That seems to be the question I hear the most when the conversation turns to the Iowa Licensing and Inspection Program.

The answer is yes you can, BUT you will need an electrical permit before you start the work and a inspection of your work from your area’s Electrical Inspector during and after the work is completed.

Chapter 103 of the Iowa Code allows for homeowners and farmers to do electrical work on their

property without the requirement of an electrical license. They merely apply for the Electrical Permit and schedule an Electrical Inspection as their wiring project proceeds. If they have any questions concerning their particular installation, we urge that they contact the Electrical Inspector Supervisor or Electrical Inspector for their area for assistance. The scope of work allowed for the homeowner or farmer are slightly different so please take note of the following:

Homeowner: The homeowner may do his or her own electrical work only on their existing principle residence that qualifies for the Homestead Exemption for property tax purposes. Their exemption includes any accessory buildings on the property that do not exceed 3000 square feet but does not extend to investment property, business property, rental property, vacation homes, etc. A new home must be wired by an electrical contractor.

Farmer: The exemption for the farmer is basically the same as that for the homeowner except that it extends to all agricultural properties that he/she may own and is not limited to 3000 square feet. Any new home or any existing residence other than the primary residence must be wired by an electrical contractor.

All these answers are found at the web site www.dps.state.ia.us/fm/electrician.

www.humboldtrec.coop

iNtouch© is published monthly for members and associates of Humboldt County Rural Electric Cooperative (REC) 1210 - 13th St. N • Humboldt, IA 50548-1100 • www.humboldtrec.coop

(515) 332-1616 • Fax (515) 332-3007Steve Long, General Manager • Jo Ann Neppl, Editor

With members of humboldt couNty rural electric cooperative

November 2010

Our mission is to provide safe, efficient, reliable energy services.

can i do my own wiring?

larry beilkeenergy advisor

Definitions

You know you need to change the batteries in your home’s smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors at least once a year. While you’ve got the batteries out,

replace the ones that power your digital thermostat.Even if the batteries aren’t dead, change them at

least once a year. This will make it less likely that your thermostat will stop working in the middle of a cold snap while you’re away for the day.

While you’re changing batteries, check the thermostat

Take advantage of LIHEAP if you need help with heating billsThe 2010 -2011 Low-income Home Energy Assistance

Program (LIHEAP) has been established to help qualifying low-income Iowa homeowners and renters pay for a portion of their primary heating cost for the winter heating season. The assistance is based on household income, household size, type of fuel and type of housing. Where to apply:

Humboldt County Kossuth CountyUpper Des Moines North Iowa CommunityOpportunity, Inc. Action AgencyHumboldt Co. Court House 112 West CallDakota City, IA 50529 Algona, IA 50511(515) 332-3631 (515) 295-2531

Not sure where to apply? Call your local community action agency or write to: LIHEAP, Iowa Department of Human Rights, Capital Complex, Des Moines, IA 50319.

WHEN TO APPLYSeniors (60 & over) and/or disabled, October 1, 2010 to •April 30, 2011.All other households: November 2, 2010 to April 30, 2011.•

WHAT TO TAKEProof of income (most recent 3 months’ check stubs, •award letter from Social Security, or 2009 tax return.)Social Security numbers of household members.•Recent heat, electric and telephone bills.•

WAGE EARNERSPlease bring copies of your check stubs for the three month period preceding the date of application, or a copy of your federal income tax return.

FIXED INCOMEThis income may include: Social Security Benefits, Supple-mental Security Income, Family Investment Program, Veteran’s Assistance, Unemployment insurance and pensions. Please bring copies of your most recent three months’ check stubs.

SELF-EMPLOYED/FARMERSPlease bring a copy of your most recent federal income tax return.FIP and SSI RECIPIENTSYour Medicaid number is on your Medicaid card. The numbers are immediately following your name and number in the aid type box.

If you receive alimony or child support, it will also need to be verified.

