4.10.2008 - 01:57pm ET

(CSRwire) ALBANY, N.Y., April 10 /PRNewswire/ -- With daily headlines about global warming and rising energy costs, it is easy to feel concerned about the environment. Too often, headlines about problems are more prominent than headlines about solutions. This Earth Day, the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) encourages New Yorkers to take action by participating in some of the state's high-impact residential energy efficiency programs.

NYSERDA has developed comprehensive energy efficiency and renewable energy services and products for residents, businesses, farms and schools to help solve some of New York's most difficult energy and environmental problems in ways that improve the state's economy. Working with NYSERDA and our partners, you can be part of the solution by participating in any of the following energy-saving opportunities:

Home Performance with ENERGY STAR(R)

Home Performance with ENERGY STAR can help you save up to 40 percent on energy use and costs, while improving the comfort and safety of your home. When you log on to www.GetEnergySmart.org or call 1-877-NY-SMART, you can find accredited contractors who can deliver advanced energy efficiency improvements to your home and offer solutions to common household problems such as high utility bills, drafts, rooms that are too hot or cold, and poor indoor air quality.

A contractor participating in Home Performance with ENERGY STAR will test a home's air leakage, insulation levels and efficiency ratings for heating and cooling systems, windows, doors, appliances and lighting. Then, the contractor provides a report with recommendations for energy-efficient measures, costs to make the improvements and an estimate of the monthly savings on your gas and electric bills so you can decide which improvements make the most sense. These participating contractors can also help customers secure financial incentives available through the program. After all the work is done, the testing will be repeated to ensure that the work was done properly, to confirm the energy savings and to test indoor air quality.

New York ENERGY STAR(R) Labeled Homes

If you are in the market for a new home, a New York ENERGY STAR Labeled Home is an option that can reduce energy demand, lower monthly energy bills and offer increased comfort, health and safety. New York ENERGY STAR Labeled Homes can be built in any size, style or price range and are at least 30 percent more energy efficient than standard new homes. These homes incorporate energy-efficient features such as efficient heating, cooling and water heating systems, higher insulation levels, high-performance windows, expertly sealed ducts and reduced air leakage. A homeowner can typically save as much as $1,000 a year on utility costs by building an ENERGY STAR Home.

Multifamily Performance Program

If you are a developer or owner of new high-rise residential buildings or existing buildings of five units or more, the Multifamily Performance Program can help you address your specific energy and operational needs with a customized approach and a partner network of engineers, energy consultants, and other industry professionals.

ENERGY STAR(R) Products

The ENERGY STAR label is given to appliances, lighting, home electronics and office products that meet or exceed federal energy efficiency and quality guidelines, without sacrificing performance. The energy-saving features mean you will save energy and money every month in your utility bill. Plus, when you purchase ENERGY STAR qualified products, you are helping to prevent global warming and promote cleaner air.

EmPower New York(SM)

For eligible low-income families, EmPower New York(SM) can help ease the burden of energy costs through a combination of weatherization and energy efficiency strategies. The focus is on cost-effective electric reduction measures, particularly lighting and refrigerator replacements as well as insulation and health and safety measures. The program also includes an educational component to help consumers manage energy use. If you meet the following criteria, you are eligible for the program:

-- A customer of a participating electricity provider, living in a
building with 100 units or less, and

-- Either participate in a utility payment assistance program, or

-- Have a household income below 60 percent of state median income

Power Naturally(SM)

Power Naturally encompasses a suite of renewable energy programs and provides incentives and/or technical support for the installation of solar electric and wind power for your home, business, school, farm or organization.

Commercial/Industrial Energy Efficiency Programs

NYSERDA's commercial/industrial program provides energy efficiency services for existing buildings, new construction, industrial facilities and vehicle fleets to help save energy and reduce costs. Technical assistance and financial incentives promote the purchase and installation of cost-effective energy-efficient products and equipment, assist with the construction of energy-efficient, environmentally sustainable buildings, promote electric demand reduction and electric and gas efficiency improvements for existing building stock, and help advance the use of clean fuels in the transportation sector.

Start saving energy today. Log onto www.GetEnergySmart.org or call 1-877-NY-SMART (1-877-697-6278). The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) uses innovation and technology to solve some of New York's most difficult energy and environmental problems in ways that improve the State's economy.

Make every day Earth Day

Habits can be hard to break, but taking a one-day-at-a-time approach can make energy efficiency a goal that is easy to achieve. Create an energy efficiency plan with daily, monthly and annual goals, and you will be saving more energy in no time. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Today

-- Replace incandescent light bulbs with ENERGY STAR qualified compact fluorescent bulbs. Remember to turn the lights off when you leave the room.

-- Check your appliances and consider upgrading to ENERGY STAR qualified models.

-- Unplug home electronics like DVD, CD players and cell phone chargers. They still use electricity even when they are turned off!

-- Turn down your furnace temperature two degrees, or turn your air
conditioner temperature to a higher setting, depending upon the time of year.

-- Lower your water heater temperature to 120 degrees. For added savings, have your water heater wrapped with an insulation blanket.


This Month

-- Have your heating system inspected by a Home Performance with ENERGY STAR contractor. If you have a forced-air heating system, check your air filters once a month and replace if dirty.

-- Seal air leaks around recessed lighting, electrical sockets, cupboards and plumbing chases.

-- Caulk open areas around windows.

This year

-- Schedule a Comprehensive Home Assessment through Home Performance with ENERGY STAR to get a whole-house prescription for energy efficiency. A BPI Accredited contractor will test for air leakage, insulation levels, and efficiency ratings for heating and cooling systems, windows, doors, appliances and lighting.

-- Based on the results of the assessment, work with your contractor to develop a plan to make recommended improvements. Your contractor also can help you develop a plan to help pay for the work with financial incentives.

New York Earth Day Events

Earth Day at Schenectady County Community College
4/17/2008 from 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Schenectady County Community College - Student Center-Elston Hall, 78
Washington Avenue, Schenectady, NY 12305

New York City Earth Fair
4/18/2008 from noon-7:00 p.m.
4/19/2008 11:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
Grand Central Terminal in Vanderbilt Hall

1st Annual Energy Expo - Town of Forestburgh
4/18/2008 from 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Forestburgh Firehouse, Route 42, Forestburgh, NY 12777

4th Annual Earth Day Celebration
4/19/2008 from 11:00 a.m. - 03:00 p.m.
Mabee Farm Historical Site, 1080 Main Street, Rotterdam Junction, NY
12150

Earth Day 2008 - Go Green
4/19/2008 from 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Zion's United Church of Christ, Little Bowman Pond/ Taborton Road
(County Hwy 142), Sand Lake, NY

2008 North Country Sustainable Energy Fair
4/25/2008 - 4/27/2008 from 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
SUNY Canton Miller Campus Center, Canton, NY 13617

Project: Earth Day 2008 - Recycling Event
4/26/2008 from 07:00 a.m. - 01:00 p.m. Taft Furniture, 1960 Central
Avenue, Albany, NY 12205

2008 Earth Fest Southern Tier
4/26/2008 from 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Roberson Museum and Science Center, 30 Front Street, Binghamton, NY 13902

For more details and information about other events, log on to http://www.GetEnergySmart.org.

For more information please contact: