IDT ENERGY - New York ESCO

The Freezer- A Power Consumer

2010-10-24T04:31:00.002-04:00

Energy companies, like IDT Energy, can attest to the fact that using your appliances correctly can lower your electricity bill. Here is a good example of an appliance that many people neglect, which consumes a lot of power on a regular basis- the freezer.

Lots of freezers are put in a corner and are surrounded by walls or cabinets on all sides. It would be better to leave at least 5cm worth of space around it, to allow heat to circulate away from the compressor and condensing coil. Also, keep the back and underside of your freezer clean and free of dust. Defrost and clean the inside of your freezer once a year, and sooner if the ice buildup is more than a quarter of an inch thick. Always ensure that the door seal is intact and secure.

Also, make sure to keep your freezer at 18⁰C. Each degree lower than that causes your freezer to consume 2% more power.

Do-It-Yourself Energy Assessments: IDT Energy

2010-10-14T05:09:00.000-04:00

In order to find ways to save on your energy costs, you can always conduct a do-it-yourself energy assessment. Certainly, you may also want to look for a new energy supplier like IDT Energy if you live in a state that has deregulation.

A do-it-yourself energy assessment includes a simple walk-through of the home where you will look for problems, air leaks, and more. Keep paper with you and a checklist of the area so that you can keep track of what you have inspected and problems that you discovered. For a more extensive energy assessment, you can always hire someone to come to the home for an evaluation.

Your energy assessment should include locating any air leaks, looking at insulation, evaluating your heating and cooling units, and taking a look at your lighting. You can read up on each area to find out exactly how to evaluate your usage and your needs, and how to make improvements based on your findings.

IDT Corporation News: IDT Energy and More

2010-10-02T06:03:00.000-04:00

In recent IDT news, they have just announced that they are increasing the size of their board from five to size members at IDT Corporation, with the appointment of W. Wesley-Perry.

Perry has already been serving as the chairman of Genie Energy Corporation for one year. Genie Energy Corporation, an IDT subsidiary, is comprised of IDT’s interests in IDT Energy, American Shale Oil, LLC (AMSO) and Israel Energy Initiatives (IEI).

W. Wesley-Perry owns and operates S.E.S. Investments, Ltd., which is an oil and gas investments company. In November of 2007, Perry was elected Mayor of Midland, Texas where he still serves in this capacity.

Energy Changes for New Yorkers as of October 2010

2010-09-20T02:33:00.000-04:00

Whether you use IDT Energy, Con Edison or another NY energy delivery company, you’ll want to know about these upcoming changes. There will be a new reactive power charge starting in October 2010. Customers who have a monthly demand higher than 1000 kW and power factor lower than 95% will see a reactive power charge on their bills.

One year from now, in October of 2011, this charge will also apply to customers with monthly demands higher than 500 kW. People who correct power factor by installing capacitors will have this charge eliminated.

Certainly, you should ask your power company, such as IDT Energy, about these upcoming charges and get yourself more educated about your energy needs and usages.

IDT Energy Looks at What's New at the DOE

2010-09-05T03:30:00.002-04:00

The Department of Energy is getting into high gear with some of the programs which are helping to develop electric cars and more advanced batteries with which to run them. The DOE hosted what was called a “Plug-In Vehicle and Infrastructure Workshop” which was attended by almost 200 interested parties and another 600 who participated on-line. The main topic of the workshop was how to speed-up the introduction of electric-drive vehicles into the marketplace. The program showed in what ways federal leadership can quicken preparation for vehicles which are hopefully going to be in car showrooms by the end of this year. The Obama Administration has dedicated almost $5 billion in loans and grants to motivate innovation, creativity, manufacturing and finally the deployment of these electric-drive vehicles.

UNC Chapel Hill Dorm in First Place In ENERGY STAR Competion

2010-08-11T06:45:00.004-04:00

With about three months left to the national building completion sponsored by the EPA and ENERGY STAR, the Morrison Residence hall in Chapel Hill, North Carolina is in the lead with over 19% reduction in energy usage. The dormitory building is part of the University of North Carolina, and houses 800 students. It was the leader on its campus in using solar panels, and it is the home of UNC’s Sustainability Living Learning Community.

Morrison Hall was built in 1965 and is a 10 story building housing 800 students and 50 support staff. In 2007 it was renovated with energy savings in mind, installing central air and heating to all rooms and solar panels for the production of hot water.

Companies like IDT Energy and many others are certainly interested in the creative ideas put forward by students like those at Chapel Hill.

Buildings Reducing Energy Consumption in Energy Star Contest

2010-08-04T06:37:00.001-04:00

Different types of buildings have different energy needs and can therefore have radically different EUI numbers. For instance, a hospital which is full of equipment which is energy intensive will have a much higher EUI than an elementary school which only uses lights, heat, and other simple types of power for the people inside. So it is not surprising that a normal EUI for a hospital might be 470, while that for a school is only 169.

The ENERGY STAR competition will judge each building according to the percentage it reduces energy consumption over the course of the contest, and not the total amount of energy usage actually reduced.

ENERGY STAR Building Competion Brings Down the EUI

2010-07-28T06:25:00.001-04:00

The Environmental Protection Agency and ENERGY STAR are sponsoring a nationwide building competition to see how efficient a building can become over the course of one year in its use of power and its creation of waste. The 14 buildings in the contest will be measured for their EUI, energy use intensity, which describes in an easy to understand number how much energy a building consumes relative to the size of that building.

How is EUI measured and calculated?

The EUI is arrived at by finding the total energy consumed in one year, which is measured in kBtu’s, and dividing that figure by the building’s total floor space. As an example, if a school with 50,000 square feet of floor space used 7, 500,000 kBtu of energy, then its EUI is calculated to be 150. Usually the lower the EUI is the more energy efficient the building.

Going Green with Energy Companies like IDT Energy & More

2010-07-21T05:20:00.001-04:00

It’s certainly always interesting and important to keep up with new green energy products. Many companies, such as IDT Energy, are offering green options and working to help the environment in any way possible.

One of the world’s largest solar module manufacturers, Canadian Solar Inc., just unveiled two new solar module products. Learn more about their new product offerings and the presentations that they made at the Intersolar North America in San Francisco, California at the Moscone Center.

American Solar Challenge Highlights Importance of Solar

2010-07-14T06:18:00.000-04:00

The American creative spirit is alive and well, as evidenced with the American Solar Challenge that just wrapped up. This annual competition challenges groups to design, build and race solar-powered cars in a cross-country event. The purpose of the event is to bring greater awareness and understanding about solar and its many applications. Way to go University of Michigan!

Cleaner Water?

2010-07-07T04:21:00.000-04:00

Finally there may be a way to clean water that is polluted “without producing toxic byproducts.” New research by scientist from the Florida Institute of Technology has invented a compound based on ferrate (a revved-up form of iron). Following that, a chemistry professor from the institute (Virender K. Sharma) joined Ferratec, LLC to commercialize this project.

Slashing Hidden Costs from Your Electricity Bill

2010-06-30T04:57:00.000-04:00

There are many hidden costs in your electricity bill that you may not even realize. By paying special attention to these areas in the home, you may be able to reduce your bill significantly over the course of the summer – and certainly over the course of the year. Energy companies like IDT Energy want to help you to save, and here are a few suggestions to do so.

Your refrigerator may actually be causing you extra costs. Make sure that everyone in the family knows to open the refrigerator doors only briefly and not to leave them open unnecessarily. Follow the manufacturer’s directions about the “cold” control and vacuum your refrigerator coils periodically to remove dust.

If your refrigerator isn’t frost-free, make sure to defrost it periodically. Also, plugging your refrigerator into an electronic induction motor control like the Power Planner, which is available in most home improvement centers, can help to reduce the amount of power the refrigerator’s motor uses.

