As we begin another sweltering hot summer in The Natural State, we know that our energy bills are about to rise as high as the temperature outside! It already costs a small fortune to run our air conditioning each summer, and our utility providers operate as legal monopolies with the freedom to raise rates as they see fit. The only sure-fire way to fight back is by reducing our consumption, and that’s where our team at Gary Houston Electric comes in! We’ve been Little Rock’s most trusted residential electrician since 1978, and we’re always a phone call away when you’d like to schedule an in-home energy efficiency audit!

Even recently constructed homes aren’t always as energy-efficient as they should be, and we love helping our customers save money! One of the most common problems we encounter is air leakage around doors and windows; when heat seeps through drafty openings, it forces your HVAC system to run longer to maintain the desired indoor temperature. The IRS currently offers tax credits for qualified energy-efficient home improvements made before 2032, as well as the cost of an energy-efficiency audit. And if the cost of new windows and doors exceeds your current home improvement budget, a few rolls of inexpensive adhesive weatherstripping can also make a significant difference.

A digital programmable thermostat can help you lower your energy bills by up to 10% as long as it’s programmed correctly and used consistently. Most Smart thermostat models can be programmed remotely using your smartphone or other mobile device, and some even offer readouts and reports to help you monitor your usage and estimate your upcoming bills!

Your ceiling fans should be set to spin counterclockwise during the summer to push a cool breeze downward, and clockwise in the fall to redistribute rising heat throughout the room. The easiest way to remember when it’s time to switch is to make the change whenever we “spring forward and fall back” between Daylight Saving Time and Standard Time. Just remember that fans cool people, not rooms, and you should switch them off whenever a room is unoccupied!

If you have any questions or would like to schedule service, contact us online or at 501-375-8330. Be sure to also ask us for a free estimate for a KOHLER emergency generator!