Ways to Save Money on Your NJ Real Estate Utility Bills

Inexpensive things to do to lower your monthly NJ Real Estate utility bills

In today's tough economic times, it is sometimes difficult to pay even the most inexpensive utility bills. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, the average American family spends in excess of $1,600 per year on utilities. Although many energy efficient appliances are available today, it seems to make no sense to spend hundreds of dollars just to save pennies on utilities in the end. There are cost-effective ways to significantly reduce your NJ Real Estate bills without having to upgrade to the newest gadgets on the market, as listed below:

Obtain an energy inspection

Utility companies can usually provide an assessment of your home's energy usage and recommend ways to reduce your monthly utility costs. For example, your NJ Real Estate home will be tested to uncover the areas of greatest heating and cooling loss due to air leakage from spaces around doors and windows. This service is usually done for free or for a small fee.

Buy a programmable thermostat

Heating and cooling your home can be one of the biggest expenses associated with daily living. Digital thermostats can be programmed on a timer to automatically decrease the temperature in your home while you are away and increase the temperature before you arrive home. The cost of this item is approximately $100, but can save you anywhere from 10-15% on your heating and cooling bills annually, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.

Run appliances efficiently

A good idea that can save energy and money is to make sure appliances such as washers, dryers and dishwashers are completely full before running a cycle. Also, washing clothes in cold water can save 50-75% on energy usage. Also, cleaning or replacing filters in furnaces and heating vents can lower utility bills as well-maintained appliances will last longer and run more efficiently.

Install or improve insulation

Attics, basements and crawlspaces containing utility pipes can be the biggest culprits of wasted heating and cooling in your NJ Real Estate home. Insulation contains hot air in cold weather and cool air in hot weather. According to the Alliance to Save Energy, installing additional insulation in attics and the exterior walls of your home can save you roughly 30% on heating and cooling expenses.

Seal leaks and open spaces

Weather stripping and caulk are the easiest and most inexpensive ways to save money on your NJ Real Estate energy bills. Open cracks and crevices around windows and doors let in air you want to keep out of your home and result in heating and cooling systems working harder to keep the home at your desired temperature.

Pay attention when purchasing new appliances

Many new appliances available have Energy Star logos stating compliance with the federal standard for energy efficiency. Energy Star rated appliances typically use 20-50% less energy when compared to other models. Bigger items such as washing machines and refrigerators have Energy Guides which state their efficiency in contrast to other similar appliances.

Inquire about tax advantages

Certain states now offer tax incentives when a consumer purchases an energy efficient appliance. For further information and eligibility, you can visit the Database of State Incentives for Renewable Energy website at www.dsireusa.org.