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Both before and during the spring planting season, keep safety top of mind. In the rush to the field, it’s tempting to take shortcuts and sadly, much too easy to forget an important task or practice risky behavior. Observe these safety tips for a safer, less stressful planting season. Check All Equipment This is a task that can be done well in advance and is one of the most important. According to ISU Extension and Outreach, nearly half of all Iowa farm deaths result from working around equipment. Before heading to the field, check all equipment parts including safety guards, lights, hazard signs and any other necessary components. If you are planning to use a new or unfamiliar piece of equipment, read the safety details in the operator manual. Before moving equipment, especially if you will be on the road, lock down all moving parts, including hydraulics. Be Aware of Your Surroundings Before you begin planting, refresh your memory on any hazards present in each field. Also be aware of all utility lines and have a spotter check as you move equipment to ensure it will not accidentally come into contact with the line. If it does make contact, don’t leave your cab. Call your electric cooperative for assistance. When you are on the road, be aware of traffic ahead and behind you, as well as any vehicles coming toward you on the opposite side of the road. Use Extra Care When Working with Chemicals Anhydrous and other farm chemicals are dangerous, and exposure to various chemicals can cause severe burns, nausea, headaches and possibly even cancer. To protect yourself, wear long pants, a long-sleeved shirt, gloves, a mask and a hat and protective glasses. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the chemicals you use. Take Care of Yourself The rush of getting the field work done when the soil and weather are favorable can lead to working long, hard hours. It’s important that you get enough rest so you remain clear-headed and can cope with any dangerous situations that may arise. In addition, take stretch breaks, use ergonomics when lifting or performing any repetitive movements and take time to hydrate and eat.

Last month’s article about heat pumps pointed out the value of air-source heat pumps as a clean-energy source, their efficiency, the ease of use for both heating and cooling your home and that cold-climate units are now appropriate for Iowa homes. This month’s focus is on saving money when you install a heat pump. Here’s how: Any time you install a new HVAC system, it’s important to tighten up your home first so your new system will reach maximum potential. That task may include replenishing insulation, caulking and/or conducting an energy audit to determine if additional steps are needed. These actions can jump-start your path to saving on your utility bills. Recognize that because of their high efficiency, your heat pump will be more cost-effective than other heating systems in the long run. The savings will accumulate year after year. Check with us to learn more about rebates. At the same time, we can also provide more details on the process and answer your questions. Review federal tax credits. Beginning in 2023, there are Inflation Reduction Act federal tax incentives available of 30% of the total cost and labor (up to $2,000), in addition to $1,200 in tax credits for other energy-saving renovations and appliances. These additional credits are available for air sealing; home energy audits; and upgrading your electrical supply, if necessary, for the efficiency projects. For more information: IRS Fact Sheet: https://www.irs.gov/pub/taxpros/fs-2022-40.pdf Energy Star: https://www.energystar.gov/about/federal_tax_credits/air_source_heat_pumps

Q: Can You Use LED Bulbs in Enclosed Fixtures? A: You can if the bulb is rated for enclosed spaces. What is an enclosed space? It's any space where there is little or no air movement. Examples of enclosed light fixtures include those that have an acorn or other shape of glass shroud around the bulb and any surface-mounted or recessed fixture with a lens cover, such as can lights or fluorescent tube lamps. What's the issue with LEDs and enclosed spaces? LEDs are cool to the touch (unlike traditional bulbs) but they do generate heat. In fact, the base of an LED gets very hot and this heat is conducted into the surrounding air. High temperatures diminish the light output of standard LED bulbs and can shorten their lifespan. LEDs rated for enclosed spaces are augmented to perform well in warm environments. Be sure to look carefully on the package to make sure you have the right bulb for your enclosed fixture. With the right bulb in place, you can enjoy the many benefits of LEDs: lower energy use, longer rated life and improved light quality.

Here comes the sun! Solar power is a popular way to go green, but there are a few things you should consider before making the decision to install photovoltaic (PV) panels on your property. Check out what you should do — and not do — before signing on the dotted line. Do: Gather your bills To correctly size a solar system for your home, you'll need to determine how much energy you use. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, an average American home uses about 870 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity each month, but your home's total usage may be higher or lower. Without this vital information, solar contractors won't be able to give you an accurate cost estimate. Examine your placement area Determine if your roof has adequate sun exposure during the day and is prepared to handle PV panels. South-facing roofs are best, but panels can be installed to capture the sun if your roof faces another direction. If your roof is in need of repair, it may be best to take on that project first, so you won't have to remove the panels to replace your roof in a few years. If you are planning a ground installation, make sure there are no trees, buildings or other structures that will shade the panels and reduce output. Consider going beyond PV Solar energy can do more than just generate electricity; solar-powered hot water systems can be a cost-effective way to generate hot water for your home. They're fossil fuel-free, cheaper, and can be used in any climate — unlike some other water heating systems. Ask your contractor if your roof can accommodate both solar PV panels and a water heating system. Don't: Ignore potential efficiency improvements Before sizing your solar system based on your home's energy needs, call our office to visit with one of our energy advisors to discuss energy-efficiency measures and strategies that might help you save money on your energy bills. Just choose the cheapest contractor The average national solar panel cost is just over $3 per watt, including installation and additional necessary equipment. For an average 6-kilowatt (kW) system, installation would cost about $18,000. Smaller contractors typically offer lower prices, but that doesn't mean they're the best option. Get multiple quotes from reputable contractors before making a decision. Don’t be swayed by exaggerated claims from contractors with smooth sales pitches. Call our office and we can offer guidance on choosing a trusted installer. Expect to go off-grid Though it's technically feasible to go off the grid by installing a solar-plus-storage system that saves unused energy in a battery for when you need it later, it's not often a cost-effective option. Research kilowatt-hour costs, credits, available rebates and our co-op’s policies regarding member-owned generation. Installing solar is a long-term investment, and it's important to make sure you know what's going into it and what you'll get in return. Our cooperative is your trusted energy partner and we want to help you make the best decision for your home or business.

What do I do if a downed power line touches my vehicle? If a power line touches your car as a result of an accident while you are inside, don't get out. If possible, drive the vehicle away from the power line. There is no way of knowing whether or not a downed power line has been de-energized, so it's best to remain inside your vehicle until the local energy company advises you that it is safe to exit the vehicle. Use your cell phone to call for help or sound your horn to signal to others that you are in danger. If someone approaches trying to help, warn them to stay clear of the area and ask them to call the local energy company and emergency personnel. Even reaching out while inside the car and touching a conductive pole or metal door outside the car could cause an electric shock. It is not only the tires that protect you, but also the metal surrounding you. This is due to the “skin effect” or "Faraday cage effect," which means that electricity will travel only on the surface of enclosed metal objects. So, while your vehicle may be electrified, you're safe as long as you stay inside. If the risk of a fire forces you out of your vehicle, remove all loose clothing and other items and, with both feet together, jump away from the vehicle making sure that no part of your body touches the vehicle and the ground at the same time. Land with both feet as close together as possible, then shuffle (your feet in contact with each other and the ground at all times) as far away from the vehicle as you can.

