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Personalization is a big trend for college dorm rooms and shared housing facilities. College furnishings—from bedding and décor to kitchen supplies and electronics—are often reflective of interests and future aspirations. One essential for the college residence is safety. There is a tendency for college students to want to bring everything they own, but unfortunately, there may be a limited number of electric outlets. It’s tempting to plug in multiple extension cords and power strips, which can cause cords to overheat, creating shock and fire hazards. Potentially older wiring in student housing and apartments may not be able to handle the increased electrical demand of today’s college student. If use of an appliance frequently causes power to trip off, or if its power cord or the outlet feels hot, the appliance should be disconnected immediately, and the condition reported to the landlord or campus housing staff. Safe Electricity offers the following safety tips for students to help prevent and reduce the risk of electrical fires in their student housing: Only purchase and use electrical products tested for safety. The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) publishes a list of approved testing laboratories. Some common approved safety labels include Underwriters Laboratories Inc. (UL), Canadian Standards Association (CSA) and MET Laboratories (MET). Avoid overloading extension cords, power strips, or outlets. Use power strips with an over-current protector that will shut off power automatically if there is too much current being drawn. Never tack or nail an electrical cord to any surface or run cords across traffic paths or under rugs where they can be trampled or damaged. Use the correct wattage light bulbs for lamps and fixtures. If no indication is on the product, do not use a bulb with more than 60 watts. Instead, use cooler LED light bulbs. Keep all electrical appliances and cords safely away from bedding, curtains, papers and other flammable material. Make sure outlets around sinks are equipped with ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) before use. If they are not, contact the resident assistant, campus housing staff, or landlord. Unplug small appliances when not in use and all electronics when away for extended periods. Smoke detectors should never be disabled, and fire alarms should never be ignored or taken casually as a drill. Every time a fire alarm sounds, residents should calmly and quickly follow practiced procedures and immediately exit the building. Stress to your student that in the event of a fire, it is important to follow safety procedures and get out of harm’s way immediately. After all, property and valuables can be replaced, but lives cannot. Source: Safe Electricity

Last month, Smart Choices featured an article about thinking twice and learning all the facts before accepting a “free” dinner to hear a sales pitch about solar or other “energy-saving” devices. This month, we are featuring a similar article from Iowa Attorney General, Tom Miller. Read the article to discover how many complaints the AG’s office has received, what types of complaints the office has received, and some suggestions for checking out the products in advance. And as always, you can ask for assistance from our office if you have questions or are considering purchasing solar panels or other renewable-energy products. Harnessing the power of solar energy is just one effort many eco-conscious consumers consider when looking to reduce their carbon footprint. A lower energy bill is the goal. Yet the endeavor can, at times, lead to more headaches and cost than consumers anticipated. Following an uptick in consumer complaints against solar panel companies, Iowa Attorney General Miller reminds Iowans to be prepared for a myriad of issues that can crop up when exploring solar panel installations. “Solar energy is a clean, increasingly affordable power source, so it’s great to see more Iowans considering installing panels,” Miller said. “We encourage consumers to do their research before signing contracts.” From 2019 through 2021, the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division received 15 complaints regarding solar energy systems. So far in 2022, the division has already received 40 complaints. Many consumers have reported problems before, during, and after installation of solar panels. Complaints received by the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division have included the following issues: Delays in solar panel installation Exaggeration of energy savings False promises to buy back power Exorbitant financing and fees Claiming false relationships or endorsement of energy companies Improper installation Defective solar panels Warranty service failures Non-communication from solar companies Denial of solar tax credits Failure to cancel and provide a refund Failure to provide contracted services Property damage at time of installation A look at complaints 1. Repair and installation. In many cases, consumers who have started the process of purchasing solar panels have spent thousands or tens of thousands of dollars on the systems. However, at some point the solar company either fails to install the panels, improperly installs the panels, or fails to honor repairs under warranty. One Iowan told the AG’s office that less than a year after purchasing a solar panel system, the company he purchased from was on-site to make repairs for defects. However, the system was improperly reassembled and left in a non-functioning state. Numerous attempts to contact the company via email, telephone, social media, and written letter have been unsuccessful. It is expected that the solar industry will slow in 2022 in the face of manufacturing and supply chain challenges. This could further affect the speed at which installations and repairs occur. 