Category: Energy Saving Tips

“If the school has not set up a recycling effort, do it now. Reusing paper and recycling paper saves money and energy. Recycle aluminum cans and plastic bottles.” (consumerenergycenter.org)

“Use your dryer for consecutive loads. The built-up heat means less energy spent.” (directenergy.com)

“Make sure your appliances and heating and cooling systems are properly maintained. Check your owner’s manuals for the recommended maintenance.” (energy.gov)

“Fix defective plumbing or dripping faucets. A single dripping hot water faucet can waste 212 gallons of water a month. That not only increases water bills, but also increases the gas or electric bill for heating the water.” (pge.com)

Manager for Minetto Housing project called to tell us how much he liked one of our installers, Lawrence Broadbant!!! He stated, “He was a great worker and did a wonderful job!” Great job Lawrence!!!!

“Get rid of your stand-alone freezer if it’s empty most of the time.” (NYSERDA)

“Many dishwashers have energy-saving wash cycles that use less water. Using these cycles can save $5-15 per year.” (National Grid)

“A dehumidifier can greatly add to your electric bill. Make sure you have the appropriate sized dehumidifier for your home.” (NSTAR)

“Turn down your hot water heater. This actually saves you all year, but let’s face it .. you could definitely afford to save a few bucks by turning down the water heat this Spring.” (lisi contracting)

“Repair all leaks (a leaky toilet can waste 200 gallons a day).” (epa.gov)

“Clean under and behind you refrigerator to improve its efficiency.” (NYSERDA)

“Have you ever thought about installing an attic ventilator? An attic ventilating system draws cool air up through the house and can provide the same level of comfort as an air conditioner at a much lower cost. Pump in cool air during summer evenings then seal your home during the day. Attic ventilation can help [...]

“Dust or wipe light bulbs.  Clean bulbs provide more light for the money.  Replace high-use incandescent bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs and fixtures – they use two-thirds less energy and last up to 10 times longer.” (http://www.epelectric.com)

“Postpone laundry and dish washing until nighttime to avoid generating extra heat in your home. Also, consider taking advantage of the warmer air and dry your laundry outside.” (www.nstar.com)

“Pets shed during the spring – when dust and pet hair build up on your refrigerator condenser coils, the motor works harder and uses more electricity. As part of your spring-cleaning routine, make sure the coils are cleaned so that air can circulate freely.” (http://www.wmgld.com)

“Bleed the air out of your radiators twice a year.” (NYSERDA)

How many times do you open your fridge in one day? Tape a piece of paper to your fridge and have everyone mark a check on the paper each time they open your fridge.  At the end of the day count up all those check marks! How can you cut down the number of times [...]

“Turn your gas water heater to “vacation mode” if you are leaving your house for an extended period of time.” (National Grid)

“Maintain Vehicle Efficiency: Regular maintenance as prescribed by the vehicle owner’s manual will help your vehicle achieve its best fuel economy. Some overlooked maintenance items, such as a dirty air filter and under-inflated tires, can increase your fuel cost up to 13%. When replacing your tires, replace them with the same make and model as [...]

“Turn off kitchen, bath, and other exhaust fans within 20 minutes after you are done cooking or bathing; when replacing exhaust fans, consider installing high-efficiency, low-noise models.” (US Department of Energy)

“Change furnace filters according to manufacturer’s recommendations.” (NYSERDA)

“Adjust lighting to your actual needs; use free “daylighting.” This means turn off or dim your lights when daylight is adequate, or use automatic “daylight dimming” ballasts/controls to do this for you. To prevent computer screen glare, eyestrain, and headaches, use limited “task lighting” and do not “over-light” the area. Too much light can be [...]

“Copper-bottom pots and pans use heat most efficiently.” (National Grid)

“Take a five minute shower instead of a bath to reduce hot water use.” (National Grid)

“Choose the right bulb for the right function.  Some CFL’s are capable of dimming, three-way functionality, or outdoor use.  Check the packaging before you buy.  Using the wrong bulb in an application reduces the bulb’s life.” (NYSERDA)

“Use foam sealant around larger gaps, around windows, baseboards, and other places where warm air may be leaking out.” (US Department of Energy)

“Use steel-belted radial tires. They increase gas mileage up to 10%.” (about.com)

“ENERGY STAR certified new homes are designed and built to standards well above most other homes on the market today, delivering energy efficiency savings of up to 30 percent when compared to typical new homes. A new home that has earned the ENERGY STAR label has undergone a process of inspections, testing, and verification to [...]

