May 2023

No Time to Delay, Protect Your AC Today

Benefits of "Time Delay Upon Restart"

contributed by Kenick

Most homes built in southern regions of the country have central air conditioning systems installed. These systems are typically comprised of an "air handler" which circulates air to various rooms in the house, and an outdoor refrigeration condenser unit that houses the refrigeration compressor. Mini-split air conditioning systems are a relatively new addition to the HVAC community and are considered quite efficient due to not requiring duct work to cool smaller homes.

Both central air conditioning and mini-split air conditioning systems make use of a cooling process that compresses refrigerant gas and then cools (or heats) the home via release of the high pressure refrigerant through the cooling (or heating) cycle.

Modern HVAC systems make use of microprocessor controls to "manage" the operation of the system and to ensure proper operation. Super high efficient systems must be carefully controlled to maintain their high efficiency ratings.

As a result of incorporation of microprocessor control technology into the HVAC market, customers benefit greatly by having an additional hard-wire surge protector installed at the 240 volt disconnect adjacent to the outdoor condenser/compressor unit. This device will complement the meter base surge protector that can be leased or purchased from WFEC by protecting from transient surge events that may occur outside. In addition, customers should take extra steps to protect their HVAC refrigeration compressors from momentary power interruptions.Here's why:

continued on page 4

West Florida Electric Right of Way

May Shelton's Crossroads, Sneads & Clarksville

Clearing Crews will be cutting & trimming right of ways in the following area(s) during the month of

When right-of-way (ROW) crews are trimming in your area, there may be several days between ROW cutting & clean-up crews due to inclement weather, equipment failure or other unforeseen circumstances.

2023 Trustee Election Results

1. During their operation, refrigeration compressors "compress" the refrigerant to a high pressure and this high pressure gas flows through the outside condenser/compressor unit to the indoor air handler and back to the outside unit as part of the "refrigeration cycle."

During the cool mode, cold air is expelled from the cooling coils in the air handler and into the house and hot air is released from the outside compressor unit coils.

During the heat mode (for heat pump systems), the refrigeration cycle is reversed and hot air is expelled from the inside heating coils in the air handler and into the house and cold air is released from the outside compressor unit coils.

2. These systems operate in a very efficient manner until...the lights blink and the compressor stops...then the power returns a few seconds later and the compressor attempts to restart under high refrigerant pressure. This type of event is similar to starting off your car in 5th gear and can cause major stress on refrigeration compressor systems and lead to premature failure of the compressor.

There is a simple solution that will protect outdoor refrigeration compressors from momentary power interruptions or blinks. This solution is to install a "time delay upon restart" protection module as part of the air conditioner control system.

Once installed, the protection module will hold the compressor off for 3 to 5 minutes following a momentary power interruption. This will allow the refrigerant gas pressure to reduce to a level that will allow for easy restart of the compressor.

While many HVAC systems have time delays installed and operational, there are situations where the protection module is installed but not operational. Having your HVAC service company check out the time delay on your HVAC compressor to confirm that it is functioning properly is highly recommended. Combining the time delay protection module with surge protection both units - meterbase and hardwired- will significantly extend the life of your HVAC system.

*Kenick, Inc. has been providing surge protection products and solutions to the electric utility industry for over 32 years.

an all edible nursery and homestead. We grow, sell & install fruit trees and edibles and have hundreds of varieties. We’ll install everything from a few backyard fruit trees to commercial orchards and vineyards. Call us or come by today to get your food forest started!

Contact County Agencies to Sign Up for Special Needs Shelter Program

The Special Needs Registry Shelter Program is designed to provide hurricane or disaster related evacuation assistance and care for those without other alternatives. If you need transportation assistance or have a health/medical condition that requires medical attention while at a shelter, you should register for this program. If you are a client of a hospice or home health care agency, you should ensure that they have already registered you into the system. This registration helps the local emergency management agency identify those in need of assistance and plan for resource allocation to meet those needs.

