home technology.  You also don’t have to buy every smart home device on the market to increase energy intelligence in your household.  Market-ready smart home products share a commonality with consumers beyond simplicity… basically, they offer data dashboards to homeowners so they can make their own choices.  

From your electrical system to your plumbing, all the way through the ventilation processes of your heating and air systems, smart home capabilities have consolidated their programming to work within your own mobile device.  Not only does this make being a homeowner more fun, but it also means now more than ever that you should never lose your phone. Ever 😉

Many products on the market utilize one of the three home-assistant interfaces known as Siri, Google Assistant, and Alexa.  While Accurate can’t say which one is the preferred recommended assistant (you can do some investigating or research that fits with your preferences), we can tell you certain devices that work with these home buddies to push you right into smart home living.  

The Systems of Home Technology

ELECTRICAL

Smart Plugs: These devices have voice activation, which prevents you from losing money to the vampires of the night. The so-called “Vampire Load” is when electronics or appliances can consume leaking electricity even though they are on standby.  

Smart Bulbs: This upgrade can restrict the over-usage of lighting in your home.  Lights, in general, are one of those electrical items we tend to forget about.  You walk into the kitchen for a snack; you walk out fighting off hunger but you forgot about the light and your electric bill.  With smart bulbs, you can be as meticulous about your snack time as you want while programming your preferences so you just need to focus on what you want to eat. Simply, they can be scheduled throughout the day so you don’t have to remember to turn lights off. Customizing your lighting schedule will initially save you money while giving you options to fit your own smart home preferences.

Energy Sensor: Investing in an energy sesnor device, like Smappee, can be useful for both your electrical system and your home’s ecosystem.  Our technicians at Accurate can help you learn more and teach the ropes of this device. Smappee is a remote energy monitor, which goes for almost $299 on Amazon and installs right to your electrical panel.  This smart home device monitors your power usage and can inform you where you need to cut back and what may be causing your energy bill to bulge. Now you can monitor your own power usage, keep track of technology tendencies and make sure the power company isn’t over-charging.

PLUMBING

Smart Toilet: When it comes to water usage, for larger families you might think showering and bathing could be the biggest use of water.  However, flushing the toilet is the actual number one well-drainer by the data for every household. Your best option for conserving water is to invest in smart home plumbing technology and you can start with finding the right smart toilet for you. Smart toilets are environmentally friendly, save both water and power, and can make your bathroom fashionably splashy (minus the splashing). Smart toilets have a number of amenity functions from massages to battery-powered modes and even voice activation.  Think how delightful your daily duty will be and remember, you’ll be saving money.

Smart Main Water Valve Device: Another area to infuse smart home products is your main water valve.  When the unpredictable leaks spring up or there is excess water somewhere other than bath time, there are a number of smart home detectors that will act immediately to save you from a small flood.  Water damage can be a serious cash-burner depending on the construction of your home, carpet, furniture and the rooms affected by leaking. Installing a smart device such as Flo ($499) or Guardian ($399) is like having a GFCI outlet for your pipes.  You can monitor these devices through an app on your smartphone and they can prevent any further water flow by turning off your main water valve in an emergency.

Smart Garden Irrigation Systems: Beyond your kitchen and bathrooms, the smart home technology can also be buried within your yard – about 8 to 12 inches deep. Garden irrigation systems can be upgraded to your smartphone as well. For example, the Orbit B-Hyve device, which sets a timer for your hose and sprinkler system.  Some LA County and Orange County laws prohibit certain water usage for property owners, but with this smart home technology, you can abide by the law, perfect your grass and save on annual water usage.  

HEATING & AIR

Creating a smart home HVAC system doesn’t mean you have to replace your entire ductwork system or completely overhaul your air conditioning unit and heating system.  Obviously, the more upgrades you make to create a smarter home will save you more money in the long run and create an environmentally cleaner atmosphere for your family but it’s not an overhaul that needs to be done all at once… unless you want to jump right into all the savings.