Summer Savings Suggestions with IDT Energy

2010-06-23T04:55:00.000-04:00

With the summer upon us, it’s time to start thinking about saving money on your electricity bill. If you live in a state, like NY, NJ or Pennsylvania, where electricity has been deregulated, then you should look into changing your energy supplier. You may find that some companies, like IDT Energy, offer surprisingly low rates.

There are many other quick and easy ways to lower your costs this summer, in ways that you probably won’t even feel in your day to day life. Have your air system run on fan instead of on air conditioner. Flip your thermostat to “Fan Only” to recycle air through the house. Make sure that you replace and clean your heating and cooling system’s air filters to improve their efficiency.

Small changes of this sort can make a large difference in your overall electricity bill over the course of time.

Saving Electricity in the Kitchen: IDT Energy

2010-06-16T05:39:00.002-04:00

Most of us spend a great deal of time in the kitchen. A good portion of our electrical expenditure is done in this part of the home, and it’s important to learn key ways to save on your electrical bill in this area. Whether you use IDT Energy or another distributor, knowing how to save energy in the kitchen can make a big difference in your bill.

When you are cooking, turn on your range hood so that waste heat will go out of the home. Consider what you cook during the summer months and cut down on the amount that you use electrical appliances. Serve cold salads, deli slices and other items that don’t need to be cooked in a hot oven or stove top.

Make sure your oven door is tightly closed when in use and use the oven light to check on the progress of your items rather than opening and closing the oven door. Be sure to use a timer or a meat thermometer when cooking to save energy. Overcooked meals don’t taste particularly good, and uses extra electricity unnecessarily.

Five Quick Energy Saving Tips: IDT Energy

2010-06-02T04:21:00.000-04:00

We all want to save money on our energy bills. Whether you’re using IDT Energy or another company, you’ll want to stay on top of your energy use and minimize your superfluous expenditures as much as possible. Here are five quick ways to stay on track with your energy spending.

1. When you wash dishes and clothes, try to do so with a full load. One full load certainly uses less energy than do two half loads.

2. To save water, make sure to only boil the amount of water that you actually need.

3. Pay attention to your water taps. Fix leaky taps and make sure that your taps are always fully turned off. A tap that is continually dripping even a small amount makes enough hot water to fill half a bath in a week!

4. Pay attention to the light bulbs that you purchase and look for the ENERGY STAR label. Energy efficient light bulbs can save you a great deal of money over the life of the bulb, and they last up to 10 times longer than do ordinary bulbs.

5. Have a home energy check done on your house. Many companies conduct these checks and they will offer you other suggestions for saving on your electricity and gas bills and will provide quick tips for saving in the home.

Electric Choice As Explained by IDT Energy

2010-05-20T04:31:00.000-04:00

Residence of Pennsylvania are some of the first in the country to have electric choice. What exactly does this mean? In 1996, Governor Tom Ridge signed a bill into law which game Pennsylvanians the right to select their own electricity supplier. It allows citizens to select the electric generation supplier, or EGS who will supply the home with electricity.

The electric company that you use now will continue to provide the transmission and distribution of your electric service. What the choice allows, however, is for you to select the company, such as IDT Energy, Citizens Electric Company and others who will supply the electricity. This choice means that you can shop around and compare electricity prices.

When shopping for an energy supplier such as IDT Energy, you can evaluate the services and prices they offer, the use of renewable energy sources, the budget-billing plans they can offer and more.

IDT Energy Part of Genie Energy

2010-05-06T02:04:00.000-04:00

As of August, 2009, IDT Corporation organized its energy supply and oil share interests together into a new division, called Genie Energy. With Wes Perry, an oil and gas entrepreneur as Genie’s Chairman of the Board, this sector is comprised of IDT Energy, American Shale Oil, LLC (AMSO), and Israel.

As Mr. Perry said, “Genie Energy is developing the technologies America and Israel want to make rapid progress toward energy independence, while IDT Energy is poised for continued growth in the consumer market.”

Geoffrey Rochwarger, who launched IDT Energy for IDT in 2004, will begin to serve as Genie Energy’s President and Chief Executive Officer.

IDT Energy Salutes Earth Day 2010

2010-04-22T06:00:00.004-04:00

It is the 40th anniversary of the first Earth Day, which took place on April 22, 1970. Earth Day was originally organized by an environmental activist and United States Senator from Wisconsin, Gaylord Nelson. Earth Day was originally envisioned as an “environmental teach-in” in which many millions of people would demonstrate in support of environmental protection and awareness.

The first Earth Day had over 20 million participants worldwide. Now, 40 years later, more than 500 million people and 175 governments worldwide acknowledge and celebrate Earth Day each year.

Senator Nelson originally picked April 22 for Earth Day because he was looking for a date when colleges were still in session; no major religious holidays taking place; good weather for outdoor participation; and no final exams to interfere with student’s ability to participate.

One great way to celebrate Earth Day is to consider the possibility of “Going Green” with IDT Energy. IDT Energy offers its customers the option of choosing ‘green’ energy sources which produce cleaner air, less dependency on foreign sources for oil, creates more job opportunities at home, and increases the use of renewable energy resources. Whatever you decide, IDT Energy wishes you a healthy, clean Earth Day.

Natural Gas Usage Safety Tips from IDT Energy

2010-03-24T05:36:00.002-04:00

IDT Energy, in addition to supplying consumers with electricity also supplies natural gas. Here are a few useful safety tips when getting the most out of your natural gas.

1. Always install gas appliances in well ventilated areas, and be sure the area remains well ventilated.

2. Keep flammable products such as sprays or oils based items far from gas appliances.

3. Never leave pots cooking on your gas stove top unattended.

4. When lighting your oven check for a gas smell before lighting the match.

5. When using your oven’s grill, leave the door slightly open.

6. If you suspect a gas leak, turn off the gas valve, call your local utility for help, open all your windows and doors, do not light matches or switch on or off any light switches or any other type of switches.

More Easy and Fast Tips to Save Around the House

2010-03-14T05:33:00.002-04:00

Bathroom
Toilet: Use the half-flush feature to save a lot of water with each use.

Instant Water Heater: Turn it on only right before use, and don’t forget to turn it off when you are done.

Sink: Use a tumbler to rinse your mouth after brushing your teeth, or for shaving.

Backyard/Service Porch
Plants: Water plants with the water you already used to wash your vegetables.

Backyard Tap: Keep it turned off when not in use, and be sure it is tight to prevent drips or leakage.

Washing Machine: A machine using 300 watts consumes about 6.86¢ of electricity per hour of use. Run machine for fully loaded runs whenever possible.

Quick Money Saving Tips Around the House

2010-03-04T05:24:00.002-05:00

In the Living Room
Fan: A 75 watt fan costs about 1.72¢ per hour of use. Turn if off when you are not in the room.

Television: Your TV consumes about 4.57¢ each hour that it is on. Remember to close down when not watching.

Lamps: Each 40watt lamp uses 0.91¢ every hour. Try the new energy efficient compact fluorescent bulbs or halogen bulbs to save energy and money.

Bedroom
Spit Unit Air Conditioner: A 750 watt unit costs about 17.15¢ to use every hour. Keeping the filters clean and turning off when not in use can save a lot of energy.

Kitchen
Refrigerator: A refrigerator with a nominal rating of 200 watts uses electricity at a rate of 4.57¢ per hour. Choose a new fridge carefully so that you get the right size for your family. Check all the gaskets and hinges for leakage, and keep the thermostat set to the right temperature.

Stove top: Boil water or cook food whenever possible with the lid on top of the pot. Water boils faster and food cooks more efficiently with the lid on. Once food has boiled keep on simmer to use minimum amount of energy to cook food.

