► Turn it off!
Turning off lights and appliances when not in use, and unplugging electronic devices, such as televisions, entertainment systems and computers, that continue to draw power even when off. Some devices use up to 25 watts of “standby power” when idle, and approximately 10 percent of the total energy used by homes powers devices that are not in use. Plugging these devices into a power strip and then switching off the strip when the devices are not used is a convenient and effective way to reduce standby power.

► Weatherization
Installing storm windows, sealing leaks and cracks with caulk and weather stripping, and adding insulation can significantly help to reduce the amount of energy used, especially in older homes, and can save up to 10 percent on heating costs.

• On cooler nights, hold a hand near places that would typically have leaks;  if a draft is felt, this is a place to seal.
• Apply weather-stripping around doors and windows.
• Seal leaks around electrical switches and outlets using gaskets, available from home centers.
• Use window putty to seal loose window panes, and consider storm windows in older homes.
• Install “sweeps” or insulating gaskets beneath doors leading outdoors to stop air leaks.
• Make sure the fireplace damper is closed when the heating system is on so heated or cooled air doesn't escape up the chimney.
• Close doors quickly when you enter or leave a house where heating or air conditioning is on.

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► Insulation
Insulation levels affect the amount of energy needed to heat (and cool) homes. The attic is one place where it may be worthwhile, and easiest, to add insulation if needed. The New York State Energy Code recommends 10 to 12 inches of insulation in attics; professional installation is recommended for floors (6 inches) and in walls (3 ½ inches).

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► Lighting
Use compact fluorescent lightbulbs instead of incandescent bulbs – save energy, save money, and protect the environment. Compact Fluorescent lamps use up to 75 percent less energy than an incandescent bulb without sacrificing light quality. Although they cost more, compact fluorescent lamps about 10 times longer, and save about $50 over their lifetime.
 

• Also, be sure to recycle used lamps.  CFLs contain tiny amounts of mercury. All businesses and households are strongly encouraged to recycle their mercury-containing lamps, including low-mercury or "green end cap" lamps. Households are exempt from the regulations but encouraged to recycle fluorescent lamps through their local NYS DEC sponsored Household Hazardous Waste Program. For more information, contact your county’s recycling and waste center, or call the NYS DEC at 518-402-8705, or visit: Summary of Household Hazardous Waste Collection Programs in NYS . Energy Star also provides guidelines on the proper handling and disposal of CFLs on their website.

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► Heating/Air Conditioning
Insulating ducts and hot water pipes where they run through uninsulated areas such as crawl spaces, and repairing any leaks in the duct system.

• Have heating and cooling systems inspected regularly for safe and efficient operation.
• Change filters each season.

► Appliances

• Wash and dry full loads of laundry, and use clothesline when possible.
• Wait until the dishwasher is full before running it.
• Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed as long as possible, and limit the time they are opened.

► Cooking

• Cover pots when cooking.
• Don't open the oven too often.
• Use the microwave whenever possible.

► Bathing

• Install a low-flow showerhead.
• Take shorter showers or half-full baths.
• Turn down the thermostat on your water heater.

► Transportation

• Use bicycles.
• Use buses, trains, and car pools.
• Combine errands to reduce trips.

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► In the winter:

• Tune-up your heating system. A heating system that runs inefficiently can waste fuel. If your system has not been serviced in several years, have it inspected by a heating contractor. A tune-up typically consists of testing the system for combustion efficiency; cleaning the nozzles or burners; removing sediment in boilers; changing filters; and making fuel-air mix adjustments. Other steps include:
  • Changing the filters on forced-air systems once per month during the heating season, as heaters use more energy when filters are dirty.
  • Checking that ductwork is free of cracks and leaks, and sealing any with metal duct tape. Consider duct insulation, especially where ducts run through unheated spaces.
  • A safety inspection of the heating system and water heaters should also be performed. Service technicians should check flues and clear them of any debris that may have accumulated during the year, and the entire unit should be inspected carefully, especially for the possibility of producing carbon monoxide

• Set your heater thermostat to the lowest temperature that still keeps you comfortable—some recommend 68°F by day and a cool 55°F by night. Each degree lowered saves up to three percent on energy use.
• Install a programmable thermostat, which automatically turns down the thermostat during the night or when the home is unoccupied. For example, Setting it back to 55 degrees for at least 8 hours during the night can potentially save up to 10 percent. A programmable thermostat will automate the set-back, and usually pays for itself in the first year.
• Opening drapes and blinds during sunny days to allow the radiant solar energy to provide heat, and drawing them closed at night to block drafts and retain heat.
• Keeping radiators and heating ducts clear of furniture to allow heat to circulate freely.                

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► In the Summer:

• Setting thermostats on air conditioners to 78 degrees, and higher during times when the home is not occupied; consider using fans to keep cool. Also, changing dirty filters on air conditioners will help the unit run more efficiently.

• Using large appliances such as dishwashers and dryers during the evening hours, when overall energy use is less.
• Closing doors, windows, curtains, shades and blinds during the day to seal out the heat and block sunlight when temperatures are at their highest.

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► Energy Efficiency Q&A:

• Are there federal tax credits available for energy efficiency measures and use of renewable energy?
• New York and federal tax incentives are available for many energy measures. Visit the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency
   
• Are there other ways I use energy more efficiently?
• There are many ways home and business owners can use energy more efficiently without sacrificing comfort or convenience, and in many cases for little or no cost. Click onto Energy Conservation on Central Hudson’s web site for links to information on saving energy, conducting a home energy audit, and more. For information on home energy audits, visit the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority for more information.
   
• Does Central Hudson have programs to help me use energy more efficiently?
• Central Hudson offers information on Energy Conservation, and has recently filed a request with regulators to initiate an energy efficiency program which would provide rebates and incentives, educational outreach, technology assistance and low income-customer financial-aid programs. If approved and fully subscribed, the programs could save enough electricity to power approximately 134,000 homes and heat about 11,000 natural gas homes for one full year, and would support the Governor's 15-by-15 program to reduce energy use in New York. For more information on this request, click here.
• How can I obtain an energy audit for my home or business?
• Presently, energy audits are conducted by some local heating and air conditioning contractors, and by certified building performance contractors. Check the yellow pages for local contractors that perform this work, or visit the New York State Energy Research Development Authority for information on their audit program.
   
• What does ENERGY STAR mean? Are there appliance and building standards for energy efficiency?
• Energy Star is a set of federal guidelines for energy efficiency, and applies to appliances, electronics, heating systems, lighting, building standards and more. Using Energy Star products or building to Energy Star standards lowers energy use and costs, and protects the environment. Energy Star products sometimes may cost more initially, but pay for themselves quickly through energy savings. For more information on the Energy Star program, log onto http://www.energystar.gov/; you may also wish to see Energy Star products and Energy Star building standards.
• What do efficiency ratings (SEER, EER, etc.) mean for me?
• These ratings indicate the efficiency of heating systems, cooling systems and appliances – the higher the rating, the more efficient the unit. Products with higher ratings generally cost more initially, but cost less to operate and generally recover the extra cost in a few years depending on usage and other factors. Contractors and appliance retailers can help determine the right efficiency rating for any application.
• How much does it cost to run my appliances?
• Energy Sense Brochure