Taxing Long Island: Ways to keep cool while reducing energy costs
To reduce your energy costs, PSEG Long Island says the first thing to do is to make sure shades or blinds are down to block the sun.
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The higher the temperature is outside, the lower you want that thermostat to go.
"We keep it around 68. We try to do the eco-mode, but it's still blasting all day because it's hot," said Connie Poulos, from Lindenhurst.
Cooler air might also mean you feel the heat from your electric bill.
To reduce your energy costs, PSEG Long Island says the first thing to do is to make sure shades or blinds are down to block the sun.
Next, turn the thermostat up higher when you're not home.
"When you're not in the room certainly you don't want to keep the thermostat, if you're going to be away, any lower than 78 degrees in the summer," said Michael Voltz, with PSEG Long Island.
But lowering to a comfortable temperature as soon as you get home can also be an energy drain and cost you money. That's why many homeowners are turning to smart thermostats.
One of the ways a smart thermostat can save you a little money on your electric bill is if you leave the house for the day and forget to change the temperature, you can do it remotely using your smart phone.
Another benefit to smart thermostats is you can set a schedule to gradually cool the air in your house before you get home.
"We offer five of them that are less than $5. Some of the more advanced models are still more expensive but still significantly lower than full retail price," said Voltz.
For information about seasonal discounts on smart thermostats, visit the PSEG Long Island website.