Sink: Save water by washing veggies and fruit in a sink filled with water instead of continuously running the water.

Countertop: Let frozen foods defrost on the countertop instead of using warm water or the microwave.

IDT Energy Brings Clarity to Electric Usage

2010-02-22T07:32:00.001-05:00

There is no difference in the amount of energy a 240 volt appliance uses compared to the amount of electricity a 120 volt appliance uses. The reason this is true and you do not pay more to run a 240volt device than a 120volt device is because the electric company only charges for watt-hours and not voltage. Watt-hours are calculated with the formula “volts X amps = watts.” The higher the volts, the lower the amps. Twice and many volts require half as many amps, thus keeping the wattage usage the same.

One last myth to debunk is the notion that some people have that some electrical wiring problem can cause “leaking” of the electricity out of the wires, thus “wasting” the electricity, kind of like a leaky pipe will waste water if water leaks out and is not used. This is also not true, and it is very easy to check. Just unplug everything in your house. Be sure to also unplug appliances which, even though they are not in use still use electricity in stand-by mode, such as microwaves, stereo systems, TVs and lots more. When you are sure everything is unplugged go look at your meter. It won’t be turning around, indicating that you are really not using any electricity, and there are no “leaks.”

Electric Myths Debunked by IDT Energy

2010-02-15T07:29:00.001-05:00

For many people the electricity we live and work with constantly is a mystery, and we are constantly hearing what to do and what not to do to stay save and to save money. Here are a few questions which you may have had concerning electricity and its usage.

Are you the kind of person that always turns off lights when not needed? Has anyone ever suggested that it is better to leave on a light than to turn it on, as the power “surges” when you turn on the light? This is absolutely false and you should know that it is always more efficient to turn off a light, even if you are planning on turning it on again soon. This same fact applies to all other devices and consumer electronics, including computers. Most devices don’t have a surge, and even if they do, the amount of electricity from that surge is so small that it is completely insignificant.

How about keeping an air conditioner on all day to keep your house cool, rather than letting the house warm up when you are not there and cooling it down when you arrive? It is certainly better to turn of the ac when not at home, and even cooling down a hot house uses less electricity than keeping the ac on all day. But even better yet would be to install a programmable thermostat which will turn off the ac when you are not there and turn it on again when you are due to return home. A great way to stay comfortable and save money, too.

Groundhog Says More Winter on the Way

2010-02-08T05:51:00.002-05:00

Word is out that Punxsutawney Phil, the famed groundhog who predicts the weather when he either sees or does not see his shadow on February 2nd of each year has seen his shadow this year, foretelling six more weeks of winter for the eastern United States.

This means that in New York, where IDT Energy supplies electricity and natural gas to customers throughout the area, people can be expected to continue to use large amounts of electricity to heat their homes for at least six more weeks. This is a great time to examine your home for any obvious places where cold air is getting in and warm air is leaking out, and weatherizing those spots with weather stripping. Take special care to check around doors, window frames, attics and basements.

How accurate are Phil’s predictions? Well, according to carefully kept chronicles, Phil has seen his shadow 99 out of 114 observations, predicting six more weeks of winter weather. When we compare this with the actual weather according to the Stormfax Almanac, Phil is correct only 39% of the time. But considering that predicting the weather six weeks in advance is hard even for the most “weathered” of weathermen, maybe Phil aint doin’ too bad.

Dont wait six more weeks. IDT Energy urges you to insulate your home today and start saving on your energy bill.

Thermostat Use Tips

2010-02-01T04:12:00.000-05:00

When you’re ready to save money with a programmable thermostat, there are some important tips that you should know. IDT Energy wants to make sure that you are saving as much as you can, and these tips should help with that goal.

First, take a look at the various programmable thermostats before you make your decision. There are a number of types of programmable thermostats so make sure to take a look at the various choices and get ot know more about energy saving features.

Your programmable thermostat will work better if installed properly. Make sure to have a certified HVAC contractor install it for you so that it will work properly and safely. Make sure to read how to properly set the thermostat to achieve the most savings.

Get More From Your Washer

2010-01-16T05:56:00.002-05:00

While we are on the subject of dryers, IDT Energy believes that there are more things that can be done to cut your laundry bill, which involves investing money, but in the long run will be well worth it.

Whenever possible consider purchasing an Energy Star washing machine. These highly efficient appliances use up to 50% less energy and 40% less water per each load. You can expect to save as much as $113 in a year.

Look for a great little extra with your new washer, a mini-basket. This basket fits over the agitator and is capable of handling extremely small loads of laundry in a water use efficient manner.

Choose a washing machine which suits your needs and that of your family. A young couple with no children does not need the same size washer as a large family with four or five children. Energy Star washers come in many sizes so you can pick the most energy efficient washer for you.

Dryer Tips from IDT Energy

2010-01-09T05:35:00.000-05:00

You’re probably just “do your laundry” without even realizing that this simple activity is just bursting with ways it can be done more energy efficiently. Well, here are some easy things you can start to do immediately, and for free, which will help you save money on your laundry bill.

• Do you always clean the lint filter on the dryer before starting a new load? Do it! Your dryer works much more efficiently when that little lint catcher is clean.

• Does your dryer have a moisture sensor which automatically knows when the clothes inside are dry? If so, then use it. This is another way to let the machine do what it was designed to do at its best. It is estimated that using this setting can save 5% on your electric bill.

• Always dry clothes of similar types together. For instance, light, silky blouses or permanent press shirts should not be dried with towels. Do those bulky, hard to dry towels by themselves. Also denim jeans, and other heavy items should go together, and easy to dry, easily wrinkled garments should also be together.

• Keep the exhaust pipe clean. If it’s stuffed with lint the dryer can’t work at its peak efficiency, and in the worst case it could be a fire hazard.

• What, it’s a sunny, warm day and you’re using your dryer? Tsk, tsk. Line drying is a great way to use solar power without the aid of an expensive appliance. All you need is a rope and some clothespins. Get out there and start hanging those clothes!

IDT Energy is here to help you save money while saving energy.

Energy Effeciency From IDT Energy

2010-01-03T05:28:00.002-05:00

Did you know that the IDT Energy web site has a resource center with lots and lots of useful information to help you save energy, and in the process save money, too.

For instance, I came across a really handy page which claims to be “the first web-based do-it-yourself energy audit tool.

All you need to do is enter your zip code into a box on the home page, and then you are transported to another page which shows a bar-graph comparing how much money is spent on energy in an average home in the zip code you selected, compared to the amount spent on energy to run a home which is energy efficient.

The bar-graphs divide the expenses into costs for heating, cooling, water heating, major appliances, lighting and small appliances.

Then you can customize the answers to fit your exact situation by filling in a questionnaire which can help you decide if you should upgrade by giving you how much it will cost and how much you can expect to save.

A pretty neat tool, I think. Go give it a try and see if you could be saving oodles of money on your energy bill.

Winter is Coming: IDT Energy Says Its Time to Get Ready

2009-09-23T08:02:00.003-04:00

Here we are watching the days shorten, leaves fall, sun loose some of its warm luster and taking our winter things out of mothballs. IDT Energy is getting ready for winter by sending you some simple but practical and effective ideas to save money and energy while staying toasty warm all winter.

1. If you have a forced-air HVAC heating system then it most likely has a simple filter in the ducts near the furnace. It is important to change this filter every few months to maintain efficient and clean operation. When your furnace is working overtime during the winter this bit of maintenance can become an extremely important to lower your energy bill. The filters are inexpensive and pay for themselves in energy savings in no time.

