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Energy Saving Tips
* Lower the thermostat For every one degree you set back your thermostat, you can save 1 to 3 percent on your annual heating bill. Turn down the thermostat when you leave the house for two or more hours. It takes less energy to warm a cool house than to maintain a higher temperature all day and night. An automatic setback thermostat can cut heating costs by raising and lowering the temperature at preset times. Since dry air makes you feel colder than moist air at the same temperature, place shallow pans of water on radiator tops or use a room humidifier. By maintaining your home's humidity level, you will be able to lower your thermostat setting, save money and maintain your comfort level. * Keep out the cold Check for insulation in your attic, walls, ceilings and floors -- and install more if possible. Inexpensive weatherstripping around doors and windows can stop cold drafts. Replace cracked windows and when possible install storm windows. Storm windows and doors are big energy and money savers. They can reduce heating costs by as much as 15%. Double glazed, thermopane windows and even clear plastic across windows can minimize heat escape. Close your curtains at night to keep warm air inside, but do let sunlight in during the day by opening curtains and blinds over the windows that face the sun. * Save a watt Turn off lights in empty rooms. Shut off heat to unused rooms. Keeping lights and fixtures clean can improve energy efficiency by up to 15%. In addition, make sure that the elements of your heating system (radiators, vents, registers and pipes) are clean and well-maintained. Look for ENERGY STAR products when shopping for appliances to assure the most energy efficient products. www.getenergysmart.org * Check your furnace Have your furnace checked for efficiency by a qualified contractor and perhaps have an older, less efficient unit replaced. The U.S. Department of Energy says increasing system efficiency can result in significant savings on your heating bill. For example, increasing your heating system's efficiency from 65% to 85% can save you almost 25% on fuel costs. * For more Energy Conservation tips visit: - The Public Service Commissioner's Consumer Services Site at http://www.askpsc.com/ - The Long Island Power Authority at http://www.lipower.org has a good energy tip page: 53 Ways to Save Energy (http://www.lipower.org/residential/energyprogs/conservation.html) -New York's Energy Research and Development Authority with a range of tips for all seasons - For general information on New York's energy market, environmental concerns and other policy issues, visit the New York State Energy Development and Research Corporation (http://www.nyserda.org) - For tips on making your oil heat system work more efficiently, visit the Oil Heat Institute of Long Island's Web site (http://http://www.ohili.org). - Get weekly updates and summary information of home heating oil, motor gasoline, propane, and kerosene; heating degree day information energy prices, home heating oil prices and other fuel prices at http://www.nyserda.org/prices.html. - To see if you qualify for the financial benefits of the NY Energy Smart programs click here: http://www.getenergysmart.org/index.jsp - Find out if you qualify for assistance to weatherize your home. Visit the New York State Department or Housing and Community Renewal's Web site at http://www.dhcr.state.ny.us/ocd/units/esb/ocdesb0.htm - To receive consumer guides and related information to help you deal with utility issues, such as home energy fair practices act (hefpa) rules governing the provision of service by gas, electric, and steam corporations, and other helpful guides. utility bills, energy, heating, senior citizens, and consumer guides, visit the New York State Public Service Commission. (http://www.dps.state.ny.us/brochures.html)Consumer Group for Energy Concerns The Public Utility Law Project represents low income consumers in utility, communication and energy-related matters. Focused on upstate, still their site is a useful source of information for all. PULP
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