Your Guide To Lowering Summer Electric Bills

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Are you tired of AC making your electric bill high in the summer? Use this guide to reduce your electricity usage and save money during the hot season.

In St. Louis, the temperature gets up to 100 degrees in the summer. That high temperature mixed with the constant humidity means an increase in AC usage. How can you save money on electricity when using your AC unit? Here are some tips and tricks that’ll help you save on electric bills this summer: 

Purchase a Smart Thermostat

While the initial cost of a smart thermostat is higher than a standard thermostat, it saves you money over time. On average, smart thermostats save customers 15% on air conditioning and around $140 per year, so the $200 investment is definitely worth it.

Features of these thermostats include:

  • Automatically developing a schedule based on your preferred temperatures
  • Providing regular energy usage data so you can manage it
  • Remote control of temperature via your smartphone

Turn Off Your AC When You Don’t Need It

Turn off your AC at night when it’s cooler, when you’re sleeping, or when you’re not home. Keep your thermostat set between 78 and 80 degrees to maintain a consistent temperature. On average, you can save 4% to 8% on cooling costs for every degree you raise your thermostat.

Many people believe that turning your AC on and off regularly costs more because it “strains your system.” According to A+ Air Conditioning, that is 100% false. Your AC wastes energy when no one is home, so turning it off when you don’t need it cuts your summer electric costs and improves your overall system.

Use Your Ceiling Fan

Using your ceiling or box fan when the heat is less intense helps cool your space without using your air conditioner. It’s no secret that using your AC more increases your summer electric bills; fans are a great alternative when the heat is bearable. 

We recommend using a fan during the night instead if you sleep with the AC on, as it effectively cools your room but costs a fraction of the price. 

Keep the Sun Out With Blinds and Curtains

Outside light brings heat into your home, making AC a necessity when it doesn’t have to be. Closing your curtains keeps the light out, which in turn keeps the heat out. Blinds and curtains reduce heat gain by nearly 45%, helping you lower your summer electric bill.

Install Your AC Unit Away From Windows

If you’re installing a new AC unit, stay away from window units, if possible. Placing your unit in your window puts it in direct sunlight during the hottest parts of the day. Your AC has to work harder to cool down itself and your space when it’s in the sunlight.

Consider alternative options like central AC or ductless mini-split AC.

Switch to LED Lights

LED lights emit minimal heat, whereas standard incandescent lights release 90% of their energy as heat. On top of that, LED bulbs use 80% less electricity and last longer, so you save on bulb replacement and electricity costs.

Do you want to learn more about how LED bulbs can improve your home or business’s energy efficiency?

Read Our Blog On LED Lighting

Managing Summer Electricity Benefits You in the Winter

There’s a significant difference between electricity usage in the winter vs. summer. Winter electricity bills are almost always higher than in the summer because AC and ceiling fans turn into space heaters, electric blankets, water heaters, and heating systems. By keeping your summer electric bills low, you level out the costs of winter electric.

Implementing the above tips will save you money during the summer and allow you to save for your future winter electricity bills.

Want To Save on Electric Bills This Summer?

Paramount Companies can help you lower your summer electric bill with quality LED lighting services. We specialize in commercial and residential electric services and find cost-effective, energy-saving solutions for homes and businesses of all sizes. 

Our expert team has got you covered, whether you’re starting a new lighting project or want to enhance your existing lighting fixtures. Contact us today to get started.

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How To Elevate Your Outdoor Entertainment This Summer

Heating equipment causes over 65,000 home fires every year—but there are several winter electrical Is your backyard ready for summer? If not, elevate it with customizable outdoor entertainment systems that your guests will love.

Your Outdoor Entertainment Options

Summer is the best season to spend time in the great outdoors, and it’s just around the corner. If you like hosting movie nights, trivia games, and other events in your backyard, install upgraded outdoor systems to enhance the experience for your guests this season.

There are many ways to elevate your outdoor entertainment experience so you can host the best summer gatherings, including:

Outdoor Movie Theater Systems

Outdoor movie theater systems are incredibly versatile. Customize your setup however you want, from inflatable movie screens with projectors and speakers to surround systems that make you feel like you’re in a real movie theater.