Because of new technologies and incentives, there has never been a better time to invest in a heat pump. According to Ross Welterlen, energy services engineering director for Corn Belt Power Cooperative, headquartered in Humboldt, Iowa: “Today’s air-source heat pumps are not your father’s heat pumps.” There are a variety of reasons why it’s time to take another look at air-source heat pumps (ASHPs). They are: Much more energy efficient than other types of HVAC equipment such as fossil fuels (gas, oil, propane) and resistance electric units. ASHPs offer 200-250 percent efficiency in winter vs. gas, oil or propane units, which are only 80-97 percent efficient. Powered by electricity, the cleaner energy source. Rather than creating energy, air-source heat pumps remove energy from the air, concentrate it and push the heat either into or out of your home to provide heating or cooling. Able to provide year-round heating and cooling in the same unit. You don’t need to purchase a separate furnace and air conditioner. Customizable with ductless or ducted units, allowing various configurations to heat and cool individual rooms, zones or your entire home. Healthy and safe, with no worries about carbon monoxide or other gases, and the units can filter and dehumidify air to improve your home’s air quality. High performers in the coldest weather. Advances in technology have taken the industry from a primarily above-freezing-only appliance to one that can perform well in nearly any cold climate. Energy Star now has a cold-climate standard, which was to be launched in January 2023. Heat Pump Options The types of heat pumps available may be confusing. Here are the types you will want to learn about: Geothermal heat pumps are often considered to be the “gold standard” for heating and cooling. There are two types: ground-source and water-source. While these systems are exceptionally efficient, they are also more expensive than other HVAC systems and require either a horizontal or a vertical loop system. For more information on geothermal systems, check out what Energy.gov has to say about choosing and installing a geo system. “Original” ASHPs, that is, a model not necessarily rated for cold climates, may require a backup heat source, such as a gas furnace or resistance electric heat. While the traditional heat pump will usually handle heating until the temperature dips to about freezing, an additional heat source is needed to keep your home comfortable after that point. A dual system can make sense if you have a heat source and want to add a heat pump for greater efficiency. These units require ducting. A cold-climate heat pump is now considered a viable option for homes in almost any climate, without requiring a backup HVAC system. When checking for heat pump options, you’ll want to differentiate between “cold climate” and those not rated for our cold winter weather. It’s vital that if you choose this option, you’ll need to be thorough in sealing your home, purchase the right unit for your home and hire a reputable contractor who is experienced in installing heat pumps. Also recognize that these units require ducting. Mini-split units. These small units do not require ductwork. They are used to heat a room or an area of the house rather than conducting heat throughout the living space. First Steps When Considering an Air Source Heat Pump Tighten up your home. No heating system can be effective at keeping your home comfortable during the heat or the cold if you have leaks and drafts. Contact your electric cooperative for details about rebates, energy-efficiency information and more. Additionally, this podcast with energy expert Bill McNally on IPR Talk of Iowa, offers suggestions and resources. From this link, scroll to the program broadcast on Feb. 7, 2023. If you are interested in an energy audit to help determine your needs, Green Iowa AmeriCorps based at the University of Northern Iowa, may be able to help you; while they provide audits in some portions of the state, they can provide energy savers kits statewide. Find details here. Explore options. Again, the energy advisor at your REC can provide valuable information about the various types of systems available, details about reputable sales/installation companies operating in your area and more. One question to ask contractors about is ductwork. Ross Welterlen notes that converting a ducted conventional furnace to a ducted heat pump system may require larger ductwork. That’s because the heating discharge temperature of a heat pump is lower than a conventional furnace, which may require more airflow. More Good Advice These consumer guides offer details that will answer many of your questions. Air-Source Heat Pump Buying Guide from Northeast Energy Efficiency Partnerships (NEEP) includes detailed consumer information on the types of heat pumps, how they work, how to select the right unit for your home, finding a contractor and other guidance. Getting the Most Out of Your Heat Pump, also from NEEP, is a brief guide to getting the greatest comfort and most savings from your investment. Next month: We’ll recap tax benefits of purchasing a heat pump.

What are the code requirements for home electric vehicle chargers? Understanding the installation requirements for an electric vehicle charger can be overwhelming. If you are considering an electric vehicle and wish to install a charger, the best way to begin is to call our cooperative. We offer rebates on installing electric vehicle chargers, and our energy experts will work with you to take the guesswork out of the process. The National Electrical Code has a number of requirements for electric vehicle chargers, found mainly under Article 625 Electric Vehicles Charging Systems: The equipment shall have sufficient rating (volts and amperage) to supply the load served. Each outlet installed for the purpose of charging electric vehicles shall be supplied by an individual branch circuit. Each circuit shall have no other outlets. Equipment connected to the premises wiring system using receptacles shall be rated for either single-phase 125-volt AC (60-volt DC) at 20 amps for portable or stationary chargers, or single-phase 125- or 250- volt DC or three-phase 250-volt AC, both up to 50 amperes for stationary chargers only. The receptacles shall be of the non-locking type. For cord-connected chargers with the personnel protection interrupting device located within 12 inches of the attachment plug, the length of the charger power supply cord (receptacle to charger) shall be between 6 and 15 feet. If the interrupting device is in the charger supply box, then the power supply cord shall not be more than 12 inches long. The electrical supply conductor (cable) to the receptacle in the garage shall be protected from physical damage where necessary by rigid metal conduit or other means. The nearest outside surface of the power supply cable or raceway cannot be less than 1 1/4 inches from the nearest edge of the framing member or furring strips (where nails or screws are likely to penetrate). The overall usable supply plus output cable length shall not exceed 25 feet unless equipped with a cable management system that is part of the listed electric vehicle supply equipment. Charging stations should be installed by a qualified electrician. Contact our office for more information on rebates and ways to ensure your charger operates efficiently. We can also help you work with your local building inspector about any local or state installation requirements.

"Save 50% on your energy bills!" "Stop paying your electric utility!" Save thousands on your heating and cooling costs!" Electric consumers across the US are being targeted through postcards or emails featuring one of these headlines, including cooperative member-consumers in Iowa. With new and increased incentives coming from the Inflation Reduction Act, NIPCO cooperatives anticipate that members will begin to receive even more sales pitches for the installation of renewable generation, battery technology, or products that claim to reduce energy consumption. Often, these third-party sales professionals produce polished promotional materials and talking points that include vague or misleading information. Members receive invitations to enticing free dinners at local restaurants or a "no obligation" meeting to learn how to "save big" on energy bills. Invitations even include a local phone number to call for more information. While these vendors appear to be locally operated, in many cases, they are not. After the sale, consumers often discover that the equipment was improperly installed, didn't produce the desired results or is simply not supported. NIPCO member cooperatives felt it was essential to develop an ad campaign that could proactively educate member-consumers on how to arm themselves with information to protect them from these salespeople and encourage them to turn to someone they can trust: their electric cooperative. The "Red Flag" campaign was developed to build member-consumers' trust in their local electric cooperative. The tagline, "Smart energy solutions start with smart energy decisions!" punctuates the idea that the member-cooperative relationship is a partnership to help members reach their energy goals. Member cooperatives have used the "Red Flag" campaign elements in radio ads, social media, newsletters, and bill stuffers. The campaign educates members on how to spot the "red flags" in too-good-to-be-true sales claims. NIPCO plans to expand the campaign in 2023 to stay ahead of vendors' evolving sales methods. The campaign was presented at the 2022 IAEC Fall Service Excellence Conference and drew interest outside the NIPCO system. In the spirit of the sixth Cooperative Principle, Cooperation Among Cooperatives, NIPCO has shared "Red Flags" with other cooperatives in Iowa and Missouri.

