INDIAN POINT SAFE ENERGY COALITION (IPSEC)

HOME ENERGY SAVING TIPS 

• Look for the Energy Star.  Purchase energy efficient appliances that carry this EPA awarded seal.

• Ask for a NYSERDA Energy Audit.  Energy audits can tell you where you are wasting energy in your home and how to save energy and money. (Hudson Valley: 800-427-8515 / NYC: 212-529-5969)

• Ask for an IPSEC Home Energy Audit.  Receive energy saving tips for your home, learn about energy saving offers in your area from an IPSEC representative. (1-800-I-SHUT-IT)

• Create an energy saving plan.  Delegate each member of the household to be responsible for one aspect of the household energy saving plan:  air conditioner, lighting, hot water, etc.

• Save money by replacing incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs.  Their initial cost is slightly higher, but they last up to ten times longer than regular bulbs; 20 fossil-fueled plants could be shut down if every American home installed compact fluorescent bulbs in one room!

• Wrap your water heater.  Reduce the loss of heat by insulating your water heater.  Turning down your hot water heater to 120°F can reduce costs by up to 50%.

• Go with low-flow.  Install low-flow faucets and showerheads in your kitchen and bath.  Less hot water use equals less energy use.

• Spring clean year round.  Remove dust and debris from the filters, seals, and coils of your refrigerator, air conditioner, and furnace.

• Take a break.  Turning your air conditioner off for 5 minutes every hour (a total of 2 hours a day) greatly reduces the strain on the power grid during hot summer months.  Increase the temperature 1-2 degrees, and watch your savings grow without compromising your comfort.  When you are out of the house during the day, give your air conditioner and your wallet a longer and bigger break.

• Shade yourself.  Planting broad, leafy trees around your home can help provide shade during the sunniest of days, reducing your need to use the air conditioner and absorbing the global warming, noxious gas, CO2. 

• Pledge to use less energy.  Clearwater’s campaign and pledge website will debut in June:  www.nyenergychallenge.org

•  Get active.  Encourage your elected officials to draft/support energy efficiency legislation. 

IPSEC

PO Box 134

Croton-on-Hudson, NY 10520

1-800-I-SHUT-IT

www.IPSECinfo.org