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YOU’RE IN POWER.800 541 2662 | FarmersElectric.coop | 2000 Interstate 30 East, Greenville, TX 75402

Farmers Electric Cooperative strives to bring value to our members by helping them better manage their energy usage. One of those methods is through our Energy Rebate Program. This program is unmatched by any other Texas co-op and is another way we help you save money on the things that save energy.

HVAC System Tune-Up: $50 RebateThis rebate is for existing homes and is limited to one rebate per HVAC system per member per year.

LOOK FOR MORE MONEY SAVING REBATES ONLINE AT: FarmersElectric.coop.

Your A/C unit could use a spring cleaning, too.We make it easy with an HVAC Tune-Up Rebate.

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As a member of Farmers Electric Cooperative, you are in a unique position to take advantage of energy efficiency programs offered by the co-op. Because we are

a not-for-profit organization, our goal is to provide safe and reliable power to our members. We also want to help you use energy wisely by practicing efficiency habits. It’s common sense that if you use less electricity, your bill will be lower. But there’s more to it than that.  Basic energy efficiency practices, like caulking around windows and doors, turning off lights when you leave the room and using a programmable thermostat, are great ways to start saving.  Another great way to start saving is to have an annual HVAC system tune-up. This preventative maintenance will keep your HVAC system up and running all season long with no surprise breakdowns, while operating at top efficiency. Plus, as a member of Farmers EC, members are eligible for a $50 rebate on an HVAC system tune up. Rebate forms are available on our website at FarmersElectric.coop.

The most prominent benefits of an HVAC tune up.

Lower energy bills: A neglected system slowly loses its ability to keep your home comfortable at the same level of efficiency it once did. Just as a car tune-up delivers better gas mileage, your HVAC system consumes less fuel after receiving professional maintenance.

Fewer repairs: Calling for a tune-up now could help catch problems before they become disastrous. For example, a fraying belt could result in strange noises. If a technician replaces it in time, you can avoid the expensive repair that results from a snapped belt whipping around inside. By preventing future repairs, annual maintenance pays for itselfLower chance of a catastrophic breakdown:  Everyone wants an incident-free cooling and heating season. It’s inconvenient and uncomfortable when equipment breaks down on a sweltering summer afternoon when you need your HVAC system most. The odds of this happening when you schedule inspections every year are greatly diminished.Longer life: Air conditioners, furnaces and other HVAC equipment function best when they’re regularly serviced and cleaned. One malfunctioning part can cause a domino effect that causes the entire system to break down. Regular maintenance prevents this from happening and adds years to your equipment’s lifespan.Safer equipment operation: A failing HVAC system does more than cost a lot of money to repair; it also can endanger your family. Electric HVAC systems can develop a short circuit, which is a serious fire hazard if ignored.

Save energy by monitoring your usage with SmartHub.

  SmartHub is the FREE, easy, and safe way to manage your account online. As a part of the Member Hub on our website, you can log in or download the SmartHub app to your Apple or Android device. SmartHub gives our members the

ability to manage their account anytime, anywhere on their mobile device or on the Web. With SmartHub, members have access to tools like Usage Explorer which gives you a detailed look at past and current usage. This data can also be viewed with weather trends by month or day. SmartHub is another way Farmers EC makes sure you’re in power with interactive ways to manage your energy usage and your account.  Farmers Electric Cooperative offers free home energy audits. Our energy experts can assess air leaks, insulation gaps and other common problems that cause homes to use more energy than required. We can tell you more about the latest technologies for heating, cooling and lighting in a home, including heat pumps, LED lights and more.  Farmers Electric Cooperative is proud to offer these energy efficiency programs for you, our members. As you can see, there are many ways to save, and we want to be your trusted energy resource.

To find out more about energy efficiency programs and tips, contact us at 903-455-1715 or online at FarmersElectric.coop.

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FARMERS ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE

CO-OP NEWS

FarmersElectric.coop

Find ways to save with co-op energy efficiency programs.

by MARK STUBBSGeneral Manager

MAY DATESMother’s Day: Sunday, May 8

HOLIDAY HOURS Farmers EC offices will be closed in observance of Memorial Day: Monday, May 30

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FARMERS ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE

CO-OP NEWS

FarmersElectric.coop

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Clogged air filters could add up to $82 to your electric bill every year. Checking, changing or cleaning your filter once a month saves money and extends the life of your home’s heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system. Although air filters prevent pesky dust and annoying allergens from clogging your HVAC system, dirt still builds up in ducts and filters over time, like plaque in aging arteries. If left unchecked, a dirty filter strains a home’s “heart” and forces the HVAC system to work harder to push conditioned air through tight spaces. This results in higher energy bills—and, potentially, system failure.

