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High-performance clothes dryers save energy by only supplying the necessary amount of heat required by the load. What makes energy-efficient clothes dryers more efficient? High-performance clothes dryers save energy by only supplying the necessary amount of heat required by the load. Advanced features, such as moisture sensors and filter cleaning indicators, help save energy while ensuring performance. Moisture sensors determine what's required for each load then adapt the temperature and drying cycle duration to save energy. They also detect when clothes are dry and automatically shut the dryer off, as opposed to timed drying. A dirty air filter reduces energy efficiency. Filter cleaning indicators serve as a reminder to clean the filter before each load to maximize performance. Heat pump dryers are the most efficient type available. However, the surrounding air is cooled by the heat pump, potentially increasing energy use for space heating. Heat pumps also cost more to install than standard units and have longer cycle times. As a result of improvements such as these, energy-efficient dryers use about 20% less energy than standard models. Look for ENERGY STAR®-certified clothes dryers. ENERGY STAR models are independently tested to meet minimum efficiency and cycle time requirements.

Here are some simple maintenance tips that will help your family stay safe and comfortable as the season changes. The weather is getting colder and the nights longer. At the same time, summer heat, humidity and storms may have been hard on your home and property. With the changing season, you have got some work to do. Here are some indoor and outdoor maintenance tips that will help your family stay safe and comfortable this fall and winter and save energy, too. Inside Check your heating system. Hire a qualified professional to inspect and clean your heating system. This will help ensure efficient performance and alert you to any potential maintenance or repair issues. Change your furnace filter. Dirty filters restrict airflow, making your heating system work harder to keep you comfortable. Change your furnace filter regularly according to manufacturer's instructions. Clean your chimney. Hire a qualified professional to clean your chimney. A cleaning typically includes an inspection for soot buildup, obstructions, cracks in the chimney liner and signs of water damage. Air seal your basement. Check for air leaks around pipe or wiring holes on outside walls. Seal any leaks you find with expandable spray foam. Also, check for gaps where the wall meets the ceiling. Fill smaller gaps with caulk; fill larger gaps by stuffing in pieces of insulation. Test detectors. Replace batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and test them to ensure that they work. Wired detectors should also have fresh battery backups. Replace any detectors that are 10 years old or older. Outside Seal windows and doors. Check windows and exterior doors for gaps that can let warm air escape. Seal any you find with caulk or weatherstripping. Look at outdoor lighting. With nights getting longer, check outdoor security lights and switch out bulbs at or near end of life. LEDs are highly efficient, last longer than conventional bulbs and work well in cold temperatures. Clear gutters and downspouts. Blocked gutters can keep the water produced by melting snow from draining. This can lead to the buildup of ice dams. Clear gutters and downspouts of leaves and other debris. Trim trees away from your house. Heavy ice and snow can cause tree branches to fall. If they are hanging over your roof, they can cause serious damage. Maintain your generator. Make sure your generator is ready to go if needed. Change the oil and the fuel filters, as well as the spark plug and air filter as recommended. Start it up and let it run for a few minutes to test it. Always follow manufacturer's guidelines regarding maintenance and safe operation. Sustain your snow blower. Before the snow falls, change the oil and the spark plug on your snow blower. Inspect belts and auger paddles for wear and tear and replace if needed. Check the shave plate and skid shoes for wear, and reverse or replace them as necessary. Stock up Make sure you have everything you need to stay safe and warm during extreme weather. These include: Emergency supplies, such as blankets, flashlights, non-perishable food and a first-aid kit. Fuel for your generator and snowblower stored in a safe place away from your living space. Adequate supplies of rock salt or other de-icers. With a little time and effort now, you'll be ready no matter what the weather has to offer this autumn and winter.

