Energy costs are always on the rise, and there appears to be no end in sight. Arkansas is definitely no stranger to seasonal weather extremes, and it won’t be long before the outside temperatures (and your electric bills) start approaching triple digits. You do everything you can to be more energy-efficient, including turning off the lights in unoccupied rooms and constantly adjusting your thermostat, but you’re still not seeing a very big drop in your monthly bills. What else can you do?

Every few years, it’s not a bad idea to have a residential electrical contractor take a look at your home and make some specific recommendations. This is particularly true if you own an older home, but even the newest and most energy-efficient homes can make some improvements. Our team at Gary Houston Electric is always a phone call away when you want to schedule a consultation, and we also have a few recommendations that are effective for most homes:

LED Bulbs-If you haven’t already replaced all of your household bulbs with LEDs, you’re missing out on significant energy savings. LED bulbs are becoming increasingly more affordable, and they provide the same amount of light as traditional incandescent bulbs, while using a fraction of the wattage. They also last for five years or more!

Programmable Thermostats-A programmable thermostat is a great way to maximize your energy savings by adjusting your household temperature while you’re at work or asleep. Newer models can also be adjusted remotely using a smart phone app!

Low-Tech Solutions-During the summer months, draw your curtains and use portable fans to stay cool. During the winter, you can wear sweaters, and add inexpensive weather stripping to windows and draft guards to doors. It’s also a good idea to periodically inspect your attic insulation to make sure that it hasn’t gotten matted down, and make sure that there are no openings in your ducts.

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