It's Summertime and Conserving is Easy Start the Season off Right With an Energy Efficient Energy Star-Rated Air Conditioner Uniondale, NY-July 7, 2006-The Long Island Power Authority (LIPA) has been working hard to make sure that Long Island will have the energy it needs for the coming summer and the years ahead. However, as we approach the summer cooling season, LIPA continues to strongly urge all of its customers to do all that they can to use electricity wisely. "During the summer heat Long Islanders rely heavily on window mounted and central air conditioning units, and this could lead to another record breaking summer in terms of electric demand," said LIPA Chairman Richard M. Kessel. "With LIPA's help Long Islanders can keep their homes cool without heating up their energy costs." What Can Homeowners Do To Reduce Summer Energy Costs? * Caulking and weather-stripping around doors and windows saves in both hot and cold weather. * Raising the thermostat also significantly lowers the cooling bill. A good starting point is 78º. Every degree the thermostat is set below 78º adds about 7 percent to the cooling bill. At 72º, the cost is about 42 percent higher than at 78º. If higher thermostat settings are uncomfortable, you can make your living area feel several degrees cooler by using a fan to circulate conditioned air. * Take advantage of windows in the spring for fresh air and natural ventilation. In the summer, keep the drapes drawn to reduce radiant heat from the sun. Ventilation is especially important to reduce summer energy costs. Make sure attics are properly ventilated. * Change air conditioner filters regularly. Insulate air conditioner ducts that are exposed in the attic or in other areas. * If you buy new appliances, look for Energy-Star rated appliances, they save energy and money. Check the energy guide on appliances for energy consumption. * If you're building a new home or adding to an existing structure, match the equipment to the heating and cooling load as nearly as possible. Oversized equipment wastes energy. * Keep in mind that while a window cooling unit works well for a small area, a central unit may be more economical for larger areas in the long run. LIPA's Cool Homes Program can help homeowners save hundreds of dollars on central air conditioning costs. Energy efficient central air conditioning will reduce your energy expenses and increase the comfort of your home. The LIPA rebate will reduce your initial expense, and increased efficiency will help your household budget. To learn more about LIPA's Cool Homes Program, visit LIPA's Web site at www.lipower.org. * Don't overlook the value of landscaping in summer energy savings. About 60 percent of the heat entering a home in the summer is through the roof. Provide shade to the roof, walls and driveways to reduce heat absorption and save energy and money. Properly Sized Room Air Conditioners Get the most for your energy dollars. LIPA, a non-profit municipal electric utility, owns the retail electric Transmission and Distribution System on Long Island and provides electric service to over 1.1 million customers in Nassau and Suffolk counties and the Rockaway Peninsula in Queens. In terms of customers served, LIPA is the 3rd largest municipal electric utility in the nation and the 6th largest in terms of electricity delivered. LIPA does not provide natural gas service or own any on-island electric generating assets. Calculate the right sized AC for any given space! ### LIPA Contact Information: News Center Press Release 07/07/06 4:19 PM Eastern |
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