Special Needs Shelters are designed to meet the needs of persons who require assistance that exceeds services provided at a general population shelter. A Special Needs Shelter is a place to go when there is no other sheltering option. Shelters may be activated during an emergency event to provide mass care for people who cannot safely remain in their homes. Special Needs Shelters are intended to provide, to the extent possible under emergency conditions, an environment that can sustain an individual’s level of health.

If a person is medically stable but needs help with basic tasks or uses an electronic medical device and has no other evacuation options, they should pre-register for a Special Needs Shelter.

Who is eligible to stay in a Special Needs Shelter?

• People with special medical needs

• People whose care exceeds the basic first aid provided at general population shelters

• People with impairments or disabilities who are medically stable and do not require medical care

• People with disabilities are not required to go to a Special Needs Shelter. Some people with disabilities can be safely accommodated in a general population shelter.

continued on page 7

The capabilities of each Special Needs Shelter varies based upon a community’s needs and available resources. Persons with special needs may authorize emergency response personnel to enter their homes during search-and-rescue operations, if necessary, to ensure their safety and welfare following disasters. This statewide registry provides first responders with valuable information to help them prepare for disasters or other emergencies.

This registration must be updated annually. West Florida Electric Cooperative helps local emergency management agencies get the word out about this program.

If you or someone you know has a special condition affecting eyesight, hearing, speech, walking, breathing or an emotional condition and would need assistance during evacuations and sheltering, please contact your local emergency management agency.

All information provided is kept strictly confidential. If you would like to register for the Special Needs Shelter Registry Program, please contact your local emergency management office. Their contact numbers and websites are listed below:

Calhoun County: (850) 674-8075 or www.calhouncountygov.com

Holmes County: (850) 547-1112 or www.holmescountyfla.com

Jackson County: (850) 526-4500 or www.jacksoncountyfl.gov

Washington County: (850) 638-6203 or www.washingtonfl.com

Please keep in mind that completing the Florida Special Needs Registry does not automatically qualify individuals for a special needs shelter. Additional information will be provided by your local emergency management agency regarding evacuation and sheltering options available. For more information on your local options, please visit https://www.floridadisaster.org/counties for contact information.

*All 67 counties in the state now utilize a new electronic format for the Special Needs Registry Shelter Program. Contact each agency to find out how to access this electronic form. You can access the registry online at https://snr.floridadisaster.org. You will need to login, create a password and then access the portal. If you have any questions, or do not have internet access, please contact your local emergency management office.

Two options:

* Convert 10% or 25% of Amount Purchased to Permanent Plan for Same Payment! (after mortgage)

* Receive 100% of Premiums Paid When Mortgage Paid!

Upgrade to a High-Efficiency Heat Pump and Save

There is a need for manufactured homes to be more energy-efficient. Since they typically come with an electric furnace, we’ve launched a program to help manufactured home buyers, as well as existing owners, upgrade to a high-efficiency heat pump. This will lower electric use (especially during cold months) and save participants an average of $550 per year!

For all of us who are already watching every penny, $550 per year over many years really adds up.

As a not-for-profit electric cooperative, we want what’s best for our members. That includes helping reduce power bills, when possible.

Working with manufactured home dealers in our area, West Florida Electric Cooperative (WFEC) will cover the DIFFERENCE to upgrade from an electric furnace to a high-efficiency heat pump in any new manufactured home purchased by our members, at no cost to the buyer. The upgrade cost is paid directly to the home dealer at the point of sale. The upgrade helps lower the purchaser’s electric bills.

Ask your mobile home dealer about upgrading your insulation package. The more insulation you have, the lower your energy costs might be. Investments like upgrading insulation levels can result in savings for years to come.

Already living in a manufactured home? We’re helping you, too. There are also rebates available for your heat pump upgrade! Those members can get a rebate up to $400 per ton when replacing an electric furnace with a high-efficiency heat pump. Plus you'll enjoy comfort and lower costs.

Manufactured home owners can also retrofit their homes to make them more energy efficient. Here are some ideas:

• Install energy-efficient, doublepane, Low-E glass windows with vinyl frames.

They can be air-filled but also have an option to be argon gas filled for even more efficiency. This type of window allows light in and keeps UV rays out. They'll also help reduce energy usage and outside noise.

