April 10, 2006
After
a long winter, springtime for many Bay-staters means
cleaning the house, washing the windows and shutting off
the heat. NSTAR is reminding customers that spring is
also the perfect time to consider making some changes
around the house that will help save energy dollars into
the hot summer months ahead.
“By adding a few non-traditional chores to the list this spring, customers can set themselves up for savings now and into the future,” said NSTAR energy expert Derek Kimball. “NSTAR offers year-round programs and services that can help make homes and businesses more efficient in every season.”
Among the springtime tips NSTAR recommends:
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When cleaning windows, check to see if they’re in good condition. Loose, leaky or single-paned windows allow heated or cooled air to escape, taking hard-earned dollars with it. Repair existing windows or consider replacing them with ENERGY STAR-rated windows.
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While enjoying the spring warmth through open windows, remember to shut off the heating system. A thermostat will call for heat when it’s set to a temperature higher than the outside air.
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When vacuuming and dusting, remember to clean under and in back of the fridge. Dust can easily build up in those hard-to-reach areas, causing the fridge to run less efficiently. Consider replacing your old fridge with an Energy Star-rated model. They use half as much energy as models manufactured before 1993 and 15 percent less energy than other new models. That can mean hundreds of dollars per year in savings.
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Unplug the old, inefficient fridge or freezer that’s in the cellar – it’s wasting energy and money. If a second fridge or freezer is a must, keep it full. Water and ice work well for this.
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Remember to dust or wipe light bulbs, too. Clean bulbs provide more light for the money. Consider replacing high-use incandescent bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs and fixtures – they use over two- thirds less energy and last up to 10 times longer.
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When washing spring clothes and linens, remember to adjust the water level to match the load size and use cold water whenever possible. Use the dryer’s moisture sensor option that automatically shuts off the machine when the clothes are dry, and clean the lint filter before every load. Consider hanging clothes outside to dry instead.
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Take a look at that old window air conditioner. If it’s in poor working order, consider replacing it with an ENERGY STAR-rated model. They use 10 percent less energy than conventional models. Remember to clean filters regularly, too.
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Programmable thermostats, a must for efficient heating, are just as important for central air conditioning. While offering greater convenience, accuracy and comfort, they can also save about $100 per year.
To help customers better afford improving the efficiency of their homes, NSTAR offers great rebates and a zero-percent loan program for improvements recommended during an NSTAR-sponsored energy audit. For example:
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No-interest loans – up to $15,000 – toward energy efficiency upgrades including heating systems and window replacement
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Up to $1,500 in rebates for insulation and air-sealing upgrades
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Up to $500 in heating system rebates
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$300 rebate for a high-efficiency central air conditioner or water heater
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$150 for upgrading to a high-efficiency refrigerator
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$100 rebate for a high-efficiency tumble washer
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$25 rebate for programmable thermostats; $10 rebate per replacement window
A few extra steps can go a long way this spring to help save money while saying goodbye to winter. For more energy saving tips, an interactive energy calculator and home analyzer, and a complete list of energy efficiency programs and qualifications, visit www.nstar.com.
Editor’s Note: NSTAR energy expert Derek Kimball is available for on-camera and phone interviews.
