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Reduce Energy Costs. Increase Comfort and Savings.

solar power long island long island solar Fortunately for local islanders, the Long Island Power Authority (LIPA) is a good partner in helping to reduce the residential walls and ceiling. Ensure that your floors, hot water pipes and air ducts are properly sealed, too, and be sure to use good-quality storm windows and doors. Check for smaller heat leaks by looking for anyplace that caulking or weather stripping can stop a draft.

If you have fireplace, use it; occasional log-burnings not only add warmth to the air, but add warmth to your décor as well. But when a fire isn’t burning, remember to close the damper to prevent drafts. Even if you don’t have solar power, you can still use the sun to heat your home directly. Open the curtains and blinds of any window that’s being sunlit to let the natural heat in Watering Down Power Usage
Another big energy cost is in warming water. You can often save in this area by reducing maximum temperature settings.Lower your water heater to about 120 degrees Fahrenheit, and LIPA advises that if the heater is warm to the touch, consider adding an extra layer of insulation.
Another water heater in your home may not be as obvious: the dishwasher. If adjustable, lower the temperature to 120-140 degrees. It will still clean effectively, but more economically.

Seeing the Light

According to LIPA, lighting accounts for about 15 percent of a home’s power consumption. Again, you can take measures to improve.

Is a light on if no one is in the room to see it? Don’t bother finding out. Instead, install sensors to power down the lights when a room is unoccupied.Even when you are in the room, you rarely need the full brightness of the bulbs. Use three-way lamps or dimmers to fade the illumination. Instead of traditional lightbulbs, use compact fluorescent bulbs (CFLs) made specifically for dimming. CFLs use 75 percent less energy than incandescent bulbs and last six to ten times longer.

Chilling the Bill

Electrical savings can be found all around the kitchen, but one of the best candidates is the spot you visit most often: the refrigerator.

To keep it running more efficiently, vacuum and clean the condenser coils every six months, and leave room between the refrigerator and any walls for air to circulate.

Also, beware of heat sources that might compete with cooling. If possible, organize your appliances to keep the oven and dishwasher away from the freezer and fridge.

On the other hand, don’t keep the refrigerator colder than it needs to be. Thermometers will help you set the correct temperatures: 35-38 degrees Fahrenheit for the fridge, 5 degrees for the freezer.

For more ways to save on electricity costs, visit www.lipower.org.