We’re currently getting our first taste of pleasant spring weather in The Natural State, but we all know that triple-digit temperatures are only weeks away! Our energy costs predictably increase in the summertime, and the only effective way to lower our bills is to reduce our consumption. That’s often easier said than done, but the good news is that there are plenty of easy ways to save energy that don’t require sacrificing your family’s comfort!

Gary Houston Electric has been Little Rock’s most trusted residential electrician since 1978, and we’re available 24 hours a day! We love helping homeowners save money, and we’re just a phone call away if you’d like to schedule an in-home consultation. Here are a few energy-saving tips to help you “tighten your belt” this summer:

Install a programmable thermostat—A programmable thermostat can help you lower your energy bills by up to 10%, as long as it’s programmed correctly and used consistently. You should set your thermostat to 78° or higher when you’re at home, and 82-84° when you’re at work or asleep.

Use fans and ventilation systems—When we “spring forward” each year, be sure to set your ceiling fans to rotate counterclockwise to direct cool air downward. Just remember that fans cool people, not spaces, and you’re wasting energy leaving them on when rooms are unoccupied. You should also take shorter showers in the summer and use your bathroom fan to quickly dissipate excess heat and humidity.

Seal up air leaks around doors and windows—Drafts are easiest to detect when it’s cold outside, but they’re a year-round problem; thermal transfer from the outside to the inside forces your comfort systems to run longer, and it can also shorten their operational lifespan. The IRS currently offers tax credits for qualified energy-efficient home improvements made before 2032 (including the cost of a home energy audit), and a few rolls of inexpensive adhesive weatherstripping can make a significant difference while you save up for costlier improvements.

If you have any questions or would like to schedule service, contact us online or at 501-375-8330. We’re also always happy to give you a free, no-obligation estimate for a KOHLER backup generator so you can keep your lights on, no matter what Mother Nature has in store for us!