Every watt of energy we save reduces the impact on the Hudson. Air conditioners and refrigerators consume large amounts of energy. Upgrade your appliances to more efficient models (see the NYSERDA web page under Related Info). On blazing hot days, go to an air-conditioned movie theatre or restaurant instead of cranking your AC. Lower your thermostat in the winter, raise it in the summer. If available, enroll in programs with your local power company that allow them to temporarily lower or cycle off your air conditioner in times of peak demand.

Here are some other ways you can conserve energy:

HOME APPLIANCES

• Run your dishwasher only with a full load. Use the energy-saving setting to dry the dishes. Don't use heat when drying.
  
• Wash clothes in warm or cold water, not hot.
  
• Turn down your water heater thermostat; 120 degrees is usually hot enough.

• Don't overheat or overcool rooms. Adjust your thermostat (lower in winter, higher in summer).
  
• Clean or replace air filters as recommended. Cleaning a dirty air conditioner filter can save 5% of the energy used.

• Buy energy-efficient compact fluorescent bulbs for your most-used lights.
  
• Wrap your water heater in an insulating jacket (but only if the water heater is over 5 years old and has no internal insulation).
  
• Install low-flow shower heads to use less hot water.
  
• Caulk and weatherstrip around doors and windows to plug air leaks.

• Insulate your walls and ceilings; this can save about 25% of home heating bills.
  
• If you need to replace your windows, install the best energy-saving models.
  
• Plant trees next to your home and paint your home a light color if you live in a warm climate, or a dark color in a cold climate.
  
• As you replace home appliances, select the most energy-efficient models.

• Promote energy-efficient measures at your school or workplace.