Harvest time is a dangerous time. Follow these tips around electrical lines and equipment, and be careful of possible entanglements or falls. Harvest tragedies can happen from a variety of dangers. Power lines and electrical equipment are a hazard, and other accidents occur from falls and entanglements. According to a 2017 report by the Iowa Department of Public Health, about 500 Iowans report injuries from farm machinery, tractors and falls each year. Nearly half of these injuries occur during the harvest season, from August through November. Keep your eyes open and your brain in gear to avoid the ever-present hazards of working with farm equipment. Electric lines and electrical equipment Each year, dozens of farm workers are killed and hundreds are injured in accidents involving power lines and electrical equipment, according to Safe Electricity. As farm equipment gets larger and taller, power lines are harder to avoid. Failure to notice them can be deadly. Safe Electricity lists these precautions: Review with all workers the farm activities that take place around power lines. Inspect the height of farm equipment to determine clearance. Keep equipment at least 10 feet away from power lines—above, below and to the side—a 360-degree rule. Use care when raising augers or the bed of grain trucks around power lines. Always lower augers before moving them, even if it’s just few feet, and use caution when raising the bed of a grain truck. Variables like wind or uneven ground shifting weight can combine to create an unexpected result. Use a spotter when operating large machinery near power lines. Do not let the spotter touch the machinery while it is being moved anywhere near power lines. Don’t raise any equipment such as ladders, poles or rods into power lines. Remember, non-metallic materials such as lumber, tree limbs, ropes and hay will conduct electricity depending on dampness, dust and dirt contamination. Never attempt to raise or move a power line to clear a path! Don’t use metal poles to break up bridged grain inside bins. Know where and how to shut off the power in an emergency. Use qualified electricians for work on drying equipment and other farm electrical systems. Know what to do if the vehicle comes in contact with a power line: Stay on the equipment, warn others to stay away and call 911. Do not get off the equipment until the utility crew says it is safe to do so. If there is a fire or risk of a fire, jump off the equipment with your feet together, without touching the ground and vehicle at the same time. Then, still keeping your feet together, hop to safety as you leave the area. Don’t touch the equipment again. Entanglements and falls Did you know that the most frequent way people are injured on combines is by falling off the equipment? A free downloadable ISU Extension Safe Farm publication, “Harvest Safety Yields Big Dividends”, notes that such falls occur because the driver is often up and down the combine dozens of times a day. With the height of combine tops (12-14 feet off the ground) and operator’s platforms (6-8 feet above the ground), a tumble can cause real damage. And if the ladders and platforms are painted metal, they may be slippery, especially in mud, rain, snow or ice. To reduce falls: Keep platforms free of tools and other objects. Frequently clean the steps and other mounting, dismounting and operating areas. Wear footwear with non-slip soles. Use grab bars when mounting or dismounting the equipment. Make sure your position is stable before working on a machine. Recognize that fatigue, stress, drugs or alcohol and age may affect stability. Entanglements can happen in a heartbeat, and most operators overestimate their ability to react quickly to problems involving the intake area of the equipment. If a worker tries to unplug a stalk in a live cornhead, the snapping rolls can pull in the stalk and the operator’s arm and hand into the machine in the same amount of time it would take for the operator to release the freed stalk. To avoid entanglements: Always disengage power and turn off the engine before trying to manually clear a plugged machine. Never try to pull or remove twine or wire from a bale case or knotter when the baler is in operation, and never try to feed twine by hand. Even on idle, twine can move through a baler faster than you can react. Keep protective shields in place to prevent slips or falls near the intake area. To decrease plugged machines, keep machines maintained, control late season weeds and operate equipment during optimal conditions. Before harvest, check your operator’s manuals for maintenance suggestions. Replace any broken, worn or dulled components. For more important safety tips from ISU Extension, read a 2022 blog post titled 6 Simple Tips for a Safe Harvest This Fall.