INCOME MAXIMUMS annual size of household 3 month Gross income household income

1 $4,061 $16,245 2 $5,464 $21,855 3 $6,866 $27,465 4 $8,269 $33,075

For households with more than four members, add $1,403 per three months or $5,610 annually for each additional member.

Humboldt County REC wants to help you use electricity more efficiently and save money. CFLs typically last for 10,000 hours, compared with only 500 to 2,000 hours incandescent bulbs. Plus

CFLs use less electricity hour by hour. Choose from a wide assortment of energy-saving CFL bulbs - in EXACTLY the shape, size and color you want by clicking on our online store at www.humboldtrec.coop.

Enter the instant Rebate Coupon Code - hum100 and you will receive an instant rebate of up to $3 a CFL, (20-bulb maximum) when you order them from our online store!

Here are a few Questions and Answers taken directly from the Iowa Electrical Licensing and Inspection Program web site.

Q: When is an inspection or permit required?A: Electrical permits are required whenever new electrical equipment or systems are installed. Electrical

permits are not required for any electrical installation that meets all four of the following criteria:1. The installation is to be legally performed by a State of Iowa licensed journeyman or master electrician or by

a licensed apprentice electrician under the direct supervision of a licensed journeyman or master electrician.2. The installation does not involve work within a new or existing switch board or panel board.3. The installation does not involve any electrical line-to-ground circuit of more than 30 amperes.4. The installation does not involve any electrical line-to-ground circuit of more than 277 volts single phase, Electrical permit is usually done by an electrical contractor performing the installation. (There are some

exceptions to Iowa Chapter 103 that allow the Homeowner/Farmer to perform the electrical installation but the other requirements for electrical permits and inspections still apply.)

Q: I am a homeowner. Will I have to be licensed to wire my own house? A: A license is not required for an owner of property performing work on the owner’s principal residence, if

such residence is an existing dwelling rather than new construction and is not larger than a single-family dwelling, or farm property or requires permit. New construction of a dwelling would require the electrical work to be performed by a licensed electrician. An inspection would be required for all new electrical installation regardless of whether a license is required.

Electrical License - to have applied for and hold the proper electrical endorsement from the Iowa State Electrical Examining Board.

Permit - An application requesting to have electrical work completed.

Inspection - To have the installation of your wiring examined by a designated inspector.

Ceilings, floors,and walls

31%

Ducts15%

Fireplace14%

Plumbing penetrations

13%

Doors11%

Windows10%

Fans and vents4%

Electric outlets2%

Those little cracks in your home’s walls, doors, and floors might not be as harmless as they look.

Not every crack is a problem beyond an eyesore. In fact, as a home ages, it’s a given that cracks will form in overused areas, like around doors and windows. Temperature fluctuations can

cause building materials to expand and contract—and crack.

But a crack could be the only visible symptom of a hidden and po-tentially serious problem with your home—one that will be harder to fix and more expensive to deal with later if you don’t figure out what’s causing that crack now.

Here are four places to stop a crack before it starts trouble:

Your wood front door. Unless 1. you clean, sand, and refinish your door regularly, it’s bound to dry out and warp or crack. Apply a protective urethane-based finish every couple of years. Another option: Replace the wood door with a wood lookalike fiberglass door.Any hole, gap, crack, or open-2. ing on the outside of your house. Culprits: cracks around exterior light fixtures; outdoor taps; exhaust vents and fans; electrical outlets. Seal the gaps with caulk.

Tile floors. Chances are, a 3. cracked tile floor is covering up a cracked concrete floor under-neath. To solve the problem, remove all of the cracked tiles and repair the cracked concrete underneath before replacing the tiles. Bricks and mortar. Simple 4. cracks that follow the pattern of the block underneath are normal, but cracks that cut straight through the blocks can signal a serious issue. Same goes for deep crevices in your stucco, or for substantial, diagonal cracks in interior or exterior walls at the corners of doors and windows. Large cracks like these can reveal that your home’s foundation is “settling” or “heaving” because the soil underneath has gotten wet. Consult with a foundation expert to learn how bad the problem is.