2. Payment plans, tax credits and advertisements. Another complaint received by the AG’s office: A potential customer sought information from a company after receiving an advertisement that claimed the system could be installed at “no cost out of pocket.” The consumer filled out a form and was immediately contacted by a solar company. The rep for the company quoted the system at $30,140. When asked about the “no cost out of pocket” ad, the rep told her she was unaware of such a deal. Another consumer wrote the AG’s office after being denied a solar tax credit after the annual limit passed by lawmakers was reached on the solar credit appropriation. The consumer noted that they had carefully budgeted the cost of the system to include the credits. Remember, tax credits are a reflection of government policies, so there is no guarantee that solar tax credits will be available in the future. It's important to remember there are no free solar panels. If a solar company offers to install solar panels on your home for no money down, it will likely be part of a solar lease or power purchase agreement. According to the Consumer Federation of America, consumers pay a monthly rate for the energy the solar panels produce under these agreements. The solar company you lease through will retain ownership of the panels and benefit from any solar tax credits. While the average solar lease may save consumers money, that continues only if things go smoothly. If a consumer signs a solar lease and changes their mind, sells their home, or the system experiences production issues, consumers can run into costly bills. As for tax credits, the Iowa Solar Energy System Tax Credit expired at the end of 2021. The state made the decision at that time not to pay out credits to customers who were on the waitlist for residential solar systems. According to the Iowa Department of Revenue, the credits had paid an average of $3,498 to each applicant during the 2020 cycle. 3. What to consider. If you are considering the purchase of a solar energy system, the Federal Trade Commission suggests taking several steps before agreeing to a contract: Review your utility bill to see how much energy you used in the last year and what it cost. See what part of the total bill is for “metered” electricity or kilowatt-hours (kWh) of usage and what is for other items such as delivery costs. Even if you reduce the number of kilowatt-hours you buy from the utility, you’ll still need to pay the utility’s fixed charges, like delivery or administrative costs. Evaluate how you use energy, and look for ways to reduce your home's electricity use. Make your home and appliances more energy efficient and ensure your home is properly weatherized to reduce your energy needs. Consider how long you plan to stay in your home. A residential solar system is designed to stay on a home for at least 20 years. Leases and power purchase agreements generally are long term; some last 20 years. If you think you might move in that time, find out how installing a system will affect your ability to sell your house. Ask the solar company about its policy on transferring the contract to the new homeowner after a sale and confirm that what it tells you is the same as what is in the contract. Figure out what size system you need to meet your average energy usage. Learn about the different products available in your area that will work on your house. The customizable calculator from the Department of Energy uses your address and details you provide about a system to help you estimate how much energy it will produce. If you have a homeowner’s association, find out if you need its approval to install a system. Solar systems use one or more inverters to convert direct current (DC) electricity from the solar panels into alternating current (AC) electricity used by your appliances and outlets. The amount of power you get from a solar panel system depends on: the average number of hours of direct, unshaded sunlight your roof gets annually the pitch (angle), age and condition of your roof, and the compass direction it faces the size and strength of your system environmental factors such as snow, dust, or shade that may cover the system Contact us to learn more about our policies for homeowners who produce solar power. The Iowa Utilities Board offers a helpful consumer informational guide for on-site generation meant to assist residential or small businesses that are considering installing electric generation on their property. Additionally, the FTC provides consumers with additional helpful tips and considerations when it comes to the purchase of solar panel systems. Finally, remember that the installation of a solar system is still a home improvement project like any other. Protect yourself just like you would if you were hiring for a kitchen remodel or a roof replacement. Take steps such as getting everything in writing, limiting upfront payments, setting a start date and completion deadline, specifying the scope of the work and the equipment that will be installed, verifying advertising claims (for example, is the advertised electrical generation based on Iowa use or on panels located in a state that is sunny all year), etc. See additional suggestions on the Attorney General’s contractor checklist. 4. To file a complaint. If you have encountered issues purchasing a solar panel system, you can file a complaint with the Iowa Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division here or call 515-281-5926 (in the Des Moines area) or 888-777-4590 (outside the metro area).

