February 2026 EnergyWiseSM Tip: Water Coolers

Laundry can be a bigger winter energy user than people expect, but small adjustments save money without sacrificing cleanliness. Some rules of thumb: · Modern detergents work well in cold water, and many loads come out just as clean. · Wash full loads and select the right water level. For lightly soiled items, choose a quick or eco cycle. · Use high-spin settings to remove more water and shorten drying time. Dryer balls help separate clothing so warm air circulates better. · Clean the lint trap every cycle and check the vent hose for buildup. A clogged vent extends dryer run time and raises fire risk. · Time laundry for mid-day when the home may already be warmer or when off-peak electricity rates apply.

An electrical outlet that’s slightly warm to the touch is not uncommon during heavy use, but it can also be a sign of danger. · Start by unplugging any devices that are using it, and then feel the outlet again. If the warmth disappears, the problem may be the appliance or a loose plug. Test the device on another outlet. · If the outlet remains warm with nothing plugged in, do not use it. That suggests loose wiring, a failing receptacle or an overloaded circuit. Call an electrician to diagnose the trouble. · Never use extension cords or ungrounded adapters as a long-term fix. Limit high-draw appliances to dedicated circuits and never run space heaters from a power strip. · If you see discoloration, smell burning or notice sparks, shut off power to the circuit and call a licensed electrician.

Southwest Public Power District has an opening for the position of Journeyman or Apprentice power line worker. Duties include, but are not limited to, maintenance and construction of overhead and underground distribution and sub-transmission facilities. The District operating hours are a compressed work schedule with every other Friday off. After-hours and on-call duty are required. This position requires heavy lifting, pole climbing, and other strenuous activity and working well with other crew members. Must be able to complete associated written and electronic documentation. Must possess a valid Class B CDL and pass a pre-employment drug and alcohol test. Southwest Public Power District offers an excellent wage and benefit package, including paid vacation, sick leave, paid health insurance, and funded retirement plan. Southwest Public Power District’s headquarters office is in Palisade, Nebraska. The region’s schools, small communities, and recreational opportunities make it a great place to live and raise a family. Interested individuals must email a resume, including job training and three references to: jobs@swppd.com. Southwest Public Power District is an equal opportunity employer. Position will be open until filled.

Even if you had a tech come to your home for a pre-season heating check, you should keep on top of simple HVAC maintenance to up your chances of making it through the winter without any emergency repairs. Cold snaps in February put heavy demand on heating systems, and small issues can quickly become big emergencies. Following a brief maintenance checklist can save money and prevent expensive, late-night calls.  · Begin with filters. Replace disposable filters or clean reusable ones. A clean filter reduces strain and improves airflow. · Check vents and registers to make sure furniture or curtains aren’t blocking airflow. Restricted airflow makes the system run longer and increases wear. · Inspect visible ductwork where you can access it. Seal loose connections with foil HVAC tape or mastic. Leaky ducts waste heated air and force the furnace to run more to maintain temperature. · Clear any snow or ice from outdoor heat-pump units and keep a three-foot clearance around them. Unusual noises or persistent burning smells are early signs of trouble. Call a licensed HVAC technician before a minor issue becomes a failure.

By: NPPD Energy Efficiency Program Manager Cory Fuehrer Everyone’s looking for a good deal. There’s no exception when it comes to home improvements, especially if you own an older home. If you find yourself in that category and are planning a major renovation, consider that adding insulation during your project often pays for the additional cost with energy savings in two to five years. According to Energy Star®, homeowners can save an average of 15% on heating and cooling costs by adding insulation in attics, floors over crawl spaces, and accessible basement rim joists. Adding insulation can also increase the value of your home. Remodeler Magazine’s “Cost vs. Value Report,” which breaks down both the cost and return on investment of many home improvement options, noted that adding fiberglass attic insulation increased home value by an average of 17%. Considering the North American Insulation Manufacturers Association estimates that almost 90% of existing U.S. homes are under-insulated, familiarizing yourself with the following most-common types might be a good place to start. Blanket Insulation While most commonly sold in rolls or batts of spun fiberglass filaments, blanket insulation is also produced from cotton, cellulose and mineral wool. They’re made in various thicknesses, but usually in the standard widths of 15 and 23 inches so they easily fill the cavities between joists or studs. Blanket insulation is also ideal for unfinished attics. Not only is it easy to cut and install, but more than one layer can be installed to achieve the desired level of insulation. Loose-Fill and Blown-In Insulation Since attics often have limited headroom and numerous obstructions, loosefill insulation is a popular choice. It can easily be blown on top of existing insulation and other obstructions like ducting, can light fixtures and cross beams. Rock wool, cellulose and fiberglass are the most common materials used to make loose-fill insulation. Foam Board or Rigid Foam Foam board is a rigid panel made from polystyrene or polyisocyanurate. It provides a high level of thermal resistance (R-value) per inch when compared to other types of insulation. It can easily be installed in a variety of applications, including walls, roofs and floors. Because it provides a vapor barrier when properly sealed, it can help control moisture, reduce air leaks and keep pests from invading your home. Because of its rigidity, it's self-supporting, doesn't sag and provides continuous insulation, which effectively blocks heat transfer better than batts. Spray Foam and Foamed-In-Place Insulation Similar to foam board, spray foam insulation and foamed-in-place insulation is a liquid polyurethane plastic that is sprayed directly on the area being insulated. As the liquid is sprayed, it expands and hardens to create a dense foam that seals gaps and forms an air-tight vapor barrier. This significantly improves energy efficiency since it significantly reduces heat transfer while stopping air leaks in walls, attics and crawlspaces at the same time. There are two main types of spray foam insulation: open-cell, which is less dense and good for soundproofing; and closed cell, which is denser, offers higher R-values, adds structural strength and resists moisture. Adding insulation can be one of the most cost-effective projects you can do to make your home energy efficient. If you primarily use electricity to heat your home and there are six inches or less of insulation in your attic, your local public power provider may have an EnergyWiseSM incentive available once installation is complete. Contact your local utility or visit www.energywisenebraska.com for additional details. Your local utility, in partnership with Nebraska Public Power District, wants to help you get the most value from the energy needed to keep your home comfortably warm.

