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With the changing season, you have some work to do. The weather is becoming colder and the nights longer. At the same time, summer heat, humidity, and storms may have taken a toll on your home and property. With the changing season, you have some work to do. Here are some indoor and outdoor maintenance tips to help your family stay safe and comfortable this fall and winter while also saving energy. Inside Check your heating system . Hire a qualified professional to inspect and clean your heating system. Doing so will help ensure efficient performance and alert you to any potential maintenance or repair issues. Change your furnace filter . Dirty filters restrict airflow, causing your heating system to work harder to maintain your desired comfort level. Change your furnace filter regularly, following the manufacturer's instructions. Clean your chimney . Hire a qualified professional to clean your chimney. 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 pipes or wiring holes on outside walls. Seal any leaks 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 the batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and test them to ensure they work correctly. 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 allow warm air to escape. Seal any gaps with caulk or weatherstripping. Look at outdoor lighting . As nights become longer, check outdoor security lights and switch out bulbs at or near the end of their life. LEDs are highly efficient, last longer than conventional bulbs, and work well in cold temperatures. Clear gutters and downspouts . Blocked gutters can keep water from 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 break off and fall to the ground. 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 the manufacturer's guidelines regarding maintenance and safe operation. Sustain your snowblower . 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 them as 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 should be stored in a safe place, away from your living space. Adequate supplies of rock salt or other deicers. With a bit of time and effort now, you'll be ready no matter what the weather has to offer this autumn and winter.

Rooftop solar can benefit homeowners if installed correctly. Here comes the sun! Solar power is a popular way to go green, but there are a few things you should consider before making the decision to install photovoltaic (PV) panels on your property. Check out what you should do — and not do — before signing on the dotted line. Do: Gather your bills To correctly size a solar system for your home, you'll need to determine how much energy you use. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, an average American home uses about 870 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity each month, but your home's total usage may be higher or lower. Without this vital information, solar contractors won't be able to give you an accurate cost estimate. Examine your placement area Determine if your roof has adequate sun exposure during the day and is prepared to handle PV panels. South-facing roofs are best, but panels can be installed to capture the sun if your roof faces another direction. If your roof is in need of repair, it may be best to take on that project first, so you won't have to remove the panels to replace your roof in a few years. If you are planning a ground installation, make sure there are no trees, buildings or other structures that will shade the panels and reduce output. Consider going beyond PV Solar energy can do more than just generate electricity; solar-powered hot water systems can be a cost-effective way to generate hot water for your home. They're fossil fuel-free, cheaper, and can be used in any climate — unlike some other water heating systems. Ask your contractor if your roof can accommodate both solar PV panels and a water heating system. Don't: Ignore potential efficiency improvements Before sizing your solar system based on your home's energy needs, call our office to visit with one of our energy advisors to discuss energy-efficiency measures and strategies that might help you save money on your energy bills. Just choose the cheapest contractor The average national solar panel cost is just over $3 per watt, including installation and additional necessary equipment. For an average 6-kilowatt (kW) system, installation would cost about $18,000. Smaller contractors typically offer lower prices, but that doesn't mean they're the best option. Get multiple quotes from reputable contractors before making a decision. Don’t be swayed by exaggerated claims from contractors with smooth sales pitches. Call our office and we can offer guidance on choosing a trusted installer. Expect to go off-grid Though it's technically feasible to go off the grid by installing a solar-plus-storage system that saves unused energy in a battery for when you need it later, it's not often a cost-effective option. Research kilowatt-hour costs, credits, available rebates and our co-op’s policies regarding member-owned generation. Installing solar is a long-term investment, and it's important to make sure you know what's going into it and what you'll get in return. Our cooperative is your trusted energy partner and we want to help you make the best decision for your home or business.

Regular air filter changes should be part of your home maintenance program. 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.

These 10 tips will help protect you and your family from falling victim to anyone trying to prey upon your personal data or information. October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month 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.

