Energy Costs
Energy Costs | Heating and Air Conditioning | Benton
Enjoying year-round comfort in Benton shouldn’t come with budget-busting utility bills. HEP’s specialists dive deep into your home’s heating and air conditioning setup, pinpointing inefficiencies and tailoring solutions that balance cozy winters, cool summers, and sensible energy costs. Whether it’s a precision tune-up, a smart thermostat upgrade, or a high-efficiency system replacement, we focus on moves that slash waste and amplify comfort.
Our transparent approach means you’ll see the numbers before we turn a wrench, and our flexible financing lets you start saving right away. Join Benton neighbors who have already trimmed up to 30% from their monthly bills while shrinking their carbon footprint—proof that with HEP, comfort and savings can live happily under the same roof.
FAQs
How much of my monthly utility bill in Benton typically goes toward heating and cooling?
In most Benton homes, heating and air-conditioning account for 45–55 % of the total utility bill. Because our summers are hot and humid, air-conditioning can dominate usage from May through September, while natural-gas or electric heat rises in late fall and winter. Tracking your bills seasonally will help you see which system is driving costs at any given time.
What temperature settings keep me comfortable without causing high energy costs?
The U.S. Department of Energy recommends a cooling set-point of 78 °F in summer and a heating set-point of 68 °F in winter when you are home and awake. Every degree you raise the thermostat in summer (or lower it in winter) can cut HVAC energy use by about 3 %. Using programmable or smart thermostats to let the home warm up 7–10 °F while you are away and cool down before you return can trim annual HVAC costs by up to 10 %.
Are high-efficiency heat pumps and air conditioners worth the upfront cost in Benton’s climate?
Yes. Benton is in Climate Zone 3, where cooling hours are high and winters are moderate. Upgrading from a 10 SEER AC to a 16 SEER unit—or to a 16 SEER, 9 HSPF heat pump—can cut cooling electricity use by 35–40 %. Many households recover the price premium in 4–7 years through lower bills, especially if your current unit is 12-plus years old. Federal tax credits (30 % up to $2,000 on qualifying heat pumps) and Entergy Arkansas rebates can shorten payback further.
How much can regular HVAC maintenance really lower my energy costs?
A clean, well-tuned system uses 10–20 % less energy than a neglected one. Key maintenance tasks include: (1) replacing or washing filters every 1–3 months, (2) cleaning the outdoor condenser coils each spring, (3) checking refrigerant charge, (4) lubricating blower motors, and (5) ensuring ducts are sealed and insulated. Many local contractors offer annual maintenance plans that cost $150–$200 and typically save more than that in avoided energy and repair costs.
What home improvements besides equipment upgrades can reduce heating and AC expenses?
• Seal air leaks around windows, doors, and plumbing penetrations with caulk or weather-stripping—can lower heating/cooling loads by 5–15 %. • Increase attic insulation to R-38 (about 12–14 inches of fiberglass or cellulose) as recommended for Benton’s zone; saves 10–20 %. • Install ENERGY STAR Low-E double-pane windows if yours are single-pane; combined heating and cooling savings average 12 %. • Add attic ventilation or radiant barriers to reduce summer attic temperatures, easing AC demand. • Use ceiling fans; they create a wind-chill effect that allows a 4-degree higher thermostat setting with no comfort loss.
Does Benton offer any local incentives or programs to help lower HVAC energy costs?
Yes. Entergy Arkansas provides rebates of $300–$700 for qualifying high-efficiency heat pumps and air conditioners, plus up to $0.20 per square foot for duct sealing and insulation upgrades. The City of Benton partners with the Arkansas Energy Office for periodic weatherization grants targeting income-qualified households. Additionally, the federal Inflation Reduction Act offers a 30 % tax credit (up to $1,200 annually) for insulation, air-sealing, and high-efficiency HVAC equipment, and special point-of-sale rebates are expected to roll out in late-2024 for heat pumps and electrical panel upgrades.