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Who doesn't want a smart home?

12/22/2016

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Smart home products are sure to be on many holiday shopping lists. Are you interested in smart home technology but aren't sure where to begin? Are you shopping for someone else and need ideas? Maybe we can help. 

Start with a need, not a product
A cool gadget can catch your attention, but the most highly prized products are the ones which solve real needs. "Smart home" covers a wide variety of applications - everything from controlling heating and cooling, programming lighting, providing security, and saving time and money. 

The best way to start is think of a pproblem you want to solve. Do you travel for business and worry about home security? Perhaps you have a new baby and want to control when and how the doorbell rings as well as be able to see who's there without having to open the door.  Do you want to protect your home from potential water damage? Do you when to see when your teens get home from school? (And who's with them???)

Consider security, comfort, and convenience
Most products fall into one of three categories: security, comfort, or convenience.

Connected security cameras from companies such as Ring and Nest can send custom alerts when they see people in or around your space. You can also use the applets from IFTTT (If This, Then That) to create other tasks. integrations like turning on a porch light when a camera detects someone in your backyard at night. Also in the security space are connected products like smart door locks and DIY options like creating your own connected baby monitor.

Comfort is another big driver with products ranging from simple smart thermostats like the Nest and Ecobee to a more robust smart thermostat that doubles as an entire home controller from Nexia. You can automate window blinds like the FlipFlic. Products like these can be easily programmed to maintain desired temperatures in your home while cutting energy costs.

On the information side of the comfort space are products like the Awair air monitor and Sleep Number C2bed—devices that track comfort-related data and send alerts to help users breathe and sleep better.

Connected light bulbs like the Philips Hue line or Lifx are great products for new smart home technology users. These products conveniently let you control lighting color and intensity from your smartphone, and trying out a single bulb is a relatively small and simple investment. Keyless locks and connected doorbells by companies like August and Ring are convenient but offer a practical value, too.

Amazon Echo. You know you want one.
When asked for their favorite smart home products, many experts recommend the Amazon Echo and its Alexa voice control. With Echo, you can use the Alexa App to connect services you already use like Spotify, Pandora, and Google Calendar. Setup your smart home devices from WeMo, Philips Hue, SmartThings, Insteon, ecobee, and more. See what books are available to read from your Kindle and Audible libraries. View shopping and to-do lists while on the go. Control your timers and set custom tones for your alarms, and much more.

If you’re not a fan of Amazon, Google’s Home is a voice-activated alternative, and Apple has its Home app

Don’t be afraid to experiment! LittleBits is one of several companies now offering smart home starter kits, It's a great way to see what you can do and have a chance to try out different technologies. If you have any trouble figuring out what to do, you can always resort to watching a YouTube video. Or asking your teenager...

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0 Comments

You mean I never have to buy detergent again?

7/17/2016

1 Comment

 
I don't know about you, but I wasn't familiar with the Aerus brand. Turns out Aerus is the new (well, if you can call something that happened in 2001 "new") brand name for Electrolux, and they're offering a new laundry product, so you know there's a quality company behind the name.

I saw the product, LaundryPro, at a trade show demonstration earlier this year for, and I was fascinated. It's perfect for me - it doesn't use hot water, so I'll save money and it will be more gentle on my clothes. It doesn't use detergent, bleach, or fabric softeners, so I'll save time and I won't have to lug huge containers home from the big box store. It will help with that pesky mold problem common in front-loading washers, too.

Was it too good to be true? I bought a device to take home and test. The device hangs on the wall and connects on one end to your cold water line and on the other end to your washing machine. You do need a 110V outlet for power, and we had only one in the laundry room (why????), so I had our electrician add one.

So I've used the product now for about three months, and I love it. The clothes come out feeling, looking, and smelling so clean, and now I can keep the door closed (I used to keep it open to help with the mold. I've given away all my detergent and put duct tape (of course) over the washing machine's compartments.

It's easy to install if you're a DIYer (see the video below), or we're happy to have our plumbers do the job for you.
1 Comment

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    Linda Couch
    With twenty-two years of experience in the IT industry, I'm the one who loves to add new technology to our lineup.

