Much attention this year has focused on high energy prices. Thinking ahead to the cold winter months, Governor Paterson called together a team of agencies during his first summer in office to coordinate efforts to increase heating benefits and reduce energy use. Successful lobbying of the federal government by the Governor resulted in increased Home Energy Assistance Program Grants. State agencies continued to work together to provide public service announcements and a series of statewide workshops to provide consumers with easy, do-it yourself tips to lower heating bills,as well as information about New York's heating-related programs.
In addition to the information found on the state's special web site (www.HeatSmartNY.org), New Yorkers can now request a new publication from the NYS Office for the Aging "Saving Energy at Home: 101 Tips." This booklet provides simple ideas for reducing your home energy use, tips for purchasing new appliances and a list of available resources.
Keeping warm and cutting back on heating expenses is easier than you think. A home energy audit is a good first step to assess how much energy your home consumes and to evaluate what measures you can take to make your home more energy efficient. An audit will show you problems that may, when corrected, save you significant amounts of money over time. During an audit you can pinpoint where your house is losing energy. An audit will determine the efficiency of your home's heating and cooling systems and show you ways to conserve hot water and electricity. An energy audit can be free to qualified individuals. Contact your local Office for the Aging for details. To get their phone number or to request a copy of Saving Energy at Home: 101 Tips call 1-800-342-9871.