Smart Thermostat: The first place to start, depending on the type of your HVAC system, is your thermostat.  Since your thermostat is the main brain to reaching the ultimate comfortable temperature, a smart thermostat can do wonders for your home.  With a smart thermostat, you can program the temp based on time of day directly from your smartphone. It’s great to schedule different cycles at different times of the day or seasons.  Smart home thermostats can also utilize smart automation, which sets different temperatures for different parts of your home or different rooms, saving you money anywhere and time it can.

Geo-fencing: This is a new tactic that is populating the market with homeowners.  Think about being outside all day in the hot Southern California heat or working in a not-so-environmentally-friendly office.  Geo-fencing is another mobile application that will track your distance from your home, triggering temperature monitoring. These settings can be completely customary, but in essence, you could program your home to cool itself when you are five miles away so it’s a perfect atmosphere when you walk in.  When you leave, just the opposite, your home will trigger your HVAC system to power down or conform to a higher temperature to lessen the energy amount being burned when no one is home.  

Smart HVAC System: Motion-activated HVAC systems are another area you could investigate when it comes to cooling or heating your home.  Our technicians at Accurate have extensive knowledge in this industry and could help you find the best technology to fit your property’s needs.  We’ve helped create smart homes all over Southern California. If you are thinking about upgrading to a smart HVAC system, there are systems now that can diagnose issues, prompt you with filter change schedules, and remind you about regular HVAC maintenance checkups.  No matter how smart your home becomes, you will always want to utilize regular maintenance checkups because it enhances the longevity of your entire system and will increase your home’s value.

The Future is Now

Building a smart home for the future comes with many options.  The products listed above are used for examples only of what options you have as a homeowner.  We are not endorsing any products within this blog, however, we strongly encourage creating a smart home with the different types of technology available to you.  

Our Accurate team can help you find the right smart technology for your home today.  Give us a call.  

6 Home Maintenance Tips for Summer

Summer is nearly here, and the changing of the season means that your home will most likely be subject to increased temperatures, interchangeably dry and humid air, various allergens, electrical hazards, and possibly insects and pests. To fight these seasonal issues and keep their homes cool, functioning, and safe without energy bills breaking the bank, homeowners should consider performing some summer maintenance on their electrical systems, appliances, plumbing, and home fixtures.

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Winter Is Knocking… Is Your Heating System Home?

You’ve heard the phrase before, ‘Winter is Coming.’ Now that it’s actually here, are you satisfied with your preparations? Sure living in Southern California has its advantages. We don’t have to deal with snow in Los Angeles County and Orange County, the air doesn’t get below freezing, and you don’t need to call a plow to get your car out of the driveway. Still, you need to keep up with your furnace maintenance and make sure your furnace service is up-to-date.

While the SoCal winter temperatures don’t usually dip lower than the high 40s, it can still feel like there’s a sheet of snow outside in the morning. If you add the rain into that, winter can still find a way into your home whether you like it or not. However, your heating system can stop the misery but you have to make sure it is up to the task. You won’t have to fight-off ice zombies, but you definitely will want to make sure you and your kids don’t have to battle colds and sinus infections from not having heat.

heating system

TYPE OF SYSTEM

In order to make sure your heating system will get you through the winter the first thing may seem obvious, but you should know what type of system your home uses.

Do you have a furnace or a heat pump?

A gas-powered furnace will heat your home powered by burning fuel. A heat pump can either cool or heat your home using electricity. A furnace creates warm air by using the process called combustion, which is created when the burning gas generates heat controlled by a thermostat. The heat is sent through your ductwork over a heat exchanger and circulates throughout your home.

A heat pump generates heat by taking outdoor air and reversing the refrigeration process using a refrigerant. A refrigerant absorbs heat energy from the outdoors and uses a coil to heat the air as it circulates it into your home.

MAINTENANCE

Making sure your furnace or heat pump is stable and running efficiently should be on your to-do list for early fall. If you waited until the first real cold day of winter and turned on your heating system you may shock your system or experience a breakdown if the system is old or you haven’t had furnace service in a long time.

Furnace maintenance is extremely important for the proper functioning of your heating system. Nobody really wants to entertain Winter as a house guest longer than they have to, but here are a few things you can do to make sure your system is ready:

Heat Pump

While you should never obstruct the flow of air for your heat pump, you may want to use a specific cover designed by the manufacturer to protect it from the elements outside. Windbreaks can help but remember in order for it to work properly the air needs to be able to circulate so don’t build a shelter to encase it.

