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Electric heaters can make your home cozy, but they come with risks. Learn how to stay safe and warm. Many people rely on portable electric space heaters for supplemental heat when the cold weather arrives. This popular appliance comes with some risks, however. The Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates that more than 25,000 residential fires every year are associated with the use of space heaters, and 6,000 people end up in hospital emergency rooms from burn injuries they incurred by coming in contact with the hot surface of a space heater. This winter, protect your home and family with these safety tips. Look for the safety certification logo. Make sure the portable heater you purchase has been safety-certified by an independent testing laboratory, such as Underwriters Laboratories (UL) or Intertek (ETL). Commit to the 3-feet rule. Portable heaters should be positioned at least 3 feet from any combustible material, such as curtains, papers, clothes, and furniture. Place the space heater on a flat, stable surface. Position the heater on the floor rather than on a table to eliminate any chance that it could be knocked over. And keep it away from areas with high foot traffic. Keep children and pets away from your space heater. Never leave a child unattended in a room with a space heater. Look for safety shut-off features. Newer heaters are equipped with a smart sensor that automatically shuts off the heater when it overheats and a tip-over switch that does the same when the heater topples over. Plug the space heater directly and securely into the wall outlet. Make sure the cord is not frayed or damaged, and never use an extension cord or power strip. Keep an eye on your portable heater. Turn off the heater or unplug it when you leave the room or when you are sleeping. Avoid using a portable electric heater around water. Most space heaters don't have a GFCI (ground-fault circuit interrupter) plug, which prevents electrical shock. Touching the heater when you're wet could result in shock or electrocution. Keep portable heaters away from flammable liquids. This is especially true in the garage or other work areas where paint and gas cans may be stored. A necessary precaution It's important to follow the safety rules when using a portable space heater, but properly installed and well-maintained smoke and carbon monoxide detectors provide an additional, necessary layer of protection. If a fire breaks out, smoke from the fire ignites the alarm so you can escape safely. Similarly, a carbon monoxide detector alerts everyone in the home about the buildup of this dangerous gas. Space heaters can be an effective way to boost the heat in your home. Make sure safe, responsible use is a top priority.

These 10 tips will help protect you and your family from falling victim to anyone trying to prey upon your personal data or information. Protecting your family from cyber attacks is a priority in an increasingly digital world. With the rise of online threats, implementing a few key strategies can go a long way in ensuring your family's safety in the virtual realm. October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month, so we want to offer 10 tips to help protect you and your family from falling victim to anyone trying to prey upon your personal data or information. 1. Strengthen Passwords: Encourage every family member to use strong, unique passwords for their online accounts. Utilize a mix of upper- and lower-case letters, numbers, and special characters. Implementing two-factor authentication (2FA) adds an extra layer of security, preventing unauthorized access even if passwords are compromised. 2. Educate About Phishing Risks: Phishing is a type of cyber attack where attackers attempt to deceive individuals into revealing sensitive information, such as usernames, passwords, credit card numbers, or other personal data. This can be done through deceptive emails, messages, or websites that appear to be from a legitimate source but are actually controlled by the attackers. Remind family members not to click on suspicious links or download attachments from unknown sources. 3. Set Up Parental Controls: Shield children from inappropriate content and potential online dangers by setting up parental controls on devices and apps. This ensures that their online experiences are safe and age appropriate. 4. Keep Devices Updated: Regularly update devices, operating systems, and software applications to patch security vulnerabilities. Enable automatic updates, when possible, to stay protected against emerging threats. 5. Secure Wi-Fi Networks: Use strong, unique passwords for your Wi-Fi networks to prevent unauthorized access. Avoid using public Wi-Fi networks for sensitive activities and consider using a VPN to encrypt internet traffic. 6. Encourage Open Communication: Create an environment where family members feel comfortable discussing their online experiences. Encourage them to report any suspicious activities or encounters to you. 7. Monitor Social Media Usage: Teach your family to be cautious about sharing personal information on social media platforms. Oversharing can provide cyber criminals with valuable information they could exploit. 8. Back Up Important Data: Regularly back up important files and data to an external device or a secure cloud service, safeguarding your family against data loss due to ransomware attacks or hardware failures. 9. Use Security Software: Install reputable antivirus and anti-malware software on all devices. Ensure they are regularly updated to provide real-time protection against evolving threats. 10. Educate on Online Etiquette: Instill good online etiquette in your family members, such as being respectful in online interactions and avoiding cyberbullying or any harmful behavior. By implementing these cybersecurity measures, your family can confidently navigate the digital world and minimize the risks of falling victim to cyber-attacks. Regular discussions about online safety and staying educated about the latest threats will empower your family to make informed decisions and remain protected.

