Feb 8 2009
Did you know that the electronics and appliances in your home continue to use energy even when they are turned off? There are several cost-effective products available to reverse this effect to help New Yorkers save energy and money.
"Using power management products is one of the easiest steps to saving energy at home," said New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) President and CEO Francis J. Murray Jr. "These devices, coupled with simple energy-saving actions, will help New Yorkers further reduce their power consumption while increasing their energy savings."
NYSERDA is educating New Yorkers on new ways to save energy by using specific tools and implementing simple energy-saving actions in their homes through a new initiative called Power Management. Power Management uses technology combined with behavior changes to reduce energy consumption. Here are four products to help New Yorkers get started today:
1. Advanced power strip
Advanced power strips manage the power used by electronics and appliances. By using an advanced power strip, you can eliminate the energy consumption of seldom used products such as DVD players, gaming consoles, and home office equipment. Tip: use an advanced power strip on your home entertainment system to keep your cable box/DVR functioning properly while cutting the energy consumption of the other peripherals, such as a DVD player, gaming console, and receiver, plugged into the strip.
2. Programmable thermostat
An ENERGY STAR®qualified, programmable thermostat automatically regulates heating and cooling systems. Homeowners can save up to $200 annually by properly setting a programmable thermostat and maintaining those settings. Tip: use a programmable thermostat to regulate heating and cooling when you are away from your home for more than four hours.
3. Timers
Timers on light switches, heating and cooling equipment, and appliances can automatically turn off items that are not in use at a certain time, making it easier to use electricity only when it is needed. Tip: use timers on lights to provide security -timers are convenient and will save you energy when you are not home.
4. Energy monitoring device
It's easy to identify the biggest energy users in a home with a device that monitors and measures energy consumption on a product-by-product basis. Some devices can measure the energy consumption of an entire home and show the cost of energy changes throughout the day. Tip: use an energy monitoring device to see what products are costing you the most to operate, and make some preventive changes.
The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) uses innovation and technology to solve some of New York's most difficult energy and environmental problems in ways that improve the State's economy. For more ways to save energy at home, visit www.getenergysmart.org or call toll-free 1-877-NY-SMART.