• Install energy-efficient, insulated doors

• Add insulation underneath the floor

Manuafactured Home

• Make general repairs (like caulking, fixing ducts, etc.)

• Install faucet aerators and ultra low-flow toilets to reduce water use

• Add insulation to walls

• Wrap all duct work with R-8 insulation

• Install insulated skirting

• Install a belly wrap

• Add insulation to your roof or install a roof cap

The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) found that these retrofitting measures resulted in a 31 percent reduction in heating fuel usage.

To further improve your manufactured home's energy efficiency, consider the following:

• Caulking and weatherstripping windows and doors, especially if you can't replace them with the more energy-efficient ones

• Seal air leaks - look for leaks around plumbing. light fixtures, and ducts

Home Owners

• Install a smart thermostat - they will control comfort levels and provide energy-savings

• Consider using LED lighting and installing ENERGY-STAR appliances throughout your home

• Install water heaters with an energy-factor of .92 or above.

Check the manufacturer's recommendations to see if using a water heater blanket is advised for greater efficiency.

• Consider planting trees and other vegetation to help shade your home.

Direct sunlight hitting windows is a major contributor to overheating your home during summer months. By planting trees that block sunlight, you can improve comfort and reduce your energy use. The most important windows to shade are the ones facing west, followed by windows that face east. Carefully positioned trees placed around the home can save as much as 25 percent of household energy consumption. Planting shrubs around your home can also help control energy costs. Shorter varieties of deciduous trees can be planted near exposed west-facing windows to help shade homes on sultry summer afternoons. With a little research and planning, you'll be well on your way to a beautiful, energy efficient lawn.

Some of the repairs and upgrades mentioned in this article might qualify for low-interest financing through the cooperative's Home Energy Loan Program.

Find more information about that program and the projects that might qualify for financing, visit our website at www.westflorida. coop or call Rhonda Byrd-Lee at 800-342-7400 today.

Submitted by: Lena Green

Weather the Storm with Early Preparation

When storms roll in, you need our crews to roll out — day or night. They maintain the power delivery system throughout the year to make it stronger and less vulnerable to threats. That means our lineworkers are conditioned for the difficulties of restoring power when disaster strikes. As soon as it’s safe, they respond quickly to get your power back on.

It’s important that you prepare, too. Protect yourself and your loved ones by having an evacuation plan and putting together an emergency supply kit to have on hand. See the checklist included below for ideas about items you should include in your family’s supply kit.

Always keep extra supplies on hand before you need them. This will help you weather the storm. Another action you can take if bad weather is on the way is to fully charge your cell phones. Should the power go out, you can easily report it through our outage texting service if you have enrolled. To get started, text WFEC to 800-342-7400 and follow the prompts to enroll.

General

• Two week minimum supply of medication, regularly used medical supplies, and a list of allergies

• A list of the style, serial number, and manufacturer information of required medical devices

• Batteries

• Flashlights

• NOAA Weather Radio - battery operated or hand cranked

• Cash - banks & ATMs may not be available after a storm

• Cell phone chargers

• Books, games, puzzles or other activities for children

Phone Numbers

• Maintain a list of important phone numbers including:

County emergency management office evacuation sites, doctors, banks, schools veterinarians, numbers for out of town contacts, friends and family Clothing

• Rain gear such as jackets, hats, umbrellas and rain boots

• Sturdy shoes or boots and work gloves

Vehicle

• Keep gas tanks filled with gasoline

Other ways to report an outage include calling our outage number at 844-688-2431 (844-OUTAGE1). You can also report outages on our website or through our mobile app. Follow outage updates at www.westflorida.coop/outages. Watch our Facebook page for helpful information, too. Remember to report an outage through the options listed above and not through Facebook. By being prepared, we can weather the storm together. We will do everything in our power to restore yours. It’s another way your hometown electric cooperative is always here for you.

