PSEG Has Given Free ‘Energy Checkups’ To Thousands Of Homeowners

NEWARK, NJ — There may be several ways to cut down on your energy bills this winter. And PSE&G is willing to pay New Jersey residents a free visit at home to help them figure out how.

Since launching in June 2021, PSE&G has completed 4,096 appointments with electric and gas customers in the Garden State as part of its Quick Home Energy Checkup program.

The company, which has a headquarters in Newark, offers more details about the program on its website:

"A free Quick Home Energy Check-up is an easy way to pinpoint all the ways your home can save more energy — and money. And, it only takes about an hour. When you schedule an appointment, a Building Performance Institute (BPI) certified professional will perform an in-home or virtual inspection via video chat on your smartphone. You’ll discover where your home might be wasting energy, and get tips on how you can save money. Then, we’ll jumpstart your savings by installing a variety of energy-saving products, like LED light bulbs, as needed."

During in-home or virtual inspections, PSE&G customers can get free professional advice and energy efficiency recommendations on the following topics:

• Insulation levels in walls, ceilings, and attics
• Air leakage around windows and doors
• Heating and cooling systems
• Lighting fixtures
• Appliances
• Water heating equipment

PSE&G says inspectors may provide and install one or more of the following products at no cost:

• LED light bulbs
• Faucet aerators
• Efficient-flow showerheads
• Water heater pipe insulation
• Smart power strips
• ShowerStart showerhead adapters

“Plus, we can provide and install an Energy Star-certified smart thermostat for a discounted price,” PSE&G states. “The cost of your smart thermostat may be eligible to be incorporated into your energy bill as part of our interest-free on-bill repayment option.”

“Within a few days after your home inspection, you’ll receive a customized report with recommendations you can take to reduce your energy usage,” PSE&G states. “If your inspection was virtual, you’ll also receive your customized package of energy-saving products with detailed, easy-to-follow self-installation instructions.”

Schedule online or request an appointment by contacting 1-855-846-2895.

PSE&G’s website adds:

“You must be a PSE&G residential electric or gas customer to participate. One Quick Home Energy Checkup per residence, per year. This program is subject to change, including termination, without prior notice. Appointments are available Monday to Friday. Limited number of appointments available on Saturdays.”

What are some of the most common energy-saving suggestions that PSE&G workers make after doing inspections?

“We almost always suggest to look into other PSE&G programs, such as Comfort Partners, Home Weatherization, and Home Performance w/Energy Star programs,” a spokesperson told Patch. “If the customer is interested, the technician would go deeper into explaining air sealing/insulation.”

Absent participating in one of its other programs, PSE&G recommends:

• Checking out your local home improvement store for easy to install weatherization items: window seal kits, weather stripping/caulking, door sweeps, etc.
• Replacing/fixing windows
• Upgrading/installing insulation in attics or crawl spaces
• Residents seeking to save on their energy bills should also consider programmable or smart thermostats, PSE&G said.

“If they don’t want to pursue that option, we will recommend setting reminders on their phones to adjust the thermostat when they are not going to be home, or when they are sleeping,” a spokesperson suggested.

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