Energy Efficiency Consulting for Arkansas Homes & Buildings

At Energy Future Arkansas, we follow a principle we call "reduce then produce." Before recommending a solar panel system, we first look at how much energy your home wastes and fix those problems. This approach is not just philosophically sound; it saves you real money in two important ways.

First, efficiency upgrades are almost always the lowest-cost way to reduce your electricity bill. Adding R-30 insulation to an under-insulated attic costs $1,500 to $2,500 and can reduce your cooling costs by 20% to 30%. Achieving that same reduction through solar panels would cost $5,000 to $8,000 or more. Efficiency improvements deliver a faster return on investment than any generation technology.

Second, reducing your overall energy consumption means you need a smaller solar system to reach your goals. A home consuming 1,500 kWh per month might need a 10 kW solar system costing $28,500 before incentives. If efficiency upgrades reduce that consumption to 1,050 kWh, you only need a 7 kW system costing $19,950. The efficiency upgrades that achieved that 30% reduction likely cost $3,000 to $5,000, meaning the combined investment is significantly lower while achieving the same outcome: a near-zero electricity bill.

This is why every solar consultation at Energy Future Arkansas begins with an energy efficiency assessment. We want to ensure you are investing in the right improvements in the right order, maximizing your savings and minimizing your total investment.

Professional Energy Audit

Every efficiency project begins with a comprehensive BPI-standard energy audit. Using calibrated blower door equipment, infrared thermal cameras, and combustion safety testing, we create a detailed picture of your home's energy performance. The audit identifies exactly where heat enters and escapes, where air leaks exist, how your duct system performs, and whether your HVAC equipment is operating safely and efficiently. You receive a prioritized report with specific recommendations, estimated costs, projected savings, and available rebates for each improvement.

Attic Insulation and Air Sealing

The attic is almost always the highest-priority target in Arkansas homes. We begin by air sealing the attic floor, closing gaps around wiring, plumbing, duct penetrations, and top plates before adding insulation. This sequence is critical because insulation alone does not stop air movement. After sealing, we add blown-in cellulose or fiberglass to achieve R-38 or R-49 depending on the application. For homes with cathedral ceilings or limited attic access, we may recommend spray foam insulation applied to the roof deck.

Duct Sealing and Insulation

In Arkansas, where ducts frequently run through unconditioned attics and crawl spaces, duct leakage is one of the largest sources of energy waste. A typical leaky duct system loses 20% to 30% of conditioned air before it reaches the living space. We seal all duct joints, connections, and register boots with mastic sealant and reinforce with foil tape. We then verify improvement with a duct blaster test, typically reducing leakage by 60% to 80%. Ducts in unconditioned spaces are insulated to R-8 to prevent heat gain and condensation.

HVAC System Optimization

Before recommending equipment replacement, we optimize your existing system. This includes verifying refrigerant charge, cleaning coils and blower assemblies, checking electrical connections, calibrating thermostats, and measuring airflow across the system. For systems that are 15 or more years old or operating below 12 SEER, we recommend upgrading to modern high-efficiency equipment. We perform Manual J load calculations to ensure any new system is properly sized for your home after efficiency improvements have been made.

Window Assessment and Upgrades

We evaluate every window in your home for air leakage, seal integrity, glazing type, and frame condition. For single-pane windows, replacement with ENERGY STAR certified double-pane Low-E windows delivers significant comfort and efficiency improvements. For homes where full window replacement is not in the budget, we recommend storm windows, window films, and improved weatherstripping as intermediate steps that still deliver meaningful energy savings.

Smart Home Energy Management

Modern smart home technology adds an automated layer of efficiency. We install and configure smart thermostats that learn your schedule and adjust temperatures automatically, saving 10% to 15% on heating and cooling without any behavior change on your part. Whole-home energy monitors provide real-time visibility into your electricity consumption, helping you identify and eliminate wasteful habits. Smart power strips cut phantom loads from electronics that draw power even when turned off, saving $100 to $200 per year in most homes.