Special Needs Items

• Specialty items for infants, children, the elderly, and family members with disabilities

First Aid

• First Aid Manual

• Sterile adhesive bandages of different sizes

• Hypo allergenic adhesive tape

• Triangular bandages

• Scissors

• Tweezers

• Sewing needle

• Moistened towellettes

• Antiseptic

• Disinfectant wipes

• Hand sanitizer

• Thermometer

• Tube of petroleum jelly

• Safety pins

• Soap

• Latex gloves

• Sunscreen

• Aspirin or other pain reliever

• Anti-diarrheal medicine

• Antacid

• Laxatives

• Cotton balls

• Q-tips

Food and Water

• Food (nonperishable packaged or canned food and beverages, snacks, juices, baby food, and any special dietary items to last at least 7 days

• Water - 1 gallon per person per day

• Non-electric can opener

• Paper plates

• Napkins

• Plastic cups

• Utensils

Important Documents

• Insurance cards

• Medical records

• Banking information

• Credit card numbers

• Copies of social security cards

• Copies of birth and/or marriage certificates

• Other personal documents

• Set of car, house, and office keys

• Service animal ID, vet records, and proof of ownership

• Information about where you receive medication, the name of the drug, and dosage

• Copy of will

*items should be kept in a water proof container

Pet Care Items

• Pet food, water, pet medical records, identification, carriers and cages, medications, etc.

Community Calendar

Bat night

May 20; 5:30 PM; Panhandle Pioneer Settlement

Join us for a fun-filled educational evening full of bat facts. A fun presentation will begin at 6 PM in the clubhouse. Learn about bats and count them. There will be games, food and family fun at this event.

Preserving Food at Home: Pressure Canning & Dehydrating Class

May 20; 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM; 2741 Penn Ave., Marianna

Canning and dehydrating are two of the three main methods of preserving food. If you want a refresher or to learn how to get started, register now. These courses are designed to help you understand the science of how canning and dehydrating work, proper food safety techniques, differences in canning methods, and how to properly preserve food using a pressure canner. The cost is $20 per person and participants will be able to take home a sample jar of chicken prepared in class. Pre-registration is required. Call 850-482-9620 or visit JacksonCountyFCS.eventbrite.com to register. People with disabilities requiring special accommodations, contact 800-955-8771 at least 10 working days prior to the class. UF/IFAS is an Equal Opportunity Institution.

Cool Down Your Power Bill Workshop

May 30; 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM; 1424 Jackson Ave., Chipley

June 5; 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM; 2741 Penn Ave., Marianna

Learn about ways to help reduce your utility bills this summer. Energy saving items will be provided. Attendance is required to receive the items; supplies are limited. This event is $5 per person. Call 850-482-9620 or visit JacksonCountyFCS.eventbrite.com to register. Pre-registration is encouraged as seating is limited. People with disabilities requiring special accommodations, contact 800-955-8771 at least 10 working days prior to the class. UF/IFAS is an Equal Opportunity Institution.

CLASSIFIEDS FOR SALE

Animals/Livestock

GSP puppies, can send pic to cell; 850-693-5001, Archie Jones.

Full Husky & German shepherd/ husky mix puppies, de-wormed & vaccinated, parents on site, ready to go, $500; 850-849-0948, call or text.

Home/Farm

Adjustable round table, very strong, on a pedestal, $350; 850-263-4339.

Solid wood bedroom suite, full size, good condition, $500; solid wood, white, twin bedroom suite, excellent condition; $500; recliner, good condition, $200; 850-547-2563.

Miscellaneous

20 gallons blue timber-marking painting, cheap; 850-326-3882.

Inversion table, Ironman 4000, used very little, excellent condition, $100; 850-547-1519.

Electric typewriter, Sharp Intell writer #PA3100, like new condition, includes original manual, $75 OBO; 850-547-7493.

North Star Pro series generator, 5500 watts, gasoline, 9-HP Honda engine, started for test runs only, original clean oil; 850-573-5117.

Pro-Form stepper, excellent condition, $500; 850-592-2799.

