The Energy Efficiency Savings Snowball
Most of us would like to make our homes more efficient, but it seems like individual improvements don't always make an immediate impact on our monthly energy bills.
It can be helpful to think of things in the long-term. Seemingly small indulgences like a daily cup of gourmet coffee can, over an entire year, add up to the cost of a Carribean vacation. It works the same way with savings. Once you you start combining different efficiencies and projecting savings out over several years, the numbers really add up!
Here are 6 easy ways you can start saving energy and money now and in the future.
1. Install a more efficient showerhead
Showerheads with the WaterSense label can save an estimated 2,700 gallons of water per year while delivering a satisfying shower experience. You can save money in two ways: By using less water overall (if you have a water bill) and by using less hot water, a major contributor to your electric, gas, propane or oil bill (see #8)
Five-year savings:
$350
Special pricing available at local retailers courtesy of Central Hudson.
2. Get an ENERGY STAR air purifier
An air purifier can reduce the amount of allergens, pathogens, and other particulate matter in your home. When shopping for one, look for the ENERGY STAR label. ENERGY STAR air purifiers are 40 percent more efficient than federal standards, saving an average of $25 per year.
Five-year savings:
$125
Special pricing available at local retailers courtesy of Central Hudson.
3. Switch to LEDs
Lighting accounts for about 10 percent of residential electricity use. By replacing your home's six most-used incandescent bulbs with ENERGY STAR LEDs you can save about $90 per year.
Five-year savings:
$450
Special pricing available at local retailers courtesy of Central Hudson.
4. Get a smart thermostat
Smart thermostats save energy by reducing unnecessary heating and cooling by sensing when rooms are occupied and adjusting accordingly. This can cut the average annual electric bill by $131 to $145, according to Google Nest. On top of that, Central Hudson offers a $50 instant rebate!
Five-year savings:
$725
View local retailers with discounted prices and download the rebate form.
5. Go solar
Are your a renter, live on a small or shaded plot, or just don't have the time or money to install solar panels at home? No problem. Community solar lets anyone with an electric bill subscribe to a local solar farm and save 5-10 percent on their annual electricity cost. For a customer with a monthly bill of $150, that works out to $162 per year.
Five-year savings:
$810
6. Get a heat pump water heater
Water heating is the second highest energy expense after space heating for most homes. The potential savings are significant. For example, a heat pump water heater can save a family of four about 2,690 kilowatt hours annually. Upgrade now and receive a $1,000 instant rebate from Central Hudson, which can cover as much as 2/3 of the purchase price of a new unit!
Five-year savings:
$2,575
Learn more about how to take advantage of Central Hudson's incentives.
And the final tally is...
$5,035
Not too shabby, right?