Some benefits of outdoor movie theater systems are:

Entertaining More Guests

Inflatable screens have a wider range of viewability, so you can host more guests during your backyard movie nights. Whether you need a smaller screen for intimate gatherings or a large screen for an entire community of people, there’s a theater system that suits your needs.

Easy Setup

With an outdoor movie screen, the setup is simple. You don’t have to drill your screen into a wall or set up a complicated screen or frame with inflatable screens—you just blow them up, and you’re done.

Taking down the screen is just as easy—it just needs to be unplugged! If you want an installation process that you can remove in no time, outdoor movie screens are the option for you.

Outdoor Stereo Systems

Outdoor stereo systems are great for movie nights and other outdoor parties you’re hosting. High-quality sound enhances any backyard event. From surround sound to bookshelf speakers, the options are endless. 

Outdoor audio systems are specifically built to withstand any weather conditions, so rain or shine, they stay in great condition. 

Plus, controlling sound levels and music genres is easier than ever before with advanced technology. Many receivers for outdoor speakers function on convenient mobile apps, so you can control the sound right from your phone.

Outdoor Lighting

Outdoor lighting is fun to play around with. For movie nights, turn the lights down to set an ambient tone. For parties, turn on outdoor LED lights to match whatever vibe you want. The options are endless with outdoor lighting, and your setup is completely up to you!

Want to liven up your outdoor space with lighting?

Learn More

Benefits of Quality Outdoor Entertainment Systems

Because outdoor entertainment systems are so versatile, they come with many benefits, such as:

Enjoying Your Favorite Activities Outside

Now that the cold seasons are finally over, you can start spending more time outside! And what’s more fun than enjoying your favorite activities outdoors after being cooped up for months?

Grab some snacks and watch your favorite movies while getting some fresh air!

Enhancing Your Home’s Overall Appeal

Having an outdoor theater or sound system increases the value and appeal of your home, which is helpful when you’re trying to sell it. Investing in these systems could potentially add thousands of dollars to the value of your home.

Even if you’re not planning on moving, your home’s appeal significantly improves with the addition of outdoor entertainment. Your space becomes a great place to host events and spend time with loved ones outdoors.

Spending Quality Time With Family and Friends

Quality time between family and friends is vital to your happiness—and so is sunshine! Outdoor theaters are a great place to spend time with your favorite people. Everyone loves movies and soaking up the sun!

If you like to throw parties, big or small, having an outdoor stereo system adds the perfect touch! You can create playlists based on the people you have over or play your all-time favorites. Having a system like this allows you to be creative!

Where Can I Find Quality Outdoor Entertainment Systems?

You deserve to have a backyard you love—that’s why Paramount Companies offers customizable outdoor entertainment solutions. We provide homes of all sizes with:

We have over 15 years of experience and 2,500 completed projects, and we can install the outdoor entertainment system that works best for your space. Contact us today to get started!

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Winter Electric Safety Tips for Homes and Businesses

Heating equipment causes over 65,000 home fires every year—but there are several winter electrical safety tips you can follow to protect your home or business from electrical fires.

Tips for Electrical Safety at Home

There are several ways to prevent electrical fires in your home:

Don’t Overload Your Electrical Plugs

Though winter makes the days shorter and darker, it’s important to avoid plugging in too many light fixtures at once, especially in power strips. 

While extension cords and power strips are convenient, they often lead to fires when you overload them. It’s best to only plug one or two appliances into one outlet at a time.

Don’t Overuse Electric Blankets and Heating Pads

Who doesn’t love warming up with a heated blanket or pad? 

While these heating tools are convenient ways to keep warm during the colder months, you should only use them for short periods—and never use them together. The combined warmth of a heating pad and blanket leads to overheating and electrical fires. 

Never wash your electric blankets or pads in the washing machine, as they could cause electrical shock when they interact with water.

Lastly, never sleep with these heating sources turned on. If they overheat while you’re sleeping, you could be in danger.

Use Your Space Heater Sparingly

Space heaters are another great tool for keeping warm during the winter, but unfortunately, space heater fires are common.

How Often Do Space Heaters Cause Fires?

Space heater fires are responsible for 43% of home fires. It’s best to leave space heaters on for short periods and unplug them when they’re not in use.

Never leave your space heaters unattended, and keep them away from kids, pets, or anything else that could knock them over.

Remember to keep space heaters away from drapes, curtains, rugs, or other flammable materials. Following these guidelines decreases the chances of a space heater fire and keeps your home safe.