2. Does your home leak some of the warm air that you spent so much money to heat? Seal up those leaks in your walls and windows, even small ones, with weather-stripping, caulk and other insulating materials, and you will find not only is your house warmer, but your energy bill is also lower.

3. Maybe it’s time for a new furnace? If it’s as old as or older than your teenage children it might save you lots of money to replace it with a new “Energy Star” furnace. The sooner you begin saving on your energy bill, the sooner your new furnace will pay for itself and start saving you lots of money.

4. Ready to change your light bulbs? We use more artificial light in the winter. The more efficient the bulbs you use, the less energy you use and the more money you save. Consider switching to compact fluorescent bulbs for the most efficient artificial lighting solution.

Winter in New York Savings Ideas from IDT Energy

2009-09-17T08:01:00.001-04:00

New York in the winter can be fun and exciting. It can also be cold, and a challenge to stay warm within a budget. IDT Energy has some simple tips to keep you warm and cozy, and your pockets full.

1. Put a layer of shrink wrap, plastic film, over your windows. Fast, cheap and effective, adding this extra thermal layer helps keep the warm air in and the cold air out. The tools and supplies you need to do this yourself are easily available at most hardware stores, and the application can be done yourself. Covering your window in plastic creates an air pocket which insulates but at the same time allows the sun to shine in.

2. Because we feel colder in the winter there is a tendency to use more hot water. Our hot showers are a tad longer; we wash hands more often with hot water just to warm up. To balance out this extra hot water use it is a good idea to adjust the setting on the hot water heater. You might be able to lower the temperature even 20 degrees and maintain a high comfort level. Why not leave the temperature at this level during the summer as well? Expect your bill to heat hot water to go down about 10%.

3. If you have a southern exposure, take advantage of all the free solar energy right outside your windows. Pull open the drapes and let the ultimate heat source warm up your cold bones.

IDT Energy Presents: Stay Warm in Winter Without Busting the Bank

2009-09-09T07:02:00.001-04:00

Everyone loves winter in New York, but it can be a challenge to your budget to keep warm all winter. IDT Energy has some easy to implement energy saving ideas to get you and your bank account comfortable through the winter.

1. Because most homes are heated with appliances that are fuel-fired, the greatest cost comes at start-up and shut-down. A programmable thermostat helps you maintain constant temperatures or gradual increase and decrease of temperatures. Set to cooler temperatures at night, and begin heating even before you wake up. You will be warmer during the day and save money too. For the most efficient heating, get a programmable thermostat.

2. Set your thermostat to a lower temperature. You won’t feel the difference of just a few degrees, but you will notice it in your monthly fuel bill, which will be substantially lower. Each degree Fahrenheit that you lower the thermostat you can expect a 3% savings on your energy bill. A comfortable daytime temperature for your thermostat is 68 degrees, and about 5-8 degrees less at night during sleep. When spring comes around again you’ll be glad for the money you saved.

3. Did you know that warm air rises and cold air sinks? You can use this principle to circulate the warm air that is stuck to your ceiling down to ground level, by reversing the direction on your ceiling fans. Most fans have a switch to reverse the direction it spins. In the summer make sure the lower part of the paddle goes first around the fan to draw the air up. In the winter flip the switch to push the warm air down.

Save Money and Energy with the Energy Star

2009-08-17T08:03:00.002-04:00

At IDT Energy we are trying to help you to save what is precious, the earth and your money.
Energy is something we pay dearly for, and when you save it, you save money.

Looking for the Energy Star on appliances and light bulbs can help you save.

It’s a simple thing to switch your light bulbs to compact flourescent bulbs, with little cost involved.

At a maximum price of between four and nine dollars, changing light bulbs is not a big investment.
In no time at all the CFLs will have paid for themselves.

They continue to save you money for as long as they last, which should be much longer than incandescent bulbs.

More Tips to Save More From IDT Energy

2009-07-16T02:21:00.002-04:00

Here are some great tips to help you save some money, while using less of the earth’s limited resources.

• Turn off your computers when not in use for an extended amount of time, like at night when you go to sleep.

• Enable “power management” mode on all computers, and be aware that laptops can use up to 90% less energy than desktops.

• Did you know that about 90% of the energy used in a clothes washer goes to heating the water? Wash in cold water whenever possible.

• Keep your clothes dryer running at its most efficient. Clean the lint filter after each use and purchase a dryer with a moisture sensor which automatically turns off the dryer when the clothes are dry.

• A well insulated house can save lots of energy. Check for leaks, fill in cracks and gaps, and add insulation to save up to 20% on the cost of heating and/or cooling your home.

IDT Energy encourages you to try any or all of these simple tips to start saving now.

Google Plug-Ins Get Great Mileage

2009-06-25T06:21:00.002-04:00

As a supplier of electricity, IDT Energy is interested in the latest trends in the development of improved electric car technology. Here is an interesting item from something Google.org has been up to lately.

Google.org is the organizational arm of Google.com. As such they are committed to improving the world in many different ways. One of those ways is a Google.org initiative to reduce CO2 emissions, reduce the use of oil, encouraging greater use of plug-in electric cars in order to stabilize the electric grid.

In Mountain View, California, Google headquarters, there is a fleet of demonstration vehicles to run experiments with and compile data on how well these cars can do.

During a recent experiment Google asked some of their employees to drive these cars for seven weeks and see how they did. They observed an average of 93 mpg for all trips, and 115 mpg for trips just in the city. Remarkable!

Oil Prices Determine Renewable Energy's Attractiveness

2009-06-17T06:16:00.004-04:00

IDT Energy has been scanning the news for information about the developing renewable energy industry. What we’ve found a few factors influencing the shape of the industry today.

1. Energy Prices: The higher oil and natural gas cost, the more attractive renewable energy becomes. The opposite is also true. Lower prices for oil and gas make renewable energy less attractive.

2. Availability of Credit: When loans are hard to get people cannot install various types of energy technology. Even if it will save money in the long term, if people don’t have the cash to install, for instance, a solar system in their home, if the bank won’t lend them the money, it won’t get installed.

3. Federal Tax Credit: There is a tax credit of 30% on the installation of renewable energy projects for commercial and residential use. The $2000 cap was removed for residential systems, and the incentive was extended to utilities. The credit, originally enacted in 2005 has been extended until 2016.

4. Election of President Obama: Setting a goal of 25% of U.S. electricity to come from renewable sources by the year 2025 and calling for $150 billion in invests over 10 years in clean energy and infrastructure, it is clear that for this administration green energy is a priority.

IDT Energy Says "ReDuce, ReUse, ReCycle!"

2009-06-10T05:29:00.001-04:00

Looking for some great new ways to teach your kids about the importance of recycling? Check out the web site of the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) Kids Pages. Here you will find some fun ways to learn about our environment, to take responsibility and to take practical steps to help our planet.

You can learn exactly what “waste” is and how to “reduce, reuse and recycle.”

1. Reduce: Buy less and use less! In the United States this is an especially “large” problem. Learn ways to help solve it.

2. Reuse: Either reuse something instead of throwing it away, or give it to someone who can use it. It is good to remember that “One man’s trash is another man’s treasure.”

3. Recycle: When you bring materials that can be reused to special places where they are remade into either the same item or a different item, you are recycling. Did you know that plastic soda bottles can be remade into T-shirts? Cool. A lot better than filling up a big hole in the ground!

Here Comes the Sun

2009-06-02T07:22:00.004-04:00

IDT Energy‘s green program offers its customers the ability to choose renewable sources of energy as part of the source of their electrical production. Among the more popular types of renewable energy is solar energy.

Ultimately almost all types of renewable energy are derived from the sun. Secondary solar energy sources such as wind power, wave power, hydroelectricity and biomass in addition to primary solar energy resources like light and heat make up just about all of the Earth’s renewable energy resources.

