eCurrents

Be Outage Ready

We proactively maintain a safe and reliable electric system but power outages can occur at any time, so every household should be prepared.

Outages can be caused by anything from powerful storms to traffic accidents. When they happen, our crews work hard to restore power right away. Most outages are resolved quickly, but some repairs require several hours or more to complete. Having an outage kit and a household plan can make all the difference between an outage being a major disruption and a minor inconvenience.

Outage kit basics include flashlights, batteries, drinking water and nonperishable food for people and pets for at least three days, a manual can opener, a list of important contacts, prescribed medication and a first aid kit. Power banks or portable power stations that can charge mobile devices or power a refrigerator can also be helpful additions. Remember to periodically test and recharge backup power sources as needed.

Once your outage kit is assembled, store it in an easily accessible location. Finally, make sure everyone knows what to do, where to go and how to stay in touch if there’s a prolonged outage. For more information on emergency and outage preparedness, check out our website.

Surge Protectors Safeguard Electronics

Power strips and surge protectors may look the same, but they serve different purposes.

A power strip is essentially an extension cord. Surge protectors shield electronics and appliances from damaging voltage spikes that can happen after a power restoration, when wiring issues arise or when a circuit is overloaded.

Because their protective components degrade over time, surge protectors should be replaced every three to five years. When purchasing one, check its ratings and features to ensure it provides the level of protection your devices need.

Heat Pumps Offer Comfort & Savings

Whether its air conditioning in the summer or warmth in winter, heat pumps can offer year-round comfort and powerful energy savings for homes and businesses alike. Heat pumps are essentially air conditioners with a reverse cycle for heating, so they cool homes in summer and heat them in winter.

A traditional ducted heat pump is a good replacement for an electric furnace or failing heat pump. It connects to a central duct system and sends conditioned air into every room with a vent. Ductless heat pumps, sometimes referred to as mini-split systems, use individual head units to deliver conditioned air directly into specific rooms. They typically work best in homes or spaces without air ducts.

Clark Public Utilities offers money-saving rebates on the installation of either ducted or ductless heat pumps for our customers with electrically heated homes. To learn more, visit clarkpublicutilities.com/rebates or contact our Energy Counselors during business hours at 360-992-3355.

Tips for Selecting the Right Air Conditioner

The right air conditioner can help you stay cool and use energy efficiently. Here are some key considerations to find the right fit for your home:

• Choose the right size. Select an AC unit with a BTU rating that fits the square footage of the space you want to cool. For example, a 125-square-foot room would need a 5000-BTU unit. Sizing guides are widely available from manufacturers and at energystar.gov.
• Look for big EERs. The Energy Efficiency Ratio is an AC’s performance score. Higher EER ratings generally mean lower the operating costs and energy use.
• Look for ENERGY STARs. ENERGY STAR-certified models use latest technology to save energy without sacrificing performance.
• Different designs, varying performance. Window-mounted units are often the most efficient plug and play design. Single-hose portable units are typically the least efficient because they pull hot air into the home. Dual-hose portable units avoid that issue but typically cost more upfront.

While air conditioning can be a great way to stay comfortable, many low- and no-cost strategies can also help you beat the heat. Learn more at clarkpublicutilities.com/outsmartwaste.