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Parrish came through and did a wonderful job for us! [Our tech was terrific and he shared a lot of great tips and info. I don't normally buy yearly plans, but I trust Parrish based on my experience today, and I will now have them maintain our heating and cooling systems.

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Very professional company. [The tech] was very helpful in explaining the details. They never push or scare a customer into doing repairs. I like their honesty and they are precise. A very knowledgeable set of people and I have been very happy ever since I have had their service since 2007. Scheduling was also very smooth and they check on your presence before coming home.

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Patrice M.

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Great work done by [the tech]! He arrived earlier than the timeframe shared and did a good job explaining my options in repairing my kitchen plumbing issue. Of course I always wish I can spend less money but do feel confident that there is no doubt in the quality of the work. I would certainly recommend their services. Last year [the tech] also installed a double utility sink with plumbing and did a great job with that as well.

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B Farrell

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We have been customers for a number of years and have had both large and smaller jobs completed by Parrish. We have always been pleased with the professionalism and skill each member of the team had demonstrated. Most recently [our technician] and [the customer service rep] that I spoke with to set up our times (they worked with us when standard time windows did not fit our needs) - we could have not been more pleased.

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Judy I

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[The tech] came for a routine AC inspection, but happened to notice our two water heaters were overheated. He closed them down and insisted on a duct inspection. I thought he was overreacting, but Ashmasters Chimney Services came and determined the escape duct (for toxic gases) was completely blocked and they rebuilt the entire line (12 hour job). [The tech] was right and may well have saved our family a carbon monoxide death. He was on his game to notice toxins were not making it outside the walls and the venting duct was 99% blocked. Thank you!!!

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Dhiren K

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[Our plumber] with Parrish has provided us plumbing services over the last five years. He is thorough in his observations and provides a clear understanding of the issue. His work ethics, respect, and disposition make it a delight to have him help us. The customer service representatives have always been cordial in helping us schedule service. I highly recommend Parrish Services.

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John A

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Admin and tech people are excellent. They stress sensible preventive maintenance but don't aggressively push expensive features or products without explaining the pros and cons. We think the regular annual Spring and Fall maintenance checkups are worth the price.

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Shaun V.

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BBB A+ rating pretty much sums it up. I called Parrish after a unit went out unexpectedly. The receptionist was helpful and got me scheduled in a reasonable time for the situation. The technician was personable and knowledgeable. His troubleshooting of the unit was systematic. I was informed in advance of what he was going to do, the cost at each step, and once complete his findings. [He] laid out my options clearly, answered my questions, and did not pressure me into signing a maintenance contract. My only 'complaint' is that I was not able to find the terms (and benefits) of subscribing to a maintenance contract online; I signed up and am glad I did. Along with the obvious benefits of having preventative maintenance on an expensive appliance, the terms, conditions, and benefits make a service contract a no brainier; discount on parts and diagnosis costs are automatically applied to the repair (which I didn't even notice until I checked the bill). I typically don't bother with reviews, but in this case - Endorsed.

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Ziya B

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Parish has gone ten steps to help me with my emergency. Both office, dispatcher and [the electrician] were very helpful. [Our electrician] is really professional to identify the issue and solve in very short time. I will call this service for my electrical needs. Highly recommended.

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Serving these Virginia cities:
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Virginia Class A Contractor 2705038448 with HVAC, gas fitting, plumbing, and electrical specialties
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  • Remote
  • HOME
  • Online services
  • Appointments
    • Request service
    • Request sales
    • Request a virtual appointment
    • Schedule your maintenance
    • Appointment change
    • Penderbrook Service Request
  • Services
    • Services Overview
    • Trip Charges
    • Filters
    • Client support
  • Billing
    • Make a payment now
    • Add or update bank account on file
    • Add or update credit card on file
    • Billing issue
    • Renew your Service Plan
    • Cancel a Priority Service Plan
  • Careers
    • Working at Parrish
    • Entry level
    • Apply now
  • News
    • COVID-19 Update
  • Store
    • Portable generators
    • NATE Testing
  • Specials
    • Black Friday Sale
    • Generator special
  • Info
    • HVAC Installations
  • Financing
    • Everyday financing
  • About us
    • Our employees
    • Our clientele
    • Our management team
    • Our awards
  • Contact
  • Product