“Even though hot air rises, homes lose heat in all directions. So besides insulating the top and sides of your house, you also need to insulate the bottom, where as much as 30% of energy loss can occur. Stopping this loss can save up to $170 per year off heating and cooling costs.” (houselogic.com)

“Replacing existing door bottoms and thresholds with ones that have pliable sealing gaskets is a great way to eliminate conditioned air leaking out from underneath the doors.” (US Dept of Energy)

“Avoid pre-heating your oven for more than 10 minutes and resist peeking into the oven since every time you open the door, you loose roughly 25 degrees.” (NYSERDA)

“Follow detergent instructions carefully. Using too much soap makes the washing machine motor work harder.” (National Grid)

“Cook with lids on your pans. For example, cooking spaghetti without a lid on the pot can use three times as much energy.” (National Grid)

“In most climates, you will save money and energy when you build a new home or addition if you install a combination of cavity insulation and insulative sheathing. Reduce exterior wall leaks by taping the joints of exterior sheathing and caulking and sealing exterior walls. Cavity insulation can be installed at levels up to R-15 [...]

“Install motion detectors so that lights are only on when you need them.  Encourage your employer to do the same.” (NYSERDA)

“Make sure your appliances and heating and cooling systems are properly maintained. Check your owner’s manuals for the recommended maintenance.” (energy.gov)

“If it’s been a while since you’ve shopped for a bulb, you’ll notice a new generation of ENERGY STAR qualified light bulbs. NYSERDA has created a web site focused on tools and information to help make your light bulb shopping quick and painless. Visit http://www.nyserda.ny.gov/bulbology to brush up on your “bulbology” and learn how to save [...]

“Attach low-flow aerators to kitchen and bathroom faucets. For a family of four, this can save up to 8,500 gallons of water a year. Aerators allow the faucet to flow stronger while actually using much less water.” (National Grid)

“Study your family’s lighting needs and look for ways to use controls—like sensors, dimmers, or timers—to reduce lighting use.” (energy.gov)

“Replace furnace and air conditioner filters. Spray the filters with a light coating of lemon furniture polish or vegetable oil cooking spray to help trap dirt in the filter.” (nvenergy.com)

“Winter storms often cause power outages. Prevent waste by keeping rechargeable batteries rather than disposable ones stored throughout your house with your flashlights. If you do use disposable batteries, prevent hazardous waste by buying batteries with low mercury content.” (epa.gov)

“Use your dryer for consecutive loads. The built-up heat means less energy spent.” (directenergy.com)

If you are looking to save money on energy at your home this video is a quick and easy start for you to start making some little changes that will help with big saving in the long run.

“Fix defective plumbing or dripping faucets. A single dripping hot water faucet can waste 212 gallons of water a month. That not only increases water bills, but also increases the gas or electric bill for heating the water.” (pge.com)

“Insulate ceilings to R-38 levels if your attic has less than R-19.” (pge.com)

“Don’t set the temperature colder than necessary. Set the refrigerator temperature between 36° F and 42° F. Set the freezer control so the temperature is between -5° F and +6° F. A small thermometer placed in the refrigerator or freezer will help you set it correctly.” (we-energies.com)

For businesses: “In winter, set office thermostat offices between 65 and 68 during the day/business hours, and 60 to 65 degrees during unoccupied times.” (srpnet.com)

“Self-cleaning ovens use less energy for normal cooking because of the higher insulation levels built into them. (However, if you use the self-cleaning feature more than once a month, you’ll end up using more energy than you will save.) Consider using the self-cleaning feature immediately after using your oven, to take advantage of the residual [...]