At the moment we use only a tiny fraction of the potential energy from the sun, but we are beginning to develop ever more advanced technological methods of harnessing the sun’s energy.

Timely Tips from IDT to Help You Save (the Planet)

2009-05-25T05:28:00.006-04:00

Just a few small changes in our everyday activities can enormously help our environment. In our never ending campaign to help bring a better world to our customers and others IDT Energy in New York has collected a few easy to do suggestions for making our world a better place to live.

1. Adjust your thermostat. Just a slight increase in temperature in the summer and decrease in the winter, let’s say about two degrees Fahrenheit, can make a big difference. Not only do you save on the cost of electricity but over a year you will have saved lots of energy, too.

2. Adjust the temperature in your fridge. The recommended temperature to store food is 37 to 40 degrees Fahrenheit and 5 degrees in the freezer. Keeping the refrigerator’s thermostat set to maintain these temperatures will help lengthen the life of your fridge as well as saving you money and energy.

3. In nice weather let the sun shine in. Turn off lights during the day and use natural light and save. When it’s hot outside you can use curtains and blinds to block out the hot sun and keep your cooling bill down. Switching to CFL bulbs (compact fluorescent light) saves electricity and reduces the amount of heat produced by ordinary incandescent bulbs.

4. Clean more efficiently. Shorter shower can save lots of water. A ten minute shower uses about 50 gallons of water. By just taking five minutes less you can save about 25 gallons of water. Be careful to only use your dishwasher and clothes washer when full to get maximum efficiency of water use. And cold water washes using cold water detergents also saves energy, as does air drying your clothes and dishes whenever possible.

5. Rechargeable batteries can also save you lots of money and they are much more energy efficient.

IDT Energy believes that people helping people help the environment is a worthy goal and we are glad to be here to help you.

IDT Energy Helps You to Save

2009-05-18T05:19:00.006-04:00

IDT Energy is committed to improving awareness of the effects energy use has on the planet. As an ESCO IDT Energy empowers its customers so that they can make informed choices about how much they spend on their energy as well as where their energy comes from: whether it is from traditional sources such as coal or other fossil fuel, or to begin to make the move to renewable energy sources, such as wind or sun.
But people don’t always have to leave this movement to the big guys like public utilities. Each individual can make a difference. Here are some tiny ways each of us can help improve the quality of life here on planet earth.

1. Turn off your car’s engine. When you let your car’s engine idle it emits 6-7 grams of pollutants into the air each minute, and you’re not even getting anywhere! And you’re also wasting precious gasoline. You can drive a full mile on the amount of gas wasted by idling for just two minutes.

2. Eat less meat. Raising livestock, processing, packaging and shipping of meat products has been estimated to cause 18% of all global greenhouse gas emissions. By just eating one less meat meal per week the Environmental Defense Fund estimates that there would be the equivalent reduction in carbon dioxide emissions as if we took off one-half million cars from the roads.

3. Use less electricity. It takes about two cars worth of fossil fuel carbon dioxide emissions to power the average house. Reduce your electric bill whenever possible; by turning of lights when not in use, unplugging appliances when not needed such as cell phone chargers and other appliances which continue to use energy even when not in use, as long as they are still plugged in. A power strip lets you turn off and “unplug” several appliances at the same time.

4. Pay bills on-line and save on paper consumption. You’ll also save money on postage and it will be even easier to keep track of your bills and payment history.

More tips next time.

IDT Energy New York asks: What is renewable energy?

2009-04-14T02:35:00.002-04:00

As its name indicates, renewable energy is energy that is always available and cannot be “used up” as other sources of energy which are limited in quantity and will one day be exhausted. There is no way to “finish” energy received from the sun, wind or other energy sources based on the natural processes of the earth’s ecosystem.

Also known as “green energy” and “clean energy” , renewable energy tends to be much less polluting, eliminating the unwanted production of carbon dioxide and other harmful gasses which contribute to the dangerous “greenhouse effect” that scientists and environmentalists are so concerned about.

IDT Energy New York: Wind Power Blowing Our Way

2009-04-07T06:15:00.001-04:00

Wind, caused by the uneven heating of the atmosphere over the earth’s surface, is a form of kinetic energy. A wind turbine, the modern version of the ancient and beloved windmill, converts this kinetic energy into mechanical energy. If the conversion process stops there and the mechanical energy is used to grind grains or pump water, this apparatus is usually referred to as a windmill. If we take the process to the next step and convert the mechanical energy into electricity, we then refer to this machine as a wind turbine, wind generator, wind power unit (WPU), wind energy converter (WEC) or even an aerogenerator.

Today wind only produces about 1.5% of the world’s supply of electricity. However the use of wind power doubled between 2005 and 2008, and is particularly popular in several European countries including about 20% of all electric production in Denmark.
Substantial growth of wind power is being predicted for the next five years, and we hope this renewable and clean form of energy will help IDT Energy make New York and the world a cleaner, more energy conserving place.

IDT Energy Tips for Vacation Savings

2009-03-27T06:12:00.005-04:00

I promised you some great tips to save this summer on your electricity bill while you are away on vacation. IDT Energy encourages you to follow some of these ideas and wishes you a great vacation. dont forget to write!

Make sure to turn off your heat pump or air conditioner before you leave, as long as there is nothing in your home that might be damaged by higher than usual temperatures. Just raising the thermostat might not prevent the unit from turning on from time to time.
Put your pool pump on a timer. Otherwise your pump will run 24 hours a day while you are away.
Your water heater is a large draw on the electricity you use. Even while you are away the heater will turn on periodically to maintain the temperature the thermostat is set to. Completely turn off the water heater at the fuse box or breaker panel and you will be able to save lots of electricity. When you come home be sure to turn on the hot water faucet to make sure there is water in the heater before you turn it on.
For shorter trips of just a few days, consider raising the thermostat in your refrigerator. For longer trips of at least four weeks you might want to clean out your refrigerator completely and turn it off. Be sure to prop open the door while your away to prevent mildew from forming inside the turned-off fridge.

Get Ready to Save this Summer

2009-03-23T05:43:00.002-04:00

IDT Energy wants you to save money this summer. Vacation time is coming and it’s time to think about how you can save on your electricity bill even while you are away from home. “What?” You must be thinking, of course I use less electricity when I’m not home- I won’t be there using it!” But this is not entirely true. Many appliances stay on, even when you are not at home. And some may work even harder without you there to maintain them properly and insure that they are properly adjusted to suit changing temperatures and other fluctuating conditions. Next time I will post some tips on how to save on your electric bill while you are away.

IDT Energy Lights up Your Life!

2009-03-08T19:06:00.003-04:00

Tips for saving money and energy when it comes to lighting:

Use compact fluorescent bulbs, which use only a fourth of the amount of electricity as regular bulbs. You can save 10 dollars or more per bulb in long-term electricity costs.
Let the light shine through - dirty lights and fixtures can hamper efficiency by as much as 20%.
Darken your doorstep – say goodbye to outdoor decorative lights. You’ll feel good knowing that by turning off eight gas lamps that had been burning year round, you can save as much natural gas as it takes to heat an average-size home during an entire winter.
Want to reduce the 11% of your electricity bill that goes towards lighting? Use timers to monitor your lighting use and only use bright lights where and when you need them.

IDT Energy reminds you that every little bit helps when it comes to saving money on utilities in New York!

10 Green Websites You Should Be Reading

2009-03-05T01:19:00.000-05:00

Lighter Footstep has compiled a list of relative newbies to the green blogging space and highlighted blogs they felt worthy of mention (full article here).

What I like about this article: it focuses on up-and comers, not the heavy hitters.

What I don’t like about this article: the IDT Energy Blog is not on it! A glaring omission, in my opinion.

