Industry

By Todd Taylor, IT Manager

Do you have a second refrigerator in your garage or basement? If so, it's got plenty of company. About 34% of American households have a second refrigerator, according to the U.S. Department of Energy, a number that's more than doubled over the last 20 years.

That's not cool when you consider that many of these devices are 10 years old or older, and very inefficient by today's standards. While technology advances have made today's refrigerators more efficient than ever, the growing trend of homeowners buying a new model and keeping the old is negating those efficiency gains.

Outdoor grilling is a popular summer activity. It's a great way to cook flavorful meals and spend time with friends and family.

However, if not treated carefully, grills can be dangerous. Fire departments across the country respond to an average of 9,600 home fires a year involving grills, according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). Leading causes of grill fires are a failure to clean, having the grill too close to something flammable and leaving the grill unattended.

May is National Electrical Safety Month, which is held every year to raise awareness about the importance of using electricity safely. While the electric service in your home is generally safe and reliable, it can be dangerous if used improperly. Follow these tips to keep your home and family safe.

Do:

Be prepared

Keep the Poison Help phone number— 1-800-222-1222 — handy in case of an emergency, and immediately call your local poison center at 800-222-1222 if you think you or someone you know has been poisoned.

Prepare food properly

Make sure raw meats, eggs and poultry are properly stored and fully cooked to prevent food poisoning. Then, refrigerate the leftovers within two hours. Avoid wild mushrooms unless you're 100% sure they're safe.

Electricity is a trusted source of power. If used carelessly, though, it can be electrifying in all the wrong ways. The dangers range from electric shock or burn to damage to your home. Keep your family safe by plugging into these safety measures.

What is an electrical ground and what does it do?

Electrical current always flows in a complete circle (circuit) and returns to its source. The current wants to flow through a path with least resistance. Normally, current flows from the hot (black) wire attached to a circuit breaker in the electrical panel through a plugged in device and returns through the neutral (white) wire.

On your monthly bills, you're charged for electricity by the kilowatt-hour (kWh). In fact, the average American household uses nearly 900 kilowatt-hours a month, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. Have you ever wondered what a kilowatt-hour is and why you are charged for electricity that way? If so, we've got the answers.

Air-source heat pumps are being touted as the next big thing in sustainable space conditioning, and with their many benefits, it's easy to see why. Here are just a few of the advantages that air-source heat pumps have compared to conventional heating and cooling:

Be prepared for ice storms and winter power outages!

Outdoor safety: Stay alert, dress warmly and limit your time

During extremely cold weather, try to stay indoors. Keep any trips outside as brief as possible, and keep the following tips in mind to protect your health and safety.

Safety first: Pay attention to your surroundings