Make sure your air filters are clean and the empty spaces between the coils don’t have dust or debris build-up. Cleanliness is a big deal for a heat pump and is part of the preventative maintenance process. When you hire Accurate for furnace service and furnace maintenance, Accurate will detail your Heat pump making sure it is spotless so the air can flow efficiently.

Make sure you know your heat pump thermostat settings and that it’s set for the right time of year. Don’t set your Heat Pump to emergency heat just because it’s really chilly outside. You’re only supposed to use that setting if your Heat Pump is broken.

Furnace

Make sure your heat exchanger is clean. Like the Heat Pump, cleanliness is important so all the parts don’t have to deal with any unneeded nuisances of debris or dust. You can also make sure to lubricate the blower motor. The heat has to get pushed out into your home and it won’t just dance around magically like sugarplums and fairies during the holiday season.

Make sure to test your igniter switch and to turn on your thermostat.

You should always check your air filters as well to make sure there are no circulation pathways being blocked.
Lastly, keeping safety in mind, make sure your carbon monoxide detectors are working. Remember, with a furnace, you will get great heat but you also run the risk of CO2 leaks. As long as you have a fully functional carbon monoxide detector, you and your family will be safe.

THE DETAILS

In your home, there are other things you can do to increase the reliability of your heating system. Check your insulation upstairs to make sure you don’t have a big hole or any leaks. Heat rises so you want to make sure you don’t have swiss cheese for insulation upstairs.

Winter can be slippery and devious on how it enters your home. Check your windows and entryways around your doors. A few cracks can amount to a lot of lost heat seeping out of your house. Not only do you lose heat but it forces your system to work harder which could eventually mean a possible breakdown. Part of Accurate’s furnace maintenance is ensuring you don’t have leaks in your home.

Also, check your vents and ducts. You are your own air traffic control. Don’t let your air get clogged up with dust, debris, pet dander, or any unwanted clutter so your heating system doesn’t give you the full capacity you deserve. If you haven’t gotten your ducts cleaned in some time we can help. Here are the reasons that you need a clean duct system.

Sure, California winters are not like Alaska, but it’s still winter. We may not get the snow or the amount of precipitation some other regions get, but we still need to take care of ourselves and make sure we’re healthy so we don’t get sick. Live comfortable through the winters by making sure you are up on your furnace service and your furnace maintenance. If you need help, call Accurate. We’ve been servicing LA County and Orange County for decades and we know what kind of company winter can be.

GIVE THE GIFT OF HOME IMPROVEMENT

Give the Gift of Home Improvement

In search of holiday gift ideas? Look no further. If a loved-one, family member or friend is not the easiest person to shop for, Accurate has the answer. This holiday season (until Dec. 20) Accurate is offering 15% off all gift cards of $100 or more. If you have a loved one or partner that has been wanting to start, finish or continue with a remodeling or home improvement project, this is the ultimate stocking stuffer. For some Christmas and holiday shoppers, the gift has to be special. Some might say that gift cards lack creativity, but with everything you can purchase using an Accurate gift card, it’s just the opposite. Here are a few reasons why giving the gift of Home Improvement might just be the best gift you ever give.

JUMPSTART THE DREAM

As the old saying goes, ‘the home is where the heart is’, and the heart is always entitled to dream a little bigger. Sometimes people talk about making changes or starting big remodeling projects but life, work, kids, school, and other obligations always seem a little overwhelming on the budget to even consider starting a project. Giving a holiday gift of home improvement can motivate them to begin with relief on their finances. Help them realize their vision by inspiring them to make it all possible. Show them a new kitchen with new lighting that isn’t that far away.

REPAIRS

The best part about this holiday gift is that you don’t need to use it for new projects. You can end the same old complaining you keep hearing every time you visit your cousin, friend, or other relatives. They keep telling you they’re going to get that fixture fixed but it never happens. You can’t use the backroom bathroom at your cousin’s because the toilet doesn’t flush right and they’ve been meaning to have it looked at. With this gift idea, you can help whomever you like with whatever necessary repair needs to be made. Sure it’s not a shiny television wrapped in a gold paper they can open in front of everyone, but your gift will mean more in the long run than you or they could probably imagine. Get ready to become the family MVP for the year with this gift.