Hire a Professional for Electric Work

If you have electrical problems during the winter, like shortages or wiring issues, hire a professional to take care of them. DIY electrical projects cause nearly 500 deaths and $1.3 billion of damage every year.

In the winter, your heating system may overheat. This makes electrical work extremely dangerous, so it’s best to leave it to the professionals.

Do you need help with winter electrical safety?

Get Assistance Today

Winter Electrical Safety Tips for Commercial Buildings

Commercial building electrical safety is vital in the winter. With winter storms taking down power lines and heating systems getting too hot, it’s important to follow these safety precautions:

Schedule Professional Electrical Inspections

Before winter begins, schedule an electrical inspection from a professional. Electricians can spot problem areas within your electrical system that you may not notice yourself. 

With preventative maintenance, you save yourself money on emergency repairs and keep your tenants, employees, or visitors safe. An electrician should inspect your primary and backup systems, like heaters and generators, to ensure everything is working correctly.

Inspect Your Smoke Detectors

It’s difficult to keep a constant eye on outlet usage in your commercial building. Some employees bring space heaters to work or use heated blankets, and they might not be aware of the dangers of these heating tools.

To increase safety within your building, make sure your smoke detectors are working properly in the event of a space heater fire or overuse of outlets. 

Use Heaters That Automatically Shut Off

Another helpful electrical safety tip is installing automatic heaters.

At the end of the day, when no one is in your building, your heat needs to be turned off or down. An automatic heating system reduces the chances of electrical fires while no one is in the building.

Set timers on your automatic heater, so by the time people arrive at work in the morning, the building is warm and starts cooling down as they leave.

Electrical Hazard Checklist

We’ve covered a lot of information, and it may seem like a lot to remember throughout the season. Follow this simple electrical hazard checklist to stay safe this winter:

  1. Don’t overuse space heaters, heating pads, or electric blankets.
  2. Don’t plug too many appliances into one outlet, power strip, or extension cord.
  3. Inspect your smoke detectors regularly.
  4. Have a professional install an automatic heating system.
  5. Have your home or building inspected periodically by an electrician.

By following these simple electrical safety tips, you significantly lower the chances of electrical fires in your home or commercial building.

Where Can I Get Help?

Paramount Companies is the place for you if you need an electrical inspection to ensure your systems aren’t overheating. From home wiring to backup generator installation, we’ve got you covered.
Contact our experts today to enhance your winter electrical safety.

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Choosing the Right Home Security System

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On average, there are 1.1 million home burglaries per year—and over 75% of homes don’t have home security systems in place.

How To Secure Your Home Properly

There are several home security systems available. Choosing the right one depends on your location and type of residence.

Apartment Security Systems

Securing your apartment is difficult because you don’t want to invest in an expensive home security system if you plan on moving again. However, security systems are essential to your protection, since renters are more likely to experience break-ins than homeowners.

So, what are your options?

Security Cameras

Security cameras are an effective and inexpensive way to protect your apartment. Many cameras are controlled by mobile apps, so you can check in on your apartment whenever you want. 

Cameras are also customizable and scalable. You can have several around your apartment or just one outside your door—it’s entirely up to you! If you’re looking for budget-friendly cameras, several security companies offer affordable options.

Security cameras are also helpful in the event of a break-in because they provide the necessary evidence.

Smart Locks and Keypad Locks

Smart locks are locks you can control from your mobile device. They lock and unlock with a passcode, so only people who know the code can unlock your door.

One downside of smart locks is that burglars can pick them if you connect them to unsecured Wi-Fi, so make sure you take the proper cybersecurity measures when installing a smart lock.

If smart locks aren’t the right fit for you, automatic locks and keypad locks are great alternatives that are easy to install. Burglars can’t pick keypad locks because they don’t have a keyhole, providing an extra layer of security. Keypad locks are typically automatic, so you don’t have to worry about forgetting to lock your door—it’s already done for you!

Advanced Security Systems

Burglars are 300 times more likely to break into homes without security systems. Because suburban homes are in low-traffic areas, there are fewer witnesses to break-ins, so an advanced security system is necessary. Your options include:

Outdoor Cameras and Doorbell Cameras

Having outdoor and doorbell cameras protects your house from break-ins. Studies show that outdoor cameras reduce the likelihood of a burglary by nearly 50%. 

