Money-Saving Energy Tips for Your Millburn-Short Hills Home!

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, a New Jersey resident spends an average of $3,834.13 a year on combined energy costs. While there isn't much we can do about utility rates or cold winters, there are easy, cost-effective ways to reduce the energy consumption in our homes! Here are some tips I put together from Energy.gov:

1. Allow sunlight through your windows during the day. Even a few hours of natural sunlight can help keep your home warmer. At night, shut curtains and blinds to help trap in heat.

2. Use seasonal window treatments. In the winter, make use of heavy drapes and blinds that close tightly. 

3. Use foam weather stripping inside of door frames to prevent drafts.

4. Drafty windows should be caulked, or sealed with a clear plastic sheet around the interior frame.

5. If you have a fireplace, keep the damper closed unless you have a fire going. Check the seal around the damper to make sure it closes snugly. If you have a fireplace that you never use, plug and seal the chimney flue.

6. Turn down the temperature on your hot water heater. A hot water temperature of 120 degrees should be adequate for household use. Heating your water can account for 14% to 25% of the energy use in your Millburn-Short Hills home!

7. Turn back the thermostat by 5 or 10 degrees while you are sleeping, and whenever you plan to be away from home for a few hours.

8. When cooking, avoid the temptation to repeatedly open the oven door and check on the progress of your dish. Set timers and use meat thermometers to cut down on the peek-and-guess cooking method.

9. Install water-saving shower heads.

10. If you're not already using them, replace your standard light bulbs with CFL bulbs. CFL's have come a long way since their beginnings and use 75% less energy than traditional bulbs!

As your Millburn-Short Hills real estate professional, I'm happy to share these money-saving energy tips for your home! And whenever you are thinking of buying or selling a home, I'll be happy to help you! Contact me today, and let my 18 years of experience give you the advantage in our real estate market!

Elaine Pruzon
Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage
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