How the Central Air Conditioner Program Works: Outdoor Efficiency Switch
Already have a smart thermostat? Choose to have an outdoor efficiency switch installed instead.
1. Choose your Central Hudson Peak Perks participation level
CYCLING OPTION |
TEMPERATURE INCREASE |
ANNUAL REWARD* | INSTALLATION REWARD** | TOTAL REWARDS FOR YOUR FIRST 12 MONTHS* |
---|---|---|---|---|
50% | 1-3 DEGREES | $50 | $85 | $135 |
75% | 2-4 DEGREES | $75 | $85 | $160 |
* Reward bill credits are awarded and prorated monthly, June through October. Installation Credit and Annual Credit are awarded per installed thermostat or outdoor switch.
** A one-time bill credit.
2. Central Hudson Peak Perks outdoor efficiency switch installed
Installation of a switch near your central A/C unit does not require an appointment if the unit is safely accessible. You don’t even have to be home. There’s no charge for the installation, which generally takes a little over an hour.
3. Wireless signal sent
When demand for electricity in the Hudson Valley peaks, we’ll send a wireless signal that will “cycle” the compressor(s) of your central air conditioning unit(s) on and off. Typically these conservation events occur on occasional weekday afternoons in the summer when electricity use is at its peak.
4. Maintain your routine
If you are like most people in similar programs across the country, you may not notice a change in your home’s temperature. A typical conservation event may raise it just 1 to 3 degrees. Your central air conditioner’s fan will continue to circulate air throughout your home during a conservation event.
5. Balance the demand for electricity
As your central air conditioner’s compressor (along with those of other participants) is cycling, the demand for energy is reduced. As a result, less electricity needs to be generated and transmitted to your home, which keeps energy costs lower as well as reducing carbon emissions and other pollutants associated with electricity generation.
6. Your central air conditioner’s compressor switches back on
When demand for electricity is reduced to an acceptable level, your central air conditioner’s compressor automatically returns to standard operation.
7. We reward you for your help
Shortly after installation of your thermostat, you receive an $85 Enrollment Reward check. You also receive a prorated Annual Reward check of up to $50 after the close of the program season and each following year you participate.