You might think that hiding your cameras makes them more effective, but having visible cameras is more likely to drive away intruders.

When you’re looking for quality cameras, consider:

  • Durability: Can your camera withstand harsh weather conditions?
  • Light sensors: Do you want cameras with motion-activated lights?
  • Night vision: Are your cameras able to pick up video when it’s dark?
  • Price: What is your price range?

Whether your budget is $50 or $2,000, there are plenty of quality security cameras available for you. Remember: it’s better to have a couple of inexpensive cameras than none at all!

Need help finding the right home security system?

Discover Your Options

Need help finding the right home security system?

Smart Home Devices

Smart home devices are advanced security systems powered with Wi-Fi, and they’re entirely customizable. You can add the following to most home automation systems:

  • Remote control devices
  • Motion detectors
  • Doorbell cameras
  • Automatic door and window locks
  • Light adjustment features

These devices simplify home security. You can control them using your phone or a mobile application. If you’re in bed and realize you forgot to lock your doors, you can do so from your mobile device. 

Plus, in the event of a robbery or intruder, you can use your smart home device to alert authorities discreetly. This versatile tool is an excellent way to protect your home and your family.

Where Can I Get Help Securing My Home?

If you’re not sure where to start with your home security system, Paramount Companies can help. With over 15 years of experience as a leading residential security company, we promise to provide the best security available.

We offer surveillance services, home access control, and security cameras for homes and apartments of any size. We’ve got you covered, whether you need basic CCTV cameras or an advanced security system.

Contact our security experts today to improve the safety of your home.

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Home Entertainment System Installations

Many people want a custom home theater for watching movies or playing video games. If building a home theater sounds like a great idea, it’s best to have a professional electrical contractor by your side. Here’s how the home theater installation process works and how professionals like Paramount Companies handle it.

Key Concepts

This post covers the following topics:

  • What a home theater system installation includes
  • What a home theater system installation includes
  • Why you should use a professional contractor to install your home theater
  • What home theater systems cost to build
  • The types of contractors who can help you complete your home theater room
  • The audio-video services Paramount Companies provides

 

What Home Theater System Installation Includes

A home entertainment or theater system usually includes the following components:

  • A TV or a video projector and screen
  • An AV or surround sound receiver
  • Connection cables
  • Speaker wire and wire stripper
  • Subwoofer
  • Loudspeakers
  • Disc player

You can add on other components like a media streamer, satellite box, or sound meter. You may also need to have acoustic treatments done in your chosen room to get the sound quality you want for your theater system.

Why a Professional Contractor Should Install Your Home Theater System

You could install a home theater system yourself, but it’s best to consult a professional before you do that. After all, contractors work with electronics and electrical systems all the time, so they know how to put your system together quickly and effectively. If you build your system yourself without ever having set up an electrical system before, your project could take much longer than you expected. An electrical contractor can lay out all the components and put them together in more efficient ways.

What Do Home Movie Theaters Cost To Build?

Home theater systems installation services vary in cost. Those costs depend on the size and complexity of your system. Simple systems cost around $60 per hour for a contractor to install, and the average system costs around $80 per hour. The installation usually doesn’t take more than two hours to complete. However, installations that need cables put in your room’s walls or involve other complex processes could take up to six hours to finish. Overall, home theaters cost time and money to install, and you should weigh these costs before you invest in your entertainment system.

Looking to install a home entertainment system? See what our services can do for you.

Our Installation Services

What Types of Contractors Can Help You Set Up Your Home Theater?

We offer residential audio and video installation services, but that’s not all we provide. We can install a surround sound system or a home projector if that’s all you need. We can also install whole-house sound systems that give you top-notch sound quality beyond your entertainment room.

We provide home automation services along with our audio-video installation services. These automation services simplify your audio-video systems, making it easier to turn on your system and choose your specific settings so you get your ideal listening and viewing experience without messing with too many controls.

Install Your Home Theater With Us

Want a home theater system designed and installed to meet your exact specifications? Reach out to Paramount Companies today. With our residential electrical services, we can install your entertainment system and make sure it fits with the rest of your home’s electrical systems. We ensure your system is precisely where you want it while providing the video and sound quality you’re looking for.

