Buyer Beware W
hen it comes to saving energy, caveat emptor is alive and well.
We are all bombarded by claims that border on outright falsehoods, so it pays to view energy savings claims cauƟ ously. Remember, if it sounds too good to be true, it generally is.
Electric space heaters drain energy savings from your home if used incorrectly. Companies make elaborate claims about the amount of money you can save and charge exorbitant sums for their products. The adverƟ sements frequently target those on a ⇒ xed income, presenƟ ng false hope while extracƟ ng precious dollars from their customers. I have seen a number of these space heaters and admit they appear to be well made, but they typically oī er no beƩ er economy than any other 1,500-waƩ electric heater. BoƩ om line, electric space heaters should only be used to heat small spaces – not your enƟ re home.
By Tom Tate NRECA
Black boxes that claim to clean up power, protect appliances and reduce energy use come and go. These oŌ en require an electrician to install and claim to improve power quality, smooth out power ⇓ uctuaƟ ons and store energy so you can reduce your bills. Save your money. The concepts they present are already in use by Northeast Oklahoma Electric and require expensive, uƟ lity- size equipment to deliver them. Something that can ⇒ t in a shoebox is not going to deliver any value, at least not in the areas promised. If you are concerned about protecƟ ng your sensiƟ ve appliances and electronics, talk to a member service representaƟ ve at 800-256-6405 about surge protecƟ on.
When you see an ad that reads, “The power companies don’t want you to know,” skip it. These are generally claims around building your own renewable energy source from parts obtained at the local hardware store or a motor that
produces limitless “free” electricity. I would equate these with the emails I get from foreign countries telling me I can receive millions of dollars by simply sending all my banking informaƟ on. At least in the case of the homemade renewables and limitless motor you get some cool plans and parts lists. You decide if it’s worth $50 – $200. I’d give it a pass.
I will close with a non-technology warning. Scammers love to call claiming they represent the local power company. Never give anyone personal or ⇒ nancial informaƟ on who claims to be a Northeast Oklahoma Electric employee without con⇒ rming their idenƟ ty. Ask for a call back number from the caller, then check with us at 800-256-6405.
Most of us want to save energy and keep our bills manageable. Technology can help do this, but be cauƟ ous and do your research. z
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October 2015 - October 2015
April 2016 - 7 7
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