Unless you’re building a new home from the ground up, it’s a good bet that you had plenty of renovations in mind when you purchased your home. It’s all about “location, location, location” when it comes to real estate, and sometimes, the only way you can afford to move to your desired neighborhood is by purchasing a home that needs some work. Electrical wiring should also be inspected at least every 25 years or sooner if you’re unsure when it was last inspected. The good news is that our team at Gary Houston Electric is here to help! We’ve been the most trusted residential electrician in Little Rock since 1978, and we’re always a phone call away when you want to schedule an in-home safety evaluation.

Home builders of yesteryear never imagined how many electronic devices an average family now uses, and many homeowners rely extensively on power strips throughout their homes. We can also install additional outlets in your home office and entertainment center with built-in surge protectors, and you can put those power strips away for good!

If the home was built before 1969, you might still have a few ungrounded two-prong outlets. We’ll remove or replace outdated or nonfunctional outlets and ensure you have outlets with ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) in your kitchen, bathroom, and outdoors. GFCI outlets offer an additional level of protection in the event of an overload, and they’re a crucial safety feature any time you’re using electrical appliances or power tools near water.

An inexpensive programmable thermostat is a great way to lower your energy costs if used correctly, and newer models even feature Bluetooth connectivity so you can control them with your smartphone. Arkansas weather can be notoriously fickle, and you can adjust your home temperature with your smartphone no matter where you are. But it doesn’t stop there! You can also remotely control your home lighting, monitor your security system, and even control your Internet of Things (IoT) enabled devices!

If you have questions about home electrical upgrades or would like to schedule service, contact us online or at 501-375-8330. We’re ready to help you bring your home into the digital age, and you can always hire us with confidence because your satisfaction is guaranteed!

Inflation rates haven’t been this high in decades, and the spending power of a dollar certainly isn’t what it used to be! Whether we’re buying groceries, household goods, or gasoline, there seems to be no end in sight to these higher prices. Utility providers also operate monopolies with the authority to increase rates as they see fit. The only option homeowners have to lower their bills is reducing their energy consumption, but that’s often easier said than done. The good news is that our team at Gary Houston Electric is always a phone call away, and we love helping our customers save money!

We’ve been offering trusted residential electrical service in Little Rock since 1978, and we’re always a phone call away when you’d like to schedule an in-home energy audit. Our professional electricians will look for ways to help you and your family “tighten your belts” without sacrificing your comfort, and we’ll also inspect your home wiring and replace any outdated electrical outlets. Here are a few easy ways to lower your bills right away:

Install a programmable thermostat-Programmable thermostats have been around for decades, and newer models even include Bluetooth connectivity! You can now use a convenient smartphone app to monitor your family’s energy usage, and you’ll be able to make changes on the fly wherever you are!

Seal up drafts- Upgrading your windows or adding storm windows can lead to big energy savings, and the IRS currently offers tax credits for qualified energy-efficient improvements made to your home before 2032. Weatherstripping is also a highly affordable temporary remedy for drafty windows that only takes a few minutes to install.

Replace old appliances before they break down-Be sure to review the manufacturer’s recommended replacement recommendations each time you purchase a new HVAC unit or hot water heater. Many appliances continue functioning long beyond their anticipated operational lifetime, but their performance and energy efficiency will predictably decline after a decade or more of steady usage. You’ll never know exactly when an appliance will break down, but it’s a good bet that it will happen at a highly inconvenient time! Replacing them now spares you future hassles and enables you to take advantage of the improved energy efficiency of newer models.

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

People throughout the world have been captivated by the smartphone, and they’re never far from our side. The smartphone has changed the ways that we communicate, how we learn, and how we keep ourselves entertained. But did you know that you can also use your smartphone to control your home lighting and appliances? The future is here, and our team at Gary Houston Electric is here to help you bring your home up to date!

We’ve been the most trusted residential electrician in Little Rock since 1978, and we’re always a phone call or a mouse click away when you have any questions about energy efficiency, electrical safety, and home remodeling projects. We’re always happy to switch out your outdated two-prong outlets, add more outlets with surge protectors in your home office and living room entertainment center, and give you a quote for a KOHLER emergency generator. Smart lighting and Internet of Things (IoT)-enabled appliances offer a lot of convenience for homeowners and offer several great benefits for Arkansas homeowners:

Energy Savings-LED lighting offers as many lumens as traditional incandescent bulbs at a fraction of the energy cost. Smart light bulbs also have to be replaced less frequently and can last up to 11 years before they need to be replaced.

