2004

NEWS RELEASE

New York State Energy Research and Development Authority

17 Columbia Circle, Albany, NY 12203-6399
518-862-1090 www.GetEnergySmart.org

NY Residents Need to Beware of their Next AC Purchase
Consumers are being offered cheap ways to stay cool - but at whose expense?

New York, NY - June 24, 2004, Temperatures are rising which means New York residents are arming themselves with new air conditioners to battle the heat. But before residents make their next purchase, they should think twice about the model they choose. A low ticket price on a new AC unit may be tempting, but in the end, are consumers really saving money? And who truly pays the price for inexpensive models that use up New York's energy supply?

Tis the season for consumers to find cheap deals on new AC units. But, in addition to a low price, these units often have low efficiency. In the end, they have to work harder to keep consumers cool, using more energy and putting a tremendous strain on New York's energy supply. During these hot summer months, it's critical that residents practice smart energy use and do their part to help maintain a consistent energy supply. The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) encourages residents to be mindful of their energy use - starting with their air conditioning system.

NYSERDA, in partnership with the New York Power Authority (NYPA) and the Long Island Power Authority (LIPA), encourages New Yorkers to replace their old, inefficient air conditioner with a super-efficient ENERGY STAR® model. ENERGY STAR air conditioners and appliances use superior technology, requiring less energy and less money to operate. In addition to using less energy and saving money, the ENERGY STAR label signifies products that help protect the environment by cutting greenhouse gas emissions.

Every appliance consumers buy really has two costs - the cost to buy the appliance and the cost of electricity to run the appliance over its lifetime. Although ENERGY STAR air conditioners and products may have a higher up-front cost, the energy-saving features mean consumers will save every month on their energy bill over the lifetime of the unit. " Replacing a 15-year-old room air conditioner with a new ENERGY STAR model could save up to $56 a year on the average New York electric bill," said Peter R. Smith, president of NYSERDA. "Many consumers do not realize that low efficiency room air conditioners and older units actually have to work harder to cool a room. They waste energy and money."

Consumers should avoid purchasing AC units without the ENERGY STAR. ENERGY STAR models are high efficiency units, which help to maintain a consistent power supply for everyone.

In addition to choosing an energy-efficient ENERGY STAR model, consumers should consider the most efficient times to use their air conditioners. NYSERDA recommends that consumers use a programmable thermostat to control the temperature of the room or a timer to turn the air conditioner off when no one is home and back on before they return. "Most importantly, consumers should try to run their air conditioners during times of the day when it puts less strain on our power system. These times include early mornings, evenings and weekends," says Smith.

Finally, in replacing their old, inefficient AC units, consumers are urged to properly dispose of their old unit. Old air conditioning units need to be properly recycled, which means they cannot be placed on a curb for garbage pick-up. Certain components of air conditioners must be removed and recycled carefully to avoid releasing harmful pollutants or burdening landfills with materials that could be reused. A little known fact: Steel recycling saves enough energy annually to power 18 million households.

For more information on ENERGY STAR, proper recycling and energy efficiency programs, visit www.GetEnergySmart.org or call 1-877-NY-SMART (1-877-697-6278). And make it an energy smart summerSM!

All New York Energy $mart^SM programs are funded by a System Benefits Charge (SBC) paid by electric distribution customers of Central Hudson, Con Edison, NYSEG, Niagara Mohawk, Orange and Rockland, and Rochester Gas and Electric. NYSERDA, a public benefit corporation established by law in 1975, administers SBC funds and programs under an agreement with the Public Service Commission.

New York Energy $mart^SM programs are designed to lower electricity costs by encouraging energy efficiency as the State's electric utilities move to competition. The programs are available to electric distribution customers (residential, commercial, institutional, and industrial) who pay into the SBC.