All families are forced to deal with rising energy costs, and the only way to fight back is to reduce your consumption. That’s easier said than done when you’re facing triple-digit temperatures and you live in a house full of electrical appliances, but it’s easier than you think to save money without sacrificing your family’s comfort.

Gary Houston Electric has been proud to serve homeowners in The Natural State since 1978, and we’re a phone call away when you want to schedule an in-home energy efficiency evaluation. We’ll look for ways to help you lower your energy costs and improve your home’s overall electrical safety. We also recommend considering these easy and affordable home upgrades the next time you decide to update your home.

Invest in new appliances-Most homeowners understand the planned obsolescence of their home appliances. As your appliances approach the end of their operational lifespan, it’s a smarter investment to replace them instead of making repairs. The good news is that new appliances are more affordable than you think, and they use less energy than their older counterparts.

Install a smart thermostat and lighting-An inexpensive programmable digital thermostat can save you 10% or more on your energy bills if you use it correctly, and newer models even include a Bluetooth connection and remote access with a Smartphone app. The “Internet of Things” is a term that’s now used to describe connected devices that allow remote access using embedded sensors, and it’s now possible to control your thermostat, adjust your home lighting, and turn on appliances remotely. You’ll also be able to monitor your energy usage and update settings as needed no matter where you are!

Look for low-tech solutions-Sometimes you can make big changes that don’t cost very much. Inexpensive weather stripping is a good way to seal up drafts in the home, and it’s not very expensive to replace ungrounded two-prong electrical outlets. You should also call a professional electrician right away if you’re having trouble with tripped breakers or if you have any nonfunctional outlets in your home.

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