Environment and Energy Spotlight

CCEDC is pleased to announce a new Dutchess County Environmental Stewards Award Program to recognize 1) a Dutchess County municipality, board or committee; and 2) a local volunteer of the year from one of these municipal boards in Dutchess County, NY, for outstanding local environmental stewardship (link to the Nomination Form and Guidelines).  Nominations are being sought for the most outstanding municipal effort to protect local natural resources, and the most outstanding local environmental steward volunteer for the year.  All nominations/applications will be due on Friday, March 23, 2012.

Winter 2012:

Want to Save Up To $700 on Your Energy Bills and Make Your Home Safer and More Comfortable? The Green Jobs - Green New York Program is offering free or reduced-cost residential energy audits to owners of residential buildings. A participating Building Performance Institute (BPI) Accredited contractor will provide a comprehensive home assessment or energy audit to identify energy saving opportunities. More than 33,000 New Yorkers have already made energy efficiency improvements to their homes following a home assessments and significantly reduced their home energy bills. They can also feel good knowing that they have helped reduce the energy use of their residence, and lowered their carbon footprint and negative effect on the earth’s climate.

Free/reduced cost residential energy audits are available on a first-come, first-serve basis until funds are fully committed. Audits are free for residents with a total household income at or below 200% of the Area Median Income (AMI), which is $166,800 in Dutchess County. Click here to Download the Program Application - and let them know that Cornell Cooperative Extension referred you! Or contact NYSERDA or the CCEDC Environment and Energy Program staff to learn more.

Winter 2012 Energy Tip:

• During the winter months, turn your thermostat down when you're away from home for more than four hours and at night to sleep. To save more energy, install a programmable thermostat. Keep it at 66-68°F when you are home.

Summer 2011 Energy Saving Tips from NYSERDA:

Follow these simple, cost-effective tips to stay cool and reduce summer energy bills:

• 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 that is more than 10 years old. Look for a high Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER). Units with high EERs cost less to operate. Turn in your old, room air conditioner to your local waste management facility and turn on a new ENERGY STAR air conditioner.
• Size it Right: A properly sized air conditioner will operate more efficiently and dehumidify more effectively. An oversized unit will cycle on and off more frequently. Short cycling reduces an air conditioning system’s life, and a short cycling system will not reduce humidity effectively. Undersized equipment can reduce the efficiency of air distribution and accelerate wear on system components, leading to premature failure.
• No Dirty Business: A dirty filter will increase energy use and can damage the air conditioner leading to early failures, so check the filter every month and replace as needed.
• Work in the Morning or Evening: Use ovens, washing machines, dryers and dishwashers in the early morning or late at night when it’s generally cooler outside. Use a microwave oven to cook, or barbecue outside, if possible.
• Chill Out in the Shade: An air conditioning unit operating in the shade uses as much as 10 percent less electricity than the same one operating in the sun.
• Don’t Forget the Adoring Fans: ENERGY STAR qualified ceiling fans can help cool a home without greatly increasing electricity use. They improve airflow and create pleasant breezes.
• Just Chill When You’re Home: For central air conditioning, a programmable thermostat allows homeowners to automatically adjust to a more comfortable temperature when they are scheduled to be home. Homeowners can set the temperature to use less cooling when they are normally away. Residents save three percent on energy costs for each degree they turn up the thermostat from 72 degrees. ENERGY STAR window and through-the-wall room air conditioners also typically include programmable thermostats or timers.
• A Home Needs Shades Too: Block out heat by keeping blinds or curtains closed during the day, especially on south facing windows.
• Take the Whole-House Approach: Houses work as a system. Insulation, heating and air-conditioning, air sealing, water heating, duct work, windows and doors all work together to determine efficiency. A Home Performance with ENERGY STAR contractor can perform a home energy assessment to help residents map a plan to improve a home’s energy efficiency.
• Turn It Off: Save electricity and reduce waste heat by shutting off lights. Seldom used home electronics should actually be unplugged from the wall. Items like DVD players, VCRs and cordless phones use 40 percent of their energy while in the off position to power functions like clocks and remote controls.

Spring 2011 Energy Tip:

• Take the Whole-House Approach: Houses work as a system. Insulation, heating and air-conditioning, air sealing, water heating, duct work, windows and doors all work together to determine efficiency. A Home Performance with ENERGY STAR contractor can perform a home energy assessment to help residents map a plan to improve a home’s energy efficiency.

For more information, contact the CCEDC Environment & Energy Program staff at 845-677-8223.