Flexible lighting throughout the home-Dimmable LED lights enable you to have as much or as little light in a room as you’d like, and you have different options for each type of lighting. LED bulbs with a Kelvin color temperature range from 2000K-3000K emit a warm yellowish light suitable for living rooms, dining rooms, and bedrooms. LED bulbs with a Kelvin color temperature range from 3100K-4500K emit a bright bluish light that looks great in kitchens and bathrooms and is also perfect for task lighting.

Remote access-If you and your family are going on vacation, it’s easy to program your home lighting to turn on and off each night to make your home appear occupied. Arkansas weather can also be notoriously unpredictable, but a smart thermostat enables you to make changes on the fly, even if you’re not at home!

If you have any questions about smart lighting and appliances or would like to schedule service, contact us online or at 501-375-8330.

Your home is one of the most important things you own, but it’s not nearly as important as the people who live there! Keeping your family safe is a huge responsibility, and it starts with routine preventive maintenance; most newly constructed homes include plenty of modern safety features, but an older home might require a few inexpensive repairs and upgrades to meet current safety standards. Our team at Gary Houston Electric has been offering trusted electrical service in Little Rock since 1978, and we’re just a phone call away when you want to schedule an in-home electrical safety inspection!

Let us know anytime you have any electrical safety questions or if you’re planning new construction or a remodeling project. Our experienced residential electricians will be happy to make specific safety recommendations, and they’ll also look for ways to help you lower your energy bills. Here are a few easy ways to eliminate electrical safety hazards in your home and keep your family safe and protected:

Have you had your home wiring inspected? Home wiring should be inspected every 25 years or sooner if you’re experiencing flickering lights or frequently tripped circuit breakers. If you ever see sparks or smell smoke while using an electrical outlet, immediately switch off the outlet at your breaker panel and call an electrician.

Do you still have any two-prong outlets in your home? Homes constructed before 1969 often still have a few remaining two-prong outlets that need to be replaced with grounded outlets. We can also repair or remove any nonfunctional light switches or electrical outlets.

Are you using home appliances safely? Space heaters and other high-wattage appliances should be plugged directly into the wall, and you should carefully review all safety precautions before use. We can install electrical outlets with built-in surge protectors in your living room and home office so you can get rid of those ugly power strips, and you should also have ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlets in all of your kitchen, bathroom, and outdoor outlets.

If you have any questions or would like to schedule an electrical safety inspection, contact us online or at 501-375-8330. We’re also always happy to give you a no-obligation quote for a KOHLER emergency backup generator.

Arkansans jokingly say that if you don’t like the weather, it will change soon enough! However, severe weather is no laughing matter, and plenty of communities are still rebuilding after an F3 tornado struck central Arkansas in early 2023. Weather-related power outages are common throughout the year, and utility companies struggle to restore power to affected households when they need it most. If you’re tired of “grinning and bearing it,” our team at Gary Houston Electric is ready to give you a quote for a KOHLER emergency backup generator!

KOHLER built the first “automatic power and light” generator in 1920 to give farmers access to continuous power in the fields 24 hours a day. Over a century later, KOHLER continues to be the world’s most trusted name in emergency power generators, and they’re the top choice for hospitals, police stations, airports, and military bases. KOHLER also offers a wide selection of generators that are right-sized for any home, and we’re ready to show you just how affordable that peace of mind can be!

Severe weather events in Arkansas frequently affect thousands of homes and businesses at a time, and it’s not uncommon for outages to last for several days (or weeks) in the most devastated areas. An emergency generator is a small investment you and your family will definitely appreciate at critical times. You’ll be able to monitor the weather forecast at all times and have steady power for your CPAP machine and other life-saving medical equipment.

Our team of skilled residential electricians in Little Rock can perform most generator installations in a day or less, and the only maintenance you’ll ever have to perform is to run it for a few minutes once a month. KOHLER emergency backup generators operate quietly using clean-burning natural gas and automatically restore power to the home in a matter of seconds after any power outage. We never know what Mother Nature has in store for us, but with KOHLER emergency backup generators, you can ride out every storm safely and comfortably!

If you have questions about KOHLER Emergency Generators or need an electrician in Arkansas, contact us online or at 501-375-8330.

