Energy Savings Tips for New Jersey Homeowners

New Jersey homeowners face some of the highest electricity rates in the nation, making energy efficiency more important than ever. The good news is that many simple electrical improvements and smart habits can significantly reduce your energy consumption and lower your monthly utility bills. As professional electricians serving NJ and PA, we've seen firsthand how the right upgrades can save homeowners hundreds—even thousands—of dollars per year.

Quick Wins: Simple Changes That Make an Immediate Impact

1. Upgrade to LED Lighting Throughout Your Home

LED bulbs use 75% less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs and last up to 25 times longer. While LED bulbs cost more upfront, they pay for themselves within months through energy savings. For an average NJ home with 40 light fixtures, switching entirely to LEDs can save $200-300 annually on electricity costs.

Pro Tip: Don't forget specialty bulbs in recessed fixtures, ceiling fans, and outdoor lights—these often run many hours per day and offer the biggest savings potential.

2. Install Dimmer Switches

Dimmer switches not only create better lighting ambiance but also reduce energy consumption when lights are dimmed. Modern LED-compatible dimmers can save 4-9% on lighting costs depending on usage patterns. They also extend bulb life by reducing thermal stress on the bulbs.

3. Use Smart Power Strips to Eliminate Phantom Power

Many electronics continue drawing power even when turned off—this "phantom load" accounts for 5-10% of residential electricity use. Smart power strips automatically cut power to devices in standby mode, saving $100+ per year for typical households.

Electrical Upgrades That Deliver Long-Term Savings

4. Install a Programmable or Smart Thermostat

Heating and cooling account for nearly half of your home's energy use. A programmable thermostat automatically adjusts temperatures when you're sleeping or away, saving 10-15% on heating and cooling costs without sacrificing comfort. Smart thermostats learn your schedule and can be controlled remotely via smartphone.

Optimal Settings for NJ Climate:

• Winter: 68°F when home, 60-62°F when away or sleeping
• Summer: 73°F when home, 82-85°F when away
• Expected savings: $150-250 annually

5. Upgrade Your Ceiling Fans (and Use Them Correctly)

Modern ENERGY STAR certified ceiling fans use 60% less energy than conventional models while moving more air. Proper ceiling fan use can reduce air conditioning costs by 40% during summer months.

Fan Direction Matters:

• Summer (counterclockwise): Creates cooling downdraft, making rooms feel 4°F cooler
• Winter (clockwise): Pushes warm air down from ceiling, improving heating efficiency

6. Consider Whole-House Energy Monitoring

Energy monitoring systems provide real-time data on electricity consumption, helping you identify energy hogs and track the impact of efficiency improvements. Many NJ homeowners are surprised to discover that outdated HVAC systems, inefficient water heaters, or old refrigerators account for 50% or more of their electric bill.

Major Upgrades for Maximum Impact

7. Electrical Panel Upgrades

While not directly an energy saver, upgrading an outdated electrical panel enables you to install high-efficiency appliances, EV chargers, and solar panels. Modern circuit breaker panels also provide better circuit management, allowing more precise control over home energy systems.

8. Install Outdoor Lighting Controls

Outdoor lighting often runs unnecessarily during daylight hours or remains on all night when not needed. Installing timers, photocells, or motion sensors on outdoor lights can reduce outdoor lighting costs by 50-75%.

Best Options:

• Photocells: Automatically turn lights on at dusk, off at dawn
• Motion sensors: Ideal for security lighting and walkways
• Smart outdoor switches: Allow scheduling and remote control

9. Upgrade to ENERGY STAR Appliances

When replacing major appliances, choose ENERGY STAR certified models. These meet strict energy efficiency guidelines and can save significant amounts over the appliance's lifespan:

• Refrigerator: Save $200+ over appliance lifetime
• Washing machine: Use 25% less energy, 33% less water
• Dishwasher: Save $35 per year in energy and water costs

Seasonal Energy Savings Tips for New Jersey

Winter Energy Saving Tips

• Lower water heater temperature to 120°F (most are set to 140°F by default)
• Install timer on water heater to avoid heating water overnight
• Use space heaters wisely in occupied rooms while lowering whole-house temperature
• Reverse ceiling fans to push warm air down
• Close dampers on unused fireplaces to prevent warm air escape

Summer Energy Saving Tips

• Set AC to 78°F and use ceiling fans for additional comfort
• Run major appliances (dishwasher, dryer) during cooler evening hours
• Close blinds on south and west-facing windows during peak sun
• Switch to LED outdoor lights which produce 75% less heat
• Have AC serviced annually to maintain peak efficiency

Special Considerations for New Jersey Homeowners

Take Advantage of NJ Clean Energy Programs

New Jersey offers numerous rebates and incentives for energy efficiency improvements:

• Home Performance with ENERGY STAR: Rebates up to $4,000 for comprehensive home improvements
• Appliance rebates: Available for ENERGY STAR certified appliances
• LED lighting discounts: Many utilities offer instant discounts on LED bulbs
• Electric vehicle incentives: Rebates for home EV charger installation

Consider Solar Panel Installation

New Jersey's strong solar incentive programs, high electricity rates, and good solar potential make residential solar increasingly attractive. Many homeowners see their electric bills drop by 50-100%. Current incentives include:

• Federal solar tax credit (30% of system cost)
• NJ Transition Renewable Energy Certificates (TRECs)
• Net metering (sell excess power back to grid at retail rates)
• Property tax exemption for solar systems

DIY Energy Audit: Find Your Home's Energy Waste

Before making major investments, conduct a simple home energy audit:

1. Review electricity bills: Compare current usage to same period last year
2. Check for air leaks: Around outlets, switches, windows, and doors
3. Inspect insulation: Particularly in attic and basement
4. Test appliance efficiency: Old refrigerators and freezers are often energy hogs
5. Examine lighting: Note any remaining incandescent bulbs
6. Assess hot water usage: Check for leaking faucets and consider water heater age

For a professional energy audit, NJ Clean Energy offers home energy assessments that can identify specific improvement opportunities and available rebates.

Common Electrical Issues That Waste Energy

Some electrical problems directly increase your energy costs:

• Loose electrical connections: Create resistance that wastes electricity as heat
• Outdated wiring: May not support modern energy-efficient appliances
• Incorrect circuit breaker sizing: Can cause inefficient appliance operation
• Poor grounding: Reduces efficiency of sensitive electronics

A professional electrical inspection can identify these issues and ensure your home's electrical system operates at peak efficiency.

The Bottom Line

Energy efficiency isn't just about saving money—it's about reducing your environmental impact and improving home comfort. By implementing these tips, the average New Jersey homeowner can reduce electricity consumption by 20-30% and save $500-1,000 annually on energy costs.

Start with the quick wins (LED bulbs, smart power strips, programmable thermostat) for immediate savings, then plan larger upgrades over time. Many improvements qualify for utility rebates that significantly reduce upfront costs.