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Choosing the Right Air Purifier

A modern air purifier with a digital display reading "035" is placed on a wooden floor near a green plant and a wooden cabinet.

Room air cleaners are effective along with a central unit Dear Jim: For my son’s allergies, I should also use a room air purifier even though we already have a heat pump filter. What are the features and ratings to compare when selecting one? — Sandy R. Dear Sandy: Selecting a room air purifier can […]

Is it Time for an HVAC Upgrade?

A person in a blue sweater adjusts or installs a wall-mounted air conditioning unit indoors.

Heat pump technology has improved a lot over the past 10–20 years and can be up to 20% more efficient than traditional HVAC systems. Today, heat pumps can operate effectively in subzero weather by switching to electric resistance mode. In extreme cold climates, it may be worth investing in a dual-fuel system where propane or […]

Beat the Peak and Create a Better Grid

Finger pressing the eco mode button on a dishwasher control panel, with the appliance door slightly open and some dishes visible inside.

Q: What does “peak energy time” mean, and why should I use less energy at home? A: “Beat the peak” has become a common message as the demand for electricity grows year after year. Your electric co-op must deliver around-the-clock electricity to power your life. To understand why it is important for everyone to use […]

Consumer Guide to Stovetops

A frying pan with pieces of food being cooked on an electric stove, with one burner glowing red and a wooden spoon placed inside the pan.

Q: I’m considering a new stovetop. Can you explain the different options available? A: I have found that most people who enjoy cooking have pretty strong opinions about their preferred fuel choice: gas or electric. Induction is growing in popularity as a newer option for home stovetops. According to a study completed by Electric Power […]

Doing Everything in its Power to Prevent Wildfires

Burnt forest landscape with tall, charred trees under a partly cloudy sky. In the foreground, sparse yellow leaves are visible among dry branches.

How one local co-op takes care of its members before, during, and after a blaze Fire is a natural part of healthy ecosystems across Colorado, but an increase in frequency, duration, and severity over recent years has scoured the state with major wildfires. The threat of fire is significantly higher in the wildland-urban interface where […]

What’s a Smart Breaker Box?

Minimalist living room with a wooden sideboard, cream armchair, and hanging light bulbs. Decorative items include a lamp, vase, and small sculpture. A wall-mounted device labeled "SPAN" is on the left.

New developments in home electrical panels Every home has an electrical panel, otherwise known as a breaker box. The design hasn’t changed much over the years. However, through recent innovation, the smart technology–enabled electrical panel is changing the way we think about a breaker box. Smart breaker boxes, which can operate on their own or […]

Five Reasons Electric Co-ops are Great Places to Work

Collage of three people: a man in a server room, a woman working at a desk with computers, and a person in a helmet operating machinery outdoors.

Energy careers are uniquely stable and innovative The electricity in your home may seem like an impossible miracle to explain. But one way to understand it is to think about the variety of skills and job roles it takes to make that power happen. Running electric utilities takes just about every skill imaginable. Some jobs […]

Energy Efficient Windows

A person applies sealant to a window frame inside a room with a lamp and barred window.

Q:  My windows are old and drafty, and I’m thinking about replacing them. What should I consider? A: Drafty windows will affect your home’s energy efficiency. Replacing or performing thorough and regular maintenance can help. Start by identifying the type of windows you have — are they single pane or double pane? Looking closely at […]

What is “Agrivoltaics?”

Person smiling and holding a bin of harvested tomatoes while standing between rows of solar panels and plants on a farm.

Maximizing Land Use to Harvest Both Food and Electricity Doing double-duty, layering benefits, or providing twofold results — whichever it is called — taking advantage of two positive uses on one valuable piece of land makes logical and financial sense.  That is a main purpose of agrivoltaics, or the simultaneous use of land to produce […]

Teach Your Children Well

Woman bending to talk to a toddler in a kitchen with wooden cabinets and a stainless steel refrigerator.

  By Miranda Boutelle Q: I’m making an effort to reduce my energy use, and I want my kids to start energy-saving habits as well. How can I encourage them to use less electricity at home?  A: Educating kids on energy use and costs can help engage them in your family’s goal to use less […]