GOING ELECTRIC: THREE BENEFITS FOR YOUR HOME

You have options when it comes to fueling your home. Electricity, however, provides a number of advantages that can benefit you, your family, and the planet.

1. Lower energy bills

Fuel-burning appliances and equipment waste some energy during combustion. By contrast, electric devices are very efficient, meaning all the power used goes right into heating your food or lighting your home. Some electric equipment — such as heat pump technology — is even more efficient. That efficiency, combined with the steady, low-cost nature of electric rates, can reduce your energy costs.

2. Improved indoor air quality

Gas appliances can create indoor air pollutants by burning fossil fuels in a closed environment. Pollutants such as carbon monoxide can cause illness or death if they build up to dangerous levels. You can improve your health and safety by switching to electric appliances and equipment.

3. Cleaner environment

Electric appliances and equipment produce no on-site emissions, reducing your environmental footprint. Although generating electricity does produce greenhouse gas emissions, the growing presence of renewable energy sources on the grid is helping to create a cleaner environment for everyone.

How to go electric

Reliable electricity already powers your lights, TV, and air conditioning systems. With these advanced technologies, you can make the switch to electricity for space heating, water heating, and cooking.

> Heat pumps. Geothermal and air-source heat pumps provide year-round comfort. Because they move heat rather than create it, they can condition your space at efficiencies of 150% to 300%.

> Heat pump water heaters also move heat to create high-efficiency hot water. How efficient? The efficiency of a water heater is measured by the Unified Energy Factor, or UEF. A heat pump unit has a UEF of 2 7, compared to 0.7 for a highefficiency gas water heater.

Charlie Young MANAGER OF ENGINEERING

> Induction cooking heats only the pots and pans on the stovetop, resulting in increased energy efficiency, faster cooking times, better temperature control, and improved safety.

> Electric-powered outdoor tools — such as lawnmowers, trimmers, and leaf blowers — run more quietly than fuel-burning models and produce no onsite emissions. With advances in battery technology, cordless options are convenient and easy to use.

> Butler Rural Community Solar, cooperative-owned solar generation, is available for members who want to reduce their carbon footprint. Learn more at butlerrural.coop > Energy Solutions > Member Programs > Community Solar or call us at 513-867-4400

So, what are you waiting for? Start making the switch today and you can realize all the powerful benefits that electricity has to offer.