June 2023
Why Is My Electric Bill More Than My Neighbor’s?
You and your neighbor both have similar household appliances such as a TV, microwave, electric range, refrigerator, heat pump, and computer. However, after comparing bills, you’ve discovered that your monthly costs are almost twice as high. What’s causing this? Let's explore the factors that can contribute.

Insulation
Consider the insulation of your walls compared to your neighbor's. Well-insulated walls can help retain the desired temperature and reduce the need for excessive heating or cooling, leading to lower energy consumption.

Daily Habits
Evaluate your daily habits and compare them to your neighbor's. Do you take longer showers with hot water? Do you tend to cook elaborate meals or bake from scratch, while your neighbor opts for quicker microwave meals? Being mindful of these habits can help you identify areas where you can make energy-saving adjustments.

Standby Power
Take note of how often you leave appliances, such as your TV or computer, in standby mode. Even when not in use, these devices continue to consume electricity. Consider turning them off completely or using power strips to easily switch them off when not needed.

Cooling Preferences
Think about your cooling preferences during the summer months. If you prefer an extra-cool house while sleeping, it may contribute to higher energy usage. Discuss with your neighbor their thermostat settings and consider adjusting yours slightly to save energy without compromising comfort.

While comparing your electric bill with your neighbor's can be intriguing, it is essential to understand that it's not an accurate measure. You’re not comparing apples to apples since your environment and habits are different. Instead, focus on identifying ways to improve your own energy usage to reduce unnecessary consumption. By being mindful of energy-saving practices, you can work towards optimizing your energy efficiency to benefit your wallet.
Craftsmanship and precision are at the heart of Texas Timber Works, a custom heavy timber truss manufacturer owned by father and son team, Shaun and Jeremy May. True old-word craftsmen, their work is in high demand as they bring their clients' dreams to life. Texas Timber Works, located in Quitman, is a Wood County Electric Cooperative Member, and you can read more about their interesting business in the June edition of the Texas Co-op Power magazine here.
Forever Young Activity Center is a facility for adult fellowship programs that enrich seniors, elevate their welfare and help them maintain health and happiness. The nonprofit center is a past recipient of a Wood County Electric Charitable Foundation grant powered by our members through Operation Round-up. Caring for the communities we serve is in our cooperative DNA. To read about Forever Young Activity Center and opportunities visit their website: https://www.quitmanseniors.org/index.php To learn more about operation roundup click here.
Here Comes the Heat
Here comes another long hot Texas summer! Luckily there are ways to use energy more efficiently and save money on electricity:

1. Change your air conditioning system’s filter every three months during cooling season—and more often if your neighborhood is especially dusty. Dirty filters stop air from flowing through an AC system, which causes your AC to work harder and use more energy.

2. If you have a programmable thermostat, set it to run the AC during just part of the day. There’s no need to keep your house comfortable when nobody’s in it.

3. Use ceiling fans in bedrooms, the kitchen and living room. Fans move the air around and make people in the room feel cooler.

4. Close the drapes. A sunny day might be pretty to look at through a window, but hot rays can heat the air in your home and force the AC to work overtime.

5. Use your microwave. Microwaves use 30% less energy than the stove. Better yet, cook outside on the grill.

6. If you have a pool, don’t run the pump all day long. One hour for every 10 degrees (e.g., nine hours at 90 degrees) is enough to keep algae at bay.
Transform Your Home into an Energy-Saving Haven:
Simple Projects for the Weekend Warrior
Are you ready to embark on a journey towards a more energy-efficient home? Whether you're a seasoned "weekend warrior" or a DIY beginner, there are several quick and easy projects you can tackle to save energy and money. The following energy-saving projects will not only reduce your environmental impact but also enhance your home's efficiency and comfort. So, let’s get ready to roll up your sleeves and make a positive change!

Embrace the Power of Smart Thermostats.
Heating and cooling can account for a significant portion of your energy bills. Enter the smart thermostat, a device that can revolutionize how you regulate your home's temperature. With ENERGY STAR®-certified models now more affordable than ever (some starting as low as $70!), upgrading to a smart thermostat has never been easier. Not only do they offer convenience and flexibility, but they can also save you up to 8% on your annual energy costs.

