One of the largest household expenses in New York are utility bills, especially electricity.
During the summer, the high temperatures make it necessary to keep the air conditioning on for several hours, which considerably increases the bill.
Other household appliances also help to increase consumption.
The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) issues a series of recommendations to save energy that will also result in lower energy bills.
Tips to save when using a
When buying or replacing your air conditioners, be sure to choose one window unit o one central air system ENERGY STAR certified, using 8 percent less energy. Every degree above 75 Fahrenheit that your air conditioner thermostat is set saves 3 percent of the energy used to cool your home. Check your air filter every month, especially during high use months like summer. Change the filter every three months. A dirty filter slows down airflow and makes your system work harder. When installing a window unit, make sure it fits snugly so that outside air is not drawn in.
Help buying air conditioning
If you don’t have an air conditioning unit, there is still time to sign up for the program to get a discount when you buy one.
The application will be open until August 31 and is aimed at low-income households.
How to save electricity on other devices
On hot summer days when air conditioning is needed, use a ceiling fan in conjunction with your air conditioner to circulate air throughout the room and cool it more efficiently. Turn off fans when you leave the room to save energy. When purchasing or replacing a ceiling fan, purchase one certified with the ENERGY STAR . These fans are 40 percent more efficient than conventional units. Choose the right size dishwasher for your household needs. Compact dishwashers consume less energy than larger ones. Look for a model with multiple wash cycle selections to optimize energy savings. Put full loads in your dishwasher to minimize energy use and save water. Run your dishwasher early in the morning or late at night in summer to avoid peak demand hours. Select the no heat option and allow dishes to air dry to save energy. Make sure the refrigerator door seals are airtight to ensure no cold air escapes. If they are not, replace them. Keep your refrigerator between 35°F and 38°F. Lower temperatures are unnecessary to keep food fresh and will use more energy than necessary. Minimize the number of times you open the door to prevent cold air from escaping. Place your refrigerator in a cool place away from a heat source such as an oven, dishwasher, or direct sunlight. Wash your clothes in cold water whenever possible. Avoid using the hot cycle (sometimes called the sanitary cycle) unless necessary as it uses significantly more energy. If your washing machine has spin options, choose the extended spin option to reduce the amount of moisture remaining in your clothes after washing. This will reduce drying time and save energy. Run your washing machine early in the morning or late at night in summer to avoid peak electricity demand hours. Turn off TVs when no one is watching or set a sleep timer. A TV left on for eight hours a day, or while you sleep, can cost you anywhere from $41 to $102 per year. If you buy a flat or large screen TV, consider an LCD or LED model. These use up to 50 percent less power than an equivalent size plasma model. Seal all exterior penetrations where TV/cable wires enter or exit your home with caulk or spray foam. When buying or replacing a TV, buy an ENERGY STAR certified TV, as they are on average 27 percent more energy efficient than conventional models.
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Since December 2022, the New York Government announced that it will invest three million dollars to support associations that provide free help to immigrants. Among the free legal services they provide are immigration-related issues and assistance with filing applications and appearances.
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For only 5 dollars you can learn from a chef how to cook a healthy, rich and nutritious dish. The Culinary Medicine Center at St. Barnabas Hospital in the Bronx offers these courses at low cost for the community to learn how to cook healthy food.
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The Suffolk County Police Department will offer a free teen driver safety course. They will be on August 14, 15 and 16, in two two-hour sessions. Learn how to apply.
Credit: Wikimedia Commons
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The New York City Department of Housing has several lotteries open that will be available between April and June. Within the offer, there are units for people over 62 years of age or families that have an older adult member. Know the list and how to apply.
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The New York City Parks Board has opened a lottery for a spot in free swim lessons it will offer at public pools throughout the five boroughs. From now until June 26, families with children from 18 months to 17 years old can apply.
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More than 500 immigrants are participating in an initiative that offers free English courses to asylum seekers. The program is promoted by the city’s youth and community development and immigration affairs departments.
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School is about to end and as every summer, the City of New York will launch its Summer Meals program with which it will offer free food to children from 0 to 18 years of age. Learn more details and how to apply:
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The Federal Communications Commission is offering monthly savings to connect you to the Internet through the Affordable Connectivity Program. Qualifying households can receive a discount of up to $30 per month. These are the requirements:
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2023-07-14 15:09:00
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