JANUARY 2023
THE MESSENGER A Publication for North Arkansas Electric Cooperative Members
Smart updates can lower home energy costs The new year is a time for new resolutions. If you’re resolving to save money this year, start with your electric bill. Winter months mean higher energy usage as more time is spent indoors where it is warmer. By implementing a few small changes around the house, it’s possible to save big on your energy costs in 2023 and beyond. • Heating costs account for nearly 50% of a home’s energy usage. If you keep your thermostat temperature down for more than 8 hours at a time, you can save up to 1% of energy used per degree of reduced temperature. • If you have a heat pump, install a smart thermostat. Choose settings that maximize your heat pump and minimize auxiliary heat use. Using auxiliary heat — sometimes called emergency heat on thermostats — is costly to your electric bill. (Tip: Don’t bump up your thermostat by more than two degrees at a time to avoid auxiliary heat kicking on.) • Insulating your water heater can reduce standby heat loss by as much as 45% and save up to 16% on annual water-heating costs. Pre-cut jackets or blankets are inexpensive and available at most home improvement stores or online. • Regularly check and replace air filters to help reduce heating costs and improve your system’s performance. • Air leakage into the home, such as around plumbing penetrations, top plates, bottom plates, windows and doors, can account for up to 20% of your energy usage. Use caulk, expanding foam and weather stripping to get an airtight seal and prevent heat loss. • Space heaters are energy hogs and can present a fire risk in your home. Ditch them if at all possible. Keep warm by wearing extra layers of clothing and using UL-approved electric blankets. Remember, the less energy you use, the more money you’ll save. For more energy-saving tips, visit energy.gov or contact NAEC at 870-895-3221 or info@naeci.com. An energy adviser can offer suggestions.
Replacing existing insulation with spray foam insulation can stop air infiltration and reduce energy costs. The work may qualify for a tax credit or discount.
Tax credits available for qualifying households The Inflation Reduction Act is a federal investment in beneficial electrification and sustainable energy technology. Low- and moderate-income households will receive the most benefits with discounts or tax credits included for the following and more: • New, energy-efficient electric appliances • New breaker panels and updated wiring • Heat pumps and heat pump water heaters • Weatherization, including air sealing, insulation, new doors and windows • New and used electric vehicles and EV chargers The tax incentives are an annual $1,200 or more tax credit with no lifetime cap. Instant rebates are available for some households that qualify. Visit rewiringamerica.org/app/ira-calculator to calculate possible benefits of the IRA.
NAEC Loan Program
North Arkansas Electric Cooperative members wanting to make energy-efficiency improvements to their existing homes can apply for a low-interest loan through the co-op. Not only do energy-efficiency upgrades, such as a new heat pump or insulation, improve the comfort of members' homes, but they also can lower energy costs. The application may be completed at naeci.com/loans. A print application also is available at NAEC offices.
POLE INSPECTIONS — NAEC has contracted with Osmose to inspect electric poles in select areas of Baxter, Fulton and Izard counties. Members might see Osmose employees in and around the following areas through May: Dolph, Gamaliel, Henderson, Jordan, Pineville and Salesville. They will drive trucks and wear apparel with the Osmose logo.