Energy Monitoring Systems

Energy monitoring systems are web-based monitoring programs that show real time energy use. These systems enable homeowners to be mindful of their home’s energy consumption and promote actions that support energy conservation. These energy management systems come compatible with any utility company in the world. Because the home’s energy usage is displayed in real time the homeowner is able to see an instant change in consumption at any time and in any scenario. This allows the homeowner to learn how to maximize the potential of their home’s energy output as well as decrease electric bills.

Whole House Lighting Controls

Lighting controls are becoming very popular in todays high-end custom home industry.  Lighting controls provide comfort, functionality, energy efficiency to any space. The ability to control any single light or group of lights gives the homeowner the ability to use only the lights that they want.  Whether it be “setting the mood” or only turning on the lights that you need in efforts to conserve energy, Lighting control systems enable you to have complete control over all the lights in your house.  This technology is seen as a must have for nearly every single one of our homeowners.  Another perk is the ability to control any of your home’s lights remotely from any smart phone, tablet, computer, or laptop.

Closed Cell Spray Foam Insulation

Closed Cell Spay foam is a high density foam that replaces traditional fiberglass insulation in walls.  Spray foam insulation saves on energy costs and lowers utility bills.  Studies show that as much as 40% of a homes heat can be lost due to air infiltrating through walls, windows, and doors.  The same studies show that a home treated with closed cell spray foam perform 50% better than homes insulated with more traditional insulating products.  A better insulated home means lower utility bills and a decreased impact on the environment. Spray foam insulation also provides protection against mold and mildew as well as better sound insulation which creates a quieter home and a more comfortable atmosphere.

Shade Controls

Electronic shades provide more natural influence than any other system in the home. By raising and lowering shades, a home’s lighting and temperature can be managed and controlled to harvest sunlight and capture or deflect solar gain. For example, if a room was calling for heat and it was south facing with large windows, the thermostat would communicate with the shades to raise and capture solar gain to assist in heating the room. These systems can be programed to work with the environment around a home to keep the home warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer decreasing the demand on a home’s HVAC system.  Like the lighting controls, the shade controls can be monitored and controlled remotely from any smart phone, tablet, computer, or laptop.

Geothermal Heating and Cooling

Geothermal heating and cooling technologies use the Earth’s energy storing capabilities to heat and cool buildings and provide hot water. Because temperature beneath the Earth’s surface do not fluctuate as they do at or above the Earth’s surface, the water stored in a geothermal well stays warmer in the winter and cooler in summer. This reduces the energy needed to operate heating and cooling systems. The use of Geothermal technology also reduces unnecessary stress and strain on an HVAC system increasing lifespan and efficiency. Geothermal Heat Pumps are the most energy-efficient, environmentally clean, and cost-effective space conditioning systems available on the market.

Solar Power

Solar panels, or photovoltaic panels, convert sunlight into energy that is able to be utilized by your home or any other structure/device that you wish to power.  The energy that is captured from the sun can either be stored in powerful batteries to be used at any time the home is demanding power or it can be fed directly into “the grid”. When tied into the grid, any excess energy that exceeds the demand of the home will not be wasted but sold to the power companies.  When this happens, not only will you not be paying the power company that month but instead they will be paying you.  This renewable energy source will supply your power needs while protecting the environment for many years.

Wind Power

Wind power is the conversion from the energy that is in the wind to a form of energy that is useful in powering modern technology.  This is done through wind turbines most commonly referred to as wind mills.  Like solar energy, the energy created by the turbine can either be stored up in batteries or it can be fed directly on to the grid. This technology is often overlooked in the residential construction industry but is a great way to harvest clean power from a renewable energy source.  The picture to the left is an example of a wind turbine that was used on a project completed by American West Homes.  This turbine  is connected to a bank of high powered batteries along with a series of solar panels that provide all of the energy needed to power a 11,000 sf home near 11 mile reservoir. The home is able to be powered completely by natural, clean, and renewable energy sources without any negative impact on the environment around it.