New York Power Authority offers home weatherizing tips

Stop by winter assistance fair on Saturday; arrange weatherization workshop for nonprofit groups

Submitted by the New York Power Authority

Dreading a cold winter? Want to know ways to secure your home to keep your heat bill down? The New York Power Authority (NYPA) has tips to share about how to prepare your home.

Stop by the Power Authority’s table at the free winter energy assistance fair this Saturday, Dec. 9, hosted by the New York State Department of Public Service. Experts in energy, housing and more will be on hand to assist community members in learning about the different resources available to help prepare for winter. The event will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Amherst Public Library at 350 John James Audubon Parkway in Buffalo.

Staff from the Power Authority’s environmental justice (EJ) program will have a table focused on weatherizing your home. Weatherization energy kits will be on display. Participants can use props to practice weatherizing windows and doors, and pick up a one-page sheet of winter weatherization tips.

The EJ program offers educational programs about clean energy and sustainability as part of its commitment to be a good neighbor to the historically underserved communities located near its statewide facilities and assets.

Team members will share tips such as the following:

√ Use caulk, plastic insulating sheets and weather-stripping to seal air leaks in door and window frames.

√ Replace lightbulbs in rooms that need to be kept on with light-emitting diode bulbs, also known as LEDs, which save energy.

√ Unplug appliances and electronics when you are not using them, as most still use electricity – even when powered off.

√ Shop for ENERGY STAR appliances that are made to use less electricity and be more efficient than older appliances.

√ Use a ceiling fan that rotates clockwise to pull cool air up and redistribute warm air throughout the room.

√ Install a programmable thermostat to schedule your heating system to run less while you’re away from home.

In addition to visiting local energy fairs, NYPA partners with local organizations and community groups to host free weatherization workshops at their facilities. Groups interested in arranging a program should contact [email protected].

NYPA is the largest state public power organization in the nation, operating 16 generating facilities and more than 1,400 circuit-miles of transmission lines. For more information visit www.nypa.gov.