Life in a newly constructed subdivision isn’t for everyone, and there are plenty of individuals who prefer buying older homes in well-established neighborhoods. There’s nothing wrong with investing in a “fixer-upper” with great bones, but you should always generously budget for repairs and know your own limitations when it comes to DIY projects. Be sure to include our team at Gary Houston Electric in your renovation plans, and we’ll ensure that your project is completed on time and within budget!

We have proudly offered trusted residential electrical services in Little Rock since 1978, and we’re available 24 hours a day in the event of an electrical emergency. It typically takes a little work to ensure that an older home is move-in ready, and recently constructed homes also often require a few upgrades to meet today’s safety standards. Fortunately, the required upgrades are usually more affordable than you think, and we’ll ensure that the work is done quickly and done right. Here are a few easy home safety upgrades to consider, and we’re always a phone call away if you have questions!

Have your home wiring professionally inspected—The insulation on older home wiring can become brittle and crack over time, creating a potential fire hazard. Your household wiring should be inspected at least every 25 years, or sooner if you’re unsure when it was last checked.

Install grounded electrical outlets throughout the home—Homes constructed before 1969 may still have a few obsolete two-prong outlets. You should replace all outdated outlets with three-prong outlets, and you should also install Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) outlets in your kitchen, bathrooms, and outdoors.

Replace older home appliances— Most HVAC systems last between 15 and 25 years, and a standard tank water heater typically lasts 8 to 12 years. Older home appliances become predictably less efficient as they approach the end of their operational lifespan, and it’s often a false economy to wait for them to completely break down before replacing them. Installing new appliances now enables you to enjoy immediate energy savings, and it also saves you the hassle of having to replace them in an emergency when they fail.

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

Summertime is officially in our rearview mirror, and we’re in store for a few short weeks of nearly perfect weather before we’re forced to deal with freezing temperatures in The Natural State! Many older homes are challenging to keep warm when the mercury drops, and newly built homes often have a few energy efficiency issues that need to be addressed immediately. Gary Houston Electric has been Little Rock’s most trusted residential electrician since 1978, and we proudly offer in-home energy efficiency consultations to help homeowners lower their bills!

They certainly don’t build homes like they used to, but you should always proceed with caution before making an offer on a bargain-priced “fixer-upper.” The restoration costs for older homes are often much higher than you think, and you should always know your own limitations before attempting any DIY projects. There’s no shame in leaving the tough jobs to the pros, and our team at Gary Houston Electric is here to help you keep your home renovations on schedule and within budget!

Modern technology has improved the quality of our lives in immeasurable ways, and a 2024 Consumer Affairs article reported that U.S. households had, on average, 21 connected devices. Unfortunately, those devices are useless without electricity, and we never know how long it will take for our power to be restored when Mother Nature does her worst. But what if we told you that you no longer have to “grin and bear it” during weather-related power outages?

Gary Houston Electric has proudly offered trusted residential electrical services in Little Rock since 1978, and we’re available 24 hours a day in the event of an electrical emergency. But electrical safety is no accident, and a little prevention goes a long way! Older homes often need a few electrical upgrades to meet today’s safety standards, but the good news is that they’re typically more affordable than you think. Be sure to include us in your household renovation plans, and we’ll help you stay within budget and ensure that the work is done right!

People of “a certain age” grew up imagining a future full of space-age devices, including flying cars, teleporters, and food replicators. We’re still not quite there yet, but most of our homes are now equipped with state-of-the-art appliances and next-generation electronics that enable us to complete tasks more efficiently and enhance the quality of our lives. But is your home connected enough?

Summertime is officially underway in Arkansas, and there’s no better time to enjoy our favorite outdoor activities with our friends and family. Unfortunately, this is also the time of year when our electric bills skyrocket higher than the temperature outdoors, and we find ourselves at the mercy of utility providers who have the freedom to raise their rates as they see fit. The good news is that there are many easy ways to reduce our household energy consumption without compromising our comfort, and our team at Gary Houston Electric is here to help!