Jersey Central Power & Light customers can celebrate Earth Day with these energy efficiency tips

NEW JERSEY – Every year on April 22, people all over the word recognize Earth Day. It’s a day to raise awareness for energy conservation and take action for a healthier climate.

This year marks 53 years of recognizing Earth Day since it was first celebrated in 1970. It’s grown into the largest secular observance in the world with nearly one billion people across 192 countries participating in Earth Day celebrations each year.

This year’s Earth Day theme is “Invest in Our Planet.” At FirstEnergy, we’re committed to achieving carbon neutrality by 2050 through ongoing efforts to reduce our carbon footprint, promote responsible use of natural resources and further the advancement of sustainable practices. You can also do your part by making smart energy choices at home.

Here are some easy ways to help save energy and money:

• Plug electronics into a power strip – Using a power strip provides a central “turn off” point, reducing the power consumption used by electronics even when they’re turned off.
• Change your air filter regularly – You could be wasting energy if your filter is not clean. Dirty filters reduce air flow and make the system work harder to keep your home cool.
• Replace light bulbs with LED ones – According to ENERGY STAR®, ENERGY STAR-certified light bulbs can use up to 90% less energy and last up to 25 times longer than incandescent bulbs.
• Recycle your old refrigerator – More than 60 million refrigerators and refrigerator-freezers in the U.S. are costing consumers $4.4 billion a year in energy costs, according to ENERGY STAR. JCP&L customers can receive $50 for recycling a fridge or freezer.
• Invest in energy-efficient appliances – Look for the ENERGY STAR label when shopping for new appliances. ENERGY STAR-certified appliances help save energy and money. JCP&L offers rebates for customers who purchase qualifying models.

• Take advantage of natural resources – Open windows instead of using air conditioning on milder days, and close blinds or drapes to block the sun and cool down your home during hotter days.
• Use low-flow showerheads – According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), an average family uses up to 40 gallons of water a day showering. By switching to a low-flow showerhead, you’ll save on both water consumption and energy needed to heat water.
• Turn off lights – Turn off lights and fans when you’re not in the room or not using them is one of the easiest ways to save energy.
• Seal leaks around the house – Use caulk, foam spray or weather-stripping to fix air leaks around doors and windows. JCP&L customers can take advantage of The Home Performance with ENERGY STAR Program to schedule a comprehensive home audit to detect air leaks.
• Switch to a smart thermostat – A smart thermostat can help reduce the energy needed for heating and cooling by programming pre-set schedules, which you can even change remotely. You can save as much as 10% a year on heating and cooling by turning down your thermostat 7°-10°F for 8 hours a day, according to the Department of Energy.

While Earth Day is a great time to start reducing energy use and help protect the planet, you can look for ways to incorporate energy efficiency every day. For more energy tips and resources, visit www.energysavenj.com.