Turn in an old air conditioner and save energy this summer
June 10, 2009
Liverpool, NY – Onondaga County residents in need of new room air conditioners can dispose of their old room air conditioners on Saturday, June 20 at Ley Creek Transfer Station in Liverpool from 8 a.m. to noon. The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) and Onondaga County Resource Recovery Agency (OCRRA) 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 budgets. Residents can turn-in old room air conditioners, dehumidifiers, and propane tanks free of charge.
OCRRA encourages residents to recycle old air conditioners, dehumidifiers, and propane tanks. “Bringing these items in for recycling on June 20 ensures that Freon is recovered and metals are recycled, which protects our local environment,” said Dave Nettle, OCRRA Recycling Specialist.
“Saving energy means saving money and preventing pollution, so consider purchasing ENERGY STAR® qualified products as we prepare for the summer season this year,” said NYSERDA President and CEO Francis J. Murray, Jr. “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:
- Saving Energy is a Breeze
ENERGY STAR® qualified room air conditioners use less energy than standard new models. Look for a high Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER). Units with high EERs cost less to operate. Recycle your old room air conditioner at your local waste management facility.
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 participating Home Performance contractor, accredited by the Building Performance Institute, can determine the correct size and provide installation of the unit.
- Chill Only When You’re Home
For central air conditioning, a programmable thermostat allows homeowners to automatically adjust to a more comfortable temperature when they are scheduled to be home. Homeowners can set the temperature to use less cooling when they are normally away. Residents save three percent on cooling costs for each degree they turn thermostats up above 72 degrees. ENERGY STAR window and through-the-wall room air conditioners also typically include programmable thermostats or timers.
- 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.
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 is generally cooler outside. Use a microwave to cook, or barbecue, if possible.
A Home Needs Shades Too
Block out heat by keeping blinds or curtains closed during the day, especially on south facing windows.
Items with large adapters, such as chargers and game consoles, drain a large amount of energy when not in use. Plug these items into an advanced power strip – it automatically stops power to products not in use, saving energy and money. Advanced power strips can be purchased at your local office or hardware store.
- 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. To learn more ways to save energy, visit NYSERDA Get Energy Smart or call 1-877-NY-SMART.
Three simple ways to save energy with Power Management
Did you know that the electronics and appliances in your home continue to use energy even when they are turned off? Here are simple, cost-effective steps you can take to save energy at home.
- Enable the power management feature on your computer. By enabling the power management function on a computer, you can reduce its energy consumption by 50 percent
- Request an ENERGY STAR cable box or DVR from your cable company. There is no additional charge and no difference in product performance. Two standard set-top boxes use the same amount of energy as a refrigerator, so make sure your equipment has the ENERGY STAR label.
- Fight the energy pirates in your home by unplugging seldom-used electronics and other products. Products with clocks and remotes consume energy even when they are not in use. U.S. households spend over $100 per year to power devices while they are off.
CONTACT:
Nancy Norman, NYSERDA
866-NYSERDA, ext 3414
njn@nyserda.ny.gov
Gayle Nowak
978-525-3742
gayle@haggman.com
Mary Ingram-Schatz
212-600-4469
mary@haggman.com
Last Updated: 11/26/2012