Colder temperatures mean increased energy consumption as heating systems kick in to keep you warm and comfortable. And every degree your heating system is adjusted affects its daily energy use and, in turn, your energy bill. But it’s not too late to take action to manage your energy costs. New Jersey Natural Gas (NJNG) shares energy-saving tips along with information on available tools and resources to help customers manage energy costs this heating season.
Enroll in NJNG’s Free Budget Plan now. Balance the seasonal highs and lows of your natural gas bills by spreading the estimated annual costs evenly over 12 monthly payments. To enroll in the Budget Plan, visit njng.com and register at My Account or pay the budget amount shown on your NJNG bill.
Understand your energy usage with NJNG’s free online tool. Sign on to the Conserve to Preserve Dashboard, NJNG’s online energy assessment tool, and get a customized action plan that provides useful cost-effective advice to help make your home more energy-efficient and comfortable. Also learn about how much energy-efficiency upgrades may save you and which ones provide more value for the money. Plus you can get information about rebates and incentives available from NJNG’s The SAVEGREEN Project® and New Jersey’s Clean Energy Program™ to help make energy-efficiency upgrades more affordable.
Save energy and money with low- to no-cost energy-efficiency tips.
- Make sure your furnace and water heater are properly ventilated and clear of obstructions.
- Have a heating and cooling professional perform an annual inspection and routine system maintenance to ensure your furnace is operating at peak performance. (NJNG does not perform this service).
- Lower your hot water temperature to 120 degrees Fahrenheit and insulate hot water pipes to conserve energy.
- Replace furnace filters a minimum of every three months. A dirty filter restricts airflow, demanding more energy and slowing down the heating process.
- Install a programmable thermostat. Adjust the times you turn on the heat according to a pre-set schedule and your equipment will not operate as much while you’re asleep or away from home. And turn down your thermostat to 68 degrees during daytime hours when home. For every degree you lower your heat over an eight hour period, you’ll save one percent on heating costs.
- Seal up seams and cracks around walls, windows, doors and fixtures to reduce drafts and consider installing additional insulation and seal air leaks in your attic. As much as 30 percent of energy is lost through floors, walls and ceilings.
- Replace your old and inefficient heating and cooling system with ENERGY STAR®-qualified equipment and you may cut your annual energy bill by as much as $200.
Take advantage of energy assistance programs, if needed. There are programs available for varying household incomes and financial situations. Please visit the “Trouble Paying Your Bills?” quicklink at njng.com. You can also request a Deferred Payment Arrangement at My Account at njng.com.
[TLS]