Your Guide to Comfort and Efficiency

On hot summer days, staying cool can be a challenge. Many of us fight the heat by turning up the air conditioning in our apartments, but this isn’t the most efficient or sustainable way to keep cool. Rather than spending more and more money running your air conditioning on hot days, use these tips to help you use your AC system more efficiently.

The average cost of air conditioning repair could run into the thousands, with commercial units costing up to $15,000 to replace. If you don't want to drum up the cash for a brand new air conditioning system, there is an alternative. A professional who carries out regular AC servicing in New York can identify any problems early on, saving you money on expensive repair work.

Still not convinced? Here are five reasons why your equipment needs maintenance check.

Spring has sprung! As the warmer weather starts to kick in, check out these energy saving tips to keep you cool without breaking the bank.

• Replace your inefficient air conditioner - Replacing old cooling equipment with new, energy-efficient models is the best way to save on energy costs.
• Weatherproof your home - Seal cracks and openings to prevent warm air from leaking into your home. Add caulk or weatherstripping to seal air leaks around leaky doors and windows.
• Lower your water heater temperature - Water heating accounts for about 18% of the energy consumed in your home. Turn down the temperature during the summer to save on unnecessary energy costs.
• Use fans to cool your home - A ceiling fan will allow you to raise the thermostat setting about 4°F with no reduction in comfort, allowing you to lower your energy use due to A/C.
• Operate your thermostat efficiently - Keep your house warmer than normal when you are away. A programmable thermostat can make it easy to set back your temperature.

As of March 15, 2019, Con-Edison will no longer be accepting applications for new natural gas connections in most of the Westchester service area (see service map) until they can align demand with available supply. The moratorium applies to:

Spring is here and winter is finally coming to an end (hopefully!). Before you turn on your A/C for the first time this season, be sure to take these preventative measures:

1. Clear your outdoor unit. Your outdoor unit may have leaves and debris inside. Clean it out and wash the coils with water to ensure that the unit can efficiently collect heat from inside the room.
   
   
2. Check electrical connections. Over time, wires can become loose and cause your system to shut down. Check these connections to ensure your system keeps running through the summer.
   
   
3. Clean out the air filter. Your A/C most likely shares ductwork with the furnace, and also a filter. Make sure the filter is clean so it doesn’t restrict air flow.
   
   
4. Get yearly service. It is a good idea to have an HVAC technician service your system once or twice a year. A service technician can get your unit up and running for the summer, and prevent any potential problems.

Thanks to advances in technology, homeowners today have many options for water heaters based on different budgets, energy sources, and household sizes. Here is a breakdown of some common types of water heaters and which one could suit you best for your needs.