When you rent, borrow or use equipment that will either elevate you or break ground, be sure to use it safely. Whether you are a novice do-it-yourselfer eager to embark on a lofty project or you have used several types of outdoor equipment or machinery before, be sure to always read and follow the safety guidelines and operating instructions provided by the manufacturer. In addition, keep these 10 safety tips in mind: Before using equipment, obtain proper training; in some cases, certification is required. Prior to each use, follow the manufacturer’s checklist to verify it is in good working order. Always evaluate and assess your location before using a scissor lift, a bucket truck, a boom lift or scaffolding (or anything that elevates you). Look up and look out for power line locations, and do not use equipment underneath or near a power line or utility pole. Keep in mind your equipment’s reach (height and width) when fully extended, and make sure it will not get too close to a power line. Always follow the 10-foot rule: Keep 10 feet between yourself or an object you are holding and a power line or pole at all times. If you rent a backhoe, a post hole digger or other digging equipment, be sure to call 8-1-1 two to three days prior to starting your project. The locating service is free and marks all public underground lines. You are responsible for having all private underground lines and pipes marked, such as those that service a garage or outbuilding, sprinkler system, invisible fence or private water system. If you or a previous homeowner had the lines installed, they are most likely private. When using rental equipment that lifts you off the ground, always wear your safety harness. It’s a simple step that helps keep you safe if you lose your footing. Do not use a scissor or boom lift (or any other piece of equipment) for a job it was not designed for. Before starting a job, account for external conditions, such as wind. High winds could push you too close to or into a power line, and you could be seriously injured or electrocuted. Starting a project can be exciting, but don’t just jump in. Instead, read and review the operating instructions first and take the time to familiarize yourself with the equipment. For example, learn how to use the controls close to the ground before using them at a higher elevation. Don’t ignore the specifications for each piece of equipment, such as maximum platform capacity. When you are elevated, keep both feet on the platform at all times and use appropriate boots or shoes that have slip-resistant soles. Make sure your shoes or boots are not oily, muddy or greasy.

In early May, the North American Electric Reliability (NERC) released a report outlining their 2022 Summer Reliability Assessment. In the report, NERC raised concerns regarding several regional transmission organizations (RTOs) and their challenges related to electric generation and transmission this summer. This month, I wanted to take this space to discuss what it all means and how Woodbury County REC is working with its industry partners to address these issues. NERC's Summer Reliability Assessment NERC placed Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO) in a "high risk" category for electric generation/capacity shortfalls this summer. RTOs Southwest Power Pool (SPP), the Western Interconnection, and ERCOT (Texas) were identified as "elevated risks." NERC outlined the following factors leading to these risk levels: Storm damage to a key SPP transmission line. Above-average temperatures and drought contributing to high demand and lower than average output from hydro generators. Supply chain challenges leading to difficulty securing fuels and other key resources. Cybersecurity threats. What does this mean for Woodbury County REC? The way we generate electricity is rapidly changing. More and more, renewable energy sources like wind and solar power are coming online, while traditional sources like coal, nuclear and natural gas are being retired. Woodbury County REC believes and advocates for an “all-of-the-above” energy approach. “All-of-the-above” promotes the idea that the US depends on a reliable and sustainable fuel supply that includes developing and incorporating domestically produced renewable energy resources to supplement baseload generation that includes biofuels, natural gas, nuclear, hydropower, and coal. In May, SPP, Woodbury County REC's RTO, reported that they project enough generation to meet summer peak demand. However, that doesn't eliminate the risk of an isolated energy emergency alert (EEA) that could be prompted by a weather event, as we encountered in February 2021. Winter Storm Uri produced prolonged arctic cold that negatively impacted generation resources in the SPP footprint. SPP mandated WAPA, NIPCO’s Transmission Operator, to curtail load in our service territory. It's important to remember that the electric grid is made up of thousands of generating stations and millions of miles of line. A power plant outage or natural disaster could have an impact on SPP's projections. Woodbury County REC,NIPCO, and NIPCO’s primary power provider Basin Electric Power Cooperative are well-positioned to meet this summer's peak demand. And, as we have always done, we will communicate potential issues with you as they arise. What is Woodbury County REC doing? We continue to work with policymakers and regulators on a state and federal level for a sensible “all-of-the-above” generation approach. The ongoing energy transition must recognize the need for time, and technology development while including all energy sources to maintain reliability and affordability. A resilient and reliable electric grid that keeps the lights on is not only paramount to what we do but serves as the cornerstone of our rural economy. Electric cooperative families and businesses rightfully expect the lights to stay on at a price they can afford. To maintain the reliability of your power supply, we must adopt an “all-of-the-above” strategy