Most homeowners remember their closing date like it was only yesterday! The average home buyer looks at eight or more properties before making an offer, and it’s always exciting when the search is finally over. But whether it’s your first home or your forever home, you probably had some renovations in mind from day one. When you’re ready to get started, our team at Gary Houston Electric is here to help you keep your projects on schedule and within your budget!

We’ve been the most trusted residential electrician in Little Rock for over four decades, and we’re always happy to answer your lighting design or electrical safety questions. We love helping Arkansas homeowners find ways to lower their utility costs, and we’re always ready to show you how affordable it is to invest in a KOHLER emergency generator for your home. Here are a few things to consider as you plan your home upgrades:

Know your limitations-You can find online tutorials that show you how to do just about anything, but most home renovations are best left to professionals. The money you save on DIY projects is a false economy if you have to call a contractor to fix your mistakes later.

Install and upgrade your home electrical outlets-Your home’s wiring should be inspected at least every 25 years, or sooner if your breakers trip frequently. It’s easy and inexpensive to replace your outdated two-prong outlets throughout your home and install outlets with Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs) in your kitchen, bathrooms, and outdoors. You can also install additional outlets with built-in surge protectors in your home office and entertainment areas and get rid of those unsightly power strips once and for all!

Replace older appliances-If you have any appliances approaching the end of their operational lifespan, you don’t have to wait until they go completely out of commission to replace them. The future is officially here, and Internet of Things (IoT) appliances enable you to control your thermostat and home lighting, monitor your security cameras, and even view the contents of your refrigerator, all from your smartphone or mobile device!

If you have any questions or need an electrician, contact us onlineor at 501-375-8330.

There are many advantages to purchasing a newly constructed home in a modern subdivision, but home buyers on a budget often choose to invest in a “handyman special” in an up-and-coming neighborhood. You probably already had several projects in mind when you made the offer on your home, but now that it’s yours, you might not quite know where to start! The good news is that our team of experienced residential electricians at Gary Houston Electric is here to help!

We’ve been providing trusted residential electrical service in Little Rock since 1978 and are always happy to consult with homeowners to ensure their home improvement projects remain on time and within budget. We can also make specific recommendations to help you reduce your overall energy consumption and give you a no-obligation quote for a KOHLER emergency backup generator. Here are a few things to keep in mind as you prepare for your home renovations:

Safety First! Home wiring should be professionally inspected and/or replaced at least every 25 years or any time you purchase a new home or investment property. Obsolete two-prong outlets should be replaced with grounded outlets, and you should have outlets with Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs) installed in your kitchen, bathroom, and outdoor outlets.

Energy Efficiency-It’s always a good idea to have the home’s HVAC system and ductwork professionally inspected before you close, and scheduling annual preventive maintenance is the best way to prolong the unit’s operational lifespan once you own the home. If upgrading the windows and doors exceeds your current remodeling budget, inexpensive weatherstripping is a very effective way to reduce thermal exchange from indoors to outdoors and only takes minutes to install!

Functionality-Earlier generations of homebuilders could have never imagined how many electronic devices future homeowners would use, and it’s a good bet there are plenty of areas in the home that could use additional electrical outlets with built-in surge protection and USB charging slots. Moving in is also a great time to upgrade your home lighting package and ensure you strike the right balance of ambient and task lighting throughout the home.

If you have questions about home or property maintenance or need an electrician, contact us online or at 501-375-8330.

The Natural State is best known for its scenic beauty and mild temperate climate, but it’s also no stranger to extreme seasonal weather! Electric bills and temperatures both soar into the triple digits every summer, and our gas bills skyrocket every winter. Our utility providers also have the freedom to increase rates as they deem necessary to recoup their own steadily increasing costs. The only surefire way to lower your energy bills is to reduce your consumption, and our team at Gary Houston Electric is here to help!

We’ve been offering trusted residential electrical service in Little Rock since 1978, and love helping our customers save money! An in-home energy audit with one of our licensed electricians is a great way to ensure that your home is as energy-efficient as possible, and we’ll also look for any potential safety issues in your home; home wiring needs to be inspected at least every 25 years, and you’ll need grounded outlets throughout your home and outlets with Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs) in your kitchen, bathrooms, and outdoors.

