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.
LIHEAP can help pay energy bills
Most Common Causes of
ELECTRIC FIRES • Incorrectly installed wiring • Overloaded circuits or extension cords • Defective/improper plugs, switches and outlets • Misuse or poor maintenance of lighting — SafeElectricity.org
The federal government’s Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program provides help for qualifying members with their energy costs during the summer and winter. LIHEAP is administered by community action agencies. In NAEC’s service area, those are Ozark Opportunities and Northcentral Arkansas Development Council. Winter assistance is expected to be available Jan. 9. We encourage members needing assistance to reach out to the agency serving their county for more information. Ozark Opportunities serves residents in Baxter and Marion counties. Northcentral Arkansas Development Council serves residents in Fulton, Izard, Sharp and Stone counties. (Please see sidebars below for the websites and phone numbers.) The amount of help available varies based on a member’s income, number of people in the household and other factors.
Northcentral Arkansas Development Council
Ozark Opportunities ozarkopp.org
nadcinc.org
Baxter County - 870-425-5118 Marion County - 870-449-6250
Fulton County - 870-895-3628 Izard County - 870-368-4329 Sharp County - 870-994-7353 Stone County - 870-269-4381
ENERGY EFFICIENCY TIP OF THE MONTH Did you know insulating your electric water heater could reduce standby heat loss by 25% to 45%? This could save you 7% to 16% on annual water-heating costs. Insulating your electric water heater is an easy, inexpensive project. You can purchase pre-cut jackets or blankets for about $20 at most home improvement stores. — energy.gov
DAILY HIGHS & LOWS — NOVEMBER 2022 Average Daily High: 58.61° compared to 60.81° in 2021
TEMPERATURE
Average Daily Low: 34.51° compared to 32.78° in 2021 Total Rainfall Amount: 3” compared to 1.16” in 2021 Warmest Day: Nov. 9, 82° at 2 p.m. Coolest Day: Nov. 20, 16.9° at 6 a.m.
DAYS
CONTACT NAEC 870-895-3221 info@naeci.com naeci.com
RIGHT-OF-WAY Riggs Tree Service will work between Salem and Mammoth Spring in January.
ON THE FRONT NAEC escorts Santa in one of the coop’s bucket trucks during the Salem Christmas parade. NAEC also participated in the Mountain Home Christmas parade.
IMAGES: SALEM CHAMBER OF COMMERCE; CTVVELVE/ADOBE STOCK; M-KOS/ADOBE STOCK; THE TOIDI/ADOBE STOCK