BUDGET

Expensive projects and remodeling plans can pinch a wallet pretty tight. With a holiday gift of home improvement, you can really help your relative or friend out by relieving some of the stress related to the project cost. Many times a new project, costly repairs, or appliance replacement can be something people hold off on because they don’t necessarily always have a slush fund for homework set aside. When you give the gift of Accurate you are making home desires more affordable and somebody’s dream a little bit more realistic. You could also be relieving the pressure that someone feels when they think about a home repair job that is needed but continuously put off. You could always purchase a material sample along with your gift. Don’t worry if it’s not the right marble or tone of color if anything this will inspire them, even more, to take your gift and make their home improvements a reality. When costs of living are rising in Los Angeles County and Orange County every year, the Accurate gift card is the best way to help your loved ones get closer to planning, beginning, or even finishing that project.

YOUR GIFT WILL OUTLAST YOU

It’s true. Not to over-exaggerate here, but with this holiday gift idea you could end up sparking a new project that eventually may become the kitchen where your grandchildren cook for their kids. You could end up initiating the beginning of a beautifully lit backyard oasis that entertains parties for decades to come. That’s a Christmas gift idea that would probably put you in the book of legends. Home is where families grow up. Your home environment is how you remember your childhood and is supposed to be your favorite place in the world. Giving the gift of making someone’s home better and closer to their dream home is better than any other Christmas or Holiday gift one could imagine. Even if you’re not paying for the whole lot, you’re helping a loved one construct something that’s important to them and that’s a gift goes way beyond all expectation. Happy Holidays from Accurate!

Still not convinced? Home improvement makes the perfect gift, and not just for the holidays- be it a birthday, wedding anniversary, or just to say thanks to someone you care about. Click here for more reasons an Accurate gift card is the best gift all year round!

Reasons to Call Accurate for Expert Water Heater Service

While many residents across Southern California rely on us for electrical rewiring services in Orange County, you can also call Accurate for expert water heater services. Our team of licensed plumbers offers reliable repair and replacement services to help your water heater run at peak efficiency. Learn the signs that lead to water heater service in the following video.

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Give a Gift Card for Home Improvement

Save 15% on Gift Cards over $100 until December 20th.

 

5 Reasons You Should Give the Gift of Home Improvement

Whether it be a neighbor, friend, or family member, here are five reasons why whoever you’re gifting to this year will appreciate a gift of home improvement from Accurate!

  1. Check Off To-Do List – You have probably heard about the faulty HVAC system or troublesome outlets in your friend’s home. Help them accomplish those lingering home improvement tasks this season by sending them the work of our excellent technicians at Accurate!
  2. Comfort – Even if you do not know of any specific projects your loved ones have had on their minds, gifting Accurate’s home services means giving the gift of improved comfort in their home. From smart technology installation to light fixture design, you can make a big, long-lasting impact with an Accurate gift card.
  3. Safety – What better gift to give than the gift of safety for your loved ones. Accurate’s duct cleaning services along with many other home services in Glendora can directly improve the quality of life within their home. You may not be able to fix the home issues yourself but you can give the gift of Accurate expertise.
  4. Efficiency – The benefits of this gift last far beyond the moment it’s unwrapped. Home improvement and repair services not only provide the advantages above but also long-term savings due to improved energy efficiency and avoided future service calls.
  5. Home Value – Last, but certainly not least, Accurate’s services will provide long-term savings AND long-term profits. Help your loved ones invest in the value of their homes this holiday season and give a truly unique gift.

Call us or email info@ItsAccurate.com to get your gift card today!

Join the Accurate Advantage Plan And Enjoy These 12 Perks!

Just like an apple a day keeps the doctor away, the Accurate Advantage Plan keeps your home running smoothly with limited emergency visits from the professionals. Why wait to call a technician once the problem has already become critical? Together with Accurate, you can prioritize your family and your life with regular maintenance for your home. Let your money work smarter, not harder by joining our membership plan and taking advantage of the Accurate Advantage perks!