that includes renewable energy as well as dependable resources we have come to rely on like coal, natural gas, nuclear, and hydropower. This diverse energy mix is essential to meeting those expectations day in and day out. We are keenly aware that the sun doesn't always shine, and the wind doesn't always blow. While we support and encourage the development and use of renewable energy, the intermittent nature of renewables means there may be times when there simply isn't enough of it to keep the lights on all the time. Its place is to supplement a reliable and affordable baseload generation mix. That's why we must continue to recognize the value of and operate baseload generation plants now and into the future. After the February 2021 event, we worked with our power provider and regional transmission organization to refine communication processes and emergency operations procedures. We are better equipped to respond and communicate potential EEA events impacting our service area, should they arise in the future. Our mission remains the same. We are here to provide you with safe, reliable, and affordable electricity that is also environmentally responsible. We will continue to advocate on your behalf and do everything we can to continue to live up to that mission. What is NERC? The North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) is a not-for-profit international regulatory authority whose mission is to assure the effective and efficient reduction of risks to the reliability and security of the grid. NERC develops and enforces Reliability Standards; annually assesses seasonal and long‐term reliability; monitors the bulk power system through system awareness; and educates, trains, and certifies industry personnel. NERC's area of responsibility spans the continental United States, Canada, and the northern portion of Baja California, Mexico. NERC is the Electric Reliability Organization (ERO) for North America, subject to oversight by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and governmental authorities in Canada. NERC's jurisdiction includes users, owners, and operators of the bulk power system, which serves nearly 400 million people. What is an RTO? Many electric utilities across the country are members of one of nine regional transmission organizations (RTOs) and independent system operators (ISOs), also referred to as power pools. These entities are federally-regulated by FERC (Federal Energy Regulatory Commission) and work on a regional scale to coordinate, control, and monitor supply and demand on the electric grid. RTOs do not own the power grid, but they do work as "air-traffic controllers" of the grid to ensure reliable supplies of power, adequate transmission infrastructure, and “day-ahead” electric market coordination of wholesale electricity prices on behalf of their members.

Our co-op staff are frequently asked about options when members are contemplating the replacement of a furnace and air conditioning unit. A common question is, “Would a heat pump help us save money?” This question is an excellent one since, for most of us, heating and cooling accounts for the largest chunk of our household energy use. An electric air-source heat pump can be a good alternative to a furnace system that runs on propane or fuel oil. A heat pump is also a cost-effective alternative to electric resistance heat that is used in electric furnaces and in baseboard and wall units. How heat pumps work In the summer, an air-source heat pump acts as an air conditioner (AC) that draws heat from your home’s air and transfers it outside. In the winter, the system’s direction is reversed so that heat is pulled from the outside air and moved into your home. The heat pump has two major components: the condenser (also called the compressor) that circulates refrigerant through the system and an air handler that distributes the conditioned air. Most heat pumps are split systems, with the condenser located outside and the air handler inside. A packaged system contains both components in one unit that is placed outside your home. Heat pumps usually distribute the hot or cold air through the duct system. In the past, heat pumps weren’t efficient enough to work in colder climates. In recent years, however, technology has advanced to make them viable in climates with long periods of sub-freezing temperature, such as the Northeast U.S. If your old furnace has an AC attached, replacing both the heating and cooling system with the all-in-one solution of a heat pump might produce significant cost savings. If you are currently cooling with window units, or have an older central AC, moving to an air-source heat pump could reduce your summer energy bills. Heat pumps not only reduce energy costs, they can also eliminate the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning and problems that can occur with on-site storage of propane or heating oil. Selecting and installing Heat pumps must work harder to extract heat as the outside temperature drops. At some point "regular" air-source heat pumps switch to resistance mode, which operates the same way a toaster or an electric baseboard heater works. If your area has very cold winters, as Iowa does, homeowners needed to consider a dual fuel system, which utilizes a heat pump along with a gas or propane furnace. However, there is a newer, better option available to those of us who live in cold climates: a cold climate air-source heat pump (ccASHP). This new generation of ASHPs offers increased efficiency and operating capacity at lower outside temperatures than the “original” air-source heat pumps. The Northeast Energy Efficiency Partnerships (NEEP) is an authority on ccASHPs and has consumer guides and case studies on their website. Also find the Air Source Heat Pump Buying Guide on the website. It’s recommended that in cold climates, consumers should look for air-source heat pump units that have a high capacity maintenance percentage (meaning that the heat output capability is not reduced