As much as we enjoy the convenience of our household utilities, there are certain times of year when we expect to hear a drum roll as we’re opening up our bills. Energy costs are currently at an all time high, and are going to continue increasing. Is there anything that we can do to fight back?

The answer is yes! Our team at Gary Houston Electric has been Arkansas’ most trusted residential and commercial electrician since 1978, and we’re always a phone call away when you need us! In addition to providing emergency electrical services, and helping businesses and homeowners make safe upgrades, we also offer in-home energy efficiency consultations. Small changes such as weatherstripping around windows and programmable thermostats can lead to significant energy savings over time, and we’re happy to make specific recommendations to help reduce your monthly heating and cooling bills. We also recommend replacing your exterior and interior lighting with LED bulbs, which are easy to purchase and install. You can find them at any hardware store, as well as most retailers, and they fit all standard light sockets.

When using conventional incandescent bulbs, we’ve grown accustomed to using wattage as our measure of light output, but LEDs use significantly less wattage to produce the same amount of lumens. For example, a 60 watt bulb produces 750-900 lumens, which an LED can produce using 6-8 watts (lighting equivalencies are typically printed on the packaging). They also produce very little heat, making them safer to use around children and pets.

LED bulbs are more expensive than standard incandescent bulbs, but have a life expectancy of up to 5 years, and practically pay for themselves. The good news is that as they grow in popularity, the costs continue to drop. Additionally, higher wattage incandescent bulbs are gradually being phased out, and are becoming increasingly more difficult to find. Finally, if you’re installing LED bulbs in a lamp or light fixture with a dimmer switch, be sure to purchase dimmable bulbs.

If you have any questions, or would like to schedule service, contact us online or give us a call at 501-375-8330.