Summer is quickly approaching, and we all know what that means: hot days, muggy nights, and high energy bills for homes and businesses. But the good news is that there are steps that can be taken to reduce the burden of cooling costs over the summer. The New York State Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) has just released its statistics and recommendations for summer energy usage for both business and residential customers.
SUMMER ENERGY SAVING TIPS FOR HOMEOWNERS (www.nyserda.ny.gov/residential)
NYSERDA has also released some valuable tips for residential energy users that can save real money on energy bills. Extensive information on new construction, existing home renovations, renewable energy, and financial assistance for low and moderate income households can be found at the website above. A few highlights from NYSERDA include:
- Change your filters monthly
- Use ovens, washing machines, dryers and dishwashers in the early morning or late at night.
- Turn your thermostat to a higher temperature when you are going to be away from home.
- Shut off lights and unplug electronics when not in use.
- Use an energy monitor to identify what products consume the most energy.
MEASUREABLE ENERGY SAVINGS FOR BUSINESSES (www.nyserdasolutions.org)
According to NYSERDA, the combined annual energy costs for New York businesses are $203 billion, meaning that a small 10% improvement in energy efficiency would immediately yield $20 billion in savings for commercial and industrial facilities. In addition to the real savings on your monthly energy bill, NYSERDA is also offering its own cash incentives. Visit the website above to take advantage of this opportunity.
Summertime in New York should be about picnics, ballgames, barbeques, friends, and family. It should not involve worrying about whether the air conditioning will stay on, or what the final bill is going to be at the end of every month. But with a little planning ahead, the summer heat can be welcome.
