ENERGY CONSERVATION STIPS

Save Energy – Save Money

Natural gas is exceptionally clean and efficient, yet as with any fuel, wasting energy means wasting money. Homeowners can take a number of energy conservation steps to maximize the efficiency of their gas equipment that translate into lower energy costs. Businesses can reduce energy costs while increasing employee comfort and productivity.

For Your Home

Heating

Have your natural gas heating system tuned up every year to ensure its peak performance all winter. Call Northeastern Energy to arrange for an appointment to have one of our expert customer service crews perform an inspection and tune up your equipment before the cold weather sets in.
Installing a programmable thermostat can reduce your heating costs by up to 20 percent. Set the temperature at 68 instead of 72 when people are home and reduce the temperature when the house is empty and each night by at least 8 degrees.
Replace filters every month.
Make sure your attic and outer walls are properly insulated and insulate heating ducts in unheated space, such as basements and crawlspaces.
Keep heating vents clear of furniture, drapes and rugs.
Close heating vents in unused rooms.
Seal up leaks, such as around windows and doors, where pipes exit your home (such as under your sink) and in external closets or rooms.
If your heating system is older, install a high-efficiency ENERGY STAR furnace or boiler, which are up to 18 percent more efficient than standard models. Call Northeastern Energy for expert sales and installation of brand-name ENERGY STAR heating equipment.

Water Heating

Set your water heater at 120 degrees to maximize its efficiency.
Water heater blankets generally cost less than $20 and can reduce energy loss by 25-40 percent.
Insulate exposed pipes.
If your water heater is 10 years old or more, install a high-efficiency ENERGY STAR water heater.

Clothes Drying

Clean the lint trap after every use.
Run consecutive loads. The dryer is already warm and will use less energy.
Properly vent the dryer to maximize its efficiency.

In addition, most utilities offer high efficiency rebate programs and energy audits and/or kits for homeowners. Con Edison offers homeowners an Appliance Dealer Incentive Program, Residential Space Heating and Cooling Program and Home Energy Efficiency Kits. Check with your local utility.

For Your Business

Heating

Have your natural gas heating system tuned up every year to ensure its peak performance all winter. Call Northeastern Energy to arrange for an appointment to have one of our expert customer service crews perform an inspection and tune up your equipment before the cold weather sets in.
Install programmable thermostats and set them according to building use and occupancy.
Replace filters every month.
Keep heating vents clear of office furniture and supplies.
Do not heat unused areas of your business.
Seal up leaks throughout your business, such as around windows and doors, where pipes exit the building and in external storage and/or warehouse spaces.
Upgrade to high efficiency heating equipment that is properly sized for your business and operations. Call Northeastern Energy for expert sales and installation of brand-name commercial heating equipment.

Water Heating

Set your water heater at 120 degrees to maximize its efficiency.
Insulate your water heater with a water heater blanket.
Insulate exposed pipes.

Call Northeastern Energy to ensure your water heater is properly sized for your business and operations.

Cooking

Reduce idle time for your natural gas cooking equipment. ENERGY STAR recommends using a start-up/shut-down plan to ensure using equipment only when needed.
Maintain and repair all cooking equipment to maximize its efficiency.
Properly ventilate your kitchen.

In addition, most utilities offer energy conservation and high efficiency rebate programs for businesses. Con Edison offers businesses and multi-family complexes a variety of such program. Check with your local utility.