Energy efficiency tips from NYSERDA for hosting summer guests

Summer is here and that means people will probably be hosting more visitors at their home.  Whether they’re entertaining guests for a short period or an extended summer stay, the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) offers these tips for energy-efficient hosting.

Illuminate with Energy Star.  As people start increasing use of their outdoor space, buy Energy Star qualified outdoor lighting for a porch, deck or patio. 

Making the change from traditional lighting to Energy Star lighting can result in an energy savings of 75 percent or more.

Microwave it or grill it. Can’t stand the heat in the kitchen? 

Use a microwave oven as much as possible in the summer rather than a regular oven.  Microwave ovens use around 50 percent less energy than conventional ovens. People can also fire up the grill and dine al fresco. A house will stay cooler and people will save energy.

 Check the date. If a current refrigerator was made before 1993, replace it with a new Energy Star model which uses half the amount of energy. If anyone has a refridgerator from the 1980s, replace it with an Energy Star qualified model and save over $100 per year on an utility bills. Keep it at zero. 

To save energy, keep the temperature of a freezer at 0°F.

Curtains closed. Block out heat by keeping blinds or curtains closed during the day, especially on south-facing windows.

Change the way people dry. If possible, dry clothes on a clothes line. If  using a dryer, try to do full loads, or reduce drying time for partial loads.

Keep lint trap clean. Remember to clean the lint trap before every laundry load; it’s an important energy saver and one of the easiest things people can do to increase drying efficiency. This step can save up to $34 each year.

Think early and late.  Use ovens, washing machines, dryers and dishwashers in the early morning or late at night when it’s generally cooler outside.

For more information on NYSERDA programs, visit nyserda.ny.gov.