CLF Free Ad Policy (Limited to one ad per household)

WFEC publishes free classified ads in the Current Light Flashes as a service to its members. The following limitations apply: 1) Ads must be 20 words or less and must be legible, with an active electric account number at the top. 2) Ads exceeding 20 words are subject to elimination. 3) Submit ads to the Graceville office by the 5th of the month to appear in the following month’s issue. (Example: An ad arriving by Jan. 5 will appear in the Feb. CLF) 4) Ads for services & businesses are not free. Service businesses include, but are not limited to, pet or livestock breeders or stud services, rentals, baby-sitting, etc. 5) Any buying or selling on a regular basis will be considered a business. On-going garage sales & the sale of similar items on a repeated basis do not qualify for free advertising. 6) WFEC may refuse to publish any ad . 7) You may submit your ad online at www.westflorida.coop WFEC will not accept ads over the phone.

Motorized wheelchair, bariatric weight capacity, nearly new, Quantum Q6 Edge I-Level, $5,000; 850- 693-0764.

Multiple Listings

Dog crate, $10; bird cage, 30x20x50, $100; 42” dark wood pedestal table, very good condition, $100; 850-209-6581.

Square bale annual peanut hay; grass hay, 5x5 rolls; walk-in cooler; 850-263-3427.

Homemade/handmade quilts lap quilts, baby quilts, twin, full or queen; two used bathtubs, great price; 850-547-3649.

Two-horse trailer; Power Pack Walker puppies, registered UKC, PKC and Super Stakes; three-horse slant trailer; barrel, roping, pleasure saddles; 850-592-2494 or 850-209-8532.

Mr.

Recreational Vehicles

1997 Sun Tracker 21’ pontoon boat, all aluminum, no motor, no steering cables, great for floating dock, $2,500; 850-260-2324 from 8-5 PM.

1991 Harley Davidson motorcycle, Electra Glide Classic, new tires, battery, and shocks, runs good, must sell, $3,000; 850-768-4231, call David.

Vehicles

2019 Toyota Sienna XLE, wheelchair conversion minivan, auto ramp, 51,000 miles, pristine condition, $55,900; 850-693-0764.

WANTED

Horses; ponies; mules; donkeys; round pen panels; 850-592-2494 or 850-209-8532,

150-500 acres pasture land, in Holmes or Washington County; 850-234-7070.

Penny through dollar coins, loose, in jars, collections and estates, buy, trade or sell, honest; 850-326-3437.

License plates from any state, mainly Florida, prior to 1980; old motorcycles or parts prior to 1960; 850-557-7030, Greg.

Side-by-side, in good condition, with dump bed; 850-628-4669.

THANK YOU

We are deeply grateful to you all for your outpouring of love and kindness to us during the loss of our mother, Catherine Worley. Your uplifting visits, food, beautiful flowers, cards, and especially prayers have helped sustain us. We miss our mother so much, though we know she trusted the Lord as her Savior and is in a perfect heaven now. Thank you all so much, and please continue your faithful prayers for us. God bless each and every one. The D.B. Worley Family

Notification Statement

Notice is hereby given that the West Florida Electric Cooperative Association, Inc. Board of Trustees regularly meets on the fourth Tuesday of each month, unless special circumstances warrant a change.

Main Business and Publications Offices

5282 Peanut Road

Graceville, Florida 32440-0127

(850) 263-3231 or 1-800-342-7400

Subscription Rate

Cooperative members, $2.50 per year

Non-members, $6.00 per year

Change of Address Notices

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Current Light Flashes

P. O. Box 127

Graceville, Florida 32440-0127

DISCLAIMER: Although paid advertisements may appear in West Florida Electric (WFEC) publications in print, online, or in other electronic formats, WFEC does not endorse the advertised product, service, or company, nor any of the claims made by the advertisement. WFEC reserves the right to edit or refuse to publish any advertisement, article or information. This Institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Efficiency

The location of your thermostat can impact your HVAC system’s ability to maintain an ideal indoor temp. For maximum accuracy, thermostats should be placed in the center of the home, away from air vents, plumbing pipes, and exterior doors.

Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays: All session games pay $250!

Saturdays 7 Sundays: Jackpot games @ 4-5-6-7-9 & 10 PM

Double Action Mini-Session at 4:00 PM

Mondays & Wednesdays: T-shirt night