Tap Into Water Heating Savings

If your home is like most, you and your family are using about 45 gallons of hot water each day. If your water heater is electric, that probably accounts for about 18 percent of your power bill. That makes your water heater the second-largest energy expense in your home. So, why not use less electricity to heat it?

Today's high-efficiency water heaters use much less energy than older models, so you won't need to give up comfort for energy savings. That's good news for your power bills.

Now, there's a new kid in town; an electric heat pump water heater. These units give you the hot water you need by pulling heat from the surrounding air to heat water - like a refrigerator in reverse.

Because they do not directly produce heat, electric heat pump water heaters are two to three times more effiicient than standard units. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, a family of four can save about $350 a year on water heating costs, which adds up to $3,750 over the lifetime of the unit.

A heat pump water heater may cost a bit more upfront than you'd pay for the other models. However, most people see a payback in less than three years due to the unit's lower operating costs and energy savings. That's according to the U.S. Department of Energy. Be sure to look for the ENERGY STAR rating.

Tankless electric water heaters are another option, but think about these things before buying: While these units quickly heat water to provide it when called upon, they can use 8 times more electricity at one time than a standard water heater. This high demand increases your cooperative's cost of purchased power, which plays an important role in how much you pay for electricity. In some cases, people who use electric tankless water heaters have to upgrade the home's wiring to support the huge demand for electricity.

Before you buy a new water heater, speak with WFEC's trusted energy experts about your choices.

Other ways to lower your energy costs include setting your water heater's thermostat no higher than

120 degrees Fahrenheit - this reduces energy use and protects against scalding. Fixing leaks, installing lowflow fixtures, and using energyefficient dishwashers and washing machines can also help you conserve water and energy. Many washers and dishwashers allow you to schedule when those appliances operate and have energy-saving settings, so this is also something you can try. Consider washing your clothes in cold water, and shortening showers to help keep water heating costs low.

Save the Date: Annual Meeting is April 29

Don't miss a day filled with lots of family fun and entertainment!

Save the date for West Florida Electric Cooperative's Annual Meeting/Member Appreciation Day which will take place in-person on Saturday, April 29. You won't want to miss a day filled with lots of family fun and entertainment!

The Board of Trustees and employees invite all members to join us at the Graceville Civic Center (5224 Brown St., Graceville) from 8:30 a.m. until noon.

The co-op will be giving away a 2004 Chevrolet Impala to one lucky registered WFEC member attending the meeting on April 29. All WFEC members who register at the meeting will also receive a $10 bill credit as their registration gift.

Some of the fun activities taking place throughout the day include:

• Obstacle Courses and Inflatables

• Touch-a Truck

• Free Children's Photo

• Pole Climbing Demonstrations

• Electrical Safety Demonstrations

• Free Kettle Corn

• BBQ Lunch

• Free Soft Drinks

• Gospel Music

• Health Fair

• $10 Bill Credit for Registered Members

Entertainment will be provided by gospel group, Ricky Atkinson & Compassion. They are a South Georgiabased gospel music trio. From a small town called Sylvester, Georgia, in the southwest corner of the state, they travel all over the country taking the good news of the Gospel in song to everyone. Formed in 1999, this year marks their 24th anniversary. Ricky started singing with his family as a young man, and continued throughout his teen years. In 1988, he started singing with his first group, The Campmeeting Boys. In 1991, he formed a male trio called Kindred Spirit and in 1994 he began filling solo dates, which he did for two years. In 1996 he joined The Wilburns from Nashville, Tennessee, and in 1999 he returned to South Georgia to form this group. He is most noted for being one of Gospel music's top songwriters and is also a producer, arranger, publisher and President of Resting Place Music Group. Ricky sings lead and is the group owner and manager. Some of his most recognized songs are: The Valley is for Me, Resting Place, Left Behind, Blessed Be the Name of the Lord, Good Time Today and many more. He has appeared on Gospel Music Television, Dollywood, Silver Dollar City, Celebration Cruises and at many other venues. We hope to see you there!

Generation

Electricity is produced at a generation facility either by renewable or non-renewable energy sources.

Distributed Generation

Distributed generation systems like rooftop solar panels produce electricity when their energy source is available, such as when the sun shines. When the energy source is unavailable, the home or business receives electricity from the grid. If the system produces more electricity than needed, the excess power is sent back to the grid.

Transmission Lines and Substations

After the electricity is generated, it travels through high-voltage transmission power lines to electric substations, where the voltage is lowered.

Distribution Lines

Once the voltage is lowered, the electricity travels over distribution power lines, which ultimately deliver the electricity to our homes and businesses.