How Renters Can Fight the Winter Chill

According to statistics, around 35 percent of Americans rent or lease their homes. Many lease agreements forbid major alterations to rental properties but renters can consider using these low-cost, energy-efficient tips from West Florida Electric Cooperative (WFEC) to improve the efficiency of their homes this winter.

One of the simplest things a renter can do to save energy and money is to set thermostats as low as comfortable in the winter – your WFEC energy experts recommend 68 degrees to boost energy efficiency.

Another thing you can do is take advantage of heat from sunlight. Open draperies and shades during the day to allow natural light to heat your home. Remember to close them in the evenings as the temperature drops and windowpanes become chilly.

Does your rental have window air conditioning units? This winter, remember to insulate the units from the outside with a tight-fitting cover, which are available at your local home improvement center or hardware store. This prevents heated air from escaping outside. You can also remove window units during winter months to prevent energy loss.

Yet another way to save on heating is to make sure your water heater is set at the lowest comfortable setting. Have you experienced scalding hot water while shower ing? If so, it’s likely that your water heater is set too high – a waste of energy. Older models of water tanks are often not well-insulated, which can be easily remedied by covering them with an insulating blanket which can be purchased at a home improvement store.

Lighting is another of the easiest places to start saving energy. These savings are not strictly limited to winter months. Try replacing a few of your most frequently used light bulbs with more energy-efficient lighting and save. LED light bulbs use up to 75 percent less energy and last several times longer, saving money on energy bills and replacement costs. Practicing energy-efficient habits is another great way to reduce energy usealways turn off your lights when leaving a room.

Other ways to save

Leasing an older home or apartment? Odds are you have single-pane windows and old or missing caulk. Don’t let the winter chill seep indoors! Apply caulk or weather sealing around window frames, sashes, and door panels to combat air leaks. Also, be mindful when using electronics at home. Unplug devices when not in use, and use smart power strips to save on energy use. To learn more ways to be energy efficient around the home, visit www.westflorida.coop.

Everglades Chili

Ingredients:

2 lbs. ground chuck

1 lb. Conecah brand smoked sausage

2 cans beef broth

2 boxes Carol Shelby brand chili seasoning

16 oz. can tomato puree

1 large jar salsa (or fresh from produce section)

1 small can tomato paste

1 tablespoon sugar

1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce

16 oz. chicken broth

2 cans red kidney beans

Submitted by: Paige Nunn

Directions: Chop sausage into small pieces and brown in a large pot with 1/4 cup vegetable oil. Set aside to cool. Once cooled, pulse in a food processor until completely chopped. In the same pot, cook ground beef in beef broth, breaking the meat up until finely chopped. Meat will not brown completely but will be cooked through. Add the chili seasoning packs and Worcestershire sauce. Simmer about 5 minutes. Puree salsa in food processor. Add to the pot and continue cooking for about 5 more minutes. Add tomato puree, chicken broth and tomato paste. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer covered for about an hour, stirring frequently. Continue cooking for an additional hour, then add beans and the masa from the Carol Shelby seasoning kit. Simmer for about 20 minutes. Serve or transfer to a crock pot to simmer on low 2-3 hours. Best served after refrigerating overnight to meld spices. Can add one cup of non-alcoholic Zing Zang Bloody Mary mix to make it even tastier.

Statement of Non-Discrimination

West Florida Electric Cooperative is a recipient of Federal financial assistance from the Rural Utilities Service, an agency of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Therefore, in accordance with Federal and civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity (including gender expression), sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, family/parental status, income derived from a public assistance program, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity, in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA conducted or filing deadlines by program or incident.

Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.) should contact the responsible Agency or USDA's TARGET center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English.

To file a program discrimination complaint, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, AD-3027, found online at www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_ cust.html and at any USDA office or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested on the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992.

Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by:

1)mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of the Assistance Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Ave. SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410;

2)fax: (202) 690-7442; or

3)email: program.intake@usda.gov.

West Florida Electric Cooperative is an equal opportunity provider, and employer.