Cracks in house could mean trouble

What can you do? Inspect your home. Arm yourself with a magnifying glass and a pencil and inspect your home, inside and out, for cracks. Use the magnifying glass to find the tiniest cracks in indoor and outdoor walls. If a crack is just big enough to let the point of the pencil through, you probably don’t have to worry about it. But if the eraser end fits into the crack, it’s time to do some serious repair work.

Request an energy audit. Your local electric coopera-tive can help you save with a free home energy audit. The co-op’s energy advisor can “audit” your home for leaks—in air conditioning ducts, windows, walls, and attic. The advisor might advise you to have your ducts sealed and to caulk the windows, repair attic insulation, and make other improvements.

Remember to seal your home’s leaks BEFORE you invest in expensive new products like super-efficient windows or a heating system. Even the most efficient products won’t make you more comfortable or cut your energy bills if you install them in a house that’s leaking heated (or cooled) air.

You can save on your heating and cooling bill by reducing the air leaks in your home. Use caulk or foam sealant to seal gaps and cracks in your home.

Sources of AIR LEAKS in a typical home

How does the air escape?Air infiltrates into and out of your home through every hole and crack. About one-third of this air moves through openings in your ceilings, floors, and walls.

Source: U.S. Department of Energy Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy

Light up holiday savings with LEDs

Decorating with lights this holiday season? Consider light-emitting diodes (LEDs). They cost more initially but last twice as long as traditional lights, and you’ll recover the di�erence in three to four years.

Efficient. LEDs use between 1 kWh and 3 kWh of energy, compared to between 12 kWh and 105 kWh for traditional lights, saving $11 every holiday season.

Durable. LEDs last about 4,000 hours. They’re also made of plastic and less likely to break.

Don’t want to use LEDs? Consider trimming back the number of hours your traditional lights are on to six hours or less each day.

Sources: Consumer Reports, Alliance to Save Energy

Iowa residents, including members of your local electric cooperative, are discovering that saving energy and money really is as easy as a twist of the wrist. Through Dec. 15, 2010, co-op members are eligible for special pricing to purchase ENERGY STAR® qualified compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) for as little as 99 cents at participating retailers. (Limit 12 CFLs per customer, while supplies last.)

Today’s CFLs produce bright, warm light at less cost to consumers because they use less electricity and last longer than incandescent bulbs.With the wide range of CFL shapes, sizes, and styles now on the market, consumers can find an energy-efficient bulb for every situation and enjoy reduced energy costs all year long.

Special pricing on ENERGY-EFFICIENT BULBS helps Iowa residents save money and the environment

To find participating retailers, call 800-339-6856 or visit www.iowachangealight.com

Closed for ThanksgivingOffices at your Touchstone Energy Cooperative will be closed Thursday, Nov. 25, and Friday, Nov. 26.Phones are answered 24/7 to report outages and electrical emergencies.

In a typical U.S. home, your appliances and home electronics are responsible for about 20 percent of your energy bills. This includes everything from clothes washers and dryers, to computers, to water heat-ers. According to the Department of Energy, you can achieve real savings in our monthly energy bill by shop-ping for appliances with the EN-ERGY STAR® label and turning off appliances when they’re not in use.

Many appliances continue to draw a small amount of power when they are switched off. These “phan-tom” loads occur in most appliances that use electricity. In the average home, 75 percent of the electricity

used to power home electronics and appliancesances is consumed while the products are turned off. This can be avoided by unplugging the appliance or using a power strip and using the switch on the power strip to cut all power to the appliance.

Plug home electronics, such as TVs and DVD players, into power strips and turn the power strips off when the equipment is not in use.

