Every Arkansan appreciates the convenience of heating and air conditioning, and our homes are filled with electronic appliances, computers, and entertainment systems. But that convenience comes at a price, and our monthly utility bills can quickly get out of hand during the summer months. None of us have any control over our utility rates, but we can do plenty of things around the house to reduce our monthly consumption!

Our team at Gary Houston Electric is always a phone call or a mouse click away when you’re ready to schedule an in-home energy efficiency audit, and we’ll help you find ways to tighten your belt. We have over four decades of experience helping Arkansas homeowners and offer 24-hour emergency services as needed. Here are a few easy tips to help you get started.

HVAC efficiency-If you experience a sudden increase in your energy bills, your heating and air conditioning systems are often the most likely culprit. If you feel any drafts, inexpensive weatherstripping can tide you over if you can’t currently afford storm windows and doors. If any of your household vents aren’t blowing cold air, climb into your attic to investigate. Make sure nothing is stacked up against your ductwork, and ensure all the joints are properly sealed.

Home wiring and electrical safety-Faulty wiring won’t normally affect your monthly utility costs, but you won’t be able to take advantage of all the modern safety features if your wiring and outlets are out-of-date. Home wiring must be inspected every 25 years or sooner if you’re moving into a new home. You should also ensure you have grounded three-prong outlets throughout the house and outlets with Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs) in your kitchen, bathrooms, and outdoors.

Smart appliances and programmable thermostats-An inexpensive programmable digital thermostat can save you 10% or more on your energy bills each month if it’s used correctly. You can also easily install smart appliances and thermostats that offer a host of great features. You can control your smart appliances on the go using a smartphone app and view usage reports to estimate the cost of your monthly utility bills in advance!

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