NIPCO's annual Joint Legislative Meeting has grown in participation over the past several years. It provides an exceptional opportunity to educate state and federal lawmakers on the cooperative industry and the issues vital to serving members in western Iowa. On December 12, cooperative staff members and directors from NIPCO, Iowa Lakes Electric Cooperative, North West REC, WIPCO, and Woodbury County REC met with national and state legislators to discuss issues and topics related to the rural electric cooperative industry. Legislators who were present included newly elected Iowa Senator Doug Alons (SD 7) and Representatives J.D. Scholten (HD 1) and Robert Henderson (HD2). Incumbent Iowa Representatives Tom Jeneary (HD 3) and Jacob Bossman (HD14) were also in attendance. Representative Bossman also serves as Regional Director for Senator Chuck Grassley. Other Iowa Federal lawmakers were represented by the participation of their Regional Directors, Kolby DeWitt for Senator Joni Ernst and Wesley Fopma on behalf of Congressman Randy Feenstra. The primary message to lawmakers from Iowa's electric cooperatives centered on preserving the integrity of the cooperative business structure, the value of local, community-based governance, and the protection of service territories to maintain efficient and cost-based service to our members. Annual legislative meetings have served as a valuable resource to deepen understanding and build lasting relationships with legislative partners.

In June of 2022, NIPCO Communications staff met with member distribution cooperative website administrators to contemplate the future of existing public-facing websites. Website administration is a communications resource NIPCO provides to its Class A members to assist in engagement with their consumer-members. Earlier in the year, NIPCO was notified that the current Content Management System (CMS) that supports the NIPCO and member websites is six years old and has reached end-of-life. Industry standards indicate that website life spans average three to five years, thanks to the continual evolution of digital technologies and innovations that improve CMS platform software and cloud-based systems. Relative to the advances in digital technology and how web-tracking services measure interactions with websites, current web-tracking services will become obsolete on July 1, 2023. Since 2012, Google has measured insights using a tracking service known as Universal Analytics (UA). UA has served as the go-to web statistics program for millions of websites across the globe for a decade. Insights gathered using UA have assisted with website development (including NIPCO and its member cooperatives) to understand better how users search for content, programs, and services on websites. Through these insights, site admins can measure, report, and refine the user experience, tailoring their content to serve them best. On July 1, 2023, UA will permanently transition to the new Google Analytics 4 (GA4), which is fundamentally a different platform from UA. Not only does it collect data differently, but the data collected in UA cannot be transferred to GA4. Because the existing CMS platform and the means to measure how websites are utilized will soon become obsolete, the need to move NIPCO and its member websites to a new platform became abundantly clear. After much discussion and a robust decision-making process, the NIPCO member site administrators opted to migrate websites to a new, cloud-based CMS platform hosted by Wix. Wix offers significant overall savings compared to any other platform considered in the process. Wix provides more functionality and capabilities, constant security updates, compliance with ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) guidelines, and real-time access to site insights. Further, the Wix CMS offers a clean and modern design with features that consumer-members have come to appreciate, including access to online bill pay, Iowa REC Outage Map, Peak Energy Demand Guage, and local news and Smart Choices articles. Rachel Rogers, NIPCO Communications Specialist, serves as the project lead for the website transition. "With advances in website hosting, CMS, and cloud-based technology," says Rogers, "NIPCO and its members have an opportunity to transition to a more efficient and cost-effective solution for its website services. It will allow members to get more value while cutting significant costs, ultimately benefiting the member-consumer at the end of the line." Rogers built a site framework from which members can develop customized content. Throughout the fall of 2022, NIPCO provided members with several learning opportunities and hands-on site-building workshops. Further, Rogers has worked with members to assist them with questions as they develop their new websites, scheduled to launch in the first quarter of 2023. As co-ops transition, users can expect a new look and easy-to-navigate experience with few changes and improvements to site content. With websites often providing "curb appeal" for their organizations, NIPCO and its member cooperatives are excited to launch the next generation of digital services to its members.

With the December retirements of three long-time NIPCO employees, several job changes, promotions, and new faces to NIPCO have been ushered in with the turn of the calendar year. Tom Berkenpas, NIPCO Transmission Superintendent Tom Berkenpas began his career with NIPCO in 2006. After spending fifteen years as a Journeyman Lineman for Northwest REC, Tom was hired to join NIPCO as the Crew Foreman for the Le Mars crew. Tom replaces Steve Harringa, who retired as Transmission Superintendent in December. Jeff Koons, NIPCO SCADA Technician Jeff joined the NIPCO team as a Control & Relay Technician in 2019, coming to NIPCO from Wells Enterprises, Inc. Jeff was named to the position of SCADA Technician upon the December retirement of Senior SCADA Technician Scott Timperley. BJ Hetzel, NIPCO North Crew Foreman BJ Hetzel was named to NIPCO's Crew Foreman position upon the promotion of Tom Berkenpas to Transmission Superintendent. BJ began his career with NIPCO in 2012 when he was hired as a Journeyman Lineman. BJ will play a pivotal role in leading the next generation of linemen at NIPCO. The positions vacated by the above-named NIPCO employees have been filled by three highly-qualified individuals who have since joined the NIPCO family. Grant Oliver, NIPCO South Crew Foreman. Grant comes to us with fifteen years of experience as a lineman at Nishnabotna REC, twelve of which he spent as a foreman. Grant's first day with NIPCO was December 6. Grant assumed the role of Outpost Crew Foreman, which was vacated by Gerry Freml, who retired in December. Kevin Hubbard, NIPCO Substation Technician Grant comes to us from Basin Electric as a Lead Substation Electrician. He also has prior work experience with East River Electric Cooperative as a Substation Utility Technician. Kevin's wife is originally from Sioux Center, Iowa, so they are happy to be making the journey homeward. Brandon Brotherton, Journeyman Lineman NIPCO's newest employee, Brandon Brotherton, begins his career with NIPCO on February 1 (today!). Brandon comes to NIPCO from WIPCO where he served as a Journeyman Lineman. Brandon completed his apprenticeship this past year and will serve as a Journeyman Lineman for NIPCO on the Le Mars Utility crew. NIPCO celebrates the legacy of those employees who have retired from dedicated service to our members and looks forward to a future rooted in the tradition of NIPCO's Members First Promise.

December's Winter Storm Elliott tested the limits of power grids across the US. It produced double-digit sub-zero temperatures, high winds, and precipitation producing blizzard warnings and power outages impacting millions of people. Western Iowa felt the impact of Winter Storm Elliott as these conditions hung over the region for several days, including those leading up to the Christmas holiday. With families gathering to celebrate, water heating, appliances used for holiday baking, and keeping up with laundry, coupled with record levels of home heating, pushed electric consumption in the NIPCO service territory to all-time highs. While NIPCO's regional transmission organization, SPP, initiated energy alert advisories and low-level warnings, SPP was able to meet the power demands and maintain the reliability of power throughout the NIPCO system. NIPCO set a new all-time record peak of 269.36 MW (megawatts) at 5:30 pm on December 22, 2022. This value represents a 12.97 MW (5%) increase from the previous peak, recorded on February 16, 2021, of 256.39 MW during Winter Storm Uri. Meeting the power demands of members in western Iowa during Elliott's wrath is a testament to the resiliency of NIPCO's upgraded infrastructure, the reliability of a diverse power supply, and the capacity of available generation resources in the SPP footprint. As the winter months continue, predictions are for colder-than-average temperatures to impact NIPCO's territory. Rest assured, reliability is paramount to NIPCO, and we work hard to provide our members with safe, reliable, and affordable electricity.

In November, NIPCO recognized eight employees who celebrated milestone service anniversaries within the NIPCO organization in 2022. Employee anniversaries include: Kyan Ludwig, IT Administrator (5 years) Bryan Myers, Control Operator (5 years) Steve Spieler, Chief Information Officer (5 years) BJ Hetzel, Journeyman Lineman/NIPCO North Crew Foreman (10 years) Mark Scheitler, Senior Telecommunications Technician (15 years) Mark Nelson, Power Dispatching Manager (20 years) Jim Marco, General Projects Coordinator (20 years) Scott Timperley, Senior SCADA Technician, ret. (35 years and retired in December 2022) NIPCO employees are passionate about their commitment to NIPCO's "Members FIRST" promise and contribute in many ways to NIPCO's mission to provide wholesale energy supply, communications, and related services for the benefit of the member cooperatives and the communities of western Iowa in a safe, reliable, competitive, and environmentally responsible manner. Congratulations, and thanks to all!

