PSC and NYSERDA PROVIDE ENERGY SAVING TIPS

As Temperatures Drop, Consumers Asked To Save Energy and Money

Albany, NY—11/1/13—The New York State Public Service Commission and the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority today urged consumers to take steps to save energy and money as winter approaches and temperatures continue to drop. To reduce energy use consumers are encouraged to take the following energy saving measures:

Insulate, Seal Leaks

• Insulate the attic.  It’s typically the easiest place to insulate and it's also where the greatest energy savings can be seen.
• Seal air leaks to stop warm air leakage, the source of ice dam problems. After sealing leaks, add additional insulation in your attic.
• Provide adequate attic ventilation so the undersides of the roof and outside air are at the same temperature. Check to make sure attic insulation is not blocking roof ventilation.  Incorrect ventilation can cause mold and mildew problems.
• Insulate and seal heating ducts - poorly sealed ducts can waste 10-30 percent of your energy costs.

Weatherize

• Keep the warm air in by adding insulation, caulking and weather-stripping around doors, attic access, windows, outlets and any area that can let the warm air out.
• Keep Heating System Running Efficiently
• For most consumers, the heating system is the single largest energy user in the home and can account for more than 60 percent of your total energy bill. Clean or replace your filter once a month or as needed and have your system checked at least once a year.

Avoid Vampire Usage

• Purchase an advanced power strip to manage the power that your electronics and appliances use. These power strips shut off stand-by or “vampire load” that is consumed when electronics and appliances are turned off. This simple, affordable device is a smarter version of the traditional power strip.
• Plug your televisions, DVD players, home stereos and gaming consoles into an advance power strip, and you can cut the power to all this technology whenever you turn off your TV.
• Use Programmable Thermostat
• Installing and properly using a programmable thermostat can save up to $200 on your energy bill. A programmable thermostat offers pre-programmed and customized settings to regulate your home's temperature when you are home, asleep or away.

Use Oven Wisely

• When using the oven, keep the door closed. Every time the door opens, the temperature goes down 25 degrees, forcing your oven to work harder and use more energy.
• Heat multiple items in the oven together when preparing meals. Turn the oven off 10 to15 minutes early to let residual heat finish the job.

Use Energy Efficient Lighting

• Use ENERGY STAR® qualified CFLs.  Lighting accounts for approximately 12 percent of the average household’s energy bill. 
• ENERGY STAR qualified CFLs can be found for as low as $1.50 and can save about $70 or more in energy cost per bulb over their lifetime.

Get an Energy Audit and Financial Assistance

• Consider having a Home Performance with ENERGY STAR® comprehensive home energy assessment to learn the best ways to reduce energy waste and improve the comfort of your home. The audit is free for most New Yorkers.  
• Call 1-877-NY-SMART or visit www.nyserda.ny.gov/home-performance to get started with an energy audit.
• To help pay for energy improvements, take advantage of NYSERDA’s low-interest loans – including payment through your utility bills – and cash-back incentives.

Manage Energy Bills

• Contact your utility company about bill payment options such as budget billing, and to see if you’re eligible for low-income energy efficiency programs.

Additional tips on how to save energy can be found on the Commission’s and NYSERDA’s websites at www.AskPSC.com and www.NYSERDA.ny.gov. If you have difficulty understanding English, please call 1-800-342-3377 for free language assistance services regarding this press release.

Further Details:
James Denn, PSC
[email protected] | 518.474.7080

Kate Muller, NYSERDA
[email protected] | 518.862.1090 x3582