UPGRADE YOUR WATER & SPACE HEATING EQUIPMENT

Did you know that in Western New York water and space heating accounts for 73 percent of residential energy use?[1]  Needless to say, upgrading your water and space heating equipment to more energy efficient models can provide significant savings on your utility bills.  While many people hesitate because of the higher purchase price, depending on the equipment purchased and your typical usage, payback time in energy bill savings is often as little as a few years and now is the time to upgrade! 

If annual energy savings aren't enough, National Fuel Gas is offering rebates of up to $400 to their residential customers for upgrading to qualified equipment.  They even have a rebate for installing an Energy Star rated programmable thermostat.  Click here for more information on their residential rebate program.  NFG also has an online energy analysis tool on the same website that can give individualized energy-saving tips based on the information you enter, and even provide cost savings estimates.  It's a great resource to show where you can save and help you find where you can get the most bang for your buck!

The New York State Energy and Research Development Authority (NYSERDA) also has programs and incentives for making energy improvement upgrades to your home, including programs for income qualified home owners and renters.  Program information and energy saving tips are available on their website http://www.getenergysmart.org/.  There are also State and Federal tax credits available for qualified energy efficiency improvements.

Upgrade your water and space heating equipment now and enjoy rebates, tax credits and other incentives in addition to the savings you'll see every month on your utility bill!

[1] That's 18 percent for water heating and 55 percent for space heating.  Source: 2005 Residential Energy Consumption Survey, Table US12 Total Consumption by Energy End Uses (Revised January 2009). Retrieved 7/06/09, from Energy Information Administration: http://www.eia.doe.gov/emeu/recs/recs2005/c&e/detailed_tables2005c&e.html.  Figures derived from Northeast Census Region, Middle Atlantic Division data.