Tips to SAVE ENERGY with electronics

Ceilings, floors,and walls

31%

Ducts15%

Fireplace14%

Plumbing penetrations

13%

Doors11%

Windows10%

Fans and vents4%

Electric outlets2%

Those little cracks in your home’s walls, doors, and floors might not be as harmless as they look.

Not every crack is a problem beyond an eyesore. In fact, as a home ages, it’s a given that cracks will form in overused areas, like around doors and windows. Temperature fluctuations can

cause building materials to expand and contract—and crack.

But a crack could be the only visible symptom of a hidden and po-tentially serious problem with your home—one that will be harder to fix and more expensive to deal with later if you don’t figure out what’s causing that crack now.

Here are four places to stop a crack before it starts trouble:

Your wood front door. Unless 1. you clean, sand, and refinish your door regularly, it’s bound to dry out and warp or crack. Apply a protective urethane-based finish every couple of years. Another option: Replace the wood door with a wood lookalike fiberglass door.Any hole, gap, crack, or open-2. ing on the outside of your house. Culprits: cracks around exterior light fixtures; outdoor taps; exhaust vents and fans; electrical outlets. Seal the gaps with caulk.

Tile floors. Chances are, a 3. cracked tile floor is covering up a cracked concrete floor under-neath. To solve the problem, remove all of the cracked tiles and repair the cracked concrete underneath before replacing the tiles. Bricks and mortar. Simple 4. cracks that follow the pattern of the block underneath are normal, but cracks that cut straight through the blocks can signal a serious issue. Same goes for deep crevices in your stucco, or for substantial, diagonal cracks in interior or exterior walls at the corners of doors and windows. Large cracks like these can reveal that your home’s foundation is “settling” or “heaving” because the soil underneath has gotten wet. Consult with a foundation expert to learn how bad the problem is.

Cracks in house could mean trouble

What can you do? Inspect your home. Arm yourself with a magnifying glass and a pencil and inspect your home, inside and out, for cracks. Use the magnifying glass to find the tiniest cracks in indoor and outdoor walls. If a crack is just big enough to let the point of the pencil through, you probably don’t have to worry about it. But if the eraser end fits into the crack, it’s time to do some serious repair work.

Request an energy audit. Your local electric coopera-tive can help you save with a free home energy audit. The co-op’s energy advisor can “audit” your home for leaks—in air conditioning ducts, windows, walls, and attic. The advisor might advise you to have your ducts sealed and to caulk the windows, repair attic insulation, and make other improvements.

Remember to seal your home’s leaks BEFORE you invest in expensive new products like super-efficient windows or a heating system. Even the most efficient products won’t make you more comfortable or cut your energy bills if you install them in a house that’s leaking heated (or cooled) air.

You can save on your heating and cooling bill by reducing the air leaks in your home. Use caulk or foam sealant to seal gaps and cracks in your home.

Sources of AIR LEAKS in a typical home

How does the air escape?Air infiltrates into and out of your home through every hole and crack. About one-third of this air moves through openings in your ceilings, floors, and walls.

Source: U.S. Department of Energy Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy

Light up holiday savings with LEDs

Decorating with lights this holiday season? Consider light-emitting diodes (LEDs). They cost more initially but last twice as long as traditional lights, and you’ll recover the di�erence in three to four years.

Efficient. LEDs use between 1 kWh and 3 kWh of energy, compared to between 12 kWh and 105 kWh for traditional lights, saving $11 every holiday season.

Durable. LEDs last about 4,000 hours. They’re also made of plastic and less likely to break.

Don’t want to use LEDs? Consider trimming back the number of hours your traditional lights are on to six hours or less each day.

Sources: Consumer Reports, Alliance to Save Energy

Iowa residents, including members of your local electric cooperative, are discovering that saving energy and money really is as easy as a twist of the wrist. Through Dec. 15, 2010, co-op members are eligible for special pricing to purchase ENERGY STAR® qualified compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) for as little as 99 cents at participating retailers. (Limit 12 CFLs per customer, while supplies last.)