Running large appliances at different times helps to lower your demand on energy. (Photo: Mark Gilliland) We use electricity in our homes in lots of different ways to keep us cool, dry our clothes, cook our food, and even clean the house. Most of us don’t spend much time thinking about how much electricity it takes to run those appliances. Each time they turn on and off they create peaks and valleys in electrical demand. Why is understanding demand important? By working together, we can lower the demand for electric power. This teamwork is a win-win for the membership and the cooperative as the cooperative consistently works toward the goal of keeping the cost of power as low as possible. How do you reduce your demand? You do that by reducing your energy peak. What is a peak? It might help to think about electricity like the internet service you need to stream a movie at home. When just one device is streaming, everything works fine. But if two or three people start watching different movies on different devices at the same time, they’ve created a peak. Peaks cost utilities more because they put more strain on the grid, the network of power plants lines and other equipment that keeps you connected and your power on. Our cooperative must plan and prepare to meet each member’s demand needs, even when it’s not a daily occurrence. Equipment to meet your electrical demand must be on standby and ready to fill your increased need for electricity immediately. Think of it like filling a swimming pool. Imagine you want to fill the swimming pool with water. You could fill it in minutes using a firehose or you could fill it in hours with a garden hose. In both cases, you get the same amount of water, but how much water you get and how fast is quite different. That difference incurs cost to the system. To reduce your electricity demand and save money, think about your appliances. Take an electric range and dishwasher as an example. Make them take turns instead of running them at the same time. Or, take a hot shower when you’re not drying your clothes in an electric dryer. Keeping your demand for electricity at a trickle can help lower cost. At the end of the day, it’s simple. Lowering demand helps the cooperative and member-owners keep cost low. After all, that’s all a part of our mission: providing safe, reliable and affordable electricity. For more information, call our office!

Electricity can be a silent killer, especially when substations fail or overhead power lines fall. First responders face critical dangers when dealing with emergencies involving electrical infrastructure. To protect themselves and the public, they must be aware of the potential hazards posed by electric substations and transmission lines. Electricity can be a silent killer, especially when substations fail, or overhead power lines fall. Even if a power line isn’t visibly sparking, it can still energize objects it touches and send a potentially deadly charge into the ground, posing serious risks to anyone nearby. Recognizing this, Northwest Iowa Power Cooperative (NIPCO), our cooperative’s power supplier, has launched the “5 To Stay Alive” safety campaign to educate western Iowa’s police, fire, and EMS personnel. This campaign provides essential safety protocols to help protect first responders during incidents involving power lines within the NIPCO service territory. The campaign includes a variety of resources, including magnets and wallet cards, which serve as visual reminders of five critical safety steps recommended by NIPCO. These materials and a safety information letter are available to order, free of charge, in kits on the NIPCO website . NIPCO's "5 to Stay Alive" campaign provides a "helpful hand" for fire safety awareness. When responding to incidents near electrical infrastructure, it’s vital for first responders to assume that all downed wires are energized and dangerous. NIPCO’s “5 To Stay Alive” campaign outlines five key safety protocols: Maintain Distance : Keep a safe distance until electricity is turned off and NIPCO crews confirm it is safe to proceed. Call NIPCO’s Control Center at 712-546-3573 as soon as possible. Contain the Spread : Never use water to extinguish an electrical fire, as water conducts electricity and can cause electrocution. Use water sparingly and only in areas at least 50 feet away from electrical equipment. Watch for Downed Wires : Conduct a 360-degree assessment of the scene to identify any hazards, including downed electric conductors. Look Up : Be aware of overhead lines that could become downed. Establish a 50-foot safety perimeter and wait for the utility crew to de-energize the scene. Assume Energization : Always assume conductors and equipment are energized until NIPCO crews confirm they are safe. Once de-energized, it is safe to proceed with rescue and recovery operations. These safety protocols are vital for protecting both first responders and the communities they serve. We’re proud to support NIPCO’s efforts to enhance safety awareness and provide valuable resources for our local emergency personnel.