Filter Facts. Air filters protect HVAC systems and perform double-duty by collecting loose dirt from the air. These handy sieves live in duct-system slots or in return grilles of central air conditioners, furnaces and heat pumps. Successful filters have a short life span—the better a filter catches dirt, the faster it gets clogged and must be cleaned or replaced. Leaving a dirty air filter in place cuts a home’s air quality and reduces HVAC system airflow. Although removing a clogged filter altogether relieves pressure on the system, the system can’t perform well without one. Unfiltered dust and grime accumulate on critical parts, such as the evaporator coil, causing wear and tear.

Monthly Checkup. The U.S. Department of Energy advises checking an air filter once a month and replacing it at least every three months. Inspect and replace filters before heavy use in summer and winter. If you have pets or smokers in the home, filters clog more quickly. Remodeling projects or furniture sanding adds more dust than normal; a filter working under these conditions may need to be changed more frequently.

How To …Turn your heating and cooling system off before checking your filter. Slide the filter out of your ductwork and look for layers of hair and dirt. Run a finger across the filter. If the finger comes away dirty or there’s a line left on the filter, it’s time for a change. When replacing the filter, make sure the arrow on the filter—which indicates the direction of the airflow—points toward the blower motor. To help schedule monthly checkups, write the date on the side of the filter so you know when it needs to be checked again. Once you’ve made the change, turn your system back on.

Filtering Choices. Before you leave home, write down the size printed on the side of your current filter. If you get a filter that’s too small, dirt will get around the barrier and invade your system. There are several

different types of filters and levels of efficiency. Filters are either flat or pleated; pleated filters offer extra surface area to hold dirt, making them more efficient.Air filters are rated by a Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value. Ranging from 1 to 20, this scale gauges a filter’s effectiveness at blocking debris. Low MERV-rated filters offer high airflow into a cooling or heating system, but only catch large air particles. A higher rating isn’t always better—those filters block more dirt, but they also reduce system airflow. Most experts recommend filters with a MERV of 6 or higher. If a family member suffers from allergies, a high-MERV filter keeps out excess dander, smoke and other allergens. Once you find a filter that works well in your home, it’s a good idea to keep spare filters on hand. Basic filters cost anywhere from $2 to $10 each; electrostatic filters may range from $18 to $25 each. Ask an HVAC professional what type of filter works best for your home and your family’s needs. Whatever filter you choose, be diligent about replacing it regularly. A clogged filter wastes energy and can damage your HVAC system.

Efficiency in the air.Replace air filters regularly for efficient HVAC performance

Farmers EC makes it easy to get replacement filters.Visit: www.filterchange.coop/?affid=TX067. Choose your size, the brand and get it shipped directly to you.

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Caring for your home’s electrical system as it ages

To help prevent injury and illness, there are things we have to do to care for ourselves—especially as we get older. Our homes also have to be maintained to stay in good shape, and an important part of that maintenance includes a home’s electrical system. Older homes are more likely to have an electrical fire than newer homes. An electrical system’s insulation can eventually wear out from a variety of factors, including age, animal gnawing or overloaded circuits. Older homes were not designed for the volume and power requirements of today’s electronics and appliances. Increased electrical demands can have an impact on the household wiring in older homes. If you have an older home, you may find that you need upgraded electric service. Be aware of the signs of electrical wiring problems, which include dim or flickering lights, a burning smell, smoke, shocks or discoloration when using an electrical outlet or switch. Also look out for frayed wires, breakers that trip or blow, and signs of potential rodent damage that may affect insulation. If you suspect a problem, shut off the outlet or switch at the circuit breaker, and contact an electrician to make repairs.To check on the status of your home’s electrical system, contact a qualified electrician to perform an electrical inspection of your home. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission suggests the following guidelines for inspections:

• If the last electrical inspection of your home was 40 or more years ago: An inspection is overdue.

• If the last inspection was 10 to 40 years ago: An inspection is recommended, especially if your electrical demands have increased significantly or you have noticed any of the warning signs of electrical problems.

• If the last inspection was fewer than 10 years ago: An inspection should not be needed unless you have noticed any of the warning signs of an electrical problem, or any temporary wiring has been added.

The CPSC further suggests that if you are not sure of the last time your home had an electrical inspection, you might be able to find a label or tag with that information on your electrical panel door or cover. If there is no label or tag, then use the age of the house as a guide to the probable need for an inspection.

POWER TIPIf you’re on a tight budget, installing storm windows is a cheaper alternative to replacing windows entirely.They can help keep your home cool in the summer and warm in the winter, while also lowering your energy bills by up to $350 a year.

DID YOU KNOW?May is National Electrical Safety Month. It’s a perfect time to take a look around your home and notice any lamps, toys, appliances, electronics, cords, plugs or outlets that need repair or replacement to prevent fire, shocks or other electricity-related hazards.

ENERGY EFFICIENCY TIP OF THE MONTH*

90% of the energy used to operate a washing machine comes from using hot water.A simple switch from hot to cold can save a great deal of energy. Air drying can save even more household energy.

*Provided by the U.S. Department of Energy

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