Join the Accurate Advantage Plan and Enjoy These 12 Perks! | Accurate Electric, Plumbing, Heating and Air

1. EXCLUSIVE SERVICE DISCOUNTS
Accurate regularly offers unmatched monthly specials on the seasonal home services you need the most. But only our members get to take 15% off of all services! Plus, we offer exclusive members-only offers that you won’t find anywhere else. The Accurate Advantage Plan practically pays for itself with all of the great saving opportunities that are offered to its members.

2. FASTER SERVICE
While Accurate prides itself on providing speedy service to all of its customers, members of the Advantage Plan receive priority service. Priority service means getting your house back up and running, minimizing any interruptions to your busy life. No company makes you the number one focus the way that Accurate does.

3. GREATER CONTROL
The Accurate Advantage Plan puts you in control by helping to prevent those sudden and unanticipated emergency repairs. And although regular maintenance may not prevent every breakdown, having our technicians inspect your home and provide maintenance on a regular basis can help you plan ahead for impending service projects.

4. EXTENDED LIFE
Our technicians have the expertise and skill to detect even the most subtle problems. Because regular service visits allow our technicians the opportunity to catch these problems, your system components can be serviced before they cause major damage to the entire system. Extending the life of your system and its components means that they are much more likely to operate effectively and efficiently for their full service-lives.

The Importance of Clean Filters | Accurate Electrical, Plumbing, Heating and Air

5. HEALTH BENEFITS
Our membership plan does more than just protect your house, it protects those that make your house a home. Investing in regular maintenance services like filter changes, duct inspections, and air purification options can help reduce allergens and bacteria that enter the home and cause allergies and sinus infections for all that live there.

6. LONG-TERM SAVINGS
In addition to extending life, the preventative care that Accurate provides means avoiding frequent replacement of expensive parts and systems. Maintaining maximum efficiency and reducing the probability of emergencies helps save you from large and unforeseen expenditures.

7. WARRANTY COVERAGE
Did you know that companies can void your warranty if your appliance appears to have been neglected of service? The Accurate Advantage plan helps to keep your warranty intact should you ever need to file a claim.

Power Outage | Accurate Electrical, Plumbing, Heating and Air

8. AFTER HOURS EMERGENCY SERVICE
Leaks, power outages, and faulty systems are never convenient… with the Advantage Plan, our technicians are at your disposal regardless of the time of day. Whenever a problem in your home arises, members can rely on Accurate’s service… no more waiting for business hours to fit your schedule into.

9. LOW COST
With our low cost monthly and annual membership fee options, the amount you pay to ensure the efficiency of your systems is minimal compared to the cost of a replacement or other home maintenance services that arise from lack of proper maintenance.

10. REDUCE ENERGY CONSUMPTION
Protect your home, family, and the environment with the Accurate Advantage Plan. Regular inspection and service of your home systems keep them running at optimum efficiency. The planet and your wallet will thank you for your reduced energy consumption.

11. IMPROVED SAFETY
From electrical fires to leaks and mold, a deteriorating home can pose harm to your family and your home, often threatening even larger problems. Property damage and safety hazards are easily kept under control as a member of our Advantage Plan. Accurate makes you and your family a priority and ensures that your family is treated like our own.

12. PEACE OF MIND
Last, but certainly not least, with the Accurate Advantage Plan you’ll rest easy knowing that you’re getting the Accurate standard of service. This includes the Accurate Promise and the many other high-quality characteristics that keep our customers coming back for any home services needed. Our expert technicians and friendly office staff are ready to serve you and provide an Accurate Advantage!

To learn more about the Accurate Advantage Plan, visit our page here!

What’s Accurate Electrical, Plumbing, Heating and Air All About?

For over two decades, we here at Accurate Electrical, Plumbing, Heating and Air have been proud to serve as one of the most trusted home service contractors.

With what started as an electrical service company near Orange County, has now blossomed into a successful home service company providing heating, cooling, and plumbing services. To learn more about us, check out this video. To learn more about our electrical wiring services available in and around Orange County, don’t forget to browse our site!

