May Pointers & Prose

Prose

 

Get your home ready for warm weather

As the snow melts and the days grow longer, it’s time to prepare your home for the warmer months ahead. After a long, cold winter, your house may need some attention to get it ready for spring. Here are a few simple tips to help you get started:

• Inspect and clean your gutters. Winter weather can lead to debris buildup, and spring showers can cause clogs. Clear out leaves, twigs and other debris to ensure proper drainage and prevent water damage to your home’s foundation.
• Check for air leaks. Cold weather can cause seals around doors and windows to deteriorate, letting in drafts and raising your energy bills. This is the perfect time to check seals and apply weatherstripping where needed to keep your home comfortable and efficient.
• Clean your windows. After months of snow, dirt and grime can build up on your windows. Take the time to wash both the inside and outside of your windows, allowing for more sunlight to enter and brighten your home.
• Change your air conditioning filters. Even better, invite an HVAC technician to your home to inspect your filters and your whole-house system. This way, you can fix small problems before they become more expensive or serious.
• Freshen up the lawn and garden. Rake up leftover leaves and debris from the yard and get your gardens ready for planting. Add mulch around flower beds to help retain moisture and protect plants from unpredictable spring weather.

Spring cleaning isn’t just for inside your home—it’s a great opportunity to ensure your house is prepped for warm weather.

###

5 easy ways to save energy at home

It’s not unusual to see a spike in your energy bills as the warm weather temps you to start using your air conditioning. Stay cool and keep your electricity use in check by following a few tips:

• Use ceiling fans. Ceiling fans can be a great alternative to air conditioning. Make sure your fans are set to rotate counterclockwise during the warmer months to create a breeze that cools you off without overloading your AC.
• Keep blinds and curtains closed. Sunlight streaming through your windows can quickly heat up a room. Close blinds or draw curtains during the hottest part of the day to keep your home cooler, especially on windows that face the sun directly.
• Switch to energy-efficient light bulbs. If you haven’t already, consider replacing any old incandescent bulbs you still have with LED bulbs. They use a fraction of the energy and last much longer, helping to reduce electricity use.
• Unplug electronics when not in use. Many electronics and chargers still draw power even when they’re turned off. Unplug devices like chargers, TVs, and computers when not in use, or use a power strip to easily disconnect multiple devices at once.
• Set your thermostat higher. During warmer weather, try setting your thermostat a few degrees higher than usual. Every degree you raise it can save energy and reduce your cooling costs. If you’re not home during the days, consider investing in a programmable thermostat that automatically turns the a/c up a bit as you’re leaving the house and back down just before you get home in the evening.
• Use your appliances efficiently. When running appliances like the dishwasher or washing machine, only run full loads and use the energy-efficient settings to minimize your use of electricity.

###

Conserve energy during change of seasons

During the in-between months of winter and spring, it can feel tricky to manage your home’s temperature. It’s not cold enough for the heater, but it’s also not warm enough to rely on air conditioning. Luckily, there are several ways to save electricity during this transitional period without sacrificing comfort. Here are a few tips to help you make the most of this in-between weather:

• Use natural ventilation. Open windows and doors when the outside temperature is comfortable to let in fresh air and create a cross breeze. This can help naturally cool down your home without relying on air conditioning or fans.
• Adjust your thermostat. For mild temperatures, you can often get away with not using the heater or air conditioner. Set your thermostat to off or turn it down to a neutral temperature, like 70 degrees, and dress in layers to stay comfortable. A programmable thermostat can automatically adjust to the changing temperature, so you don’t waste energy.
• Use fans to circulate air. If it’s a little warm inside, ceiling or box fans can help move air around and make the space feel cooler. Place fans strategically to create a cross breeze, and remember to turn them off when you leave a room to avoid wasting energy.
• Seal any drafts. Even though it’s not freezing outside, drafts can still make your home feel colder than it is. Check windows and doors for gaps and seal them with weatherstripping or caulk to prevent warm or cool air from escaping. This will help maintain a consistent indoor temperature and reduce the need for heating or cooling.
• Limit appliance use during peak hours. Appliances like ovens, stoves and clothes dryers can generate extra heat. Use them during cooler parts of the day or in the evening to prevent unnecessary heating of your home. If you’re cooking, consider using a microwave or slow cooker instead.
• Turn off lights when not in use. As the days get longer, it’s tempting to keep lights on longer. Make sure to turn off lights in rooms you’re not using, and use energy-efficient LED bulbs to reduce energy use.

By making a few simple adjustments, you can keep your home comfortable without running up your energy bills during those in-between months.

###

Consider safety before powering up your lawn tools

Ready to dive into spring projects? Do it with safety in mind.