Older appliances become predictably less energy efficient near the end of their operational lifespan, and replacing them before they break down spares you a lot of future hassle. The average lifespan of an air conditioning system is 10-15 years, and the average lifespan of tank water heaters is 10-12 years. Be sure to keep track of the dates when you purchase a new HVAC unit or hot water heater and review the manufacturer’s recommended preventive maintenance schedule and replacement recommendations.

If you have any drafty areas around your doors and windows, it’s costing you money! The good news is that inexpensive weatherstripping is a highly effective stop-gap solution that can immediately reduce thermal exchange from the outside to the inside of your home. The IRS also currently offers tax credits for qualified energy-efficient improvements made to your home before 2032, including storm windows and doors, so keep that in mind as you consider future home upgrades. A programmable thermostat can also help you significantly reduce your household energy consumption if it’s used correctly, and newer models even include Bluetooth connectivity!

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

A handful of homeowners can afford to build their dream homes from the ground up, but most of us shop around to find a home that’s the best fit for our needs and budget. After you’ve been in a new home for several years, you’ll probably want to make some changes, and a few cans of paint and a little creativity are often all that it takes to transform a home on a tight budget. Our team at Gary Houston Electric is also ready to help you design and install a great new lighting package that’s both functional and flexible!

We’ve offered trusted residential electrical services in Little Rock since 1978, and 24-hour emergency service when disaster strikes. Be sure also to ask us for a quote for a KOHLER emergency generator so you can keep the power on no matter what happens! Here are a few common questions our customers have about home lighting design:

What is Smart Lighting? The Internet of Things (IoT) enables homeowners to use their smartphones to control home systems and appliances and offers a lot of convenience. Smart LED bulbs can last up to 11 years before they need to be replaced, and you can set timers, use dimmers, and even change light colors with an easy-to-use app!

What are color temperatures? LED bulbs are available in numerous color temperatures, ideal for specific parts of your home. A Kelvin color temperature ranging from 2000K-3000K is warm with a yellowish tint, and a Kelvin color temperature ranging from 3100K-4500K is cool and bright with a bluish tint. Warm lighting looks good nearly anywhere, and cool lighting is particularly ideal for kitchens and bathrooms. Many smart bulbs now also enable you to select different color temperatures to see what looks best.

What type of outdoor lighting should I install? A floodlight with a motion sensor is always convenient when you need to carry groceries in after dark and is great for home security. You can also install additional porch or patio lighting to create a cozy outdoor retreat you can enjoy each night after the kids are in bed!

We’re always a phone call away if you have any questions, and if would like to schedule service, contact us online or at (501) 375-8330.

Whether you just closed on your new-to-you home or you’ve lived in the same home for decades, chances are you can stand to do a little preventive maintenance. If the home was built before 1969, you might still have some outdated two-prong electrical outlets left over, and older homes often have more serious electrical safety problems. The good news is that most of the electrical repairs and upgrades you probably need are relatively quick and inexpensive, and our team at Gary Houston Electric is ready to help you modernize your home!

We’ve been offering trusted electrical service in Little Rock since 1978, and we’re always happy to schedule an in-home inspection and make specific recommendations. Most newly constructed homes include plenty of modern safety features, but your home’s wiring should be inspected every 25 years or sooner if you’re encountering any electrical problems. Older homes often require a few inexpensive repairs and upgrades to meet current safety standards, and we’re also happy to give you a no-obligation quote for a KOHLER emergency backup generator. Here are a few easy ways to eliminate electrical safety hazards in your home, and following these tips should also help you lower your bills!

Home wiring and circuit breakers-Wiring insulation can crack and become brittle over time. If your lights flicker or your breakers trip frequently, you should call an electrician immediately to investigate.

Electrical outlets-Two-prong outlets are easy and inexpensive to replace with properly grounded outlets, and you should also have ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlets in all of your kitchen, bathroom, and outdoor outlets. If you have any nonfunctional light switches or electrical outlets or see sparks or smell smoke while using an outlet, immediately switch off the outlet at your breaker panel and call us. We can install electrical outlets with built-in surge protection in high-use areas, including your living room and home office.

Outdated home appliances-Be sure to review your manufacturer’s replacement recommendations for home appliances, including your hot water heater and HVAC system. Older appliances become predictably less reliable and energy efficient near the end of their lifespan, and replacing them now enables you to immediately reduce your household energy consumption.

If you have any questions or would like to schedule an electrical safety inspection, contact us online or at 501-375-8330.