Energy Efficiency in New Jersey: How NJ Compares to Other Homes in the U.S.
Among the United States, New Jersey ranks in the top ten for energy efficiency. In 2025, it was rated as one of the most improved states in terms of efficiency, in large part thanks to the Clean Energy Act and other efficiency incentives the state offers.
The state has goals to increase efficiency even more over the next several years, but many homes still have aging systems that lead to waste. How can you upgrade your system and take advantage of New Jersey energy incentives?
Read on to learn more about energy efficiency in New Jersey and how you can save energy at home.
How New Jersey Compares to Other States in Energy Use
In the United States, a home’s HVAC system is typically the largest source of energy use. More than half of a household’s annual energy consumption comes from air conditioning and space heating. Compared to other states, New Jersey has relatively average energy consumption:
- 61% of homes use a furnace for space heating
- 40% of homes use secondary heating equipment
- 96% of homes use some kind of air conditioning equipment
- 75% of homes rely on natural gas for heating fuel
Because so many homes use energy for regular heating and cooling, making the process as efficient as possible can protect the economy, climate, and community resources in the area.
New Jersey Energy Efficiency Incentives, Rebates, and Tax Credits
New Jersey wants to incentivize homeowners to save energy. They offer a variety of tax credits and rebates—and New Jersey residents can take advantage of some federal incentives as well.
- The New Jersey Clean Energy Act requires 50% of the energy sold in the state to come from qualifying energy sources by 2030.
- The New Jersey Energy Choice Program allows residents to choose where to buy their energy from.
- New Jersey Energy Efficiency Programs make it easy for residents to find and enroll in qualifying programs.
Residents may earn rebates from efficient appliances, participate in HVAC recycling programs, or qualify for incentives when they combine heat, power, and fuel cell installations.
Energy-Saving Tips for New Jersey Homeowners
The easiest way to start saving energy is to pay attention to your usage. Simple changes to address seasonal demands and ongoing routines can make a meaningful difference. A quick DIY energy audit can help you find which of these factors might improve your energy efficiency.
Check Insulation and Seals
Outdoor spaces don’t need temperature-controlled air—but sometimes they get too much of it as homes leak out the air produced in their HVAC system. Improper insulation or leaky seals are the most common ways air escapes.
Check doors, windows, and outdoor vents for proper sealing and fix any holes or misalignment. Ensure your home has proper insulation in the walls and attic, and contact professionals to add higher-grade insulation materials if necessary.
Use Sun Strategically
If temperature-controlled air can escape the home, well, temperature can enter the home as well. Work with the natural cycles of the sun and seasons rather than against them. In the winter, opening the blinds during peak sunlight can let in a little more brightness and warmth.
In the summer, closing the blinds during peak heat can keep it from building up inside. You can also open your windows on early summer mornings when it is still cool outside. This brings down the indoor temperature without running extra air conditioning cycles.
Ensure Proper Circulation
Stagnant air doesn’t carry comfort through your home. It has to move around to carry warmth or cooling with it. If your home doesn’t feel like it’s the right temperature, even with your HVAC system going, check your vents. They should all be open and unobstructed. Cleaning out ducts and vents every few years ensures proper circulation (and contributes to air quality as well).
Outside of your HVAC system, moving air around with ceiling fans, open bedroom doors, or occasional open-window time can keep air flowing.
Adjust Indoor Temps
For a long time, general advice said to set your thermostat at 78 degrees in the summer and 68 degrees in the winter. But those temperatures aren’t comfortable for everyone, especially as cultures and climates change. The good news is that you don’t have to go to extremes to make some strides toward efficiency. Even adjusting your thermostat just a few degrees can make a difference.
Try starting with adjustments on a winter night. If you leave your house at a slightly lower temperature when it’s cold outside, it loses heat much more slowly, which can translate to significant energy savings.
Get Regular Maintenance
Regular HVAC system maintenance is one of the best ways to stay on top of efficiency concerns. Cleanings, tune-ups, and seasonal preparations keep your system running at its best. Plus, these check-ups are opportunities to recognize when something needs to be repaired or replaced for optimal performance.
Recommendations for HVAC Upgrades in New Jersey Homes
In addition to saving energy with thoughtful usage, HVAC upgrades can transform your efficiency and energy bills. A local technician can walk you through your options, based on your home size, local weather, and other factors.
These are the four areas A.J. Perri typically recommends upgrades. Check out how we implemented some of these upgrades for a local military family.
Professional Energy Audit
If you’ve done your own checks and audits but still want to maximize your efficiency further, a professional audit can take a deeper look. During an energy audit, a technician will go through your home room by room to identify potential areas of concern. They typically use more specialized equipment than you have at your disposal, such as infrared cameras, to hone in on all the little details.
When their inspection is complete, they send you a full list of recommended upgrades and adjustments. This can range from moving appliances away from vents to repairing problems with your HVAC unit. Making these adjustments can save up to 30% on your energy bill.
Schedule a professional energy audit with A.J. Perri.
Upgraded Air Conditioner
You don’t always need an energy audit to determine which culprits to look at when it comes to home energy efficiency. In places like New Jersey, where hot seasons extend for months, air conditioning is the obvious first place to investigate.
If your unit cycles too quickly when in use or your energy bills have unexpectedly increased, look at your air conditioner. You might need an upgrade if your system is over 10 years old or requires frequent repairs. You might also need an upgrade if your unit is the wrong size to efficiently cool your space. This can happen after renovations or if previous owners installed the wrong size.
Find the right AC unit for your home.
Efficient Heating System
Winters aren’t exactly temperate in New Jersey either, especially as you get further inland. Many homes see a spike in energy usage in the winter months as they turn up the heat. Older furnaces lose efficiency over time, and new technology allows even greater efficiency gains.
An upgraded furnace leads to a more energy-efficient home. Plus, it keeps you more comfortable with improved output and even heating across all the rooms in your home. Look for one with a sufficient energy rating to meet your needs.
Smart Home Controls
A smart thermostat takes efficient air conditioning and heating systems to the next level. It offers you a granular level of control when you want it, while also making automatic decisions about temperature so you don’t have to be a babysitter for your HVAC system.
It can automatically lower the temperature at night and raise it during the day. Many smart systems can also automatically tell when you’re at home and adjust the thermostat for vacations or other times away.
Make Your New Jersey Home More Energy Efficient
Small gains in energy efficiency can make a big difference—to your budget and your community. In New Jersey, this might look like intentional decisions about energy usage as the seasons change or upgraded equipment that takes advantage of the state’s efficiency incentives.
Ready to take the next steps? Call A.J. Perri at 732-733-2541 or schedule a service appointment with one of our experienced technicians.