STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. \u2014 With winter here, Con Edison and home-security firm ADT are urging residents to take simple steps to manage heating costs without sacrificing comfort. <\/p>\n
Their primary message: A well-set thermostat can make a noticeable difference on winter utility bills.<\/p>\n
Con Edison recommends customers keep their thermostats at 68 degrees during daytime hours, calling it \u201can effective balance between comfort and efficiency.\u201d The utility further advises lowering the temperature to roughly 60 degrees overnight or during hours when the home is unoccupied. <\/p>\n
According to Con Edison, reducing the heat for at least eight hours a day can cut seasonal heating expenses by as much as 10% \u2014 a savings that could be significant as energy costs fluctuate throughout the colder months.<\/p>\n
ADT<\/a>, whose smart-home systems are increasingly used to manage heating and cooling, offers similar advice. The company notes that smart thermostats can automatically adjust temperatures based on daily routines, lowering heat when residents are out and restoring comfortable levels before they return. <\/p>\n Some systems can also respond to shifts in outdoor weather conditions and send alerts if indoor temperatures fall unusually low, helping prevent frozen pipes or other winter-related issues.<\/p>\n National Grid, which serves much of upstate New York and parts of Long Island, echoes these recommendations and highlights several programs available specifically to New Yorkers. <\/p>\n The company encourages residents to take advantage of energy-efficiency incentives offered through its New York Home Energy Assistance programs<\/a>, which can help with weatherization, heating-system upgrades, smart thermostats and insulation improvements. <\/p>\n With New York winters often bringing sharp temperature swings, it\u2019s especially important to seal drafts around doors and windows and to ensure heating equipment is maintained. <\/p>\n For households that qualify, the utility points to payment-assistance options and budget-billing plans<\/a> designed to help New Yorkers manage seasonal fluctuations in their heating expenses.<\/p>\n Together, these recommendations aim to encourage residents to heat their homes thoughtfully and make use of available technology to keep energy use in check. Utility officials say even small changes can lead to meaningful savings. <\/p>\n