NEWS
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Turn in that Old Air Conditioner
and Be Cool this Summer:
Agency contacts: NYSERDA spokesperson:
______________________________________________________________________ As part of its BE COOL Campaign, the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) is hosting turn-in events throughout the city’s five boroughs and Westchester County for residential and multifamily customers of Con Edison electric service. Customers who turn in an old, working room air conditioner and purchase a new ENERGY STAR® qualified model can earn a “bounty” (financial incentive). Those turning in a window-based room air conditioning unit earn $35 and those turning in a through-the-wall air conditioning unit earn $100 when they purchase a new ENERGY STAR model. “NYSERDA’s BE COOL Campaign represents a huge opportunity for New Yorkers to reduce both their energy use and carbon dioxide emissions, as well as save money,” said Peter R. Smith, president and CEO of NYSERDA. “With just a few simple changes, New Yorkers can use their air conditioners without wasting energy. It’s really the way to be cool this summer.” The cost savings to New York City residents go far beyond the initial incentive. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the average family spends $1,900 a year on energy bills, nearly half of which goes to cooling and heating. ENERGY STAR qualified room air conditioners use 10 to 25 percent less energy than a conventional new model and up to 40 percent less energy than a 10-year-old unit. ENERGY STAR qualified room air conditioners often include timers or programmable thermostats for better temperature control, allowing residents to use the minimum amount of energy needed to cool a room, and to cool the room only when it’s really needed. New Yorkers who are not eligible for the incentive can still save on their summer energy bill by using timers on air conditioners and lighting; closing shades or curtains on windows that receive direct afternoon sun; using ENERGY STAR qualified compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) instead of wasteful, heat-generating incandescent bulbs; and always looking for the ENERGY STAR label when purchasing appliances and air conditioning products. Also, by shifting energy-intensive tasks such as dishwashing and clothes washing to cooler early morning or late night hours, New Yorkers can help reduce mid-afternoon heat build-up and make sure there is enough electricity for everyone during the hottest part of the day. "The New York Power Authority's energy efficiency programs, on behalf of its public sector partners, have contributed to significant energy savings across the state. With NYSERDA, the Power Authority, Westchester County, Con Edison and now the Town of Greenburgh working together, BE COOL will help provide consumers with the tools to save energy in the home this summer," said Timothy S. Carey, president and chief executive officer, New York Power Authority. NYSERDA offers these additional tips to reduce summer energy bills by up to 30 percent or more: Turn In. Turn On. ENERGY STAR® qualified room air conditioners use up
to 25 percent less energy than a standard new model and up to 40
percent less energy than a model more than 10 years old. Units with
high Energy Efficiency Ratios (EERs) cost less to operate so look
for ones with the highest EER. Work off peak No Dirty Business Chill Out in the Shade Don’t Forget the Adoring Fans Just Chill When You’re Home A Home Needs Shades Too Take a Whole House Approach Turn It Off Visit www.GetEnergySmart.org or call 1-877-NY-SMART (1-877-697-6278) for more information about BE COOL and other summer energy saving tips. The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) uses innovation and technology to solve some of New York's most difficult and environmental problems in ways that improve the State's economy. |
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