Here is the list, with my two cents inserted where necessary:

1. Daily Fuel Economy Tip: Tips that help you increase your gas mileage and save money at the pump.

2. Eco-Chick: “The blogteam at Eco-chick includes a model who has a degree in entomology, an alternative health freak who’s used herself as a guinea pig, a science nerd, a news junkie and a Barcelona-based expat; the site is run and hosted by an anarchist webmaster.” Intriguing, if a bit tricky to navigate.

3. Ecorazzi: According to Lighter Footsteps, it’s “People magazine for the Green set — without all the wasted trees.” Fun way to combine love of gossip with civic responsibility.

4. Frugal for Life All about the money – clearly still finding its way.

5. Green Options Kind of overwhelming, but seems like it is all there.

6. Jetson Green – For green building.

7. Maria Energia Love the title. Covers a business angle.

8. No Impact Man Too gimmicky. Begging to be made into reality show.

9. The Sietch Blog: solid content.

10. Vegetarian Meal Plans Works if that’s your thing…

Rolling Stone Stops Short of Recycled Paper

2009-02-06T15:14:00.000-05:00

Rolling Stone Magazine

Rolling Stone magazine will do their green issue on June 28th, but there may a disparity between content and form.

According to the New York Times:

“Rolling Stone will be printed on what it calls ‘carbon neutral paper,’ because it is made through a process that the magazine claims adds no carbon dioxide to the atmosphere… What neither an editor’s note in Rolling Stone nor a press release sent by the magazine mentions, however, is that the new paper has no recycled content.”

IDT Energy asks why not?
“Eric Bates, deputy managing editor of Rolling Stone, said, ‘We think recycled paper is great.’ But, he added, ‘we’re publishing some of the world’s greatest photographers and artists,’ and the print quality on recycled paper does not do them justice. ‘What we’re trying to do is what we can do. We can’t put out the magazine we put out on recycled paper.’ “

Then of course there are quotes from authorities saying there is no difference in quality if one prints on recycled paper. I think that is in the eye of the beholder. Carbon neutral paper works for me.

IDT Energy News

2006-10-31T09:59:00.001-05:00

IDT Energy announces the introduction of its new e-marketplace store.
http://www.idtenergystore.com promises to be a leading provider of value-added products and services on the internet.

Currently we are offering solar energy products, thermostats, filters.
Coming soon are many more products and services for our customers. Check us out daily for news and SPECIALS!

IDT EnergyStore is wholly owned and operated by http://www.idtenergy.com.

IDT Energy is an Energy Service Company (ESCO) that has been approved by the New York State Public Service Commission (PSC) and by your local utility to sell electric and gas supply services to residential & business customers.

IDT Energy, a wholly owned division of IDT Corporation. IDT Corporation is a Fortune 1000 company founded in 1990. With growth based on similar deregulation of the telecommunications market and sound financial management principals, the 2003 fiscal year revenues exceeded $1.8 billion, cash resources are over $1 billion and IDT has no bank debt. We have developed a successful and financially stable business model that provides excellent support to our expanding customer base.

New Store Front!

2006-10-27T09:25:00.001-04:00

We are excited to show our new e-storefont. Check out

http://www.idtenergystore.com -- your e-marketplace for all your energy and product needs.

Let us know what you think --- Write to us here on the blog.

How much energy are you burning....?

2006-10-27T04:39:00.000-04:00

Did you ever think to measure how much energy your legacy
appliances are using? Maybe it's time you purchased a
Kill a Watt Power Meter --

Only $32.99 -- Available NOW while supplies last:

http://store.idt.altenergystore.com/Meters-Communications/Meters-Battery-Monitors/Power-Meters/P3-International-P4400-Kill-A-Watt-Power-Meter/p932/

Alternative Energy Savings!

2006-10-27T04:27:00.000-04:00

We are pleased to now offer solar and alternative energy products to our preferred customers.

Check us out at:

http://store.idt.altenergystore.com/featured/

Don't forget that we still also offer great deals on thermostats:

http://thermostats.idtenergystore.com

And our filters are priced one of the best in the industry:

http://filters.idtenergystore.com

Winter is coming!

2006-10-24T11:41:00.000-04:00

It's getting colder... Need to start that furnace soon! (If you haven't done so already)

Did you clean and change the furnace filter yet?

If not, look at these great prices on furnace filters! http://filters.idtenergystore.com

Need a new thermostat, but you don't know how to change it?

Look at this DIY Video from Youtube.com:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2SPBb5ISzRc

Buy your new Honeywell digital 8000 thermostat at:

http://thermostats.idtenergystore.com

New Products and Future Growth

2006-10-20T10:23:00.000-04:00

Green Energy and Energy Conservation are on everyone's minds

these days. Many have been asking us about what else we can

do to protect our environment (and our pocketbook).

We are very excited to add new products in the coming week to help

you further save money and energy.

Meantime, have we checked your furnace? Don't forget to replace

the filter BEFORE the heavy winter begins.

Buy our Lennox furnace filters at:

http://filters.idtenergystore.com

Also, don't forget your thermostats!

One lucky customer, Mike, went and bought 6!

For the few dollars upfront he will save hundreds and hundreds!

Way to go Mike!

http://thermostats.idtenergystore.com

Thermostats

2006-10-18T09:50:00.004-04:00

Save on your energy costs -- program your thermostat

to lower automatically in the evening and night and raise in the morning.

Your thermostat isn't programmable?

Buy new! Amazing savings --->

IDT Energy

Filter your home

2006-10-18T09:25:00.000-04:00

Winter tuneup!

1. Check and change your furnace filter.

Amazing savings, right now!

http://filters.idtenergystore.com/category.php/1-carbon-pleated/?category=299

2. Check and change your airconditioner filter.

Amazing savings, right now!

http://filters.idtenergystore.com/category.php/1-throw-away/?category=13

Why? They are the single largest collection of dust, dirt, mildew. Remove all the pollutants from your home.

Use not just GREEN energy, but GREEN Air!

Try them -- it's you and your family's health!

Green Energy? Will it really work?

2006-10-17T18:36:00.000-04:00

Look at how a single manufacturing plant is 100% self-sufficient.

Watch this with your children. Unbelievable!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QTuCvx5o-P0

Our European colleagues are ahead of us.

Let's buy green. Call us for pricing and information.

(We don't post on the web -- pricing is only the most updated

only live on the phone)

IDT ENERGY: Green Energy

2006-10-17T18:11:00.000-04:00

IDT ENERGY: Green Energy

New Website

2006-10-04T10:41:00.000-04:00

Have you seen the new IDTENERGY website?
Check it out at: http://www.idtenergy.com

While you're out winterizing.... Did you know that one of the FASTEST ways to SAVE on Energy costs is to replace your old thermostat with a new digital one? Check out the latest BEST prices
on the Honeywell 8000 at: http://thermostats.idtenergystore.com

Did you replace your filter for your furnace yet? Experts strongly recommend replacing the
furnace filter in time for the winter -- maximize on the performance of your furnace! Why spend more on heating? Buy it now at: http://filters.idtenergystore.com

How can YOU save on Energy Costs?