Late winter and early spring are great times to consider changes you want to make to your home’s landscape. While the goal of most lawn and garden projects is to bring beauty to your outdoor space, a well-designed project can also improve your energy bill; increase the overall value of your home; and provide additional benefits, such as reduced noise pollution, optimized water use, and cleaner air around your home.   The two best strategies for improving the energy efficiency of your home with landscaping are to incorporate shading in the summer and wind-blocking in the winter.   Summer shading Planting trees on the south/southwest, and west sides of your home can provide beneficial shading. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, shading your home is the most cost-effective way to reduce heat-gain from the sun and reduce your air conditioning costs in the summer. More plants and trees in your yard can reduce the air temperature by up to 6 degrees Fahrenheit.   Planting deciduous trees (trees that seasonally shed their leaves) on the south, southwest, and west sides of you home can cut heating during the hot summer months while allowing sunlight through during the fall and winter when the trees have lost their leaves. When planting trees, consider the expected shape and height of the mature trees and where they will shade your home. A tree with a high mature height planted on the south side of a home, for example, will provide all-day roof shading in the summer, while a lower tree on the west side of your home can protect your home from the lower afternoon sun.   Plant trees an appropriate distance away from your home so they do not disrupt your foundation or your roof as they grow. While it will be five to 10 years before a newly planted tree will begin providing shade to your roof, it can start shading windows immediately. Incorporate other plants to provide near-term shade. Shrubs, bushes, and vines can quickly shade windows and walls.   Also, consider any paved areas around your home and how you can shade them during the summer. Think about walking across your driveway barefoot on a hot July afternoon—if your driveway or patio is unshaded, it is probably quite difficult. That absorbed heat reflects onto your home, causing your air conditioner to work even harder. You can use trees, hedges, and other landscaping structures such as arbors to shade these paved areas.   Wind-blocking techniques For the best windbreak effect, plant trees at a distance between two and five times the height of mature trees. If your home is in an open area without many structures around it, cold winter winds may be increasing your heating bills. A windbreak on your property can help deflect these winds over your home. The most common type of windbreak uses a combination of conifer (evergreen) trees and shrubs to block wind from the ground to the top of your home. For the best windbreak effect, plant these features on the north and northwest sides of your home at a distance of between two and five times the height of the mature trees. Incorporating a wall or fence can further assist with the windbreak.   Another insulating technique is to plant shrubs and bushes closer to your home but at least one foot away. The space between these plants and your home is “dead air space,” which helps insulate your home during winter and summer months.   Regardless of where you are located, if you live near powerlines, call us to discuss how far away you should plant trees from these lines before making final design decisions to your yard.

Know what's below by connecting with 8-1-1 resources before moving dirt. Spring showers bring May flowers but digging on your own this spring could spell big trouble. Even if you think you could get lucky or that digging one small hole (or two) won’t matter, don’t take for granted what lines might lurk beneath the soil in your yard or easement. April is Safe Digging Awareness Month, and before you use that post hole digger or other unearthing tools, STOP and call 8-1-1 to request that buried electric, gas, cable, and other live lines in or near your yard be marked. The service is free but digging in an unmarked yard may not be. You might think you don’t have time for that and ask yourself, what’s the worst that could happen ? YOU COULD DIE OR BECOME SERIOUSLY INJURED. It doesn’t make that yard project quite as pressing, does it? Other consequences of blindly digging and taking a chance? You could cause a power outage. You could hit a gas line and be burned or cause an evacuation in your neighborhood. You could be fined. If you hit a telephone line or fiber optic line, you might lose your telephone, cable TV or internet service. Worse yet, it could interfere with your neighborhood’s emergency assistance technology. Although it all seems like “your” yard, utilities have the right of way to the live lines lurking under the ground in places where you might dig. In fact, an underground utility line is damaged once every nine minutes across the nation because someone decided to dig without having their yard properly marked, according to data collected by Common Ground Alliance. You may think one or two “small holes” won’t matter, but that’s what the person thought who hit a line nine minutes ago. Take a deep breath, look over your landscaping or fence plans, and call 8-1-1 before you dig. Each state has its own call center to help you begin digging safely. You might know the service in Iowa as Iowa One Call, for example — but 8-1-1 is the one-call-fits-all across the U.S. By calling 8-1-1 or a state’s digging call center directly, utilities or the companies they contract with will come to your home and mark your yard before you dig. Safe Electricity  reminds you that   Call811.com  lists the name and contact information for each state’s digging notification service. The site also lists the advance notice required for marking services, which is usually two days, not including the day you call. Specifically, for Iowa, the number to call for Iowa Once Call is 811 or 800-292-8989 or visit their website at www.iowaonecall.com . So tiptoe through the tulips this spring and summer, both literally and figuratively. Know what’s underneath that flower bed and everywhere else in your yard. As call811.com  says, “Know what’s below.” Then dig safely.   For more about electrical safety, visit  SafeElectricity.org .

As your family's routine changes, you can reduce your energy costs with these simple tips. The days are turning shorter, vacation is over, and kids are headed back to school. Does your household make the grade when it comes to energy efficiency? Now is the time to get more serious about saving energy. These quick, cost-saving tips will help you adjust your energy use to match your family's new routine. Hit the OFF button Your empty house can still waste plenty of energy. Turn off lights and other devices when you're the last person to leave a room or the house for the day. Simple upgrades, such as LED lights, can help. They use up to 75% less energy than conventional incandescent lights. Program your thermostat You can save a lot of energy by adjusting the thermostat to match your family's school and work schedule. Why waste energy keeping an empty house comfortable?  ENERGY STAR®-certified smart thermostats  optimize savings and convenience by automatically adjusting temperatures based on your schedule. You can also take advantage of advanced features, such as remote control. Plug smarter Electronic devices — such as TVs, game consoles, and chargers — continue to draw power even when no one is home to use them. Advanced power strips and smart plugs provide a simple energy-saving solution. They automatically cut power to devices when they're not in use. Draw the curtain on heat gain Close window treatments when you leave for the day. This action helps block solar heat gain trapped inside your home. Otherwise, your air conditioning system works harder, even at a higher energy-saving setting. Close the door on energy waste As you pack lunches, you may find yourself in and out of the refrigerator a lot. The frequent opening and closing of the door makes the fridge work harder to maintain a consistent temperature and keep things cool. Take out everything you need at once and close the door quickly. This way, lunch ingredients are easier to access and quicker to pack, saving time and energy. Partner with Energy Efficiency Experts Contact our office to explore energy-saving solutions designed to reduce your electric costs. Our energy advisors offer home energy audits to assess your property's efficiency potential. Through this collaborative process, we identify optimization opportunities and deliver tailored recommendations that enhance both your home's comfort and your household's energy savings.