as much at low temperatures (5℉) compared to warmer temperatures [47℉ and 17℉]). Also recommended: seek a higher HSPF rating, which measures heating efficiency. On the other hand, those who live in a warm climate and use more air conditioning than heating, will likely want to focus their heat pump search more on the SEER rating, which measures cooling efficiency. The minimum standard heat pump is SEER 14 and HSPF 8.2. An easy way to compare options is to look for the ENERGY STAR® label. This indicates the unit is at least 15 SEER and 8.5 HSPF. How much can a heat pump reduce your energy costs? This depends upon the size and efficiency of your home, local energy prices and local climate. You can find calculators online that can help you predict energy savings. One entry with sample data found that the cost of heating in South Carolina, using a new heat pump and national average fuel costs, was less than half the cost of heating with a typical propane furnace or an electric resistance system. According to a study conducted in Dane County, Wisconsin, single family homes with propane heat and existing air conditioning saved 22% on their heating/cooling utility bill. Single family homes with electric heat and existing air conditioning saved 50%. Dane County and the northern half of Iowa are in the same (“cold, moist” Zone 6) climate zone. In the article describing the findings, find the pertinent details in Table 5, page 16. Find assistance to make the switch Professional energy auditors can predict energy savings with greater precision than a sales person, and they can offer advice on choosing a specific brand and size of the unit. More importantly, energy auditors can suggest other ways to improve comfort or reduce energy use such as duct sealing or insulating the building envelope. Your local HVAC dealers, if they have heat pump experience, can be very helpful. Many heat pumps are not installed correctly, so be sure to ask how they will ensure a quality installation. And of course, be sure to contact us to find out more about reputable dealers, rebates and rates for electric heat. For more information: Energy Saver air-source heat pumps general details Energy Star key product criteria for air-source heat pumps Energy Star heat pump savings calculator

Our smart phones are an essential technology in our lives, accompanying most of us wherever we go. As such, it’s critical that we care for them to keep them clean, safe, able to hold a charge and up to speed. First and foremost: Back up your phone to the cloud so that if anything goes wrong, you still have access to your data. Knowing your phone is backed up will ensure peace of mind if you find your phone is lost, stolen, or incapacitated. In the meantime: Keep it clean A study in the journal Germs notes that up to 17,000 germs were recorded on the outside of phones. Another study by the University of Arizona claims that phones can carry more germs than a toilet seat. Besides the “ewww” factor, some of those germs may be dangerous. There are ways to safely wipe down a dirty phone but the technique varies by phone brand, so be sure to check with your manufacturer before swiping yours. Keep your hands clean so you don’t transfer dirt, grime and germs to your phone. In the same vein, don’t set your phone down on dirty countertops or other potentially contaminated surfaces. Never carry your phone into the restroom because of course there is a huge potential for germ pickup there, too. Wipe your phone down daily. In most cases, using a microfiber cloth is not damaging, and because microfiber can eliminate bacteria, that may be enough cleaning. If you are able to use a cleaning spray (such as 70% isopropyl alcohol or a fast-drying disinfecting wipe) safely, occasionally spray it on the cloth and clean your phone rather than spray directly on the phone. Avoid getting any moisture in the charging ports. If you have a hard case on your phone, periodically remove it and wash with mild dish soap and warm water. Rinse and air-dry completely before replacing it on your phone. Refresh and purge If you have experienced a short battery life, slow uploads and downloads, or frequent crashing, it’s probably time to clean up your phone’s performance. Delete that mountain of photos from your phone; uploading them into the cloud frees up lots of storage space. From now on, have the photos automatically back up to the cloud so you can delete photos from your phone safely as soon as you are done sharing recent pics of your cute kids or grandkids with all your friends. Delete old text messages and change settings to auto-delete after a certain time frame. Memes, videos, gifs and similar icons take up space, so delete those as soon as you read them; look for any you still have and delete them now. Go through your contacts list and delete those you are unlikely to get in touch with again. Check out all of the apps on your phone. First delete the ones you aren’t currently using; you can always add them back if you need them later. Then, organize the remaining apps into folders so you can find them easier. Next, figure out which apps are tracking you and deny permission for them to keep tabs on your position. These geo-location services that run in the background slow down your phone. (On an Android, turn off geo-location in Settings>Apps, then tap on the app, then Permissions. On an iPhone, it’s in Settings>Privacy>Location, then choose the app.) The exceptions to location services are ride-share and similar services that must know where you are. If you don’t use them often, turn them off when you aren’t using them. Download updates for greater security and to get bug fixes, along with new features. Change your password to protect your phone from cyberattacks. If you have severe slowdowns and battery depletion, you may want to take the drastic action of clearing your history and cookies. It may make opening apps slower for a while after this action, but it will clear out a lot of “junk” from your phone.

