Utility Bills
Utility Bills | Thermostat Upgrades | Heating and Air Conditioning | Benton
Enjoy lower utility bills and a cozier Benton home with HEP’s Heating & Air Conditioning team. Our technicians replace outdated manual dials with sleek, Wi-Fi enabled controls that learn your schedule, balance indoor temperatures, and send energy reports straight to your phone. Imagine stepping through the door to perfect comfort while watching your monthly statements shrink—it’s a small change that makes a big difference.
From selecting the right model to professional installation, we handle every detail so you can start saving right away. Whether your goal is reducing energy waste, keeping rooms evenly heated and cooled, or adding voice-activated convenience, our thermostat upgrades deliver smarter comfort for every season in Benton. Call HEP today and see how simple it is to take control of your climate—and your budget.
FAQs
How can upgrading my thermostat help lower my utility bills in Benton?
A modern programmable or smart thermostat lets you schedule temperature setbacks and automatically adjust settings based on occupancy or outdoor weather. In Benton’s climate—hot, humid summers and mild winters—cooling and heating account for roughly half the average home’s energy use. The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that turning the temperature back 7°–10 °F for 8 hours a day can save up to 10 % annually. Smart models go further by learning your habits and optimizing runtimes, typically trimming 10 %–20 % off heating and cooling costs. Because electric rates from Benton Utilities or Entergy Arkansas average 11–12 ¢/kWh, those percentage savings can translate to $100–$250 per year for many households.
What types of thermostats do you install or recommend?
We offer three main categories: • Basic programmable thermostats – 5-2 or 7-day scheduling, affordable, easy to use. • Wi-Fi smart thermostats – app/voice control, learning algorithms, energy-use reports (e.g., Google Nest, Ecobee, Honeywell T-series). • Zoned or communicating thermostats – designed for multi-zone or variable-speed HVAC systems, maximizing comfort room-by-room. Our technicians evaluate your HVAC equipment, wiring, and connectivity needs before recommending the best model for your budget and goals.
Will a new smart thermostat work with my existing heating and air-conditioning system?
In most cases, yes. Nearly all central air conditioners, heat pumps, gas furnaces, and electric air handlers found in Benton homes use standard 24-volt (low-voltage) controls that are compatible with today’s programmable and smart thermostats. We verify: • System type (single-stage, multi-stage, or variable-speed) • Presence of a C-wire for continuous power • Number of zones and dampers, if any If your system lacks a C-wire, we can often add one or install a power-extender kit. For high-voltage baseboard heaters or ductless mini-splits, we have specialized thermostat solutions as well.
What kind of payback period should I expect after a thermostat upgrade?
Payback depends on your current energy use, thermostat habits, and the model you choose. Typical numbers in Benton: • Basic programmable: $75–$150 installed, 5 %–10 % energy savings → 1- to 2-year payback. • Wi-Fi smart: $250–$400 installed, 10 %–20 % savings → 1.5- to 3-year payback. • Zoned/communicating systems: $400–$800 installed (plus zoning dampers if added), 15 %–25 % savings → 2- to 4-year payback. After payback, all further energy-bill reductions go straight into your pocket.
Are rebates or incentives available for thermostat upgrades in Benton or Arkansas?
Yes. Entergy Arkansas and local Benton Utilities periodically offer $50–$75 bill credits or direct rebates for ENERGY STAR® certified smart thermostats. Federal tax credits under the Inflation Reduction Act can also cover 30 % of the cost (up to $600) when the thermostat is installed as part of a qualifying heat-pump or HVAC upgrade. We track current programs, file the paperwork for you, and provide the documentation you need for utility or tax filings.
How long does installation take, and what should I expect during the visit?
Most thermostat swaps take 45–90 minutes. Our licensed technician will: 1. Shut off power to your HVAC system. 2. Label and disconnect existing thermostat wires. 3. Verify or add a C-wire if needed. 4. Mount and level the new thermostat base. 5. Connect wiring, restore power, and configure system settings. 6. Connect the device to your home Wi-Fi and walk you through the mobile app. 7. Test heating and cooling cycles and show you how to program schedules. There is minimal disruption—no drywall work and only small screw holes at the old thermostat location. You can start enjoying lower utility bills the same day.