The Federal Trade Commission requires a yellow EnergyGuide label on most home appliances that shows an estimated yearly operating cost, along with expected electricity and/or gas usage. Use these labels to compare different models of the appliance you’re considering.
Buy lightbulbs by lumens, not watts!
With the arrival of new, more efficient lightbulbs on store shelves, it makes sense to start buying bulbs by lumens – how much light they give – instead of watts – how much energy they use. Check the Lighting Facts Labels on lightbulb packages before you buy.
In this month's issue:
Iowa’s electric cooperatives have been the victims of copper thieves at the cooperatives’ facilities or along the side of the road where poles are located.
The Iowa Association of Electric Cooperatives watches legislation that could impact the reliability, affordability, safety and environmental responsibility of the power provided to Iowa’s electric cooperative members.
The International Year of Cooperatives recognizes the vital role cooperatives play in the economic and social well-being of nations around the globe and encourages countries to foster cooperative development as a way to generate local wealth, employment and marketplace competition.
From past issues:
Before you buy, be sure to ask your electric cooperative about appliance rebate programs!
Trees may seem harmless on a calm, sunny day. But add a bit of wind or ice on a stormy night and those towering pillars may threaten your home's electric supply.
A GFCI monitors a circuit to detect current loss
caused by a ground fault – and shock –
that might occur if you touch an appliance
at the same time as a grounded
object such as a water faucet.
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Track down air leaks from inside your home!
There’s nothing more frustrating this time of year than feeling cold air leaks around windows, doors and other areas in your home – and knowing you can’t go outside and fix them until the weather warms up. But you can find and fix air leaks from inside with these two products.
Co-op Cooks
LEDs produce light in a whole new way
LED lightbulbs are more efficient, durable, versatile and longer lasting than incandescent and fluorescent lightbulbs. If they fit your budget – or you can see many years down the road to where they will pay for themselves through energy savings and longevity – give them a try. But start slowly and experiment with different manufacturers and models to determine the best ones for your needs.