Portable pools Kids love water, so setting up a small backyard pool is a favorite summertime activity. The Consumer Product Safety Commission offers these tips to keep your children safe around water: Empty and put away smaller portable pools after every use. Once the pool is set up, keep close so you provide constant supervision. A tragedy can happen in just moments. Fence portable pools and encourage your neighbors with pools to do the same. Cover larger portable pools and put access ladders away when adults are not present (make sure they are fenced in, also). Install alarms on doors leading from the house to the pool area to alert you when someone enters the pool area. Teach children to swim, float and other basic life-saving skills; however, do not consider them “drown-proof” because they have had swimming lessons. Make sure your neighbors, babysitters and visitors know about the pool’s presence in your yard. Learn and practice CPR so you can help in an emergency. Source: Consumer Product Safety Commission Pool electrical safety Whether your pool is a tiny portable blow-up, a hot tub or a full-size inground pool, electricity and water don’t mix. These tips from Safe Electricity will help you keep the two separated for safety: Keep anything that is plugged in at least 5 feet from the pool. The farther, the better. Have a licensed contractor inspect the pool or hot tub wiring to ensure it meets code requirements. Know where electrical switches and circuit breakers are and how to operate them. Keep pool skimmers and other far-reaching tools more than 10 feet away from overhead power lines. Make sure all outdoor outlets are GFCI protected. Test them once a month. Do not touch electrical devices when you are wet or in contact with wet surfaces. Note that this includes cell phones when they are plugged into a charger. Source: SafeElectricity.org

Whether your oven and stovetop are powered by gas or electricity, it’s no secret that they consume more energy than smaller countertop appliances, like slow cookers and toaster ovens. In addition to efficiency, smaller kitchen appliances can provide faster cooking times and less hassle with cleanup. If you’re looking for convenient cooking methods with the added bonus of energy efficiency, here are three electrifying appliances for your kitchen: Air fryers are becoming increasingly popular, and consumers have a lot of good things to say about these handy little appliances. Air fryers use convection to circulate hot air and cook the food––this means little to no oil is required, resulting in healthier meals than those from traditional fryers. Air fryers are fairly small, so they won’t take up much of your counter space, and with everything cooked in the fryer, cleanup will be a breeze. Air fryers are available in a variety of sizes, and prices range from $40 to $200+. Electric griddles have certainly been around for a while, and they offer several benefits for any home chef (beyond bacon and eggs!). Griddles are convenient because you can cook everything at once––like a “one-pan” meal, and the possibilities are endless. From fajitas to sandwiches to French toast, griddles can help satisfy any taste buds. They consume small amounts of energy and provide quick cooking times, so your energy bill will thank you. Prices and sizes for griddles vary, but you can typically find one for about $30 at your local retail stores. Pizza brings people together, so why not consider a pizza maker for your kitchen? These compact, countertop machines are an inexpensive alternative to a costly brick oven, and they use less energy than your traditional oven. Choose your own fresh ingredients to whip up a faster, healthier pizza at home. Plus, most pizza makers are multifunctional and can be used to cook flatbreads, frittatas, quesadillas and more. You can purchase a pizza maker for about $30 to $150+ online or at your local retailer. These are just a few electrifying appliance options for your kitchen. Remember, when you’re cooking a smaller meal, these and other countertop appliances can save time and energy.