“Go Vintage: Instead of purchasing new jewelry, consider opting for vintage jewelry from a local antique shop. Purchasing vintage jewelry doesn’t require the raw materials and carbon emissions that new jewelry does.” (sfenvironment.org)

“Keep lights and lighting fixtures clean, especially if you’re reducing the number of lights you use. Dirt absorbs light. Let lights cool before cleaning them and never touch halogen bulbs with your bare hands. The oil from your skin can greatly damage the bulbs. Use a small piece of paper to hold the bulb.” (nvenergy.com)

“In the cold months, set the thermostat to 68 degrees when home, and then back to 55 – 68 degrees when unoccupied.” (nvenergy.com)

“Using a fireplace sends valuable heat up the chimney. Reduce the loss by installing glass doors.” (hribar.com)

“If you install a residential warm air furnace at 90 percent AFUE vs. 80 percent AFUE, the estimated annual savings in energy costs is $115 with a simple payback of 2.6 years. (Analysis of annual savings provided by the Consortium of Energy Efficiency, a national non-profit organization).” (NSTAR.com)

“While each vehicle reaches its optimal fuel economy at a different speed (or range of speeds), gas mileage usually decreases rapidly speeds above 55 miles per hour. Just slowing down from 65 mph to 55 mph can increase your miles per gallon by as much as 15 percent.”

“Reverse the switch on your ceiling fans so they blow upward, toward the ceiling. Ceiling fans are a great idea in the summer, when air blowing downward can improve circulation and make a room feel four degrees cooler. A cooling draft is a poor idea when it’s cold, however. By reversing the fan’s direction, the [...]

“CFLs are available as flood lights.  These models have been tested to withstand the rain and snow so they can be used to exposed fixtures.” (US Dept of Energy)

“Install tight-fitting, insulating window shades on windows that feel drafty after weatherizing.” (US Dept of Energy)

“Winterize your vehicle by checking your air filter and fluid levels, checking tires for tread wear and proper inflation, and checking the condition of your windshield wipers. Ensuring your vehicle is ready for weather changes will reduce damage, which prevents waste from broken parts, and will keep you safe on the road.” (epa.gov)

“I was thoroughly impressed and very happy with everyone.  You were the most non invasive contractors I have ever dealt with.”  Mrs. Stang of Clinton, NY.

“Generator exhaust is toxic. Always put generators outside well away from doors, windows, and vents. Carbon monoxide (CO) is deadly, can build up quickly, and linger for hours.” (epa.gov)

“If you use glass or ceramic pans, you can turn your oven temperature down 25 degrees, and foods will cook just as quickly” (consumerenergycenter.org)

“Those high-definition televisions are great, but keep in mind they use six times as much energy as a regular television.” (nstar.com)

“Replace you older, inefficient heating system with one that is 90% efficient or more and you could save hundreds on heating bills.” (National Grid)

“A no-heat air dry feature helps your dishwasher use 15–50%less energy.” (National Grid)

“If your clothes washer has spin options, choose the extended spin option to reduce the amount of remaining moisture in your clothes after washing. This will reduce drying time.” (NYSERDA)

“More than half of the energy used for heating is lost through uninsulated walls, floors, ceilings and attics.” (hribar.com)

“Be sure to set your water heater to no more than 125 degrees.” (National Grid)

“Kitchen exhaust fan covers can keep air from leaking when the exhaust fan is not in use.  The covers typically attach via magnets for ease of replacement.” (US Department of Energy)

It’s said that in the fall a young man’s thoughts turn towards love. Well, in New York State, chances are in the fall his thoughts — and everyone else’s — are turning towards staying warm during the upcoming winter. Keeping you warm and comfortable is the main goal of Standard Insulating Co., and with the [...]

“Look for opportunities to caulk around windows and doors using a high quality silicone caulk.” (National Grid)

If you want to recycle your old fridge there is a FREE pickup! Call 1-877-691-0021 or visit www.powerofaction.com/unyfridge (National Grid)

“Make sure attic vents are not blocked so air can flow freely to minimize the use of an attic vent fan.” (NYSERDA)

“Close fireplace dampers when not in use.” (NYSERDA)

“Look for dirty spots in your insulation, which may indicate holes where air leaks into and out of your house.  You can seal the holes with low-expansion spray foam made for this purpose.” (US Department of Energy)

“Caulk and seal air leaks where plumbing, ducting, or electrical wiring penetrates through walls, floors, ceilings, and soffits over cabinets.” (National Grid)

“Mini or compact CLFs are a good option where you need a small bulb.  If you need to use a larger CFL, harp and socket extenders can add space around the bulb and socket in many fixtures and lamps.” (NYSERDA)

Its important to unplug your appliances and other devices. The few extra seconds you take to unplug them with help you save a few bucks.