Electric co-ops exist to serve our members, but our priority is to provide affordable, reliable energy to our communities, and like all cooperatives have 7 cooperatives principles. Throughout the month of October, you will be hearing a lot from us about cooperatives. That's because October is when cooperatives across the country celebrate National Co-op Month. Cooperatives are organizations owned and operated by their members for their mutual benefit. Cooperatives can take various forms, including consumer cooperatives, worker cooperatives, agricultural cooperatives, and more. We want to take just a few minutes to highlight the importance of cooperation, community involvement, and the positive impacts that cooperatives can have on local economies and societies. Electric co-ops, like us, exist to serve our members, but our priority is to provide affordable, reliable energy to our communities. Guided by The Seven Cooperative Principles, established by the International Cooperative Alliance (ICA), an organization that represents cooperatives around the world, cooperatives ensure they operate fairly, democratically, and sustainably. These Principles include: 1. Voluntary and Open Membership: Cooperatives are open to all individuals who can benefit from or contribute to the cooperative's activities, regardless of their background or status. Membership is a voluntary choice. 2. Democratic Member Control: Cooperatives are controlled by their members, who actively participate in decision-making and have an equal say in the cooperative's policies and operations. Each member typically has one vote. 3. Member Economic Participation: Members of cooperatives contribute to and democratically control the capital of the cooperative. Surplus funds generated by the cooperative are often distributed among members in proportion to their level of participation or contribution. 4. Autonomy and Independence: Cooperatives are independent organizations that are self-governed by their members. They may enter into agreements with other entities, but decisions are made in the best interests of the cooperative and its members. 5. Education, Training, and Information: Cooperatives provide education and training to their members, employees, and the broader community to enhance their understanding of cooperatives and their role in society. 6. Cooperation Among Cooperatives: Cooperatives work together in solidarity and collaboration to strengthen the cooperative movement and achieve common goals. This principle promotes mutual support and shared resources among cooperatives. 7. Concern for Community: Cooperatives contribute to the sustainable development of their communities by working for their social, economic, and environmental well-being. They prioritize the needs and aspirations of the community in their actions. These principles are a foundational framework for cooperatives worldwide, guiding their actions and ensuring that they operate in line with values of democracy, equity, and community development. This October, as we celebrate Co-op Month, we're focusing on all the ways "Co-ops Grow" for their members. Co-ops Grow Communities. Co-ops help communities grow by promoting economic empowerment, fostering community engagement and supporting the unique needs of co-op members. "Concern for Community" is one of our core principles––and being community-focused is essential to everything we do. Co-ops Grow Together. Co-ops are all about cooperation, not competition. That's why electric co-ops work together to share lessons learned, successful strategies, and better ways to serve our members. We're better when we grow together! Co-ops Grow Tomorrow's Leaders. Electric co-ops serve as fertile ground for growing tomorrow's leaders through various youth engagement programs. Whether through school demonstrations, community events, or the Electric Cooperative Youth Tour program, we're committed to providing opportunities for local youth to learn and thrive in our community and beyond. Co-ops Grow for You. At our co-op, your satisfaction is our number one goal. It's why we were formed many years ago to fulfill a uniquely local purpose. We've come a long way since then, and your needs continue to evolve. That's why we'll never stop growing for you! The essence of a cooperative lies in its members, and we are incredibly fortunate to have such an engaged and supportive community. Your involvement, ideas, and feedback allow us to grow in our service to you through continued improvements and innovations that benefit us all. This National Co-op Month, as we celebrate the cooperative principles that underpin our shared journey, we want to extend our sincerest appreciation. It is your partnership that strengthens us, and it is your satisfaction that fuels our dedication.

Regular air filter changes should be part of your home maintenance program. How often should I change my furnace filter and what types are available? To check an air filter, turn your heating or cooling system off at the thermostat and pull the filter out. Hold it up to a light source or tap one edge on the floor. If you see significant buildup of dust or dirt, it's time to put that filter to rest. Regular air filter changes should be part of your home maintenance program to maintain healthy indoor air quality and to keep your heating and cooling systems running at peak efficiency. Change your filter every three months or according to manufacturer's recommendations. When replacing a filter, pay attention to the recommended airflow direction typically indicated by a printed arrow on the side of the filter. There are several types of disposable air filters available. Panel filters, consisting of tangled fiberglass strands, are the most common. These filters are low in price, but not very effective at filtering the air. More expensive pleated filters made with woven polyester or nonwoven spunbond material provide a larger filtering surface. Nonwovens can be electrostatically charged to improve particle capturing without decreasing airflow. Replaceable pocket filters consist of parallel bags or "pockets" of thick polymer material arranged side-by-side with the pockets open to incoming air. The pockets make it difficult for dust, dirt, germs, and water droplets to pass through, but result in higher airflow resistance. Deep rigid cell filter boxes (typically 4 inches thick) reduce fan energy consumption without hindering airflow. They also last longer than other types of filters. Another option is a permanent washable air filter that must be cleaned periodically to deliver the best possible filtration and optimal airflow.

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 a 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.

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!

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.

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).

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.