NYSERDA Energy Audits and Weatherization

As you have undoubtedly noticed, it’s getting cold again. While this year has brought a strangely temperate winter, we can’t forget about the importance of monitoring our energy use and weatherization.

Weatherization is a broad term describing ways of protecting your home from the winter elements. Steps to keep the heat inside and thus lower your bill include: sealing any air leaks in your doors and windows, checking your roof for leaks, and being sure to keep snow and ice from building up on your home. Additionally, with less heat getting out, less oil or natural gas will need to be burned to keep your family warm. Some tips to keep in mind this winter and all year round can be found here: http://www.nyserda.ny.gov/About/Newsroom/2011-Announcements/2011-12-15-Make-Energy-Efficiency-a-Priority-This-New-Year-with-Simple-Energy-Resolutions-for-2012.aspx.

To find out just how much energy you and your family really use and how to improve, we recommend looking into the free and reduced-cost energy audits provided by the New York State Energy Research & Development Authority (NYSERDA) at http://www.nyserda.ny.gov/Page-Sections/Residential/Programs/Existing-Home-Renovations/Comprehensive-Home-Assessments.aspx.

Another positive program coming out of NYSERDA is EmPower New York and, announced on January 5th, the 2012 funding for the program has increased by $18 million, making for a total of $46 million in funds to aid in the improvement of energy usage in low-income households. To read the full announcement visit: http://www.nyserda.ny.gov/About/Newsroom/2012-Announcements/2012-01-05-Program-to-Help-Low-Income-New-Yorkers-Reduce-Energy-Bills-Gets-Increased-Funding.aspx.