IDT Energy World

Where would New Yorkers be without air conditioners to make summer a bit more bearable? IDT Energy in New York wants to take a look at our good friend the air conditioner, its history, how it works, and what we can expect from these marvels in the future.

The first air conditioners began way back in the middle of the 18th century when Benjamin Franklin and a chemistry professor of chemistry at Cambridge University did some experiments examining how evaporation can be used in order to rapidly cool an object.  They discovered that liquids that evaporate quickly such as ether and alcohol could be used to reduce the temperature of something lower than the freezing point of water.

The earliest uses of air conditioning were industrial and not for the personal comfort of individuals.  In 1902 Willis Carrier invented the first electric air conditioner in Syracuse, New York. It was made for a printing plant to control the temperature and humidity which could adversely affect paper dimensions and alignment of ink.  Soon the technology was used to improve working conditioners in the plant, and this developed into the Carrier Air Conditioning Company of America. As time passed air conditioning was used more often to increase the comfort level of homes, cars and workplaces. By the 1950s air conditioning quickly gained popularity, and now today it is hard to imagine living in a place like New York City without it.

Most energy companies, whether they are IDT Energy or other choices, work to offer green energy options for customers.  In the 21^st century, green energy is certainly the place to put our emphasis as a country.  This blog post offers a fascinating look at our New Energies standards will be set.  Taking offshore wind as an example, the writer says that offshore wind installations will not mimic an oil industry or coal industry.  Rather, “the offshore wind industry knows that the world’s oceans are precious and irreplaceable and has fully engaged in doing installations only where lengthy and comprehensive environmental impact studies have approved them.”

Certainly, Americans are focused on the idea of going green. Whether you’re using an electric company that offers green options like IDT Energy, or not, it’s always worthwhile to think more about the possibility of using green energy.

This article explains topics to consider before putting in solar energy panels.  The author actually advocates taking a number of specific steps to reduce overall energy consumption before switching to solar energy.  Such steps include getting en energy efficiency audit, taking easy steps in the home to reduce energy consumption, installing a T.E.D. or similar device to monitor your usage, and more.

We’ve heard for a long time how important it is to reduce water usage and increase water efficiency.  In that realm, there is good news since “companies committed to sustainability are finally getting serious about environmental challenges beyond carbon emissions…with a strong focus on reducing water use.”   Companies are trying to reduce water use by setting targets for their customers.  There are now many more measures being taken to help in the reduction of water from various large companies.

Certainly, we all wonder what the long-term impact will be of BP’s gulf oil spill on the American oil supplies.  This is an interesting blog post examining this issue and looking at a report issued from the International Energy Agency, an intergovernmental group that studies energy policy for industrial nations.

Certainly, as the summer approaches, there are some key ways to save energy.  Taking a bit of time to follow through on these outdoor energy tips can help you to significantly reduce your electricity bill and to help the environment.  Energy companies like IDT Energy want to help you to save money, and these tips should be a start.

When the clocks change, you’ll have more daylight hours at your disposal.  Make sure to adjust any outdoor lighting timers so that you don’t have them running for more hours than necessary.  This will save you money and will extend the life of your light bulbs.

When considering lighting for your garden and porch, select low-voltage outdoor lighting systems. They are less expensive to buy and to operate and they are simple to install and use.

Your outdoor space doesn’t need to be lit like a landing pad.  Avoid having excessive lighting.  Your illumination only needs to be bright enough for safety and for relaxing.  Consider installing timers, as well, or make sure to only use your patio lights when you are sitting out there.

Today, in New Jersey, you have the ability to select your energy supplier.  Rather than being forced to accept your energy from one source, you can now have the freedom to select your electric and/or natural gas supplier.  This allows you to be in the driver’s seat and to comparison shop for the company that will best suit your needs.

In addition, if you are environmentally conscious, this news means that you’ll have more of a say about the energy supplier that  you use, and you can select to use a supplier that does more to protect the environment.

Choice is always a positive force.  New Jersey is proud to allow its citizens to select IDT Energy, PSE&G or one of the many other suppliers.

IDT Energy is among many other alternative energy providers in the New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania area.  Since energy deregulations have happened more choices like IDT Energy are available.

Today, in New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania, you have the power to choice your energy supplier.   During the last decade, the Public Service Commissions and State Legislatures, along with local utilities, have deregulated the energy market in these areas.  This allows for healthy competition among suppliers and allows consumers more choice.

The way that it works if you select to work with IDT Energy or another company is as follows.  IDT Energy becomes your supplier of electric and natural gas, while the delivery of this energy is still done through the utility company.  IDT Energy works in partnership with the local utility companies.  Historically, all electricity and natural gas were state-regulated and the price was fixed by them with the local utility company supplying both the supply and delivery.

This deregulation ensures that there is competition for your energy business, and therefore that there are more competitive prices.  This allows people in New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania to have control over the source of their natural gas and electricity.

April 20 was the 20th anniversary of Earth Day Lobby Day. Governor David Paterson, who has been active in promoting and strengthening the standing of New York State as a national leader in environmental protection and initiatives promoting clean energy, addressed New Yorkers on this auspicious occasion.  Among Governor Paterson’s energy accomplishments is the leadership role he has taken in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative; his expansion of New York’s clean energy goals, with his “45 by 15” initiative; and promoting the State’s bottle bill, as just a few examples.

In his address Governor Paterson also encouraged New Yorkers and law makers to deal with the growing issue of electronic waste in New York. This past year the Governor proposed legislation to regulate the disposal of toxic chemicals and metals which comprise many popular electronic devices.

“From the day I took office, I have worked to make New York State one of the most environmentally friendly states in the Nation. Not only is this work critical to sustaining a healthy environment, but it is critical to creating jobs and rebuilding our State for the New Economy,” Governor Paterson said. “Forty years ago, we celebrated the first ever Earth Day, and this year I challenge all New Yorkers to do their part in making our State and our Nation healthier and cleaner for a more prosperous future.”

Through IDT Energy’s Green Energy/Buy Green program New Yorkers are able to do a lot towards creating a cleaner environment and saving resources, worthwhile goals to strive towards as we celebrate the 20th anniversary of Earth Day.

As the weather begins to get warmer, there are a number of key ways that you can reduce your electricity costs while still keeping the house comfortable and cool. Use these tips to save money this summer – while still enjoying your time indoors.

One great idea is to have an exhaust fan in the kitchen that will blow hot air out of the space while you are cooking. This will add a lot of savings to your cooling costs. Try to take lukewarm showers and baths as well to avoid creating humid air, which holds in more heat.

Look into purchasing a dehumidifier for the home. This can decrease your electricity bill significantly whether you’re with IDT Energy or another company. Make sure, however, that the humidifier that you buy is the right size for your home.

Avoid creating more heat in the kitchen in a number of ways. Use your microwave or countertop appliances for cooking instead of the oven; enjoy grilling outdoors to keep the hot air away from the house as well.