It’s important to safely take your electric power tools and garden tools out of winter storage. Here’s a simple checklist to ensure they’re in good working order before use:

• Inspect for damage. Before using any tools, check them thoroughly for signs of damage. Look for cracked or frayed cords on electric tools, rust on metal parts, or any visible cracks or dents. If you find any damage, repair or replace the part before use to avoid accidents.
• Clean off dirt and debris. Tools often collect dust, dirt or moisture during storage. Wipe down the surfaces of your tools with a dry cloth or use a brush to remove debris. For garden tools like shovels or rakes, make sure to clean off any leftover soil that might hinder their performance.
• Lubricate moving parts. Many power and garden tools have moving parts that need to be lubricated to prevent wear and tear. Apply a suitable lubricant to gears, blades and other moving components. Always refer to the manufacturer’s guidelines for the best lubricant to use.
• Check the battery and cords. If your tools are battery-operated, ensure the batteries are charged and haven’t been affected by the cold. If the battery looks damaged or corroded, replace it. For corded tools, check the power cords for wear or cuts, and make sure they’re free of any kinks or fraying.
• Sharpen blades and edges. Cutting tools like lawnmowers, hedge trimmers and shears can become dull over the winter. Take the time to sharpen the blades before use to ensure clean cuts and smooth operation. If needed, replace any damaged or worn blades.
• Test the tool before full use. Once you’ve inspected and prepared your tools, give them a quick test run. Start them in a safe area to make sure everything is functioning correctly. If you notice any strange noises or issues, turn the tool off and troubleshoot the problem before continuing.
• Check safety features. Make sure all safety features, like blade guards, safety switches and emergency stop buttons, are intact and functioning properly. It’s crucial to ensure these mechanisms are working before using any power tool.

            Now you’re ready to tackle your spring projects.

###

 

Electric cooperatives offer benefits for their ‘members’

You belong to an electric cooperative, which is different from the electric companies that serve your friends who live in or close to big cities.

Cooperatives operate under a different model than electric utilities that serve larger populations. Most important: You are more than a customer of your electric cooperative. You’re a member and an owner. Here are some of the benefits of that:

• Local control and decision-making. As a member of an electric cooperative, you have a voice in how the cooperative operates. Most cooperatives hold annual meetings where members can vote on important issues or even run for a position on the Board of Directors. This local involvement ensures that decisions are made with the community’s best interests in mind.
• Profit-sharing benefits. Unlike investor-owned utilities, electric cooperatives are not focused on making a profit. Instead, any surplus revenue is often returned to members in the form of capital credits. This means that over time, you may receive a refund or credit on your electric bill, which can help lower your energy costs.
• Reliable service with a personal touch. Cooperatives are known for their personalized service, as they’re focused on the needs of their local members. Because cooperatives are smaller and more community-oriented than a big-city utility, you’re likely to receive quicker responses during outages or service issues, ensuring a more reliable connection.
• Focus on sustainability. Many electric cooperatives are committed to renewable energy sources and energy efficiency. Cooperatives often contribute to environmentally friendly practices, like solar or wind energy projects, that benefit the planet and the local economy.
• Community involvement. Electric cooperatives often play a significant role in their local communities, supporting initiatives that promote economic development, education and social well-being. As a member, you’re helping support the long-term growth and prosperity of your area.

###

Pointers

 

Same old, same old: Keep your consumer publications fresh

When you’re writing about the same topics year after year, it’s easy for your content to start feeling stale. But don’t worry: Keeping things fresh doesn’t require reinventing the wheel. A few thoughtful approaches can breathe new life into your stories and engage your readers, even with familiar content.

1. Change up your angles. Every story, no matter how repetitive it may seem, has multiple angles. For example, if you’re writing about energy savings tips, try exploring the topic from different perspectives each year. One year, focus on how new technology is making savings easier. The next, highlight customer success stories about how others have made energy-saving changes in their homes or businesses. Shifting your angle helps bring a fresh take to an old topic.
2. Focus on different voices. Your regular subjects—like annual meetings or new board members—don’t always have to be treated the same way. Instead of presenting the same information, use interviews and quotes from a mix of members of the community. For example, instead of just writing about the cooperative’s new directors, you could profile the consumer-members who nominated them or share behind-the-scenes stories from staff. By focusing on people and their unique perspectives, you’ll find stories that feel new and exciting.
3. Experiment with story formats. Change the structure of your stories to keep things interesting. If your publications have been heavy on hard news, consider incorporating more feature-style writing. Try starting with an anecdote or a personal story, or include visuals and graphics that support your message. This can break up the monotony and add variety.
4. Use data and trends. Incorporate just-released data or emerging trends to give familiar topics a timely spin. If you’re covering energy use, for example, mention new statistics or surprising shifts in consumer behavior. This treats readers with fresh insights and highlights how the topic is evolving.
5. Encourage reader interaction. Engage your audience by inviting them to contribute to your stories. You could include a “Reader’s Corner” where consumer-members can share their experiences, or run a poll to gather opinions on a relevant topic. This not only keeps the content dynamic, it also creates a sense of community and makes your publication feel more interactive.

By approaching familiar topics with new methods, angles and voices, you can keep your consumer publications vibrant, engaging and relevant year after year.