8 Suggestions from Realtors in Keyport, NJ on How to Reduce Your Winter Energy Bills

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, powering a home costs the average household approximately $2,160 a year. While heating and cooling a home are the culprits of energy consumption, household appliances can also be blamed. These days, there are creative and simple ways to keep your energy usage and your monthly bill from skyrocketing each winter. One example is to purchase efficient Energy Star products, which can easily cut costs by 30%.

See below for more ideas and suggestions from Keyport, NJ Realtors on how to save money by using less energy at home:

Keep the Winter Cold Away advise Realtors in Keyport NJ

Weather-stripping windows and doors and sealing air leaks around your home helps keep cold air from coming in and warm air from getting out. Realtors in Keyport, NJ advise clients that it is a simple way to reduce energy consumption.

 

Program Your Thermostat

Program your thermostat to a "set-back" temperature for winter nights and start saving on energy costs. A new touch screen, programmable thermostat that is rated by Energy Star can cost as little as $105. Turning down the heat to 68 degrees in the winter can save 5% to 10% on heating bills, and more by turning it lower when you are asleep or away from home, according to Realtors in Keyport, NJ.

 

Unplug Unused Appliances

While unwinding during this time of year, unplug electrical appliances that are not in use because although they might not be running, they are still consuming energy. The Department of Energy states that 40% of the electricity used for home electronics is used when they are not in use.

 

Wrap Water Pipes and Heaters suggest Realtors in Keyport NJ

Realtors in Keyport, NJ suggest that by simply insulating water pipes, homeowners can reduce their monthly energy bill by reducing transmission losses. Insulating the first 3 feet of pipe into a water heater is particularly significant and can help bring up the water temperature by 2 to 4 degrees. Also, putting an insulation jacket or 'blanket' around water heaters can prevent a significant amount of heat loss. Wrapping your water heater can also save around 4% to 9% in water heating costs.

Replace Filters Often

Dirty air filters not only affect indoor air quality, they can reduce airflow, costing more during cold months when heating is necessary. This task simply involves going to a local hardware store and picking up new inexpensive air filters.  

Service Your Fireplace

Keeping your fireplace damper closed when the fireplace is not in use will prevent heat loss and save money, as this is another area where heat can easily escape from the home. If your fireplace is not working correctly, Realtors in Keyport, NJ say to buy a new damper, which can cost about $150 or less.

Install Compact Fluorescent Lights Keyport Realtors in NJ

CFLs (compact fluorescent lights) use less energy than regular light bulbs, and by replacing the existing light bulbs in your home with new, energy efficient ones, you can save a substantial amount on your monthly electric bill.

Buy Energy Star Appliances recommend Keyport Realtors in NJ

Major appliances account for 13% of a home energy's use, with a clothes dryer and washer costing about $140 a year to use, and a refrigerator using $95 to run for a year. Use an Energy Star calculator to determine how much your refrigerator costs to run.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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