Customer Newsletter, August 2010

EnergyWise Tip: Heat & Cool Your Home Efficiently

Today's energy costs are sky high, with the prospects good that in the future they'll rise even higher! There is, however, something you can do to counteract this energy sticker shock. For some homes, up to 50 percent of the energy used annually is for heating and cooling. Fortunately, you have an option to minimize this expense.

What is a heat pump?When you drive by a house, you can't tell if the heating/cooling equipment is a heat pump or an air conditioner - they look the same, are connected to the furnace the same, and they perform the same in the summer in terms of cooling and efficiency; however, heat pumps are able to also heat in the winter.

Why does this matter?Because for 70 percent of the winter the heat pump is able to heat the home by itself. When it gets really cold, the thermostat senses the heat pump needs help, and it cycles the electric or gas furnace with it to heat the home. All this is done automatically, simply set the thermostat to "heat".

Why should you care? Based on today's electric and fossil fuel costs, with a heat pump a home can save $300-$400 a year in heating costs because the heat pump is so efficient. For a majority of the winter you are heating your home with a system that is 200-300 percent efficient rather than the normal 80-95 percent efficiency of a furnace which burns fossil fuel.

Are incentives available? Check with your local electric provider, there are NEW incentives available for customers who put in a high-efficient heat pump. Choose between either a direct cash incentive ($200-$400) or a 2.5 percent low interest loan through the Nebraska Energy Office.

There are very few cases where it makes sense from the homeowners' standpoint to install an air conditioner rather than a heat pump. They both perform exactly the same function in the summer, but the heat pump provides big savings in the winter.

Make an informed decision regarding your home's heating and cooling system--it will be with you for a long time. Check out the many EnergyWiseSM programs being offered to help you use electric energy efficiently and save money: www.southernpd.com.

Other stories you'll find inside this edition:
  • Introducing the GenerLink Transfer Switch
    • Sometimes, weather conditions such as tornadoes, wind, blizzards and high winds can cause power outages which are beyond our control. More>>>
  • The World's Most Expensive Dirt
    • The most expensive dirt in the world may lurk in your home's heating and cooling system. More>>>
  • Full Plate of Summer Projects Keep Linemen On the Go
    • Linemen throughout Southern's service area are working on a number of projects that will improve the reliability of our system and meet the need for electricity in the future. More>>>
  • Local Banks Accept SPD Utility Bill Payments
    • Many local banks serve as "drop-off" points for your SPD utility bill payment. More>>>
  • Recipe Box: Easy Crock Pot Roast
    • Big thanks to Anna Dobish for providing this recipe! More>>>