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  • No Payments 11pm-1am Last Thursday Each Month.

    Our system will perform maintenance once a month from 11 pm to 1 am on the last Thursday of every month. During this time payments cannot be made on our website, over the phone, or thru the kiosk. 

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  • Planned Outage Monticello Area June 8th

    Empire Electric has a planned outage in the Monticello area on Thursday, June 8th. The outage will begin at 10:00 PM and will last approximately four hours. The outage is required to safely allow crews to perform maintenance on substation protective equipment. We appreciate your understanding as we work to keep your electric service safe and reliable. If you have questions, please call 970 565 4444.

    Read more »

OUTAGES: 970-565-4444 | CONTACT: 970-565-4444

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Heating and Cooling

Heating and Cooling

In the majority of homes, heating is the largest energy expense.  In colder parts of the country, heating accounts for 36 percent or more of annual energy bills.  Depending on where you live, reducing the amount of energy used for heating may be your most effective way to lower your home's energy bills. 

Depending where you live in the country, cooling can account for a significant portion of your home's energy bill. In some souther climates, it can easily account for half, particularly in homes having air conditioning. 

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Heating

In colder parts of the country, heating accounts for 36 percent or more of annual energy bills. Depending on where you live,  reducing the amount of energy used for heating may be your most effective way to lower your home's energy bills.

Heating systems basically replace heat that is lost through your home's shell.  They accomplish this by converting a fuel into heat that is transferred to the air of the living space.

How much energy your heating system requires to replace that heat depends on four factors: the climate where the house is located, the home's size, how energy efficient the house is, and how energy efficient the heating system is. You can't do much about the first two factors. Climate and size are not easily changed. However, you can do something about the last two, improving the energy efficiency of the home itself and specifically, its heating system.  

There are a variety of heating systems and combinations of systems used in homes. They can be classified either by type of fuel used or by the mechanism used to distribute the heat throughout the home.

Central heating systems have three basic parts: the heating plant where fuel is converted into heat, a distribution system for delivering heat to where it is needed, and controls to regulate when it operates.

Central Heating Systems
Common Fuels Common Distribution Types
Electricity Base board/radiator
Natural gas/propane Forced air/gravity
Heating oil Hot water/steam
Wood, coal Radiant (floor/ceiling)
Solar  
  • Furnaces, Boilers and Baseboard Electric
  • TIps to Reduce Heating Costs
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Cooling

In the hot areas of the country, cooling can account for a significant portion of your home's energy bill.  The type of cooling system and how it is used play a major role in determining energy use but the home's characteristics and the resident's personal needs factor in as well. Fortunately, air conditioning technology continues to advance and increases in efficiency and effectiveness. 

With every whole house or mini-split system it is recommended to get the system sized and installed by a reputable contractor. Check out Empire Electric's rebates programs.

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  • Central Air Conditioners
  • Evaporative Cooling
  • Window/Room Air Conditioners
  • Ductless Mini-Split System
  • Heat Pumps
  • Energy Efficient Air Conditioning
  • Thermostats

 

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Contact Us:

Empire Electric Association, Inc

Outages: 970-565-4444

Office: 970-565-4444

801 North Broadway,

Cortez, Colorado 81321

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©2023 Empire Electric Association, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

  • Home
  • Account
    • Payment Options and Assistance Programs
    • Start or Change Service
    • Rates
    • Rate Comparison Tool
    • SmartHub Login
    • SmartHub Tips
    • Time of Use Time Periods
    • Understanding Your Bill
  • Energy Programs/Services
    • DER, DG, Net Metering and More
      • Green Power Program
      • Renewable Energy Programs
      • Questions to Ask a Solar Contractor
    • Energy Efficiency Products Program (Rebates)
    • Low Income Weatherization
    • Meter Information
    • Programs to Help You Save Energy
    • Energy Saving Tools
      • Together We Save
      • Home Energy - Ways to Save
    • Energy Education for Youngsters
    • Electric Vehicle Information
  • Community
    • Empire Electric
      • Co-op Careers
      • Cooperative Difference
      • Governing Documents and Policies
      • Historical Timeline
      • Touchstone Energy
    • Membership Info
      • Annual Meeting
      • Benefits of Membership
      • Board Meetings and Minutes
      • Board of Directors
      • Capital Credits
      • Member Newsletter
      • Press Releases
      • Scams
    • Community
      • Community Room
      • Community Resources
      • Donation and Sponsorship
      • Photo Contest
      • Scholarships
      • Youth Trips
  • Safety
    • Electrical Safety
      • Electrical Safety Information
      • Safety Demos
      • Safety Quiz
    • Outage Center
      • EEA Outage Map
      • Prepare for an Outage
        • Outage FAQ
      • Storm Center