How much electricity does the average household use in a year? And are there ways to decrease electricity use? How much electricity does the average household use in a year? On average, the typical American household uses about 10,400 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity per year, according to data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration. Electricity usage increases with the number of household members and household income. Older smaller homes built before 1970 actually use less energy than newer, larger homes built after 2000. Air conditioning is the biggest user of electricity in the typical household at 17%. Space heating is second at 15%, with water heating following at 14%. Lighting, appliances and electronics are also significant users of household electricity. To keep your household electricity use below average, consider taking these actions: Turn off (and even unplug) electric-powered items you aren't using. TVs, computers, video game consoles, cable boxes, and digital video recorders all use energy even when not in use. Chargers for cell phones, tablets, and other devices don't use as much energy, but you can save by unplugging them. Tips: Any item that has a light on, even when powered down, continues to use power; unplug them for the greatest savings. Some items like computers have settings to lower the amount of energy use. Additionally, plugging electronic devices into advanced power strips ensures power will automatically shut off when the devices aren't in use. Wash laundry in cold water to save on water-heating costs and take advantage of solar power to dry some items (rags, sheets, or even more items) outdoors in the summer and on drying racks in the winter (with the bonus of adding moisture to your dry winter air). Reconsider cooking practices. Instead of turning on your oven—especially for small batches of food and particularly during the summer—save energy by plugging in your slow cooker, toaster oven, microwave, or air-fryer or by grilling. Adjust your home environment according to the weather. Don't underestimate the value of opening and closing shades to keep the summer sun from heating up your home, along with doing the reverse in winter. Open and close windows to let the breeze in or keep the heat out, and run fans in occupied rooms to circulate air (be sure to turn off fans when rooms aren't occupied).

The end of summer means millions of children will be returning to school in the coming weeks. It's important to be extra cautious while driving as activity increases in school zones and large numbers of students make their way to and from school. Follow these simple tips to help ensure that children reach school safely. Driving in and around school zones Put away your cell phone. It's a good idea no matter where you're driving, but especially in school zones where children are gathered. Always obey school zone speed limits until you're safely out of the school zone. Watch for children gathered around school buses or at crosswalks. If your morning route takes you through a school zone, give yourself extra time so that you're not rushed and taking unnecessary chances. Drop off and pick up your children only in the school's designated areas. Keep an extra eye out for children in the late afternoon and early evening on school days. With extracurricular activities, many students travel home later in the day. For children walking or biking to school Look for traffic when stepping off a bus or from behind parked vehicles. Cross the street only at designated crosswalks. Look both left and right and left again before crossing. If a driver is stopped, make eye contact before crossing. Always obey crossing guards. Always wear bike helmets when biking to school. Stay on sidewalks or biking lanes and obey all safety rules regarding crossing streets. For more information and tips see Back to School Safety from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

The Touchstone Energy Cooperatives of Iowa are pleased to sponsor the 4-H Exhibits Building at the 2023 Iowa State Fair. Our co-op is proud to be a Touchstone Energy member, which means we're part of a nationwide network of locally owned co-ops that provides resources and leverages partnerships to help member-consumers use energy wisely. If you plan to visit the Iowa State Fair from August 10-20, stop by and see us in the air-conditioned 4-H Exhibits Building on the southwest corner of the fairgrounds. Electric co-op staff from across the state will hand out plastic hard hats and suckers for the kids while supplies last. Kids can also try on some line worker safety gear and take fun photos in our co-op safety selfie station. We look forward to connecting with our cooperative members at the Iowa State Fair this summer. Please stop by our booth and say hello!

There are many Independence Day traditions—picnics, special foods, spending time on the water and games—but perhaps the most popular is fireworks. Read on for fireworks stats and safety tips. July 4 Independence Day celebrations wouldn’t feel authentic without some sort of fireworks display. Many Americans enjoy professional, public displays of awe-inspiring pops and bursts of colors lighting the skies, but others create their own fireworks displays. If you plan to purchase and use fireworks this year, take safety precautions. Even if you just stick with what we think of as "safer" options, such as sparklers, similar safety precautions apply. Fireworks Stats Fireworks start an estimated 19,500 fires and send over 9,000 people to the emergency room each year in the U.S. In 2021, U.S. hospital emergency rooms treated an estimated 11,500 people for fireworks related injuries; over half of those injuries were to the extremities and 35% were to the eye or other parts of the head. The risk of fireworks injury is highest for males (70%) and for people age 25-44 (34%). However in a close second, children under the age of 15 experience 31% of all accidents. Sparklers reach temperatures ranging from 1200 to 2000 degrees F, far above these common burn dangers: glass melts at 900 degrees, wood burns at 575 degrees, cakes bake at 350 degrees and water boils at 212 degrees. For that reason, young children, who most likely won’t understand the dangers of touching them, should not be allowed to handle them. About 25% of all fireworks injuries were caused by sparklers in 2018. Fireworks Safety The safest way to enjoy fireworks is to attend a public display put on by professionals, rather than creating a display. If you do use fireworks, however, read and follow these safety suggestions: Never allow young children to handle fireworks. Never use fireworks after ingesting alcohol or drugs. Older children should use them only under close adult supervision. Anyone using fireworks or standing nearby should wear protective eyewear and clothing. Never light them indoors. Only use them away from people, houses and flammable materials. Only light one device at a time and maintain a safe distance after lighting. Never ignite devices in a container. Do not try to re-light or handle malfunctioning fireworks. Soak unused fireworks in water for a few hours before discarding. Keep a bucket of water or a hose nearby to fully extinguish fireworks that don't go off or in case of fire. Fun Substitutes for Fireworks A few ideas to get into the patriotic spirit, without fireworks: Substitute glow sticks, bubbles, confetti, colored silly string and noise makers that can add a celebratory feel with little risk of injury. Set up a screen and projector for an outdoor movie night. Set up a table to make a patriotic craft together. Throw a birthday party for the USA (and don’t forget the birthday cake). Sources: Consumer Product Safety Commission, National Fire Protection Association, Mayo Clinic Network, National Safety Council