The directors of Basin Electric Power Cooperative and its subsidiaries elected board officers at their reorganization meetings held on January 9, 2023. Officers are nominated and elected for one-year terms by the directors. NIPCO acting board Treasurer Tom Wagner, representing North West Rural Electric Cooperative, was elected to the position of chairman for Dakota Gasification Company, a Basin Electric Power Cooperative subsidiary. Wagner has served on the NIPCO Board of Directors since 2013 and has represented NIPCO on the Basin Electric Board of Directors since 2017.

February is a time for us to pause and reflect upon the relationships that we hold dear. Being a member of an electric cooperative means that your relationship with us goes well beyond providing you with the energy you need to power your lives every day. The cooperative business model is the best one on earth. Our core business purpose is to serve as your electricity provider, but the larger mission of the co-op is to help make our corner of the world a better place. Our poles have roots and those roots run deep. We take pride in serving our member-owners because we are your neighbors, and we care very much about providing the highest level of friendly, reliable, and dependable service you expect and deserve. Here are six reasons to love being a member of your electric cooperative. Our mission. Electric co-ops were established to provide at-cost electric service. Providing safe, reliable, and affordable power has remained our mission since day one. You are a member, not a customer. Cooperatives are unique businesses because they are owned by you, the member. This means you have a voice in the way we run the co-op. Members elect the co-op’s board of directors and can run for a seat on the board if they wish to do so. Your vote and participation help shape the direction of the cooperative. We are not-for-profit. Unlike investor-owned utilities, which are operated to make the most profits for stakeholders, electric co-ops do not earn profits. Instead, any margins or revenue remaining (after all expenses have been paid) are returned to members in the form of capital credits. Capital credit returns are based on each member’s years of participation in the co-op. We are local, community-focused businesses. Because we are owned by the members we serve, electric cooperatives have a strong commitment to our local communities. In addition to providing safe, reliable, and affordable power, electric co-ops are involved in local community development programs and projects, such as Habitat for Humanity, Relay for Life, Youth Tour (and other youth engagement programs), etc. We are guided by a set of principles. All co-ops operate according to the same set of Seven Cooperative Principles: voluntary and open membership; democratic member control; members’ economic participation; autonomy and independence; education, training and information; cooperation among cooperatives; and concern for community. These principles guide every decision made by the co-op. We are committed to innovation. Because we answer to local members rather than far-away shareholders, electric cooperatives are more nimble and able to respond quickly to changing member needs. We are committed to experimenting and innovating in ways that benefit the local communities and members we serve. From all of us to all of our members, have a happy Valentine’s Day!

Standard showerheads use 2.5 gallons per minute (gpm), while low-flow fixtures use only 2.0 gpm or less. Showering accounts for 20% of residential indoor water use, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). That's about 40 gallons per day or 1.2 trillion gallons used each year in the U.S. just for showering. The EPA estimates that the average family could save 2,900 gallons per year by installing WaterSense labeled showerheads. Since these water savings will reduce demand on water heaters, they will also save energy. In fact, the average family could save more than 370 kilowatt hours of electricity annually, enough to power a house for 13 days.

Your electric power is generally reliable, but outages do happen. Extended outages can be inconvenient or uncomfortable, depending on the weather. For many homeowners, including those with security or medical issues, reliable backup power is more than just a luxury. These concerns, combined with a growing dependence on electronic gadgets, has increased interest in backup generators. However, proper generator selection and operation is critical for the safety of your home and family. Selecting a generator There are two basic types of generators available: portable and standby. Portable generators are fueled by gasoline, diesel or propane. Portable units are easy to use and mobile. However, they provide limited power and must be refueled periodically. Standby units are mounted on a concrete pad outside the home, like an air conditioning unit. The generator is connected to the home by an automatic transfer switch (ATS). Standby units are typically fueled by natural gas. They turn on automatically and don't require refilling. Standby units, however, are typically more expensive. Which type of generator is right for you? The answer depends on your budget, fuel cost and availability, and your backup power needs. Follow these tips to ensure safe operation no matter which type you choose. Standby generator safety Make sure the unit is installed by a qualified contractor according to the National Electric Code and local building code standards. Don't attempt to permanently connect your generator to the electrical system in your home or any building. The electricity generated will backfeed to outdoor power lines, where it can kill or injure service personnel attempting to restore power. The ATS prevents this from happening. Portable generator safety Before starting your generator, carefully read and follow the manufacturer's instructions. Generator fuel exhaust can be dangerous. Always locate your generator outside and away from windows; never run a generator inside a garage or an enclosed space. Handle fuel carefully. Turn the generator off before refueling and store fuel in a safe location. Make sure the total electrical load on your generator doesn't exceed the generator's rating. Never attempt to plug portable generators directly into an outlet or your circuit panel. Use only outdoor-rated, grounded extension cords sized to handle the current draw. Keep cords out of the way so they don't present a tripping hazard. Never run cords underneath rugs or carpet. For more information, see the Safe Generator Use guide from the American Red Cross.

Harvesting crops is dangerous work. In Iowa, according to the Iowa Department of Public Health, about half of the 500 farm injuries that occur yearly take place during August through November, our prime harvest months. An ISU Extension publication (Harvest safety yields big dividends) states that almost half of farm injuries occur in August, September, October and November. According to the National Ag Safety Database, injuries are often caused by one of these five contributing factors: stress, negligence, recklessness, fatigue or overexertion. Especially during the pressures of the harvest season, it’s entirely possible for those working to experience one or more of these problems. Take care It’s tempting to forget personal needs during the harvest rush. But mistakes can slow or end work … and cause injuries. It’s vitally important to stay alert and on top of the job at hand. Be sure to: Get adequate sleep so you stay alert while working with dangerous equipment. Remember that your life—and the lives of those who work with you—depend on it. Take regular breaks for eating, drinking, clearing your mind and stretching your legs. Avoid alcohol and drug use. Use extra caution around children. Those ages 19 and younger are more susceptible to getting worn out. Prepare for action Performing routine maintenance before heading to the fields can prevent mishaps. Be sure that all family members and farm workers know the basics of harvest safety, including the location of shut-off switches, power lines, first aid kits and emergency numbers. Someone should also be assigned to check on fields, equipment and—most importantly—the field workers, to be sure that all is well during the grueling harvest hours. On your preharvest checklist, be sure that these tasks are completed to aid in keeping everyone safe: Mow around storage bins and other high-traffic areas. Add gravel to the driveway. Inspect foundations and seals of bins. Control late-season weeds to reduce machine plugs. Check the operator’s manuals for preharvest machine maintenance information and a refresher for all operators on how to safely and effectively use equipment. Ensure tractors have a rollover protective structure (ROPS) and seat belts. Place a reflective slow-moving vehicle (SMV) sign on the back of equipment driven on the road. Start your engines There’s no way around it: farm machinery poses a serious danger. Tractor deaths account for more Iowa farm fatalities than any other source. During harvest season, farmers have a greater risk of injury because they use a variety of machines, some of which may only be used once a year and are not as familiar. Some basic precautions can help avoid accidents: Don’t wear any loose items like strings, shoelaces and jewelry. Be aware of any difficult areas in the field and pay close attention to your equipment and techniques in those areas. Avoid leaning over or resting on moving parts like power take-offs, belts or pulleys. Stand around moving parts as little as possible to reduce your chance of slipping into a dangerous area. Do not remove protective shields and guards from any equipment; they are there to protect you. Human reaction time is usually slower than a machine's movement. Cut the power and stop the engine before you attempt to clear a plug. Regularly clean the steps and platforms of machinery to prevent falls. Respond to emergencies When an accident or injury occurs, every second counts. First aid and CPR training for everyone on the farm can be a lifesaver, as can having a cell phone available to call for medical and emergency assistance. It’s also important to be able to assess dangers such as whether a fire will lead to an explosion and knowing when it’s best to get away quickly. With preparation and care, farmers can ensure the harvest produces thankfulness for continued health and prosperity. ISU Extension offers free safety brochure downloads on a variety of farm safety issues Reduce farm injury risks on roads Harvest safety yields big dividends Evaluate equipment for dangers And more … Find a variety of other Safe Farm brochures under the Related Products section at the ISU Extension store