Smart thermostats allow you to create personalized temperature schedules, adjust settings remotely from your phone, and even learn your cooling and heating preferences over time. Installing one is a breeze, involving simple steps like shutting off your HVAC system at the breaker panel, removing the old thermostat, and connecting the new smart thermostat to your home's Wi-Fi. Just remember to carefully follow the manufacturer's installation instructions for a seamless setup.
 
Air Dry with Style: DIY Clothesline or Indoor Drying Rack.
Reduce energy consumption and extend the life of your clothes by embracing the power of air drying. Installing a clothesline in your outdoor space offers a traditional and energy-efficient alternative to using a clothes dryer. Not only will you save on energy costs, but you'll also prevent unnecessary heat from entering your home during the summer months, reducing your cooling expenses.

Creating a clothesline requires minimal materials such as T-posts, wire, and hook-and-eye turnbuckles. Secure the posts in the ground, ensuring stability, and determine the ideal location for the line based on your available space. Remember that a typical load of laundry requires approximately 35 feet of line. If outdoor space is limited, you can construct an indoor drying rack that folds to save space. Online resources like thespruce.com and hgtv.com provide step-by-step tutorials for various indoor clothes racks.

Seal Air Leaks and Insulate.
One often overlooked aspect of energy efficiency is the presence of air leaks in your home. These leaks can lead to significant energy loss, as conditioned air escapes and outside air infiltrates your living spaces. By identifying and sealing air leaks, you can create a more comfortable and energy-efficient environment.

Start by inspecting windows, doors, electrical outlets, and gaps around pipes and vents for any noticeable drafts. Apply weatherstripping or caulking to seal gaps and cracks, preventing unwanted air exchange. Additionally, consider insulating your home properly, particularly in attics, and walls. Adequate insulation helps maintain a consistent indoor temperature, reducing the strain on heating and cooling systems.

By implementing these energy-saving projects and tips, you can take control of your energy usage, and enjoy a more cost-effective lifestyle. So, grab your tools and unleash your inner weekend warrior to create a home that not only saves energy but also reflects your commitment to a greener future.
Safety Tip of the Month
Don’t Try To Hide Transformer Boxes
Beautifying our homes is important to many of us. If your home is served by underground electric service, you may be tempted to hide the accompanying transformer cabinet from sight by planting shrubs or flowers around it. Please refrain from doing so.

Obstacles around a transformer could pose safety risks and inhibit power restoration should a WCEC employee need to access it for maintenance and repairs.
Padmount transformers serve the purpose of stepping down electricity from the 8,000 volts carried by transmission lines to the 120 or 240 volts that your home needs. Contact with electricity from the transformer could cause shock or electrocution.

Shrubs and other structures must be at least 10 feet away from the door opening and 5 feet away from all sides of transformers.

Never paint a transformer. They are a uniform color so that our employees can easily identify them.

Digging close to the unit can be dangerous and life-threatening. Wires from a transformer could extend out in any direction. Always call 811 before digging in your yard.

Emphasize the dangers of these units to your children and other family members, and keep them away.

Transformers might look like a bench or a jungle-gym obstacle, but children should not sit on or play on or around transformers. Prevent kids from inserting objects into cracks in the transformer case, as tempting as it might be to deposit sticks or rocks inside.

For the safety of all, give transformer cabinets a wide berth and keep them free from debris and coverings.

If you notice any signs of disrepair to a transformer, such as a faulty lock, oil leaking or damaged welds, contact WCEC immediately. Stay away from the transformer until repairs can be made by professionals.
Energy Efficiency Tip of the Month
Looking for additional ways to save energy this summer? Your laundry room is a great place to start. Wash clothes with cold water, which can cut one load’s energy use by more than half. Your washing machine will use the same amount of energy no matter the size of the clothes load, so fill it up when you can. When drying clothes, separate the heavier cottons. Loads will dry faster and more evenly if you separate heavier cottons like linens and towels from your lightweight clothing.