“Lower your thermostat-for every one degree you lower your thermostat for a 24-hour period, you could save 3% on your heating bills.” (HeatSmartNY.org)

Your home insulation probably isn’t something you spend a lot of time thinking about. This time of year it may be a bit more of an issue as the cold starts to creep back in, but unless you are an expert who insulated his or her home entirely by yourself, you probably aren’t really aware [...]

“Don’t cover heat registers and cold air returns with furniture and rugs.” (NYSERDA)

“Install faucet aerators to decrease water use.” (NYSERDA)

“According to research, a load of dishes cleaned in a dishwasher requires 37 percent less water than washing dishes by hand. However, if you fill the wash and rinse basins instead of letting the water run, you’ll use half as much water as a dishwasher.” (Consumerenergycenter.org)

“In an electric oven, you can turn the heat off several minutes before your food is fully cooked. As long as the oven door remains closed, enough heat will be stored inside to finish cooking your meal. The same principle applies to your electric range-top – the metal heating elements stay hot even after the [...]

“Recycle old newspapers by making rolled paper logs for your fireplace. Roll newspaper sheets around a broom stick until your log is the desired size, then soak your log thoroughly in water. Dry the log overnight and use like ordinary wood. Always follow proper safety precautions when burning anything around your home.” (epa.gov)

“Use electric snow removal products rather than gasoline-powered ones. While electric products consume energy, they do not emit greenhouse gases. As alternatives, use snow shovels, ice crackers, and brooms to clear snow from your sidewalk, porch, or driveway.” (epa.gov)

“Winterize your vehicle by checking your air filter and fluid levels, checking tires for tread wear and proper inflation, and checking the condition of your windshield wipers. Ensuring your vehicle is ready for weather changes will reduce damage, which prevents waste from broken parts, and will keep you safe on the road.” (epa.gov)

“After the holidays, look for ways to recycle or reuse your tree instead of sending it to a landfill. Check with your community solid waste department and find out if they collect and mulch trees.” (epa.gov)

“Invest in rechargeable batteries and a charger.  If you buy or receive gifts that require batteries, consider purchasing rechargeable batteries and a charger. Recent advancements have made rechargeable batteries better than ever.” (Frugal Living)

“Turn the thermostat down when you have guests.  Extra bodies in the house means extra warmth at no cost to you.” (Frugal Living)

“Wait until dark to turn on your Christmas lights; then, turn them off before you go to bed. Six hours or less of daily use is a good goal to aim for. Do you have trouble remembering to turn your lights on and off? Then, set a timer, and forget about it.” (Frugal Living)

“Energy Eye-Opener: A six-inch pan on an eight-inch burner will waste more than 40 percent of the stove’s energy.” (Safety at Home)

“Make sure your water heater is set to 120 degrees. This is also recommended to help prevent accidental scalding and burns from water that is too hot – especially important with little ones around.” (Safety at Home)

“Protect CFLs outdoors.  CFLs take longer to start in cold weather.  An enclosed fixture will provide protection to the bulb, allowing it to perform as it should.” (NYSERDA)

“Consider energy efficiency in interior design by painting walls and ceilings light colors, which reflect rather than absorb light, thus reducing the need for extra lighting.” (NYSERDA)

“Repair leaky faucets promptly; a leaky faucet wastes gallons of water in a short period of time.” (US Dept of Energy)

“Avoid Overload: Check for overloaded extension cords – usage should not exceed the recommended wattage.” (safetyathome.com)

“Periodically inspect your dryer vent to ensure it is not blocked.  This will save energy and may prevent a fire.  Manufacturers recommend using rigid venting material, not plastic vents that may collapse and cause blockage.” (National Grid)

“Weather strip and insulate your attic hatch or door to prevent warm air from escaping from your house.” (Consumer Energy Center)

“If each New Yorker replaced one incandescent bulb with a compact fluorescent bulb, we could save 2.2 billion kilowatt hours of energy-or $324 million on utility bills over the lifetimes of those bulbs.” (NYSERDA)

Energy Tip for Businesses: “Consider having employees use laptop computers since they use up to 90 percent less energy than a standard computer.” (Consumer Energy Center)