Making the next move

Here are some helpful tips for increasing your home’s heating and cooling efficiency:

• Conduct a home energy audit. The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) Home Performance Program offers a list of accredited contractors who can assess your home’s energy efficiency needs and recommend and install improvements. Ask about fees and costs of work when making an appointment. NYSERDA’s Web site, at www.getenergysmart. com, provides a step-by-step discussion of the assessment process, getting the work done, and information on tax incentives and low-interest financing.
• Look at the costs and benefits of your furnace. If your furnace is old, consider replacing it. While high-efficiency furnaces are costly, the energy savings can be considerable.
• Even low-tech actions make a difference. Window coverings reduce both heat loss during winter nights and heat gain during summer days.
• Lower your thermostat a few degrees in the winter, raise it in the summer. The U.S. Department of Energy recommends daytime settings of 68 degrees during the winter and 78 degrees during the summer, when you are at home. You can save up to 10 percent of your heating bill for each degree you lower the thermostat, as long as the setback period is at least eight hours long.

This is part of the December 18, 2008 online edition of The Riverdale Press.

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