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How do you make your home more comfortable, avoid pollution linked to global warming, and lower your monthly energy bill all at once? The answers are in nearly every room of your house.
That’s where you’ll find appliances and fixtures that could be wasting energy, and money.
Many home appliances run on natural gas, and even those that don’t may use electricity generated from burning gas. While reducing your consumption of either fuel will save money, burning less gas has the added benefit of avoiding methane, a greenhouse gas that’s more potent than carbon dioxide over a shorter period of time, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
Saving energy is easy, cost effective, and good for the environment. Here’s how:
- Switch to energy-efficient lighting, appliances and smart thermostats. An ENERGY Star ™ certified smart thermostat can help you save up to $50 a year on energy costs while keeping your home comfortable.
- Upgrade to energy-efficient HVAC units (make sure they’re sized according to ACCA Manual J, and installed by a Building Performance Institute (BPI) certified professional). Clean or replace HVAC filters.
- Adjust the thermostat. Lower a programmable thermostat one degree in heating season or raise it one degree in cooling season over a 24-hour period and save approximately 3% on your heating bill.
- Set your ceiling fan to spin counterclockwise in summer to push air downward towards the floor. This creates a wind-chill effect that makes you feel cooler, and if you’re using air conditioning, allows you to raise the thermostat by about 4 degrees with no reduction in comfort, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. In winter, switch to a clockwise rotation to circulate warm air near the ceiling down the walls.
- Manage your hot water. Check the water temperature at the tap closest to the water heater and turn it down if it exceeds 120 degrees. Insulate pipes around the unit, especially the first six feet. Install low-flow shower heads and faucet aerators to reduce hot water use.
- Add insulation in attics and crawl spaces. As much as 40% of a home’s heat loss is through the attic, yet many homes lack adequate insulation.
- Seal your home. Caulking gaps in windows and doors will not only make a home more comfortable, but can shave 10%-20% off energy bills, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.
- Add blinds, shades or curtains to help keep your home cool in the summer.
- Reduce outdoor lighting.
- Install light sensors or timers to switch off lights when they’re not in use.
New Jersey residents that meet income eligibility requirements can take advantage of money saving energy efficiency upgrades at no cost through New Jersey Comfort Partners, a program co-managed by state utilities and the NJ Board of Public Utilities. All PSE&G gas or electric customers can qualify for rebates on energy efficient lighting, smart thermostats, power strips, and more at the PSE&G Marketplace.
PSE&G is expanding opportunities for all of its customers to save energy and money following the state’s decision last September to approve our $1 billion commitment to energy efficiency. The energy efficiency program, which include rebates for energy-efficient appliances and equipment, is expected to deliver $1 billion in net customer savings, create 3,200 direct jobs and avoid 8 million metric tons of carbon emissions through 2050.
When you save energy, everyone wins.