This Valentine’s season, show your appliances a little love and they’ll return the favor in lower bills and fewer surprises. Start with the refrigerator: Vacuum the coils every six months, check door gaskets for tight seals, set the fridge at 37 to 40 degrees, and then lower the freezer to 0 degrees. This will help the appliance run more efficiently and use less power. Next, turn your attention to your clothes dryer. Clean the lint trap after every load and inspect the vent and duct for buildup; restricted airflow makes dryers run longer and raises fire risk. Consider having a technician clean the exhaust duct annually. Don’t forget the water heater. Lowering the thermostat to 120 degrees and flushing a few gallons annually to remove sediment improves efficiency and extends life. Your heating system has been keeping you warm all winter; give it some TLC by replacing HVAC filters regularly. A clogged filter forces the system to work harder. Finally, make some small fixes; they add up. Tighten loose electrical connections, replace cracked power cords and run a quick check for unusual noises or smells. These are easy tasks that prevent breakdowns and save energy. They can also keep your home safe and comfortable. Think of it as home self-care that pays dividends.

The body content of your post goes here. To edit this text, click on it and delete this default text and start typing your own or paste your own from a different source.

By: NPPD Energy Efficiency Program Manager Cory Fuehrer Is this the winter you finally have had enough of shoveling now? Data analyzed by the Center for Injury Research and Policy found that annually, snow shoveling leads to about 100 deaths and 11,500 emergency room visits in the U.S. Of those treated for injuries, about 15% resulted from the shovel itself. Maybe it’s time to consider an electric snowblower? Cordless, battery-electric blowers can clear paths up to 24 inches wide through as much as 20 inches of snow. Unlike their gas-powered counterparts, they require very little maintenance, run relatively quietly, are usually lighter and start with just a push of a button. When it comes to one of the quickest, least labor-intensive ways to dig out after a big snowstorm, they are hard to beat. Also, consider the following additional advantages: Single-Stage and Two-Stage Electric snowblowers are available in both single-stage and two-stage models. Single-stage units are lighter and easy to maneuver. They use a single auger to both scoop and discharge snow and are best suited for light to moderate snowfalls. Two-stage snowblowers have an additional impeller, which helps throw the snow further while handling heavier snow more effectively. Power Source Unlike their underpowered, corded predecessors, most electric snowblowers today run off rechargeable batteries for about 30 to 45 minutes on a single charge, which is about how long a tank of gasoline powers a gas snowblower. Operating time can be extended with multiple batteries. Compact and Easy to Store Electric snowblowers take up significantly less space, making them ideal for garages with limited storage space. Maintenance Unlike gas-powered units that require oil changes, tune-ups and gasoline stabilization or draining for extended periods of storage, electric units require almost no maintenance. To keep an electric snowblower running season after season, simply store the charger and batteries indoors when they aren’t being charged or used. Since batteries do not hold the same amount of charge when the temperature drops below freezing, storing and charging them indoors ensures the greatest run time. Both electric and gas snowblowers last around 10 years with proper care and maintenance. However, electric snowblowers require much less effort to maintain. Cost Gasoline-powered snowblowers usually have a higher purchase price, as well as fuel and maintenance costs when compared to electric snowblowers. This is especially true when evaluating smaller or single-stage units.  Your local public power provider, in partnership with Nebraska Public Power District, also offers EnergyWiseSM incentives to their customers who purchase an electric snowblower. Contact them or visit www.energywisenebraska.com for more details

Winter air is dry, and dry air affects how warm a home feels. Low indoor humidity makes people feel colder, even when the thermostat setting is the same as it always has been. When you feel cold, you’ll crank up the heat. And that can lead to higher energy bills. Suggestion: Adding a modest amount of humidity to the air. This can make rooms feel warmer without raising the thermostat. Use a single-room humidifier for sleeping areas or a whole-house humidifier attached to your HVAC if you already have one. Aim for relative humidity between 30 and 40 percent in winter to avoid condensation on windows and minimize mold risk. Adjusting the humidity won’t stop heat loss on its own, though. As you deal with the humidity, seal windows and doors that can let warm air escape from the house. Add insulation to your attic. Caulk gaps around windows and doors, weatherstrip drafty attic-hatch covers and insulate exposed pipes and attic access points. These measures reduce the load on humidifiers and heaters. And simple habits help: Close shades at night to reduce radiant heat loss, keep interior doors open to let warm air circulate and use ceiling fans on low after reversing the direction the blades spin. They should push warm air down.