July 07, 2010

NYSERDA Offers Ways to Keep Cool While Minimizing Energy Use

ALBANY, NY  — With the high temperatures continuing, there are many steps New Yorkers can take to keep cool while minimizing energy use.

“While blasting an air conditioner is often the first choice many New Yorkers take when the temperatures rise, there are many steps you can take to keep cool and use less energy at the same time,” said Francis J. Murray, President and CEO of the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA).

NYSERDA offers these low or no-cost tips to help New Yorkers save energy during the hottest days of summer.

1. Block the heat. Insulation and shading can be the most efficient way to keep your home comfortable while reducing the need for air conditioning.
2. Manage use of appliances. Ovens, washing machines, dryers and dishwashers generate significant amounts of heat that can get trapped in the house. Minimizing the use of these appliances will help decrease the heat buildup in your home. Also, using them in the early morning or at night when it is generally cooler outside will help decrease the power load and the impact on your home. Also, using smaller appliances like microwaves or toaster ovens whenever possible will both save energy and keep the heat out of the kitchen.
3. Use cooler, more efficient lighting. ENERGY STAR® Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFLs) are cool to the touch and emit less heat than an incandescent light bulb. If you change out the five most used light bulbs in your home to CFLs, you can save over $50 on your energy bill each year.
4. Seal your home. Cooling your home when it has leaky air ducts and incorrectly installed windows is like blowing up a balloon with a hole in it. Through NYSERDA's Home Performance with ENERGY STAR program, a participating BPI-certified contractor can assess your home's energy needs through a Comprehensive Home Assessment to make your home will be cooler, safer, and more comfortable year round.
5. Cool your house only when you are home. Using a programmable thermostat to automatically regulate a room or central air conditioner can ensure that you use only the energy you need when you need it and can save you approximately $200 in energy costs per year.

In addition, by using the following ENERGY STAR appliances, you can significantly cut energy use while making your home more comfortable. These include:

• Ceiling Fans. ENERGY STAR qualified ceiling fans, to help cool your home with minimal electricity.
• Air Conditioners. ENERGY STAR qualified room air conditioners use at least 10% less energy than conventional models and will save $100 on your energy bill over their lifetime.
• Humidifiers. ENERGY STAR qualified dehumidifier remove the same amount of moisture as a similarly-sized standard unit while using 20% less energy.

For more tips and information about saving energy, visit Get ENERGY SMART Tips.

With warm temperatures forecasted over the coming days, New Yorkers are encouraged to not just reduce their energy use, but protect their health as well as the health of their family, friends and neighbors, including pets. For heat safety tips, visit the New York State Emergency Management Office website at www.semo.state.ny.us/info/publicsafety/heataware.cfm. For New York City residents, to find a cooling center nearest you visit gis.nyc.gov/oem/cc/index.htm.

About NYSERDA

NYSERDA, a public benefit corporation, offers objective information and analysis, innovative programs, technical expertise and funding to help New Yorkers increase energy efficiency, save money, use renewable energy, and reduce their reliance on fossil fuels. NYSERDA professionals work to protect our environment and create clean-energy jobs. NYSERDA has been developing partnerships to advance innovative energy solutions in New York since 1975.

Contact:

Jeffrey Gordon, NYSERDA
518-862-1090 ext. 3544
jrg@nyserda.ny.gov