Did you know you can switch to renewable energy with no investment? 

No solar panels, geothermal units, or heat pumps in your home are needed to begin to lower your carbon footprint and save money today. This one is easy! Here are the options:

• Community Choice Aggregation: If you haven’t already done so, choose renewable energy as your energy source. This one is easy, economical and seamless!

• GridRewards: By voluntarily reducing your energy usage during several peak ‘energy events’ a year you can get money back from ConEd. Not only is this easy, but it pays you back for lowering your emissions. Savings will vary, but can be up to 20% of your annual electricity bill.

• Community Solar allows you to reap the benefit of solar energy without the cost or hassle of installing solar panels. This is another easy one - just sign up to begin using solar energy. You will also get up to 10% savings on your energy bill by using this renewable power source.  

• SmartCharge NY is a ConEd program that sends you money for charging your electric vehicle during off-peak times. Not only is the off-peak rate lower, but you will be rewarded with additional cash each month.  

Questions about these programs?   Contact Sustainable Westchester 

Where do you start when increasing the comfort and energy efficiency of your home?

We highly recommend starting with a home energy audit to understand the energy problem areas in your home. Currently, NYSERDA is offering a FREE or REDUCED COST incentive for NY homeowners to perform an energy audit. You'll learn where to invest time and money, often for quick and inexpensive fixes like insulation and caulking. 

Make small and inexpensive changes to lower your home’s carbon footprint  

The best way to begin lowering your carbon footprint and energy costs while increasing your comfort is by tackling low hanging fruit in your home - and there are plenty of them! Most cost little and provide a big return. Here are some easy ones. Use the tabs on the site to find tips for each area of your home.You’ll be amazed at how these small actions really add up. 

Here’s the best part when it comes to energy efficiency - not only will you save money on your energy costs, but there are numerous rebates, refunds, tax incentives and financing options offered by your utility company, the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), and the Internal Revenue Service. Installers often are aware of these, but it is best for you to know what benefits you can reap.  Don't leave money on the table!

Furnace on the fritz? Water heater leaking? Central air unit spewing warm air?  

Don’t despair, this is an opportunity to save money and significantly lower your carbon footprint. Make sure you replace the faulty unit with energy efficient products. From heat pumps to geothermal solutions to solar you'll find that energy and cost efficient solutions for your home are available and come with rebates and tax incentives. Learn more about the options here.

Replace inefficient (and costly) appliances and fixtures with energy efficient technology

Is your refrigerator now a heater? Is your washing machine on its last legs? Are those 1980 bathroom fixtures making you cringe?  Is the sprinkler system no longer sprinkling? 

Though a problem, this is an opportunity to save money and significantly lower your carbon and/or water footprint! Make sure you replace the faulty unit with energy and water efficient products.  

• Energy Star® certified appliances and fixtures ensure that you are purchasing the most energy efficient units for your home. You’ll save money too. 

• Water is a precious resource that has its own carbon footprint. By reducing wasteful water use you automatically reduce your carbon footprint and save money on your water bill. When you are replacing fixtures in your home, make sure they are WaterSense certified products.   

Ardsley is proud to be part of the Pollinator Pathway community. Our goal is simple, to make significant change one yard at a time. The Ardsley Pollinator Pathway offers free educational webinars, events, and social gatherings to help us support our pollinators, birds, and ecosystem in our own yards. A Green thumb is not required and beginning gardeners/nature enthusiasts are welcome with open arms. Sign up to be on the distribution list.  It's fun and meaningful. 

Before your landscaper suggests non-native and even invasive plant solutions for your home, schedule a free garden consult to learn about the plants on your property and how you can support pollinators and birds with native solutions. You'll get an in-depth report to guide you and also an evaluation on invasive plants that may cause you a problem.