Today’s CFLs produce bright, warm light at less cost to consumers because they use less electricity and last longer than incandescent bulbs.With the wide range of CFL shapes, sizes, and styles now on the market, consumers can find an energy-efficient bulb for every situation and enjoy reduced energy costs all year long.

Special pricing on ENERGY-EFFICIENT BULBS helps Iowa residents save money and the environment

To find participating retailers, call 800-339-6856 or visit www.iowachangealight.com

Closed for ThanksgivingOffices at your Touchstone Energy Cooperative will be closed Thursday, Nov. 25, and Friday, Nov. 26.Phones are answered 24/7 to report outages and electrical emergencies.

In a typical U.S. home, your appliances and home electronics are responsible for about 20 percent of your energy bills. This includes everything from clothes washers and dryers, to computers, to water heat-ers. According to the Department of Energy, you can achieve real savings in our monthly energy bill by shop-ping for appliances with the EN-ERGY STAR® label and turning off appliances when they’re not in use.

Many appliances continue to draw a small amount of power when they are switched off. These “phan-tom” loads occur in most appliances that use electricity. In the average home, 75 percent of the electricity

used to power home electronics and appliancesances is consumed while the products are turned off. This can be avoided by unplugging the appliance or using a power strip and using the switch on the power strip to cut all power to the appliance.

Plug home electronics, such as TVs and DVD players, into power strips and turn the power strips off when the equipment is not in use.

Tips to SAVE ENERGY with electronics

That seems to be the question I hear the most when the conversation turns to the Iowa Licensing and Inspection Program.

The answer is yes you can, BUT you will need an electrical permit before you start the work and a inspection of your work from your area’s Electrical Inspector during and after the work is completed.

Chapter 103 of the Iowa Code allows for homeowners and farmers to do electrical work on their

property without the requirement of an electrical license. They merely apply for the Electrical Permit and schedule an Electrical Inspection as their wiring project proceeds. If they have any questions concerning their particular installation, we urge that they contact the Electrical Inspector Supervisor or Electrical Inspector for their area for assistance. The scope of work allowed for the homeowner or farmer are slightly different so please take note of the following:

Homeowner: The homeowner may do his or her own electrical work only on their existing principle residence that qualifies for the Homestead Exemption for property tax purposes. Their exemption includes any accessory buildings on the property that do not exceed 3000 square feet but does not extend to investment property, business property, rental property, vacation homes, etc. A new home must be wired by an electrical contractor.

Farmer: The exemption for the farmer is basically the same as that for the homeowner except that it extends to all agricultural properties that he/she may own and is not limited to 3000 square feet. Any new home or any existing residence other than the primary residence must be wired by an electrical contractor.

All these answers are found at the web site www.dps.state.ia.us/fm/electrician.

www.humboldtrec.coop

iNtouch© is published monthly for members and associates of Humboldt County Rural Electric Cooperative (REC) 1210 - 13th St. N • Humboldt, IA 50548-1100 • www.humboldtrec.coop

(515) 332-1616 • Fax (515) 332-3007Steve Long, General Manager • Jo Ann Neppl, Editor

With members of humboldt couNty rural electric cooperative

November 2010

Our mission is to provide safe, efficient, reliable energy services.

can i do my own wiring?

larry beilkeenergy advisor

Definitions

You know you need to change the batteries in your home’s smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors at least once a year. While you’ve got the batteries out,

replace the ones that power your digital thermostat.Even if the batteries aren’t dead, change them at

least once a year. This will make it less likely that your thermostat will stop working in the middle of a cold snap while you’re away for the day.