Heat pumps move heat in and out of your home to provide efficient heating, cooling and humidity control. Air source units are the most widely used type of heat pump. They use the difference between indoor and outdoor air temperatures to heat and cool your home. Learn how air source units work and how they can benefit your home. How air source heat pumps work An air source heat pump system consists of a compressor and two coils made of copper or aluminum tubing; one coil is located indoors and the other one is located outdoors. In the winter, liquid refrigerant in the outdoor coil converts into a gas after absorbing heat from the air. In the indoor coil, heat is released from the gas refrigerant as it condenses back into liquid. How does cold air provide heat? Hot and cold are relative terms. All outside air down to absolute zero (-460°F) contains some heat. An air source heat pump extracts some of this heat and moves it indoors to provide space heating. In the summer, an air source heat pump simply works in reverse to provide highly efficient cooling. It takes heat from the warm indoor air and moves it outside. Split-ductless air source heat pumps — also called mini splits — don't require ductwork, making them perfect for additions or homes without ducts. Ductless systems include an outdoor unit and one to four indoor air handlers. Tubing that circulates refrigerant connects the indoor and outdoor units. The indoor air handlers are typically mounted on a wall or ceiling and are controlled remotely. Air source heat pump efficiency Air source heat pump heating efficiency is measured by heating seasonal performance factor — the total heating output of the unit during the heating season divided by the electricity consumed. The higher the HSPF, the more efficient the unit. ENERGY STAR®-qualified heat pumps must have a minimum HSPF of 8.5. Cooling efficiency for air source heat pumps is indicated by seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) — the total amount of heat removed from the home during the cooling season divided by the energy used. Once again, a higher SEER is better. ENERGY STAR units must be rated at 15 SEER or higher. Air source heat pumps can reduce your energy use for heating by 50% compared to conventional technologies, such as furnaces and electric resistance heating. High-efficiency heat pumps also dehumidify better than standard central air conditioning systems, resulting in improved comfort and lower energy usage in the summer. Air source heat pumps work best in moderate climates with mild winters, though advances in technology have made them a good option for other areas, as well. If your heating or cooling system is older or you are considering an addition, an air source heat pump is a good choice for cost-effective year-round comfort.

How can I be sure to keep summer cookouts safe? Outdoor grilling is a popular summer activity. It's a great way to cook flavorful meals and spend time with friends and family. However, if not treated carefully, grills can be dangerous. Fire departments across the country respond to an average of 9,600 home fires a year involving grills, according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). Leading causes of grill fires are a failure to clean, having the grill too close to something flammable and leaving the grill unattended. Stay safe this summer! The U.S. Fire Administration offers the following tips for grilling safely: Only use your grill outside. Keep it at least 3 feet from siding, deck rails and eaves. Clean your grill after each use. This will remove grease that can start a fire. Open your gas grill before lighting. Keep a 3-foot safe zone around your grill. This will keep kids and pets safe. Place the coals from your grill in a metal can and cover with a lid once they have cooled. Keep an eye on your grill. Don't walk away from it once it's lit. No matter what type of grill you have, it's important to keep it clean, store it properly and never leave it unattended while in use. For more information, see Grilling safety tips from the NFPA.

