Turn in an old air conditioner and save energy this summer

April 14, 2008

NYSERDA offers recycling program and energy-saving tips for Earth Day event

Colonie, NY – Residents in the Capital Region who are in the market for a new room air conditioner can dispose of their old ones at “Project: Earth Day 2008” on Saturday, April 26 at Taft Furniture, 1960 Central Avenue in Colonie from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), Town of Bethlehem, and WNYT-TV are sponsoring the event.

NYSERDA is hosting turn-in events across the state this spring and offering energy-saving tips to help New Yorkers keep their homes cool without breaking their budget. Residents with coupons from their local municipality can turn-in old room air conditioners and dehumidifiers.

“Saving energy means saving money and preventing pollution, so consider purchasing ENERGY STAR® qualified products as part of your spring cleaning this year,” said Paul D. Tonko, President and CEO of NYSERDA. “Be sure to recycle the products you are replacing to avoid waste and pollution. We can all do our part to save energy by purchasing ENERGY STAR products and appliances and following energy saving tips, which will bring reduced energy costs and benefits to the environment for future generations.”

According to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the average family spends $1,900 a year on energy bills, with nearly half going to cooling and heating. Energy-efficient air conditioning can make a significant impact on comfort and monthly electric bills, as well as reduce energy use at times when energy demand is greatest.

NYSERDA offers the following tips to reduce energy bills all year long:

• Turn In. Turn On.
  ENERGY STAR qualified room air conditioners use up to 25 percent less energy than a standard new model, and up to 40 percent less energy than a model more than 10 years old. Also, look for a high Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER). Units with high EERs cost less to operate.
• Size Matters
  A properly-sized air conditioner will operate more efficiently and dehumidify more effectively. An oversized unit will cycle on and off more frequently. Short cycling reduces an air conditioning system’s life, and a short cycling system will not reduce humidity effectively. Undersized equipment can reduce the efficiency of air distribution and accelerate wear on system components, leading to premature failure. When buying a new central air conditioning unit, a Building Performance Institute (BPI) accredited Home Performance with ENERGY STAR contractor can determine the correct size and provide installation of the unit.
• Chill Only When You’re Home
  For central air conditioning, an ENERGY STAR qualified programmable thermostat allows homeowners to automatically adjust to a more comfortable temperature when they are home. While away, homeowners can set the temperature to use less cooling energy. Residents save three percent on energy costs for each degree they turn the thermostat up from 72 degrees.
• Don’t Forget the Adoring Fans
  ENERGY STAR qualified ceiling fans can help cool a home without greatly increasing electricity use. They improve airflow and create pleasant breezes.
• Work off peak
  To reduce a home’s heat and moisture and reduce peak load usage, use ovens, washing machines, dryers, and dishwashers in the early morning or at night when it’s generally cooler outside. Use a microwave to cook, or barbecue, if possible.
• Turn It Off
  Save electricity and reduce waste heat by shutting off lights.  Seldom used home electronics should actually be unplugged from the wall.  Items like DVD players, VCRs and cordless phones use 40 percent of their energy while in the off position to power functions such as clocks and remote controls.   
• Take a Whole House Approach
  Houses work as a system.  Insulation, heating and air conditioning, air sealing, water heating, ductwork, windows, and doors all work together to determine efficiency. A Home Performance with ENERGY STAR contractor can perform a comprehensive home energy assessment to help residents map a plan to improve a home’s energy efficiency.

NYSERDA uses innovation and technology to solve some of New York's most difficult energy and environmental problems in ways that improve the State's economy. 

Agency Contacts

Gayle Dougherty
gayle@haggman.com 
Phone: 978-525-3742

Mary Ingram-Schatz
mary@haggman.com
Phone: 718-286-2640

NYSERDA Contact

 Colleen Ryan
cqr@nyserda.ny.gov
Phone: 866-NYSERDA, Ext. 3359