We all enjoy spending time indoors with our families when the outdoor temperatures drop, but this is also the time of year when our home heating costs predictably skyrocket! The market price of natural gas is determined by supply and demand, and our utility providers are free to pass those costs on to their customers as they see fit. The good news is that there are several ways to reduce your household energy consumption without sacrificing your family’s comfort, and our team at Gary Houston Electric is here to help!

We’ve proudly offered trusted residential electrical service in Little Rock since 1978, and we love helping homeowners save money! If you’ve recently experienced a drastic increase in your energy bills or you’re simply interested in doing a little “belt tightening,” we recommend scheduling an in-home energy audit with one of our energy efficiency experts. We’ll help you identify trouble areas in your home, and we can also give you a free, no-obligation estimate for a KOHLER emergency backup generator so you can keep the lights on no matter what Mother Nature has in store for us!

One of the first things you should do at the start of winter is to set your ceiling fans to spin clockwise. Heat rises, and your ceiling fans help redirect warm air downward. You should also remember that you’re wasting energy if you run ceiling fans in unoccupied rooms.

A digital programmable thermostat can save you up to 10% on your energy costs, provided it’s programmed correctly and used consistently. You might also consider investing in a Smart thermostat with app-based connectivity. You’ll be able to program your thermostat remotely and review usage reports to make sure you’re on the right track.

If you have drafts around your doors and windows, your heating system will have to run much longer to maintain the desired temperature in your home. The IRS currently offers tax credits for qualified energy-efficient improvements made to your home before 2032, including new insulation, windows, doors, and the cost of an energy-efficiency audit. And if the cost of home improvements exceeds your current budget, a few rolls of inexpensive adhesive weatherstripping can make a significant difference!

To learn more or schedule an energy efficiency audit, contact us online or at 501-375-8330.