NSTAR is Prepared for Increased Electricity Use During Hot Weather
Company Also Offers Summertime Energy Efficiency Tips to Customers
July 21, 2011
NSTAR is prepared for the increased energy use expected to accompany the current summer scorcher. To supplement the company’s aggressive year-round maintenance and upgrade activities geared toward meeting these summertime spikes, all necessary workers will be standing by to help customers through this first-of-the-season heat wave.
The following energy efficiency tips can be put into action right away to keep energy use down now and throughout the summer. Money-saving rebates are also available to help make efficiency improvements more affordable.
Keeping the heat out keeps the cool in – Sunlight shining in windows adds unwanted summer heat to homes, making it harder to keep indoor air cool. Using blinds, shades or drapes to block the sun can help. And, even without air conditioning, most homes will stay cooler if the windows are closed during the hottest part of the day. Simply close them early and open them again when the outside temperature drops.
Air conditioners work best in the shade – If possible, keep room air conditioners out of the sun. They run much more efficiently when kept cool. Installing one in a north-facing window is usually ideal.
Raising the temperature lowers the bill – Keeping air conditioner thermostats set at a moderate temperature saves energy and money. Because air conditioners also remove humidity from the air, they’ll help keep you cool even with a higher temperature setting.
It’s a great time to cook outside – Cooking indoors will heat your home, cooking outdoors won’t. Today’s gas grills are more than just a way to cook traditional summertime favorites – they make great ovens, too. A closed lid and a properly adjusted temperature can result in a perfectly cooked meal. Many grill manufacturers even list the optimal settings and provide easy recipes right in the owner’s manual.
Fridges and freezers are big-time energy users – To make the most of your energy dollars, be sure to vacuum their coils regularly, close their doors quickly and keep them well-stocked. Using jugs of water is a perfect low-cost option to fill empty space. Old refrigerators and freezers typically use three times more electricity than today’s energy-efficient models. If that extra fridge or freezer in the basement isn’t really needed, NSTAR is offering a $50 rebate to have it removed by our approved recycling contractor.
Central air conditioner rebates are available – NSTAR is offering up to $500 for the purchase and installation of qualifying high-efficiency central air conditioning units and air-source heat pumps. Click Central AC Program for details.
NSTAR is the largest Massachusetts-based, investor-owned electric and gas utility. The company transmits and delivers electricity and natural gas to 1.4 million customers in Eastern and Central Massachusetts, including more than one million electric customers in 81 communities and 300,000 gas customers in 51 communities.
