Your New Jersey home relies on energy. You need it to power your electronics, keep your lights on, and keep the temperature comfortable. The thing is that energy can be expensive. If you use a significant amount (or you’re unknowingly wasting it), you are likely paying much more than you need to. Here are five cost-effective ways to reduce your energy bills.

Alter the Temperature

Changing the temperature even just a few degrees when you’re asleep or when you’re not at home can have a big impact over time. A programmable thermostat allows you to set a schedule so you don’t have to worry about remembering to do it each time. You can even go one step further and invest in a smart thermostat, which allows you to change the temperature from no matter where you are.

Consider Zoning

Another way to make your home more energy-efficient and reduce your energy bills is to zone your home. Rather than heating or cooling your entire home to the same temperature, you can set different temperatures for each zone. Areas that aren’t occupied (or that don’t get a lot of use) can be kept slightly higher or lower than occupied areas. This reduces the responsibility of your HVAC, which reduces your bills.

Change Your Filters

Your HVAC has an air filter, which removes impurities in the air before heating or warming the air and recirculating it into your home. Over time, the filter fills up. When it’s clogged, your HVAC has a harder time drawing in air, which makes it work much harder. This results in stress on your HVAC and your system running more than it should. Check it monthly and change it when it looks dirty.

Replace Old Appliances

New technology is designed to be more efficient than older models. If your home has older appliances, such as a dishwasher, oven, washer, and dryer, it may be time to consider switching to a newer, energy-efficient version. While replacing old appliances can be expensive, they will pay for themselves fairly quickly and help you save money in the long run.

Invest in an Alternative Energy Source

Traditional energy isn’t just expensive. It’s also not great for the environment. Fortunately, alternative energy sources such as solar power new jersey are becoming more widely available. These energy sources are cleaner, renewable, and can help you to reduce your monthly energy bills.

Don’t let high energy bills frustrate you every month. You can take several steps to improve the energy-efficiency of your home and reduce what you pay.