After your home has been closed up through the winter, it’s time to fling open the windows, sweep out the dust bunnies and haul away accumulated debris. In addition to sweeping, swiping and swishing out the grime, spring is an excellent time to clean up your act to ensure energy efficiency. For example: Clean the coils on your fridge so it will run more efficiently. At the same time, check your seal by closing a dollar bill in the door. If you can pull it out easily, your seal may need to be replaced. Dust lightbulbs. Dirty bulbs don’t shine as brightly. If some of your bulbs are old incandescents or CFLs, replace them with LEDs rather than clean the old ones. Schedule air conditioner maintenance so your unit will work at its peak during the heat of the summer. The basics are covered in this ENERGY STAR list, and don’t forget that you should replace the filters about once a month for the most efficient operation of your unit. Tip: Date the filter when you change it so you know when it's time to replace it again. Wash the windows, inside and out, to allow more daylight to shine in. That way, you can rely more on natural light and less on lamps. When attending to your windows, consider how windows and the coverings you choose can help save energy year-round. Opening windows on nice days can provide ventilation, while sun-blocking drapes or blinds can prevent the sun from overheating your home on hot summer days, while opening the drapes/blinds on winter days can allow the sun to provide warmth when needed. Clean the air return vents and make sure that drapes and furniture are not blocking the vents. After scrubbing your tub and shower, install a low-flow showerhead in each to cut water flow and the amount of hot water heating necessary. Adjusting the thermostat to a lower set temperature can save energy, too. After dusting ceiling fan blades, change the direction on them for the summer, allowing warm air to be pulled upward. This provides a bit of cooling and may allow you to keep the air conditioner turned off. Just remember to turn off the fan when you leave a room as the cooling provided only helps when you are in the room. Clean or replace the filters in bathroom and kitchen fans, and other filters, too. Consider installing a timer on the bathroom fan so it doesn’t run longer than necessary. And don’t forget to check filters on whole-house air filters, in-fridge water dispensers and your vacuum system, too. Brush dirt and grime out of the tracks for your sliding glass door. A dirty track can ruin the seal, creating gaps for air infiltration. When clearing out clutter, clothing and no-longer-used items, donate whenever possible and recycle anything else you can.

After the recent deadly devastation caused by a massive tornado in several parts of Iowa, it's wise to review your tornado preparedness plan. From viewing funnel videos on the TV news and online, most of us recognize the types of cloud formations where tornadoes are most likely to form and the freight-train roar that accompanies them. Other clues to a possible tornado formation include a wall cloud, large hail and a dark, greenish sky. If you are worried about the weather, you will likely switch on your TV news reports or local radio stations to find details and listen for tornado sirens. Editorial note: Turning on a battery-powered weather radio is another option, especially if there are no sirens in your immediate area. Be sure to keep yours charged and ready to grab if the weather warrants it. Other pre-storm checks include having a first-aid kit and fire extinguishers at the ready and ensuring all family members know how to access the safest location in your home. Find the safest location If you are in a building structure such as a home, school, office, hospital, or other public building Head to the basement or storm cellar if available; otherwise, go to the lowest level into a windowless interior room or hallway. Stay away from glass windows and doors. Crouch down to make the smallest “target” possible. If available, get under a sturdy piece of furniture such as a bench, heavy table or desk. Use your arms to protect your head and neck and cover up with pillows or blankets to protect yourself from flying glass or other debris. If you are in a vehicle, trailer, or mobile home or are out in the open These areas are all very dangerous during a tornado. Protect yourself as much as you are able. Don’t try to outrun the tornado. If you can, immediately head to the lowest floor of a sturdy nearby building or a storm shelter. Stay away from trees and power lines and watch for lightning if you are outdoors. Lie flat in a nearby ditch or depression and cover your head with your hands; remain vigilant about the possibility of flooding. Do not get under an overpass or bridge. Watch for flying debris, as most tornado-related injuries and fatalities are caused by debris. After a tornado Continue monitoring the storm with a battery-powered radio or TV for emergency information. Be wary of entering any structure that has been damaged. Stay out of any building if you smell gas. Wear sturdy shoes or boots, long sleeves, and gloves when handling or walking on or near debris. Look out for exposed nails and broken glass. Stay away from downed power lines or objects in contact with downed lines. Report electrical hazards. Use battery-powered lanterns rather than candles to light homes without electrical power. Never use generators or charcoal-burning devices inside your home, garage, basement, or camper—or even outside near an open window, door, or vent. A buildup of carbon monoxide can be deadly. Cooperate fully with public safety officials and volunteer to help others in your community if you can. Prepare for the next storm well in advance Especially if you live in a home, trailer, or apartment community without a basement, there are ways to increase your family’s safety: Build a safe room, either an individual room for your family or a community safe room for your apartment or condo association. There are many approved types; start your research with FEMA. Find out more about NOAA weather radios Some details from Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI)