Stop by the Touchstone Energy Cooperatives of Iowa Booth in the 4-H Exhibits Building Aug. 7-17! The Touchstone Energy Cooperatives of Iowa are pleased to once again sponsor the 4-H Exhibits Building at the 2025 Iowa State Fair. Our cooperative 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’re planning a visit to the Iowa State Fair from August 7-17, make sure to stop by and see us in the air conditioned 4-H Exhibits Building on the southwest corner of the fairgrounds. It’s a great place to take a break from the heat or rain during your day at 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 lineworker 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!

August 11 (8-1-1) is National Safe Digging Day. If you are working on an outdoor project, be aware that careless digging can pose a threat to people, pipelines, and underground facilities. Always call 8-1-1 first. Here are five easy steps for safe digging: NOTIFY Call 8-1-1 or submit a request online (for Iowa, visit www.iowaonecall.com ) at least two to three days before the start of your work. The operator will notify the utilities affected by your project. WAIT Wait two to three days for affected utilities to respond to your request. They will send a locator to mark any underground utility lines. CONFIRM Confirm that all affected utilities have responded to your request by comparing the marks to the list of utilities notified by the 8-1-1 center. RESPECT Respect the markers provided by the affected utilities. The markers serve as your guide throughout the duration of your project. DIG CAREFULLY If you can’t avoid digging near markers (within 18-24” on all sides), consider moving your project location. Taking these precautions may seem like extra steps, but they’re essential for protecting yourself, your community, and critical infrastructure. A single misplaced shovel can result in dangerous gas leaks, power outages affecting entire neighborhoods, or costly repairs that could have been easily avoided. By making that simple 8-1-1 call and following proper procedures, you’re not just completing your project safely—you’re being a responsible member of your community. Remember, when it comes to digging, patience and preparation always pay off. Source: call811.com

The best fireworks display is a safe one! The month of July is always a favorite time of summer. It’s the middle of the season, the kids are out of school, and families across the United States celebrate Independence Day! Typically, on the Fourth of July, we celebrate our nation’s independence with grilled hamburgers and hot dogs, homemade ice cream and other sweet treats, and last but not least, fireworks. The holiday is a time for fellowship with family and friends, but we also want to make sure our members focus on safety. To ensure you have the best Fourth of July possible, we want to remind you about a few important safety tips from The American Red Cross. Nothing says “Fourth of July” like a spectacular fireworks display! The safest way to enjoy this part of the celebration is to head to a local fireworks show . But if you want to put on your own show at home, be sure to follow these safety tips: Always follow the instructions on fireworks packaging and never  give fireworks to small children. Keep a supply of water close by as a precaution. Make sure to wear protective eyewear when lighting fireworks. Light only one firework at a time and never attempt to relight “a dud.” Store fireworks in a cool, dry place away from children and pets. Never throw or point a firework toward people, animals, vehicles, structures, or flammable materials. Cookouts are a great way to bring folks together on the Fourth. Whether you are grilling in your backyard or at a community park, make sure your feast includes a generous portion of fun and a side helping of safety! We recommend the following safety tips: Supervise your grill at all times. Use the proper tools for cooking on a grill. Never add charcoal starter fluid when the coals have already been ignited. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions when using grills. Fireworks and cookouts wouldn’t be complete without a sunny day. Here’s hoping we have good weather, and if we do, make sure you are practicing sun safety: Use a broad-spectrum SPF sunscreen and reapply often. Protect your eyes by wearing sunglasses. Drink plenty of water. Watch  for signs of heat stroke (hot red skin; changes in consciousness; rapid, weak pulse; rapid, shallow breathing). However you choose to celebrate, we wish you a safe and Happy Fourth of July!