San Dimas Home Picture

Top Issues Affecting Your San Dimas Home

“City

Set on the east edge of the San Gabriel Valley with its small-town feel, San Dimas is probably one of the most peaceful and quiet neighborhoods of Los Angeles. If you’re living in this once-upon-a-time Sunkist town you know it’s a comfortable place to hang your hat and rest your head. With its historical features, Raging Waters park, and being at the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains, San Dimas is the native land of the dog-walker and happy homeowner.

With the homeownership rate being higher than the national average, there’s a 72% chance you probably make up part of the San Dimas population that owns a home. If you’re part of that pie you know how much work it can be to keep your home running efficiently especially if you’re not the only person living there. As property value continues to increase in San Dimas maintaining the longevity of your home is vital to its market value as well as your own well-being.

Maintaining your home isn’t always simple but if you know the main issues affecting your San Dimas Home, it can be easier to pinpoint what you need to do in order to avoid the expensive unexpected.

ELECTRICAL

If your home was built before 1990 you probably want to consider the age of your electrical wiring. Sometimes there are signals that can raise awareness that it may be time to at least have an assessment to see what kind of condition your electrical system is in.

“Electrical

When was the last time you had your wiring checked?

If you notice your circuit breakers tripping on a regular or semi-regular basis you might want to ask yourself why this is happening. Breakers trip as safety prevention to stop electricity when a circuit can’t handle it. If a breaker trips out you shouldn’t, because it’s saving you from potential fire risk.

Depending on how old your electrical system is and when your house was built you could need a panel replacement or a safety upgrade. The chances are that twenty to thirty years ago there wasn’t a television in the kitchen, bathroom, bedroom or even your garage. A lot of San Dimas residents are using more electronics today than the house was built to handle. That’s obvious even to Grandma. But what’s not obvious is that it’s probably putting more stress on your electrical system, which warrants the possibility of some updated wiring.

PLUMBING

After 25 years of flushing, it’s hard to believe your pipes would be in mint condition. Do you know your home’s plumbing history? If you’ve experienced some close calls or slow draining it might be time to call in a professional who can assess and solve issues quickly, saving you from much bigger problems down the line. While these signs could be telling of a small clog, they could also be a warning that your pipes are galvanizing or rusting away.

“Leaky

Leaks can sneak up on you because they escalate quickly, often before you know it. If you see dark spots in the wall or areas with added moisture there could be something happening beneath the surface. It’s true that plumbing systems can be one of the most neglected systems by a homeowner simply because most issues are hidden from plain view. A slow-draining bathtub can annoying but you can adapt. You end up living on a daily basis knowing that your bathtub drains slowly without checking to see if there is a more complex issue causing it. Not to mention the hustle and bustle of our lives that tend to take our attention from little things like that. Unfortunately, it’s those little things that can end up turning into a gigantic emergency. Pipe-replacements should be considered in your San Dimas home if it was built more than 25 years ago.

AIR CONTROL

The San Dimas weather is beautiful most of the year with a warm-summer Mediterranean climate. With the hot air on the eastside of Los Angeles, it can be easy to want to run your air-conditioner all day long, especially in the peak summer months. Yet depending on the size of your San Dimas home, there’s always an alternative to running up your energy bill or blowing out your air-conditioner.

Ceiling fans are a smart way to manage air temperature in your house so you don’t have to burn electricity all the time. If you are missing out on that Westside breeze another alternative option is a QuietCool system that can save you a lot of money during the summer as well as provide healthier air within your home. Get more info about QuietCool whole house fans.

Your home is like an ecosystem in the sense that one variable affects how the function of the other but together they are harmonious. If you run your A/C like a racecar you’ll find out how durable your electrical system is. If your electrical wiring is loose or faulty wiring gets wet from a pipe leak you’ll want to know who to call and what to do. We’re not suggesting that your home could potentially turn into a Super Mario Brothers game with pitfalls and fireballs, but to avoid any kind of expensive emergency, Accurate can get a deeper look at the cause and fix it before you have to fight Bowser.

Call us at (626) 250-0051 to schedule your next service appointment.