A few years ago, we heard a lot about copper being stripped out of vacant buildings and homes just being built. Power lines and electric cooperative substations in rural areas were hot targets, too. That’s back when the price of copper was high, as much as $4.50 to $4.75 per pound. While the price has dropped to the $2.70 to $2.80 range, copper thefts are still occurring. We just don’t hear as much about the thefts. Why is copper important? Copper corrodes slowly, is malleable, ductile, and a good conductor of electricity and heat. Because of its features, it is used in: Electrical wiring and motors Roofing, gutters and rainspouts Plumbing Fiber optics, cell towers, emergency sirens, irrigation systems, airport control towers and rail lines It’s important to electric cooperatives because copper is used to ground equipment, protecting it from electrical surges and lightning. Copper wire is used in substations and in neighborhood transformers, to step down high-voltage electricity before it goes through power lines to your home or business. What happens when thieves steal copper? Of course, that depends on where the thief is operating. If the thief is attempting to access power lines or high voltage electrical equipment, that person is in great danger of electrocution. The theft of a small amount of copper can cause extensive damage to equipment, costing utilities or building owners thousands or millions of dollars in repairs and replacement. Pulling copper from an electrical system can also cause widespread power outages to households and businesses. Missing ground wires can energize components that normally are safe; anyone who comes in contact with those dangerous components may be injured or killed. What your cooperative does to prevent theft Install fences, warning signs, and powerful lighting at substations and other electric facilities. Install security cameras or sensors to, both, deter thieves and to record or notify authorities of any illegal actions taking place. Some cooperatives stamp copper wire with an ID number so that, if stolen and the thief tries to sell it at a recycling center, the site will recognize where it came from. Work with local law enforcement for extra patrols near potential theft sites. What you can do If you notice anyone hanging around an electric substation or electric facilities (other than your cooperative personnel) call the police. If you see an open gate, open equipment or hanging wire at a substation or around other electric facilities, contact your cooperative immediately. Store wire cutters and other tools in a secure location, install a surveillance camera to deter thieves and have a neighbor watch your home when you are away. Here is an innovative hack: Spray paint your copper pipes black to make them appear to be regular plastic tubing, rather than valuable copper.

Gerry Freml, NIPCO Outpost Crew Foreman, has set his retirement date as December 27th, following a 41-year career with NIPCO. Initially hired as a temporary employee to replace a NIPCO lineworker who was injured by electrical contact and out on long-term disability, Gerry knew that his role would be provisional. But he also knew that NIPCO was an organization that backed their employees, and that was the kind of organization for whom he wanted to work. He hoped that, in time, there would be a role for him at NIPCO. Eventually, there was, and Gerry secured his career. Little did Freml know that the very reason he came to work for NIPCO would be the same one that would benefit him some thirty-four years later: an accident while on the job that kept him out of work for eight months. Freml remembers the call from NIPCO's then-Vice President and General Manager Kent Pauling (ret. 2015), who encouraged him to take the necessary time for recovery. Pauling reassured him that his job was secure. Freml remembers Pauling saying, "Do not worry. You will still be a Foreman." Says Freml, "That will always be an important moment for me." Freml is the youngest of six brothers, who have been celebrated as all of them pursued careers as linemen. Gerry's path started in farming in high school but always had an interest in being a lineman. After chatting with his Dad, Gerry was persuaded to follow in his brothers' footsteps. When asked about his first day, Freml chuckles, "We met up with the Onawa crew and had coffee to get to know one another. Then we went to Griswold with a dump truck and a chipper and cut and chipped trees!" Freml is proud to have played a role in "…Bringing the NIPCO system to life! Back in the early '80s, we were assisting with installing antennas and equipment at substations required for load management," Freml says. "Before then, they were just metal structures sitting in the dark. Linemen were usually the last to know if a substation was out!" As substations were connected via telecommunications infrastructure to NIPCO's Control Center, they began to share information about their operational status. Line crews could be alerted in real-time and respond immediately. Freml refers to this as "the Birth of Load Management." He is immensely proud to have been a part of its foundation. "We were small enough to afford to do it and family enough that we all had a hand in getting it done." Freml, a man who realizes the importance of family, will retire two days after Christmas and will enjoy being able to spend extra time with his family, who will be gathered for the holidays. When asked what he will do on his first day of retirement, his answer is eerily similar to that of his first day: "Go have coffee!" In retirement, Gerry looks forward to spending time with his wife, Diane, and their three children: two girls, a boy, their spouses, and five grandchildren. He plans to head west to hunt, trail-ride in his side-by-side, and even help his son-in-law with his farming operation. Gerry and Diane will be able to spend more time together cultivating their garden and canning and preserving its bounty. Gerry offers one piece of advice as he prepares to leave NIPCO: "Come to work with a clear head. You need a clear head to work in this business. Leave your troubles at home."

Are you looking to save energy and live more sustainably? The New Year is the perfect time to start fresh. With these resolutions, you can make some simple changes to your lifestyle that will have a positive impact on your energy bill and the environment. Use less energy. Start simple: turn off lights and electronics when you're not using them. Next, adjust the thermostat when you're not at home to save energy. A Wi-Fi programmable thermostat is a low-cost upgrade that can optimize savings and add convenience. Light maintenance helps as well, like changing your furnace filter regularly to improve heating and cooling system efficiency. Make your home more energy efficient. Start with lighting. Upgrade to LEDs, which use up to 80% less energy and last far longer than conventional incandescent bulbs. Check for air leaks in exterior doors and windows and seal with weatherstripping or caulk. Contact a qualified professional to conduct an energy audit of your home. You'll receive a customized set of recommendations that will optimize efficiency and comfort. Buy green. Think about what you’re purchasing. Do you really need it? If you do buy, select products and packaging made from recycled and recyclable materials. Reuse and recycle. Don’t just throw things away; find ways to reuse them. Examples include boxes for storage and old clothing as rags. Separate waste — such as cans, bottles and plastic — and recycle them. Eat local and organic. Organic foods are produced using sustainable practices and local foods reduce transportation and storage. Look for organic food at the grocery store and visit your local farmer's market. Use water wisely. Clean water isn't an infinite resource. Use less by taking shorter showers and only running your dishwasher and clothes washer when you have a full load. Install low-flow showerheads and faucet aerators. New Year's resolutions are notoriously difficult to keep but stick with it. The lower energy bills, combined with the knowledge your actions are making a difference, should be enough to keep you going all year long.