If you cringe every time you have to swap out 4, 6 or 8 disposable batteries in a toy or flashlight, you may have already decided to switch to rechargeables to avoid the hassle of searching through cabinets for new disposables. If you are still considering what to do, read on for the pros and cons of rechargeable batteries. Pros for choosing rechargeables You probably are already using rechargeable batteries in electronics such as smartphones and tablets so you are familiar with how they work. Rechargeable batteries almost always last longer, cost less in the long term and reduce waste compared with single-use batteries and when used in high-demand devices. That’s because many of them continue to work until being charged up to 500 times (2 to 5 years), offering hundreds of hours more use than disposables. Rechargeables perform better and hold a charge longer than in years past (you have probably already noticed this as you have upgraded your phone/tablet through the past few years). Rechargeable batteries for other products have improved, too. They also often last longer on a charge than single-use batteries. They perform better, providing peak performance when used. Rechargeables are rated at 1.2 volts while in use vs. disposables that begin at 1.5 volts, so it may seem as if disposables are more powerful. However, many rechargeables stay near their rated voltage (even at a high current draw) until they are drained. Only for a few low-drain applications can a disposable alkaline battery truly supply higher voltage, and then only when the battery is fairly fresh. The voltage of disposables steadily drops until drained. When current draw is high, the voltage of disposables can drop very quickly. Because they are available in common sizes (AAA, AA, C, D, 9v) you can purchase them for most common uses. By using rechargeable batteries, you are keeping toxic materials out of the landfill. Disposable batteries contain manganese, nickel and steel and add volume to landfills. Cons of going with rechargeables You’ll need a charging unit to keep the batteries charged; if one doesn’t come with your battery pack, you’ll need to purchase one separately. Notes: Use only a charger specified for the type and size of your batteries, don’t leave batteries in the charger for more than 24 hours at a time and don't mix rechargeable battery types in the same charger. If re-charged batteries aren’t used frequently, they may lose their charge while sitting on a shelf for a few months. This makes it important that they stay charged and used. More expensive, low self-discharging rechargeable batteries are available that can last for up to a year in storage. Disposable batteries are best for emergency-preparedness kits because they can last up to a decade on the shelf without draining. Because disposables self-discharge, they aren't always ideal for using with low-draw items such as clocks, TV remotes, portable lights and smoke alarms as they may wear out more quickly. Instead, they work best in items with a higher discharge (toys, remotes and video game controllers). Some devices require the slightly higher initial voltage of an alkaline battery (1.5 volts vs. the 1.2 volts from most rechargeables) to work reliably. For life-saving devices such as smoke alarms, always use the type of battery recommended in the device's manual. They are somewhat more complex to understand than disposables. For example, you'll need to research and understand the various types before selecting the best option for your needs (nickel-metal hydride (NiMH), Nickel-zinc (NiZn), Lithium ion (Li-ion) and Nickel-cadmium (niCd)). Even though they are considered to be more environmentally friendly than disposables, they do have some toxic substances. Rather than trashing them, they must be recycled (some stores or battery companies offer a way to dispose of them). If the power is out, you won’t be able to recharge them.

Some ideas are so widely held, they appear to bear little scrutiny or even a second thought. Although often factual, such common wisdom may be based on outdated or false information. Widespread misconceptions about energy use can increase utility bills and reduce comfort. Here are 5 myths that may surprise you: 1. Setting the thermostat higher or lower will heat or cool a room faster. Most furnaces and air conditioners work at the same speed, no matter what the thermostat setting. Unless you have a variable speed blower, more energy may be wasted as the system continues to run to reach the higher or lower set point. 2. Leaving lights on uses less energy than turning them on and off. In most cases, the small surge of power needed to turn a light on is much less than the power that is wasted by leaving it on when it's not needed. 3. Closing off vents will reduce heating and cooling costs. Closing vents is not a good way to save on energy costs. Heating and cooling systems are designed to distribute air evenly; closing vents throws the system off balance. This causes pressure to build up, resulting in duct leaks that waste energy. 4. Leaving a ceiling fan on will cool a room. Ceiling fans circulate air, making your skin feel cooler. This allows you to save energy by raising the thermostat. However, they don't cool the air. Leaving them on in empty rooms wastes energy. 5. Hand washing dishes is cheaper than using a dishwasher. It's widely believed that dishwashers are convenient but use more water and energy than hand washing. In fact, washing a typical load of dishes in a dishwasher uses 37% less water. Also, using an ENERGY STAR®-certified dishwasher, rather than hand washing, can cut your annual energy costs by more than $40, according to ENERGY STAR. Separating myth from reality about home energy use can save you money and increase comfort. See Energy Savings at Home from ENERGY STAR for more cost-saving ideas.