While you’re changing batteries, check the thermostat

Take advantage of LIHEAP if you need help with heating billsThe 2010 -2011 Low-income Home Energy Assistance

Program (LIHEAP) has been established to help qualifying low-income Iowa homeowners and renters pay for a portion of their primary heating cost for the winter heating season. The assistance is based on household income, household size, type of fuel and type of housing. Where to apply:

Humboldt County Kossuth CountyUpper Des Moines North Iowa CommunityOpportunity, Inc. Action AgencyHumboldt Co. Court House 112 West CallDakota City, IA 50529 Algona, IA 50511(515) 332-3631 (515) 295-2531

Not sure where to apply? Call your local community action agency or write to: LIHEAP, Iowa Department of Human Rights, Capital Complex, Des Moines, IA 50319.

WHEN TO APPLYSeniors (60 & over) and/or disabled, October 1, 2010 to •April 30, 2011.All other households: November 2, 2010 to April 30, 2011.•

WHAT TO TAKEProof of income (most recent 3 months’ check stubs, •award letter from Social Security, or 2009 tax return.)Social Security numbers of household members.•Recent heat, electric and telephone bills.•

WAGE EARNERSPlease bring copies of your check stubs for the three month period preceding the date of application, or a copy of your federal income tax return.

FIXED INCOMEThis income may include: Social Security Benefits, Supple-mental Security Income, Family Investment Program, Veteran’s Assistance, Unemployment insurance and pensions. Please bring copies of your most recent three months’ check stubs.

SELF-EMPLOYED/FARMERSPlease bring a copy of your most recent federal income tax return.FIP and SSI RECIPIENTSYour Medicaid number is on your Medicaid card. The numbers are immediately following your name and number in the aid type box.

If you receive alimony or child support, it will also need to be verified.

INCOME MAXIMUMS annual size of household 3 month Gross income household income

1 $4,061 $16,245 2 $5,464 $21,855 3 $6,866 $27,465 4 $8,269 $33,075

For households with more than four members, add $1,403 per three months or $5,610 annually for each additional member.

Humboldt County REC wants to help you use electricity more efficiently and save money. CFLs typically last for 10,000 hours, compared with only 500 to 2,000 hours incandescent bulbs. Plus

CFLs use less electricity hour by hour. Choose from a wide assortment of energy-saving CFL bulbs - in EXACTLY the shape, size and color you want by clicking on our online store at www.humboldtrec.coop.

Enter the instant Rebate Coupon Code - hum100 and you will receive an instant rebate of up to $3 a CFL, (20-bulb maximum) when you order them from our online store!

Here are a few Questions and Answers taken directly from the Iowa Electrical Licensing and Inspection Program web site.

Q: When is an inspection or permit required?A: Electrical permits are required whenever new electrical equipment or systems are installed. Electrical

permits are not required for any electrical installation that meets all four of the following criteria:1. The installation is to be legally performed by a State of Iowa licensed journeyman or master electrician or by

a licensed apprentice electrician under the direct supervision of a licensed journeyman or master electrician.2. The installation does not involve work within a new or existing switch board or panel board.3. The installation does not involve any electrical line-to-ground circuit of more than 30 amperes.4. The installation does not involve any electrical line-to-ground circuit of more than 277 volts single phase, Electrical permit is usually done by an electrical contractor performing the installation. (There are some

exceptions to Iowa Chapter 103 that allow the Homeowner/Farmer to perform the electrical installation but the other requirements for electrical permits and inspections still apply.)

Q: I am a homeowner. Will I have to be licensed to wire my own house? A: A license is not required for an owner of property performing work on the owner’s principal residence, if

such residence is an existing dwelling rather than new construction and is not larger than a single-family dwelling, or farm property or requires permit. New construction of a dwelling would require the electrical work to be performed by a licensed electrician. An inspection would be required for all new electrical installation regardless of whether a license is required.

Electrical License - to have applied for and hold the proper electrical endorsement from the Iowa State Electrical Examining Board.

Permit - An application requesting to have electrical work completed.

Inspection - To have the installation of your wiring examined by a designated inspector.