2006-09-28T16:53:00.000-04:00

http://www.ase.org/content/article/detail/965

NO-COST WAYS TO SAVE ENERGY & MONEY

Turn off everything not in use: lights, TVs, computers, etc.
Check the furnace or air conditioner (AC) filter each month, and clean or replace it as needed. Dirty filters block air flow through your heating and cooling systems, increasing your energy bill and shortening the equipment’s life.
During hot months, keep window coverings closed on the south, east, and west windows. In winter, let the sun in.
Glass fireplace doors help stop heat from being lost up the chimney. Also, close the fireplace damper when not in use.
Activate "sleep" features on computers and office equipment that power down when not in use for a while. Turn off equipment during longer periods of non-use to cut energy costs and improve longevity.
When cooking, keep the lids on pots. Better yet, use a microwave oven instead.
Dress appropriately for the weather, and set your thermostat to the lowest possible comfortable setting. On winter nights, put an extra blanket on the bed and turn down your thermostat more. { Use the Honeywell Digital Thermostats: Check Out: www.idtenergystore.com }
In summer, use fans whenever possible instead of AC, and ventilate at night this way when practical. Using fans to supplement AC allows you to raise the thermostat temperature, using less energy. Fans cost less to use than AC.
About 15 percent of an average home energy bill goes to heating water. To save hot water, take five-minute showers instead of baths. Do only full loads when using the clothes washer or dishwasher.
Switch to cold water washing of laundry in top loading in top-loading, energy-inefficient washing machines to save energy and up to $63 a year—detergents formulated for cold water get clothes just as clean.
Lower the temperature on your water heater. It should be set at “warm,” so that a thermometer held under running water reads no more than 120 degrees.
Only heat or cool the rooms you need—close vents and doors of unused rooms.

LOW-COST WAYS TO SAVE ENERGY & MONEY

Install low-flow showerheads and sink aerators to reduce hot water use.
Seal and weatherstrip your windows and doors to ensure that you're not wasting energy on heat or air conditioning that escapes through leaks to the outdoors.
A water tank insulation wrap costs about $20 and helps hold the heat inside. Add pre-cut pipe insulation to exposed pipes going into your water heater—it is cheap and easy to install. If you’re starting with an uninsulated tank, the energy savings should pay for the improvements in just a few months.
Duct tape works well on lots of things, but it often fails when used on ductwork! Use mastic (a gooey substance applied with a paintbrush) to seal all exposed ductwork joints in areas such as the attic, crawlspace, or basement. Insulate ducts to improve your heating system’s efficiency and your own comfort.
Storm windows can reduce heat lost by single-paned windows by 25–50 percent during the winter. As an alternative, you can improve your windows temporarily with plastic sheeting installed on the inside.
When buying new products, look for the ENERGY STAR® label, found on more than 40 different products such as TVs, furnaces, cell phones, refrigerators, air conditioners and more.
Incandescent light bulbs are outdated; 95 percent of the energy used goes to heating the bulb, adding unwanted heat to your home in the summer. Replace your five most used light bulbs with ENERGY STAR compact fluorescent bulbs to save $60 each year in energy costs. These light bulbs use two-thirds less energy and last up to 10 times longer. Use dimmers, timers, and motion detectors on indoor and outdoor lighting.
Consider safer, more efficient ENERGY STAR torchiere lamps rather than halogen torchieres, which can cause fires. Halogen bulbs are expensive to use.

THE ULTIMATE CHECKLIST: For Saving Money by Reducing Energy Bills

WEATHERIZE & INSULATE
Save up to 20 percent of your heating and cooling costs.
- Warm air leaking into your home during the summer and out of your home during the winter wastes money. A handy homeowner can seal up holes to the outside by weatherstripping doors and sealing windows and other gaps along the home’s foundation. A combination of air sealing and adding insulation to attics, basements, and crawlspaces provides tremendous energy savings and increased comfort.
- The easiest and most cost-effective way to insulate your home is to add insulation in the attic. If you have less than 6 or 7 inches, you can probably benefit by adding more. Most U.S. homes should have between R-38 and R-49 attic insulation. In order to achieve this, many homeowners should add between R-19 to R-30 insulation (about 6 to 10 inches).
- Other effective places to add insulation include unfinished basement walls and crawlspaces. Insulating walls can be more complex, but it can be worthwhile to do if you have little or no insulation now. Check with a contractor for advice.
- Consider the ENERGY STAR® Home Sealing Program—the government’s information for sealing your home: www.energystar.gov/homesealing
IMPROVE YOUR APPLIANCES & ELECTRONICS
Appliances account for about 20 percent of household energy use.
- Appliances and electronics really add up on your energy bill. When it is time to replace, remember these items have two price tags: purchase price and lifetime energy cost. When shopping for new appliances (refrigerator, dishwasher, etc.) and electronics (TV, computer, etc.), demand the ENERGY STAR label. ENERGY STAR is the government’s rating program that shows you which items are more efficient than typical models. ENERGY STAR items will save you money over the product’s useful life.
IMPROVE YOUR WINDOWS
Efficient windows can lower your heating and cooling bills up to 30 percent.
- If your home has only single pane windows, consider replacing them with low-e coated or ENERGY STAR windows. Alternatively, storm windows can reduce your winter heat loss by 25–50 percent.
IMPROVE YOUR MECHANICAL SYSTEMS
Up to half of your energy bill goes just for heating and cooling.
- Turn your heating or cooling down every night and whenever you leave home. Better yet—install an ENERGY STAR programmable thermostat and save about $100 each year; it adjusts the temperature automatically for you.
- When it’s time to replace your hot water tank, buy the most efficient one possible. Consider a tankless, on-demand system (these won’t work for everyone, so talk to your installer).
- An ENERGY STAR qualified furnace, when properly sized and installed, along with sealed ducts and a programmable thermostat, can save up to 20 percent on heating bills. {Buy them at: http://www.idtenergystore.com }
- When buying a new AC unit, look for a SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating) of 13 or higher on central systems and the ENERGY STAR label on room units. In arid climates, evaporative coolers are much more efficient (and less costly) than AC. They also add needed moisture to the air, while AC units further dry the air.
- Adding area heaters to warm just the occupied rooms in your home will enable you to keep the rest of your home at cooler, more economical temperatures.
LANDSCAPE
Save $100-$250 each year.
- Trees that lose their leaves in the fall give protection from the summer sun and permit winter sunlight to reach and warm your home. Plant trees on the south, east, and/or west sides of your home. Be sure to shade the AC unit. Create a windbreak with evergreen trees and shrubs to stop chilling winds.

FREE RESOURCES

The Power is in Your Hands www.powerisinyourhands.org. A new web site from the Alliance and 20%20 partners with extensive tips and resources to arm consumers with the power to manage their energy bills this winter.
Free Alliance to Save Energy resources. Obtain a free booklet, recently updated and redesigned in 2005, Power$mart: The Power is in Your Hands , by calling 1-888-878-3256 or previewing a PDF version. An interactive Home Energy Checkup allows handymen (or women) to troubleshoot their homes' energy waste while calculating efficient improvements.
Free Department of Energy resources. Obtain a free booklet, Energy Savers: Tips on Saving Energy and Money at Home, in English or Spanish by calling 1-877-337-3463 or view an online PDF version.
Free Environmental Protection Agency resources. Obtain a free copy of Guide to Energy-Efficient Cooling and Heating which is available at www.energystar.gov from the heating and cooling product pages or by calling 1-888-STAR-YES (1-888-782-7937). Download the ENERGY STAR Action Guide 5 Steps You Can Take to Reduce Air Pollution.
Free home insulation booklet from North American Insulation Manufacturer's Association (NAIMA).
Free booklet for New Yorkers: It's Right. . . and Right at Home, a brochure with energy-saving tips. Contact 877.NY-SMART (877.697.6278) or residential@nyserda.org. For more tips, visit www.GetEnergySmart.org, the consumer web site of the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA).

Sources: Dept. of Energy, Environmental Protection Agency, and Alliance to Save Energy

Green Energy

2006-09-27T09:41:00.000-04:00

Want to help our planet?

Help our children's children?

How about Purchasing Green Energy?

