Air conditioning is something that no Arkansan can do without, but no one looks forward to opening their electric bills during the summertime. Our utility providers are legal monopolies with the authority to raise our rates as they see fit, and it’s easy to understand why our parents were always so particular about the thermostat now that it’s our name on the bills! The good news is that there are plenty of easy and inexpensive ways to “tighten your belt,” 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’re available around the clock if you have an electrical emergency or are interested in a free, no-obligation quote for a KOHLER emergency backup generator. We also love helping Arkansas homeowners find ways to lower their bills, and an in-home energy audit is a great way to get started. There are also several easy things that you can do on your own to reduce your household energy consumption:

Seal up drafty windows and doors-Our parents often complained whenever we held the front door open for too long, but you can easily waste just as much energy if you have drafts under your exterior doors or poorly insulated windows. Inexpensive adhesive weather stripping can significantly reduce heat exchange around your windows and doors, and the IRS also offers tax credits for qualified energy-efficient home improvements made before 2032.

Install a programmable thermostat-If used correctly and consistently, a programmable thermostat can save you up to 10% on your utility bills without sacrificing anyone’s comfort! If you don’t already have a programmable thermostat, many utility companies will provide you one free of charge. You can also choose from a wide variety of smart thermostat models with app-based connectivity and many other great features!

Use Ceiling Fans Properly-Ceiling fans are a great way to stay cool during the summer, but you’re wasting energy if you let them run in unoccupied rooms. You should also set your fans to spin counter-clockwise when we “spring forward” and clockwise when we “fall back.”

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