By Elaine Iandoli, Rose Sumer, and Michael Schiavetta (M.A. '07)

How can I protect myself from cyber theft? How can I save money on my energy bill? What are the best apps for amateur photographers? NYIT’s finest minds answer questions we face every day.

1) How can I save money on my energy bill and “green” my home?

Where there’s a web, there’s a way.

A spider web, that is, says Robert Allgor (M.S. ’97), adjunct professor in NYIT’s Department of Energy Management and program manager for National Grid’s Energy Efficiency programs.

“Spider webs indicate air flow,” Allgor says, noting that spiders will often spin webs in drafty areas because that’s where they might find food. If there’s a web in a particular spot, he says, there’s a good chance you’re losing heat in the winter or air conditioning in the summer. Plugging those leaks and eliminating drafty areas can help save energy costs.

Consumers can also purchase energy-efficient appliances, install programmable thermostats, and set their water heaters to 120 degrees to save on energy bills.

“Another big one is to insulate your water pipes,” he says. “It’s such an easy thing for a homeowner to do.”

In the kitchen, Allgor advices cooking with lids on pans, choosing the right 
size pot and burner to maximize efficiency, and using alternatives like pressure cookers or microwaves that consume less energy.

David Schieren (M.S. ’06), CEO of EmPower Solar, says solar energy continues to be a viable option for many homeowners. Rebates and tax incentives help make solar installations more attractive.

“It turns out to be a very smart investment and, in addition, there are a variety of financing options that allow people to start saving right away,” says Schieren.

A site assessment is necessary to discover the impact of shade and to determine the overall production capacity of solar panels. Roof structures should be relatively new and can be reinforced if necessary. Schieren says solar heating systems can also be used for domestic hot water and pool systems.

As for other green measures, Schieren recommends making improvements through LED technologies, especially for fixtures that homeowners use frequently.

Perhaps the easiest environmental and economic tip is simply to turn off appliances when you’re not using them.

“I always tell customers: ‘You have the power in your hands,’ ” says Allgor.

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