New York City Energy $mart Communities

EIGHT THINGS YOU CAN DO TO SAVE MONEY ON YOUR ENERGY BILL THIS SUMMER

Making a few small changes to your daily routine can add up to big savings on your energy bill this summer.

	Select ENERGY STAR^® products when buying new or replacing old appliances. Whether you're in the market for a room air conditioner (RAC), central air conditioner (CAC), clothes washer, or other appliances or lighting, make sure it has the ENERGY STAR label. Learn more about ENERGY STAR products .
	Change is good. Replacing a 15-year-old room air conditioner with a new ENERGY STAR model could save you up to $56* a year on your electric bill. Learn more about room air conditioners .
	Check filters monthly and replace following manufacturers instructions. A dirty filter can increase energy costs and damage your RAC, leading to early failure.
	The right temperature at the right time. Use a programmable thermostat and set the temperature at the level you need it, when you need it. They cost about $25 and will lead to instant savings on electric bills. And remember that setting your air-conditioning thermostat at just a few degrees higher during the cooling season is the smart way to Stay Cool! Each degree above 75ºF saves you 3% of the energy used to cool your home.
	Close blinds or shades on sunny windows during the hottest part of summer days, and take advantage of the natural ventilation when conditions permit-especially during cool morning or evening hours.
	Insulate your home, particularly in the attic. Not only is this spot usually the easiest to insulate, but it's also where you'll see the greatest energy-saving benefit. By insulating the attic, you'll keep the heat outside from filtering through the roof and into the rest of your house. Visit our home performance page for more information on making your home Energy $mart!
	Use major appliances during off-peak hours. Make sure to run your clothes washer and dishwasher during mornings, late nights, and weekends, whenever possible.
	Sign-up to receive energy-saving tips by email. The Get Energy $mart email newsletter will provide you with seasonal tips to keep your energy usage low and save you money. Click here to sign-up.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE ENERGY SAVING TIPS FOR YOUR ENTIRE HOME .

MORE STAY COOL! LINKS & RESOURCES

AIR CONDITIONING 101: REPLACING AN EXISTING UNIT

RECYCLING AN OLD ROOM AIR CONDITIONER

All New York Energy $mart programs are funded by a System Benefits Charge (SBC) paid by electric distribution customers of Central Hudson, Con Edison, NYSEG, Niagara Mohawk – A National Grid Company, Orange and Rockland, and Rochester Gas and Electric.

NYSERDA, a public benefit corporation established by law in 1975, administers SBC funds and programs under an agreement with the Public Service Commission.

New York Energy $martSM programs are designed to lower electricity costs by encouraging energy efficiency as the State's electric utilities move to competition. The programs are available to electric distribution customers (residential, commercial, institutional, and industrial) who pay into the SBC.

Saving Energy Saves Money! Did you know that if you replaced the 5 most used light bulbs in your home with ENERGY STAR®-labeled Compact Fluorescent Light (CFL) bulbs, you would save approximately $60 a year?

New York Energy $martSM contributes to energy efficiency projects by demonstrating how energyefficiency and diversifying energy resources can create economic, environmental and social benefits. NYSERDA provides technical assistance, low-cost financing, or grants under various programs. Some of the programs include:

• Energy Audit Program – Energy audits for recommendations on improved energy efficiency measures in small businesses and other non-residential buildings.

• Assisted Multifamily Program – For energy-efficient rehabilitation of low income multifamily buildings.

• Energy $mart Loan Fund - Interest rate reductions on loans for energy efficiency projects.

• $mart Equipment Choices – For installation of energy efficient equipment in your business or multifamily building.

• Residential Technical Assistance - For multifamily building performance assessment.

• New Construction Program - To design/install energy efficiency into new or rehabilitated buildings.

• Home Performance with Energy Star® – BPI-certified contractor energy efficiency assessment for small homes. Income eligible consumers may qualify for subsidies to have energy efficiency improvements made to their home with the Assisted Home Performance with Energy Star® program.

To learn more about the New York Energy $martSM programs, please visit:

www.getenergysmart.org

www.nyserda.org

New York City Energy $mart has many programs to help you save energy. These programs provide information, technical resources and financial incentives to help you make your business or home energy efficient.