Reduce the heat

When it's this hot outside, reduce the heat. Begin cooking on a higher heat setting until liquid begins to boil. Then, lower the temperature and simmer the food until fully cooked. A fast boil doesn’t cook faster than a slow boil, but it does use more energy.

Energy Tip of the Week ^

Stay away from heat!

Stay away from direct heat. Place the refrigerator or freezer away from direct sunlight and other heat sources such as ovens or ranges. Heat will cause the unit to use more energy to stay cold.

Energy Tip of the Week ^

Defrost Unit Regularly

Defrost a manual-defrost unit regularly. Frost makes your unit work harder and wastes energy. Don’t allow more than one-quarter inch of frost to build up.

Energy Tip of the Week ^

Refrigerator Temperatures

We know it's hot out there, but don’t set the temperature colder than necessary. Set the refrigerator temperature between 36° F and 42° F. Set the freezer control so the temperature is between -5° F and +6° F. A small thermometer placed in the refrigerator or freezer will help you set it correctly.

Energy Tip of the Week

Run Cold Water

Run cold water for disposal. Hot water requires energy to warm the water. Cold water saves energy and solidifies grease, moving it more easily through the garbage disposal and pipes.

Energy Saving Tip of the Week

Replace Air Filters

Clean or replace air filters! Replace filters on exhaust hoods, humidifiers, vacuums, etc. Clogged filters impair performance and cause the units to run longer.

Energy Star Products

Look for the ENERGY STAR® label on light bulbs, home appliances, electronics, and other products. ENERGY STAR products meet strict efficiency guidelines set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy.

Saving Energy > Summer Vacation?

What's on your mind this summer? The warm sand between your toes as the waves crash against the shore line? Or remembering to turn off the faucet as your brush your teeth?

Check out this interesting article:

http://hosted2.ap.org/APDEFAULT/Article/Article_2012-06-07/id-f03ae040ef2941f39ad31e393eb4dfa4/recordType-Spot%20Development

Did You Know?

In order to start saving energy today, you can lower the thermostat on your water heater to 120°F.
Also, plug home electronics, such as TVs and DVD players, into power strips; turn the power strips off when the equipment is not in use—TVs and DVDs in standby mode still use several watts of power!

We love helping you save energy. That's why we started posting an energy saving "Tip of the Week" on our Twitter and Facebook pages. Be sure to check it out!

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/brighthomeenergy

Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/BrightHome

Easy Earth Day Tips

It’s time to think about what you can do for the environment. Being earth friendly doesn’t mean you have to break the bank. There are several easy things you can do yourself this Earth Day that can help you go green and save money at the same time.

Find out more ways you can go green: http://www.epa.gov/epahome/home.htm

BrightHome Energy Solutions Awarded as Top Home Performance Contractor in the New York City Region

BrightHome Energy Solutions was recently named Top Home Performance Contractor in the New York City region by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA).  This impressive distinction was a result of BrightHome’s outstanding efforts with the Home Performance with ENERGY STAR Program®.

At the Affordable Comfort Inc. (ACI) conference in Saratoga Springs, NY BrightHome was cited for excellence in customer service and work quality for providing services that help homeowners reduce energy use.

Francis J. Murray Jr., President and CEO of NYSERDA, said, “Congratulations to these contractors for the excellent work they do in the Home Performance with ENERGY STAR® program.”

BrightHome was also recognized for its comprehensive home energy savings, consistency in software modeling accuracy, promotion of program incentives and commitment to staff training and program improvement.

“Increased energy efficiency is the best way that all New Yorkers can decrease both their energy consumption and costs while, at the same time, realizing positive environmental benefits,” said Murray.

Receiving the award for BrightHome, Michael Brown, Co-Founder, thanked the team at BrightHome, “for a commitment to excellence in customer service and desire to help New Yorkers save money, use less energy and be more comfortable.”

About the Home Performance with Energy Star Program
Home Performance with ENERGY STAR uses a “whole-house” comprehensive assessment approach to reduce home energy usage. Homeowners work with a participating contractor trained in building science and accredited by the Building Performance Institute (BPI). The contractor measures the home’s overall energy performance, especially its insulation and air infiltration levels, and the efficiency of heating and cooling equipment, appliances and lighting. Contractors also test ovens, water heaters and other equipment to make sure dangerous combustion gases, such as carbon monoxide, are not leaking into the home.  The homeowner receives a comprehensive home assessment report that includes recommendations for home improvements that will save energy. The contractor can then make the energy improvements for the homeowner.

BrightHome is a registered trademark. All other company and product names may be trademarks of the respective companies with which they are associated.