You get a call or a visit from someone claiming to be from your energy company. They explain that your bill is past due and threaten to shut off your service if you don't make a payment. However, you know your monthly bill was paid. Do you need to worry? The answer is yes, but not for the reason you might think. Energy bill scams are becoming increasingly common. Scammers will use aggressive tactics, such as insisting your account is delinquent and threatening to shut off service immediately. As a customer, it can be difficult to ignore these convincing phone calls, emails and even home visits. To protect yourself from scams, be on the lookout for these red flags: Demand for payment in unconventional ways, such as cash, bank transfer or a check in their name Requests for personal information such as your social security number and bank account numbers The scammer has no proof of employment with your energy company and isn't wearing branded clothing or materials In some cases, scammers will use seasonal bill spikes as an opportunity to swindle energy customers. For example, they might show up at your door with a fake promotion to help you save money. This type of fraud is most common in the summer and winter months when increased energy demand leads to higher bills, and customers may be more receptive to savings opportunities. Follow these steps if you encounter an energy bill scam: If a suspected scammer shows up at your home, lock the doors. Report the suspicious activity to your local law enforcement. Contact your energy company and explain the situation. Spread the word to family, friends and neighbors so that they don't become victims of the scam. Report the scam at StopFraud.gov, a U.S. Department of Justice website. Keep in mind that if your bill is in fact unpaid, your energy company will not immediately disconnect service. First, you'll receive a bill highlighting the overdue amount. If this payment is still not received, the next step is a disconnection notice. A rural electric cooperative will give you ample time to make payments and will never use threatening tactics. With this knowledge, you can empower yourself against scammers.

In high wind situations, there’s the potential for power outages due to branches, limbs and trees coming into contact with power lines. Our region has been notified of a high wind warning, forecasting wind gusts as high as 60 to 70 miles per hour for most of Iowa. We are monitoring the conditions and staying in close contact with our power providers. Follow these safety tips to keep you and your family safe: If at all possible, stay at home and off the roadways to allow emergency personnel and utility crews to tend to the injured and damaged areas. Make an effort to have alternative sources of light and heat available to you – whether it be candles, generators, or just warm clothing and flashlights with fresh batteries. Listen to your weather radio or stay tuned in via social media or wherever you get your breaking weather information. Make sure your cell phone is fully charged. Tune in to a local station or check the weather app on your phone for up-to-date information and instructions. Weather conditions can change without warning and can move fast. Our cooperative will communicate outage and restoration information via our social media platforms and website so if you aren’t connected with us, make sure to do so as this is the fastest way to get information to you, in real-time. You can also check statewide outage information on the Iowa Association of Electric Cooperatives outage map. Again, make sure your cell phones, laptops, and other smart devices are charged up to access this information. Stay away from all damaged or downed power lines, and any object that may be in contact with them, as the lines may be live. Assume that all downed power lines are energized. Instruct others to stay away, too. Call 911 to inform your local utility of damaged lines, or downed trees that may be in contact with power lines. This is true of lines at your home, in your neighborhood, or when you are driving. If you come in contact with a downed power line while driving, stay in your vehicle and wait for a utility to make sure the line is de-energized before exiting the vehicle. Before entering storm-damaged buildings, make sure the electricity is turned off. Again, contact your local utility if you need instructions on how to safely disconnect utility lines. If you detect the smell of gas or suspect a leak, leave the house immediately. Call 911 and your utility to alert them of the issue. Do not light an open flame or flip any switches in the house. Exercise patience during a power outage. In almost all cases, crews will not be sent out to perform restoration procedures UNTIL IT IS SAFE TO DO SO. And, If you come upon utility crews working on the side of the road restoring power, please move over and slow down so they have room to work safely! (It’s the law!) Do not turn off power if you have to stand in water to do so. Call your utility and have them turn off your electricity at the meter. Never drive through a flooded roadway. There is no way of knowing how deep the water is. A good rule to follow is to turn around, don’t drown. Never enter a flooded basement if electrical outlets, cords, or appliances are underwater. The water could be energized by electricity. When cleaning up storm damage outdoors, do not use electrical tools if the ground is wet. Also, do not use electrical equipment that has been damaged by water. Have your water-damaged items inspected and approved by a professional before using them.

When Ice storms coat power lines, high winds can lead to lines that bounce and buck around. While rare, this movement is known as "galloping lines". Power lines are designed to sway, but if a wire is weighted down with ice and is pushed around from wind it could move close to a grounded component or an energized conductor and a short will occur. Galloping lines are a dangerous situation as power lines can touch one another or break and fall to the ground while energized. Another safety concern is the ice, itself. Ice can form around power lines in a teardrop shape. This shape acts like a wing, causing the line to gain lift and rise with winds. With high winds, the ice could break off, causing unsafe conditions on the ground. The power lines that NIPCO (Northwest Iowa Power Cooperative) uses to transmit power on its 69KV (kilovolt) high-voltage power lines throughout western Iowa are designed to withstand up to 1.5 inches of ice and 50 MPH (miles per hour) winds. Our cooperative, who receives power and transmission services from NIPCO, works to ensure that our system remains reliable and safe in the face of whatever Mother Nature throws our way. If you see power lines moving around forcefully, stay away and call the police or your local electric cooperative. If you experience a power outage, contact our office and wait for our crews to restore power. In the meantime, check out 22 Ways to Unplug if the Power Goes Out and if you use a space heater, check out this helpful article, too.

Poor indoor air quality can lead to health issues such as asthma, allergies and other respiratory health problems. While we often think of indoor air as protecting us from polluted outdoor air, the opposite may be true; according to the Environmental Protection Agency, indoor air quality pollution can be two to five times higher than outdoor air. That’s because many homes have poor ventilation and circulation of air. The trapped indoor pollution comes from a wide range of sources including smoking or vaping, pet dander and hair, chemicals stored in the home, mold or water problems, gas appliances and wood-burning heaters. The list could go on. What a room purifier can do A room air purifier helps clear the air, capturing harmful particles and droplets (including viruses from people coughing, talking or breathing) in a HEPA filter. The HEPA filter can capture at least 99.97 percent of dust, pollen, mold, bacteria and other airborne particles according to a report in Real Simple magazine. What to check before buying Labels. Look for an Energy Star logo since purifiers should run 24/7 to be effective, and you won’t want to waste energy on a less-efficient model. An AHAM Verified seal lets you know that the clean air delivery rates (CADRs) and room size guidelines listed on the label are accurate. Your room size. Make sure you purchase one that is large enough to perform correctly in the room where you place it. That the high-efficiency particulate air filter is a HEPA, not a “HEPA-like” or “HEPA-type” filter as those are not the same thing. The minimum efficiency reporting value (MERV) on the HEPA filter. The higher the MERV number, the more effective the filter. That there is a carbon filter along with the HEPA filter. Having an activated carbon filter will help clean up VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) and odors. Cost of replacement filters, as these must be replaced at least several times a year (it depends on the brand).

