Energy Savings
Tips for Maintaining an Efficient HVAC System
Tips for Maintaining an Efficient HVAC System Ah, summer. Cookouts, swimming pools, camping—it’s the perfect time to enjoy the outdoors with family and friends. When it’s time to come back indoors, there’s nothing better than that cool blast you feel from your home’s air conditioning unit. Your heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) system is…
Prepare for Summer and Winter With a Ductless Heat Pump
During an average year, more than 60 percent of a home’s energy use is caused by heating and cooling. During shoulder months like April, May, September and October, your energy use is often lower because heating and cooling systems only occasionally run to maintain a comfortable temperature. Before the summer heat arrives, switch to a…
Landscape for Savings and Safety
A well-designed landscape not only adds beauty to your home, but can reduce your heating and cooling costs. Trees and other plants on the east, south and west sides of your home help shade it, helping reduce cooling costs in the summer and cold winds in the winter. Deciduous trees lose their leaves during the…
$3,500 EV Offer Extended Through July 1
As part of its effort to accelerate electric vehicle transportation alternatives across the United States, Nissan North America Inc., is offering eligible Touchstone Energy Cooperative member organizations such as Benton REA a special incentive toward the purchase of the all-new, 100 percent electric Nissan Leaf. A $3,500 special rebate is available on the 40-kWh model…
The Modern Family’s Devices
If you are struck by the amount of screens, gaming controls, charging stations and cords that have become fixtures in your home, you’re not alone. The typical American family is well connected and owns a variety of electronic devices. Consumer electronics coupled with the growing array of smart home appliances and technology have slowly, but…
Energy Efficiency Tips for Renters
If you rent your home, it often seems that you can’t do much to control your electric bills. In reality, there are lots of low- or no-cost tricks you can put into place to cut down on electricity use. Electronics and Appliances Most electronics feature a glowing light when turned off, which means they’re still…
Sign up for Class on Saving Energy
Sign up for Class on Saving Energy If you want to lower your monthly energy use and be entered to win a $100 credit on your next electric bill, sign up for Benton REA’s upcoming energy conservation class Thursday, February 28, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Benton REA West Richland Community Room (6095…
City of West Richland Saves $41K with Energy Efficiency
In two years, the City of West Richland saved $41,092 and reduced their energy use by 637,450 kilowatt hours at its Wastewater Treatment Plant, earning them an additional incentive from the Benton Rural Electric Association. Most of the savings were achieved by installing equipment on existing HVAC units and aeration and blower controls which provides…
Learn to Lower Your Energy Bills and Win $100
If you’d like to lower your monthly energy bills and be entered to win a $100 credit on your next electric bill, sign up for one of two energy conservation classes hosted by Benton REA’s energy advisor, Eric Miller. The first class will be held on December 12 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the…
Low-Cost Window Upgrades
Are you planning a spring cleaning project that involves those hard-toreach windows? Why not upgrade your window energy efficiency while you’re at it? For a low-cost upgrade that doesn’t require replacing your windows, Benton REA recommends Low-E storm windows. “Low-E” stands for Low Emissivity, meaning in the summertime these windows block some of the radiant heat of the…