Water and electricity don't mix. If you own a boat, follow these 6 safety tips. Unknowingly, many swimmers and boat operators place themselves in the face of danger by swimming near electric-powered boats and docks. This innocent act of fun can turn tragic as electric shock drowning occurs each year. Help prevent electric shock drowning or other electrical injuries with these tips from ESFI. Don’t allow anyone to swim near docks or boats. If you feel a tingle while swimming, the water may be electrified. Get out of the water as soon as possible avoiding the use of metal objects such as ladders. When your boat is docked, never use cords that are frayed or damaged or that have had the prongs removed or altered. Have ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCI) installed on your boat. Test them once a month. Consider having equipment leakage circuit interrupters (ELCI) installed on your boat to protect nearby swimmers from potential electricity leakage into water surrounding your boat. Have your boat’s electrical system inspected and upgraded by a certified marine electrician regularly. What is electrified water? When electricity touches water the electricity moves throughout the water. This results from flowing electrical currents from faulty wiring in or near boats or docks. The water molecules do not conduct electricity; however, the ions within the water carry the moving electrons throughout the water. These moving electrons create electrified water through a process called water electrification. What is electric shock drowning? Docks and boats can carry sources of electricity. Faulty wiring or the use of damaged electrical cords and other devices not approved as “shore or marine rated” can cause the surrounding water source to become energized from electricity leakage. When the human body makes contact with energized water it becomes the conductor of electricity and can cause complete loss of muscle control, ventricular fibrillation and electric shock death.

How do electric vehicles provide clean, high-performance driving? Peek under the hood and find out! At first glance, electric vehicles may appear like conventional vehicles, but if you look closer, you’ll see a lot of differences. There is no fuel tank, oil pump or spark plugs. Also, EVs are powered by an electric motor instead of an internal combustion engine. Finally, EVs contain a lot of parts you won’t see on a conventional vehicle – such as a battery pack, charge port and inverter. Here’s how electric vehicles work: The charge port connects the vehicle to an external power source to charge the battery pack. The rectifier converts alternating-current (AC) voltage from the grid to direct-current (DC) voltage for charging the battery pack. The battery pack stores enough energy to travel a minimum of 100 miles per charge. The inverter takes DC voltage from the battery pack and converts it back to AC power for use in the motor. The motor uses electricity from the battery pack to create mechanical power to drive the vehicle’s wheels. Regenerative braking generates electricity while the vehicle is coming to a stop. This electricity is stored in the battery pack. EVs offer many advantages compared to conventional vehicles – lower fuel cost, less maintenance and quieter operation. Plus, EVs produce no tailpipe emissions. It’s no wonder EVs continue to gain traction! Ask us about rebates available for the installation of electric vehicle chargers for your home or business!

What are some simple ways to shift energy use to off-peak hours? Time-of-day or time-of-use pricing plans typically offer members lower rates during off-peak hours. The goal is to shift energy use away from peak hours — generally in the afternoon and early evening. Here are some simple ways you can save money by using less energy during peak hours. Adjust the thermostat to reduce heating and cooling energy use while away from home. Programmable thermostats optimize savings and convenience. Today's smart models add advanced features like remote control and self-programming. In summer, set the thermostat to 78°F when you're at home to reduce cooling energy use. A ceiling fan is a lower-energy alternative that can make you feel cooler. Remember to turn off fans when you leave a room. In winter, set the thermostat as low as 68°F, depending on your comfort level. Wear warmer clothing or use blankets to stay comfortable. Turn off lights in empty rooms and electronics when not in use. Plug electronic devices into advanced power strips or smart plugs, which automatically cut off power to unused devices. When cooking dinner, use lower energy options — such as a microwave, toaster oven or slow cooker — instead of the stove whenever possible. Only run the dishwasher on a full load and wait until after peak hours. Perform energy-using household chores — such as laundry and vacuuming — later in the evening or on weekends when electric demand is not peaking. Charge electric equipment — such as electric vehicles, lawnmowers and trimmers — overnight or on weekends.