While the joys of homeownership are numerous, there are also a lot of maintenance tasks necessary to ensure your home, appliances and systems are working properly. Keeping up with those tasks is necessary to ensure your home is safe for you and your family, to keep the systems running as efficiently as possible and to prevent small problems developing into large (and more expensive to fix) issues. While an entire list is lengthy and also dependent on your home and lifestyle, here are a few common tasks you may not be on top of. See a more complete list of seasonal maintenance tasks here. Inspect fire extinguishers at the same time you check your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors to be sure they are working. After all, if you do have a small home fire, you want to be sure your extinguisher will work. Follow these steps for checking your extinguishers. Clean bathroom exhaust fans twice a year. Moisture accumulating on the surface of the cover can turn into mold and the fan can’t properly expel moisture and odors if the cover is dirty. A thorough cleaning with soapy water can keep the fans operating properly. Clean your kitchen fan (range hood or a fan included in an over-the-stove microwave). Kitchen vent hoods are similar to bathroom fans, but with grease and food particles accumulating in the hood/filter, instead. This is an important cleaning job as accumulated grease can cause a fire. Clean monthly if you cook a lot. Find more details on how to clean a range hood here. Clean your dryer vent at least twice a year. While you probably empty the lint filter after every load or two, you need to go beyond that to prevent drier fires. Lint also builds up through the entire duct system so your ductwork must be thoroughly cleaned out. And don’t forget to clean the discharge area where the ductwork vents outdoors. Even if blocked ductwork doesn’t start a fire, it can slow down the drying process and use more energy than needed. Test your sump pump and check the backup battery system (if you have one). Checks should be made monthly or quarterly, especially before times (such as spring rains and floods) when basement flooding is a hazard. Here is a detailed description of the steps in maintaining sump pumps. Clean refrigerator coils. Out of sight, out of mind is a common reason many of us fail to perform routine maintenance. That is especially true of cleaning refrigerator coils. Coils are often at the back of the refrigerator (meaning you must move your fridge out from the wall to access them) and may be covered with a panel that must be removed. Keeping the coils clean, a task that may take only 15 minutes a couple times a year, can save energy and extend the life of the appliance. Here is a how-to. Clean window weep holes. To keep outside water from entering your home through your windows, one or several “weep holes” are located in the window frame between the window glass and the outdoors. Those holes allow water to drain. If the holes get plugged with dirt and debris, water can back up and flow inside. Check this system twice a year. See a video showing how to clear the holes, keeping in mind that different window systems may recommend slightly different ways to unplug the holes. Keep drains flowing and avoid leaky pipes and faucets. Frequently—and systematically—check for leaks under sinks; if you find moisture or a musty smell, do further checking to determine where the moisture is coming from. At the same time, test sinks and showers for speed and drainage. If the drainage is slow, you probably need to clear that drain. Also turn on each faucet to be sure no handles or valves are leaking. If any of these areas show problems, get the drain, pipe or faucet fixed ASAP to prevent bigger problems from developing. Remove calcium deposits from shower heads. If the water pressure on your showerhead has decreased, it may be because of calcium-deposit blockage. removing calcium buildup using vinegar may be the answer to greater comfort and efficiency. Here’s how. P.S. You can use vinegar to keep your dishwasher and clothes washer deodorized, mildew- and rust-free, too. Clean and sanitize your in-refrigerator water dispenser and ice maker. Occasionally—and definitely if you notice an off-taste, a weird smell or cloudy ice cubes—take time to ensure your water and ice are safe to use. Follow the details in your fridge’s use and care manual (look online if you can’t find your hard copy). Generally, you need to replace water purifier cartridges periodically for clean water, and for ice makers, dump old ice, wipe down all in-freezer components and thoroughly wash out the ice bin. Next month: Details on another important maintenance task: Maintaining your water heater.

Most of the time, when we think of the word envelope, we think of the outer covering that our mail comes in. Or, to irritate our kids or coworker, we might push the envelope. However, your home’s envelope consists of its outer walls, windows, doors and other openings. A well-sealed envelope, coupled with the right amount of insulation, can reduce your energy use — and, in turn, your utility bills. According to EnergyStar.gov, a whopping 9 out of 10 homes in the U.S. are under-insulated. Homeowners can save an average of 15% on heating and cooling costs (or an average of 11% on total energy costs) by air sealing their homes and adding insulation in attics, floors, over crawl spaces and basements. To determine if your home’s envelope is in good shape, conduct a home audit to pinpoint the leaks that allow energy to escape your home — air-conditioned air in the summer and heated air in the winter. A qualified energy auditor will include an insulation check as part of a whole-house energy assessment and will identify areas of your home that need air sealing or insulation repairs. As your electric cooperative, we offer members energy audits to assist you in determining where your home may need additional “envelope TLC.” And as a bonus, don’t forget to check our rebate program when you determine what steps you need to take to tighten up your home’s envelope. DIY home energy audit If you prefer to complete your own energy audit rather than calling on a professional, you’ll need to know: The type of insulation in your home. The R-value (rate of thermal resistance) of your insulation. Typically, the higher the R-value, the more effective it is at insulating. Depending on where you live, you do not necessarily need the highest value; it depends on your local climate. The thickness or depth (inches) of the insulation you have. In a newer home, the builder can help identify the type of insulation used and where it is located. In an older home, you will need to perform the inspection yourself. Energy.gov offers detailed advice on where to insulate, insulation in new homes, adding insulation to existing homes, types of insulation and materials, moisture control and air sealing. Find details here. One note: You may read about radiant barriers as a way to save energy. Our experts caution that radiant barriers do not provide any real energy savings in Iowa, as our climate is a “heating dominant” region. Safe Electricity offers a quick overview on how to complete a DIY energy assessment by checking: In the attic A general rule of thumb when inspecting the attic insulation is that if the insulation is level with or below the attic floor joists, you probably need to add more insulation. If you cannot see any of the floor joists because the insulation is well above them, you probably have enough, and adding more insulation may not be cost-effective. Insulation should be evenly distributed with no low spots; be sure to check throughout the attic to determine if there are any thin spots. Make sure the insulation in your attic has the appropriate R-value for where you live. Check the value printed on your existing insulation. If you cannot find the value, measure the depth of the insulation in inches. Multiply the depth by the following insulation type: 3.2 for fiberglass batting, for the loose fibers category, multiply by 2.5 for loose fiberglass, 2.8 for rock wool and 3.7 for cellulose. Then check EnergyStar.gov’s recommended R-values. If your calculated value is less than the recommended levels for your region, then you should consider adding more insulation to your attic. Behind the walls Turn off the power to the outlet before beginning this check. Then use a voltmeter or voltage tester to confirm that there is no power at the socket before beginning work. Remove the outlet cover and shine a flashlight into the crack around the outlet box. You should be able to see if there is insulation in the wall and possibly how thick it is. Pull out a small amount of insulation if needed to help determine the type of insulation. Check outlets on all floors, as well as old and new parts of your home. Just because you find insulation in one wall does not mean that it is uniform throughout your home. How to conduct a DIY air leak audit This simplified set of instructions is also from Safe Electricity. Before you repair or install more insulation, you need to identify and repair any potential air leaks in your home’s envelope. Potential problem areas include doors, windows, sill plates (the bottom piece of wall structure where wall studs are attached), top plates (supportive beams in the ceiling), crawl spaces, outdoor faucets, dryer vents, stove vent fans, roof eaves and overhangs, plumbing vent stacks, recessed lighting, attic hatches and air duct registers. One way to have your home checked is by a qualified energy auditor. Or, if you want to address your own home, there are a couple of ways to do this: By yourself Perform a visual inspection on your own in daylight. All potential problem areas should be free from gaps and cracks. While lights are on in the home, also observe from the attic, crawlspace or basement. Anywhere you can see light from the interior of the house shining through gaps and cracks is another air leak location in need of repair. With a partner To conduct a more thorough inspection, work with a partner at night to shine a flashlight over all potential gaps while one of you observes the house from the outside. Anywhere you can see light shine through is an air leak that needs to be sealed properly.

