January 15th, 2008
Some Levittown residents can get free energy saving device
(Newsday)
Fifty Levittown residents are eligible for a free energy-saving device that improves boiler efficiency under a program announced Tuesday by Nassau County Executive Thomas Suozzi.
The device, an indoor reset control, monitors both outdoor temperature and a house's demand for indoor heat. Because the control calls for less energy on warmer days, less oil is needed to run the heating system.
"It's smart technology that allows the boiler to run more efficiently," said Mike Ruff, chief operating officer for Intellidyne LLC, the Glen Cove company that is installing the devices under the GreenLevittown initiative.
Announced last month, the GreenLevittown initiative features nearly a dozen corporate sponsors whose goal is to make the suburb greener, more environmentally friendly.
"We'd like to make Levittown the model suburb for how to go green," Suozzi said. "We want to have programs that will make it easier to save money by going green, and at the same time, reduce the carbon footprint."
Reset controls allow boiler water to run cooler on warmer winter days, when there is less demand for heat. On the coldest winter days, the control device adjusts automatically, cranking up the boiler water to run at peak efficiency. System efficiency is improved because of a better match between boiler output and heat demand.
Independent studies show annual fuel savings are between 12 percent and 14 percent, Ruff said. "For the average home, that works out to be between $350 and $400," he said.
Brad Tito, Nassau County's deputy director for environmental coordination, said Levittown residents can call 800-639-3637 to qualify for the free indoor reset control. After the first 50 are installed for free, Intellidyne will install devices for Levittown residents for a reduced fee of $399 each. Normally, reset control installation is $450.
"Payback on the device is one year, typically," Ruff said.
Tito said the energy-saving option is a good one for Levittown residents. "We're telling them they can go green and save some green at the same time," Tito said. "Because your boiler is running more efficiently, not only are you saving on your fuel bill, but you also are reducing emissions and improving outdoor air quality."