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Why Invest in an Electrical Panel Upgrade?

Home electrical panels are critical parts of residential electrical systems. They hold the breaker boxes and fuse boxes that keep the electricity running through your home. Let’s examine how electrical panels work and why yours may need an upgrade.

Key Takeaways

This post covers the following topics:

  • How electrical panels work
    • How electrical panel upgrades solve problems
    • Why panel upgrades matter
    • Whether a homeowner can replace or upgrade their electrical panel
    • What’s involved in upgrading an electrical service panel
  • The cost of replacing or upgrading your electrical panel
  • Whether Paramount Companies provides electrical panel upgrades
    • Why you sometimes need to add to your panel’s circuits

We hope these topics help you better understand why investing in an electrical panel upgrade is worth it.

How Do Electrical Panels Work?

Your home’s electrical system is split into several different circuits, and they all meet at the electrical service panel. This panel is most likely located in your basement or garage. It holds the circuit breaker along with your system’s fuses. Overall, this panel is your electrical system’s hub.

That description makes the panel’s operations sound very simple and continuous. Most of the time, it is. However, the electrical service panel does have limits. Every panel can hold only so many amps of electricity before it shuts the system off. For some homes, that limit is 100 amps of electricity.

Why Do Panel Upgrades Matter?

Think about how many electrical or electronic devices you use each day. Of course, you use lights and heating or air conditioning. Then there’s your cell phone, which needs frequent charging. The same is true for any laptops or tablets you use. You also have to keep your television plugged in, and you probably have many other electrical devices in your home. A 100-amp electrical panel may not successfully carry all that electricity, but a 200-amp panel can.

Can a Homeowner Replace an Electrical Panel?

It’s not about whether you can replace your electrical service panel. It’s about whether you should. An electrical panel upgrade involves intricate electrical work, so it’s best to leave this job to the professionals. Find a qualified electrical contractor in your area who offers this service for homes like yours. Many contractors offer this service to help older homes become modern ones.

What Is Involved in Upgrading to a 200 Amp Service Panel?

This type of upgrade involves expanding the amount of amps your service panel carries. It also includes adding more circuits to your electrical systems. The more circuits you have, the more electricity your system can provide. This aspect of the upgrade means you can use more lights, devices, and appliances at once, since they’re split into more branch circuits than they were before the upgrade.

You see, it’s best not to use more than half of your electrical system’s possible load. In homes with 100-amp service panels, homeowners often draw upwards of 80 amps from their electrical systems. That electrical draw puts the system at risk of overloading. Upgrading to a 200-amp service panel lowers that risk and makes it safer to run more electricity in your home.

If you want to learn if an electrical panel upgrade is right for your home, reach out to Paramount Companies today.

Learn About Upgrades

How Much Does it Cost To Replace Your Electrical Panel?

Costs for this type of upgrade vary depending on parts and labor costs. Talk with your contractor to see what their panel upgrade prices are. And get multiple quotes on this project to see what the pricing range is and what fits your budget. Don’t automatically go with the cheapest quote, though, because it may not lead to quality workmanship. Instead, choose the quote that seems reasonable for your budget, but also allows for top-quality results.

Does Paramount Companies Provide Electrical Panel Upgrades?

Yes, we do. We understand that even if you live in an older home, you want to have the electric capacity of a modern home. That’s why we upgrade your service panel. When you connect with us for an electrical panel upgrade, we work with you to determine the best new layout for your panel and its branch circuits. We can also come back later to add on to your new circuit setup.

Why Add to Your New 200-Amp Circuit Setup?

If you’ve ever considered putting in a new outdoor bar with a TV or an outdoor patio with an audio system, you need to add on to your service panel’s circuit. Adding on to them is necessary because these installations require more power. Some indoor installations, like a home theater, also require adding onto the circuits. If you ever need this service, we’re ready to provide it.

Upgrade Your Electrical Panel With Us

Upgrading any part of your home’s electrical system is a big project. Safety is key in the upgrade and how your service panel sends electricity to the circuits. A professional electrician should always perform this type of upgrade because it involves the heart of your electrical system.

Thinking about upgrading your electrical service panel? Connect with Paramount Companies today. We have the knowledge and experience to develop the right electrical panel upgrade for your home. Once we complete it, your system will hold the right amount of amps for your home’s electrical consumption levels.

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