In February, we published a list of routine home maintenance tasks to perform to keep your systems operating at peak performance. One task we did not include on the list, but promised to revisit, is hot water heater maintenance. Flushing the water heater tank removes mineral sediment that accumulates in the bottom of the tank. If it’s not completed frequently enough, the mineral buildup may cause banging or rumbling noises as water moves through the tank. If you wait too long to flush the tank, the sediment will make it harder to complete the task later. Even worse: Your tank (if it’s a steel tank) may rust out prematurely. If you have a newer water heater model: Some home maintenance lists recommend flushing the tank annually, while others, such as the RHEEM Marathon Use and Care Manual, recommend that a few quarts or liters of water be drained from the bottom of the tank every month to remove mineral deposits. The deposits that settle in the basin (the bottom of the water heater) come from mineral solids that are suspended in water. If you start immediately after installation, you should have no problems with the accumulation of the mineral deposits, and you’ll keep your tank in good condition and working well. If your water heater hasn’t been flushed for years: Some plumbers advise against flushing at all by this point because the flushing action could activate leaks. The theory is this: Tiny fissures in the base of the water heater may have filled with sediment that helps prevent leaks, particularly in a gas water heater as the flame has been baking the steel bottom. Flushing out the sediment could remove some of the protection against leaking (in other words, the sediment that has been preventing holes from forming). If your water heater hasn’t been flushed for years, it would pay to ask one or more plumbers in your area for an opinion on how to proceed. An additional task for steel water heater tanks: Most steel water heater tanks have a thin glass lining to protect the metal from corrosion. Since the lining eventually cracks, tanks have a second line of defense against rust: a long metal “anode rod” that attracts corrosive elements from the water. When the rod becomes so corroded that it can no longer do its job, the tank soon rusts out, leaks and needs to be replaced. However, replacing the water heater anode rod before it fails, about every five years can double the life of the heater. Because the rod can be difficult to break loose and must be installed with liquid Teflon pipe thread sealant (not tape), consider hiring a qualified plumber. Investigate the low maintenance option for your next water heater: Contact your cooperative to learn more about the advantages of the low-maintenance, Marathon electric water heater – the last water heater you’ll ever need to buy! The Marathon features a seamless, blow-molded polybutene inner tank that will not rust or corrode, and the heater’s innovative construction methods deliver a long life, high efficiency and good looks, too! It’s warranted1 not to leak as long as you own your home and does not require an anode rod. If you enroll in our load management program, we offer incentives to make this premium water heater very affordable. A lifetime warranty is provided to original customer in a residential application after online product registration is complete. Registration must be completed within 90 days of installation. For more details: RHEEM Marathon Use and Care Manual Home Tips: How to Flush or Drain a Water Heater (includes illustrations and a video on Maintaining a Water Heater) Family Handyman: Extend the Life of Your Water Heater by Replacing the Anode Rod Contact your electric cooperative for more details on purchasing and installing a RHEEM Marathon water heater.

In March, we know that spring is just around the corner. But we also know that March storms can produce ice instead of (or in addition to) snow. And that ice can be a dangerous force. The added weight of ice on poles can quickly lead to broken power poles and other pole equipment. Ice can also make falling tree branches 30 times heavier and much more likely to break power lines. For example, on a 300-foot span of 1-inch-thick power lines: 1/2 inch of ice adds 281 pounds of weight 1 inch of ice adds 749 pounds of weight 2 inches of ice adds 2,248 pounds of weight In addition, melting ice can cause power outages. If ice on the bottom (neutral) line melts before the lines above, it can cause the lines to touch, leading to an outage. Other ice facts Damage can begin when ice exceeds 1/4 of an inch 1/2 inch of ice can cause a line to sag up to 12 inches Pressure can also be caused by a broken tree limb Both ice and melting ice can cause power outages Ice can form around power lines in a teardrop shape. This shape acts as a wing, causing the line to gain lift and rise with high winds. The ice can also break off, causing unsafe conditions on the ground. Source: Safeelectricity.org

Most of the time, when we think of the word envelope, we think of the outer covering that our mail comes in. Or, to irritate our kids or coworker, we might push the envelope. However, your home’s envelope consists of its outer walls, windows, doors and other openings. A well-sealed envelope, coupled with the right amount of insulation, can reduce your energy use — and, in turn, your utility bills. According to EnergyStar.gov, a whopping 9 out of 10 homes in the U.S. are under-insulated. Homeowners can save an average of 15% on heating and cooling costs (or an average of 11% on total energy costs) by air sealing their homes and adding insulation in attics, floors, over crawl spaces and basements. To determine if your home’s envelope is in good shape, conduct a home audit to pinpoint the leaks that allow energy to escape your home — air-conditioned air in the summer and heated air in the winter. A qualified energy auditor will include an insulation check as part of a whole-house energy assessment and will identify areas of your home that need air sealing or insulation repairs. As your electric cooperative, we offer members energy audits to assist you in determining where your home may need additional “envelope TLC.” And as a bonus, don’t forget to check our rebate program when you determine what steps you need to take to tighten up your home’s envelope. DIY home energy audit If you prefer to complete your own energy audit rather than calling on a professional, you’ll need to know: The type of insulation in your home. The R-value (rate of thermal resistance) of your insulation. Typically, the higher the R-value, the more effective it is at insulating. Depending on where you live, you do not necessarily need the highest value; it depends on your local climate. The thickness or depth (inches) of the insulation you have. In a newer home, the builder can help identify the type of insulation used and where it is located. In an older home, you will need to perform the inspection yourself. Energy.gov offers detailed advice on where to insulate, insulation in new homes, adding insulation to existing homes, types of insulation and materials, moisture control and air sealing. Find details here. One note: You may read about radiant barriers as a way to save energy. Our experts caution that radiant barriers do not provide any real energy savings in Iowa, as our climate is a “heating dominant” region. Safe Electricity offers a quick overview on how to complete a DIY energy assessment by checking: In the attic A general rule of thumb when inspecting the attic insulation is that if the insulation is level with or below the attic floor joists, you probably need to add more insulation. If you cannot see any of the floor joists because the insulation is well above them, you probably have enough, and adding more insulation may not be cost-effective. Insulation should be evenly distributed with no low spots; be sure to check throughout the attic to determine if there are any thin spots. Make sure the insulation in your attic has the appropriate R-value for where you live. Check the value printed on your existing insulation. If you cannot find the value, measure the depth of the insulation in inches. Multiply the depth by the following insulation type: 3.2 for fiberglass batting, for the loose fibers category, multiply by 2.5 for loose fiberglass, 2.8 for rock wool and 3.7 for cellulose. Then check EnergyStar.gov’s recommended R-values. If your calculated value is less than the recommended levels for your region, then you should consider adding more insulation to your attic. Behind the walls Turn off the power to the outlet before beginning this check. Then use a voltmeter or voltage tester to confirm that there is no power at the socket before beginning work. Remove the outlet cover and shine a flashlight into the crack around the outlet box. You should be able to see if there is insulation in the wall and possibly how thick it is. Pull out a small amount of insulation if needed to help determine the type of insulation. Check outlets on all floors, as well as old and new parts of your home. Just because you find insulation in one wall does not mean that it is uniform throughout your home. How to conduct a DIY air leak audit This simplified set of instructions is also from Safe Electricity. Before you repair or install more insulation, you need to identify and repair any potential air leaks in your home’s envelope. Potential problem areas include doors, windows, sill plates (the bottom piece of wall structure where wall studs are attached), top plates (supportive beams in the ceiling), crawl spaces, outdoor faucets, dryer vents, stove vent fans, roof eaves and overhangs, plumbing vent stacks, recessed lighting, attic hatches and air duct registers. One way to have your home checked is by a qualified energy auditor. Or, if you want to address your own home, there are a couple of ways to do this: By yourself Perform a visual inspection on your own in daylight. All potential problem areas should be free from gaps and cracks. While lights are on in the home, also observe from the attic, crawlspace or basement. Anywhere you can see light from the interior of the house shining through gaps and cracks is another air leak location in need of repair. With a partner To conduct a more thorough inspection, work with a partner at night to shine a flashlight over all potential gaps while one of you observes the house from the outside. Anywhere you can see light shine through is an air leak that needs to be sealed properly.