(Explanation courtesy of Wikipedia)

Check out their website at:

http://en.wikipedia.org

Purchase of green energy through the electrical grid

In the USA, residential and commercial customers can purchase Green Power from either their utility or a green power provider. Green energy is available through one of the many third-party energy suppliers that sell electricity made from renewable sources. The energy is delivered via the local electric utility. The customer simply pays a slight premium on their monthly utility bill for the Green Energy or directly purchases from a green power supplier.

When energy is purchased from the electricity network, there is no way of knowing that the power that reaches the home is from green energy sources. The local utility company, electric company or state power pool buys their electricity from electricity producers, ranging from coal and nuclear to large scale hydropower and green energy sources such as wind power and solar power. Most electricity has its source in non-renewable and polluting energy sources such as coal and nuclear. Green energy currently provides a very small amount of electricity, generally contributing less than 2 to 5 % to the overall pool from which utilities buy their electricity.

In order to make an impact, individuals who sign up for green energy either obligate the utility companies to increase the amount of green energy that they purchase from the pool and subsequently decrease the amount of non-green energy they purchase, or directly fund the green energy through a green power provider. If insufficient green energy sources are available, the utility must develop new ones or contract with a third party energy supplier to provide green energy, causing more to be built. Although there is no guarantee that turning on a light will mean that, say, a wind turbine is providing the electricity, by participating in green energy programs a consumer is having an effect on the energy sources used and ultimately is helping to promote and expand the use of green energy. They are also making a statement to policy makers that they are willing to pay a price premium to support renewable energy.

In some countries such as the Netherlands, electricity companies guarantee to buy an equal amount of 'green power' as is being used by their green power customers. The Dutch government exempts green power from pollution taxes, which means green power is hardly any more expensive than other power.

Purchase of green energy through the gas grid

The market for heating is mostly serviced by gas and oil rather than electric power, due to the high cost per kilowatt of electricity. Distribution of cheap renewable electric power via the electrical grid has made it possible in many countries for the average consumer to choose renewable electric power, and in the same manner Renewable natural gas may in future be made available to the average consumer via the existing gas grid.

Purchase of green energy through localized renewable systems

Those not satisfied with the third-party grid approach to green energy, that utilizes the power grid to deliver green energy, can still install their own locally-based renewable energy system. Renewable energy electrical systems from solar to wind to even local hydropower in some cases, are some of the many types of renewable energy systems available locally. Additionally, for those interested in heating and cooling their dwelling via renewable energy, geothermal heat pump systems that tap the constant temperature of the earth, which is around 7 to 15 degrees Celsius a few feet underground, are an option and save money over conventional natural gas and petroleum-fueled heat approaches.

The advantage of this approach is that many US states offer incentives to offset the cost of installation of a renewable energy system. Individuals are usually assured that the electricity they are using is actually produced from a green energy source that they control. Once the system is paid for, the owner of a renewable energy system will be producing their own renewable electricity for essentially no cost and can sell the excess to the local utility at a profit.

Do you know that IDTENERGY offers GREEN ENERGY? Check us out at:

http://www.idtenergy.com

And while you are at it, don't forget your thermostat!

Save money and energy! www.idtenergystore.com for the BEST prices on the NET!

Winter Heating Costs?

2006-09-14T14:03:00.000-04:00

Don't let the winter heating costs FREEEEEEZE YOU!

I don't know about you but winter is close by and I am already feeling the cold. It's frightening.

Here are some tips to stay warm and financially afloat for the winter:

Stay warm this winter without the sky-high bills. Lou Manfredini, aka Mr. Fix-It, offers tips for saving energy — and money

Today show

Oil prices are up 37 percent, and propane and natural gas bills are going to be sky high. So no matter how you heat your home, you're going to want to find ways to keep costs down this winter. Home contributor Lou Manfredini, aka Mr. Fix-It, was invited on “Today” to offer tips to get you through those cold winter nights.

Service your heating system every year
It's the best money you'll spend. The cost for a typical service call to clean the unit and change filters in both the furnace and humidifier, on average, is between $85 to $100, depending on where you live.

Install a programmable thermostat
This is a must. There are many different brands on the market that range in price from $50 to $125. You can program it to lower the temperature while you're at work or sleeping and save up to 30 percent in a well insulated home. What's more, outdated thermostats are the weakest link in conserving energy. According to the government's Energy Information Administration, only about 11 percent of U.S. homes are equipped with modern programmable thermostats. Honeywell®, a leader in control technology, estimates that homeowners can receive one to three months of free heating and cooling by installing a programmable thermostat. What are you waiting for? {Editor's Note: Check out this! www.idtenergystore.com -- awesome thermos}

Add weather stripping around windows and doors
This is a project that any homeowner can do. This also has a real impact on drafts and conserving energy. Door thresholds, window caulking and plastic window film can go a long way in saving your money this winter. If you live in a drafty home, you could save up to 20 percent on heating costs with an investment of as little as $25. There is even a removable window caulking called Wind-Jammer that can be pulled away clean in the spring. If you're replacing your front door, consider a fiberglass unit. These not only look great but have a higher insulating performance than traditional wood or steel doors. For more information check out thermatru.com.

Install ceiling fans
Remember learning in physics class that heat rises? Well, running ceiling fans slowly and in reverse will keep that warm air circulating and keep you more comfortable. What’s the bonus? The time your furnace runs will reduce, which will cut your monthly energy bill.

Rearrange the furniture
Really. A couch or chair over a vent or in front of baseboard radiators decreases the efficiency of the units and causes your heating system to run longer.

Install a tankless water heater
This technology has been around for almost 70 years. Now units are less expensive and can save you hundreds of dollars each year. How? They create hot water on demand, so there's no stored water needing to be continuously heated. (Think about when you’re away or asleep.) What’s the cost? A small unit that will produce about 3.3 gallons of hot water continuously is around $500 to $700, while a standard 50-gallon tank heater costs around $300. But you'll recoup the cost increase in just three years, and then the savings keep coming. What's more, standard water heaters tend to decrease in efficiency as time goes on. A seven-year-old tank heater runs at about 60 percent efficiency, while a tankless heater of the same age runs at about 70 percent to 75 percent efficiency. The limitations? Multiple fixtures can't run at the same time, making it difficult to run your washing machine and take a shower simultaneously. But the savings are really worth it — trust me. For more information check out controlledenergy.com.

Use compact florescent lightbulbs, or CFLs
These bulbs give off the same amount of light but use a third of the energy and many will last up to 5 years. Electric companies across the country say that replacing the five most used lightbulbs in your home with CFLs can save you up to $60 a year on your electric bill.

Install thermo-pane windows in your home
You'll increase your home's energy efficiency up to 70 percent. Multi-pane windows can have R-values of as high as 9.1. (The higher the R-value, the more resistant the glass is to losing heat.) A typical single-pane glass has an R-value of 1.

Insulate your ceilings and attic
Heat rises, and if there isn't enough insulation in the space above, your money is going out the roof — literally. Most ceilings and attic spaces should have at least an R-30 rating, although a rating of R-40 to R-50 is recommended for some areas of the country.

Let the sun be your guide
Why not? It's free energy. During the day, open up those drapes and blinds and let that sun heat your home. At night, draw the curtains to keep the heat inside.

Bonus tip
A small label can save you big money. Look for the “energy star” label on your appliances, easily found on washing machines, computers and stereo equipment. This label means the Department of Energy and the Environmental Protection Agency have deemed these products to be energy efficient.

Use these tips and products to help you keep more heat in your home and, ultimately, more money in the bank. For more help, visit my Web site: www.hammerandnail.com.

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2006-09-14T06:52:00.000-04:00

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IDT ENERGY STORE

2006-09-12T10:06:00.000-04:00

Winter is coming.....

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IDT ENERGY

2006-09-12T10:04:00.000-04:00

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