WHAT’S THE AVERAGE COST OF UTILITIES IN NEW JERSEY? NEW REPORT
The average cost of utilities in New Jersey is around $450 per month, which includes electricity, sewer, water, and natural gas, as well as other recurring costs such as internet, phone, and streaming services.
It’s difficult to know if you’re paying too much. Not only do you have other bills clamoring for your attention, but New Jersey’s climate often demands more heating and cooling than other states. Understanding the state average cost is a good starting point for comparison. However, there are multiple ways to reduce these costs without sacrificing your safety or comfort.
This report will examine recent statistics and energy trends to give you the bigger picture of your energy usage. We’ll then share tips to help you make your home more efficient, so you can save a little money going forward.
Need help with your HVAC system? Call A.J. Perri to speak with a local technician.
Table of Contents
Water, Sewer, and Trash Costs: The Often-Overlooked Utilities
How To Tell If You’re Paying Too Much For Utility Bills In New Jersey
New Jersey Utility Costs | Electricity | Water | Sewer | Natural Gas |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Average Monthly Cost | $115 | $70 | $67 | $100 |
Average Annual Cost | $1,800 | $600 | $804 | $1,200 |
How New Jersey Utility Costs Compare to the U.S. Average
New Jersey’s average utility costs are close to the national average of $611 a month. Comparing these average utility costs in New Jersey to some of the lowest monthly averages in the country, it is clear that New Jersey ranks on the higher end. Some states rarely exceed $430 per month, like New Mexico, North Dakota, and Wisconsin.
To date, West Virginia typically has the highest average utility cost in the country. One reason for the high costs is continued dependence on coal.
Average Electricity Costs in New Jersey
The average electrical cost in New Jersey is on the higher side. Expect a range between 19.68 and 23.13 cents per kilowatt-hour for residential buildings, or an average of $150 per month.
New Jersey’s seasonal impact is higher due to its humid, subtropical climate. The state’s residents rely on cooling systems regularly to stay comfortable in hot, wet summers. Some homes also contain dehumidifiers to control indoor moisture levels.
Average Natural Gas and Heating Costs in New Jersey Homes
The average New Jersey household spends about $18.15 per thousand cubic feet of natural gas, or $1.75 per therm, for a total of about $1,200 per year for winter heating.
Despite the mostly subtropical climate, New Jersey still receives heavy snow and intense storms when winter arrives. State residents sometimes see 11 to 16 inches of snowfall, along with rain and sleet. The state is no stranger to cold snaps, with the northern portion sometimes experiencing temperatures below freezing in winter.
Water, Sewer, and Trash Costs: The Often-Overlooked Utilities
The average monthly water bill in the United States is around $50 for a home, while sewer and trash costs are usually between $62 and $67. The average residential water bill in New Jersey hovers around $70 per month, while sewer and trash bills range from $67 to $80. New Jersey may see a small increase in water and sewage costs per month due to new state initiatives to improve water-based infrastructure.
The average cost of utilities in New Jersey can still change with shifts in your habits. We can help you reduce your water usage while keeping you comfortable.
Why Utility Bills Vary So Much Across New Jersey
While New Jersey is one of the more energy-hungry states in the country, there is still some variation by individual lifestyle. Region, home size, home age, and fuel type are just a few factors that affect residential utility bills.
Region and Weather
The average cost of utilities in New Jersey varies by season and region. The northern part of the state experiences heavier snowfall and colder temperatures, while the southern part tends to experience more heat waves.
Home Size
The square footage of a home also affects the cost to heat and cool it. Efficient HVAC systems can keep costs under control, but when air has to flow through more rooms, it requires additional energy to achieve a consistent temperature.
Home Age
Older homes tend to lack modern upgrades that can reduce energy bills. Modern homes may include features such as window glazing to reduce energy waste or smart thermostats to control energy use.
Older homes may also have outdated and inefficient systems, such as furnaces that produce weak heat or AC units that take too long to cool. Landlords and homeowners may have to use this equipment longer to achieve the same results as modern models, incurring costs with diminishing returns.
Insulation
Weak insulation is one of the biggest contributors to higher-than-average energy bills. These issues can allow heated and cooled air to seep out through drafty doors, ill-fitting windows, or cracks in the floorboards.
Fuel Type
Some of the most expensive fuel types are oil, coal, and natural gas. While solar and wind power are among the most affordable and clean energy sources, they’re not standardized across New Jersey.
How To Tell If You’re Paying Too Much For Utilities In New Jersey
The average cost of utilities in New Jersey is a strong starting point to analyze your own monthly bills. While some of your energy usage may be due to a large household or personal preference, consider these warning signs.
Monthly Average Is Higher Than State Average
While a monthly average can’t account for every nuance in your home or business, it’s a solid measuring stick if you notice a major disparity. A few dollars over isn’t cause for alarm, but several hundred dollars suggests a deeper problem. A high monthly energy bill could be caused by outdated HVAC equipment or poor insulation that allows heated and cooled air to seep out.
Spikes in Your Energy Bill With No Obvious Cause
Not only should you measure your monthly and annual usage against averages, but you should also compare with your past bills. If you’re noticing a sudden spike in energy usage, first rule out common causes like seasonal changes or lifestyle changes. If you can’t pinpoint specific causes for spikes in your energy bill, your HVAC equipment may be starting to break down.
Lack of Comfort Indoors
If you’re constantly freezing or sweating in your home, it may be time to consider a few changes. Examples include installing an energy-efficient HVAC system or scheduling a professional inspection to figure out what’s causing the problem.
5 Ways To Reduce Your Utility Costs
We want to help you minimize household utility expenses in New Jersey. We have a few tried-and-tested ways to lower your energy bills while keeping your home comfortable year-round.
1. Upgrade to Energy-Efficient Equipment
Sometimes it’s more cost-effective to replace an old HVAC system or water heater. Getting an in-home inspection with a technician can help you weigh your long-term savings against the short-term costs of a new installation.
2. Add a Smart Thermostat
A smart thermostat connects to your Wi-Fi to provide more control over indoor temperatures and heating and cooling needs. It can adapt to your lifestyle with automated scheduling for your HVAC system to keep bills down. You can also control your thermostat remotely on your phone or tablet.
3. Keep Up With Yearly Maintenance
A quick maintenance visit to ensure your systems are working properly goes a long way toward saving money. Our technicians offer HVAC maintenance services to identify potential concerns and test airflow for optimal energy savings.
4. Make Insulation Improvements
Pinpointing drafty areas in your home and plugging up holes is one of the simplest ways to save money. You may need to add weatherstrips to your windows and doors or use caulk to seal leaky spots.
5. Get a Professional Inspection
An experienced technician can identify the most effective ways to reduce energy costs. They can review everything from your current equipment to your ductwork, identifying areas for improvement and making adjustments.
Turn to A.J. Perri for Trusted Home Services
Want to speak with a home services technician about how you can start reducing the average cost of utilities in New Jersey? A.J. Perri is a local provider of HVAC, plumbing, and smart home services that helps landlords and homeowners get more value out of their homes. Schedule service today or give us a call to get started!