"New Jersey's Clean Energy Program is rewarding customers who take a 'whole house' approach to energy efficiency in their homes, from the most basic feature in the home -- like light bulbs -- to complex systems such as heating and cooling," said NJBPU President Jeanne M. Fox.

"These rebates are one of our many program offerings that help residents become a part of Governor Corzine's goal to reduce overall energy use 20 percent by 2020."

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, an ENERGY STAR qualified clothes washer can save $550 in operating costs and reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 435 pounds over its lifetime. ENERGY STAR qualified central air conditioners are 14 percent more efficient than standard models, saving $532 in operating costs and reducing carbon dioxide emissions by 13,092 pounds over its lifetime.

Consumers can get $50 or $75 back from New Jersey's Clean Energy Program when they purchase eligible ENERGY STAR qualified clothes washers and up to $100 on central air conditioning systems installed by a certified contractor participating in New Jersey's COOLAdvantage Program.

Additionally, retailers throughout New Jersey are offering special discounts sponsored by New Jersey's Clean Energy Program for ENERGY STAR qualified lighting.

Five simple ways to save even more energy at home this spring include the following:

1. Get a Home Performance Assessment. Home Performance with ENERGY STAR can help you use less energy and reduce your energy costs by up to 30 percent. Contractors accredited by the Building Performance Institute (BPI), a national resource for building science, will provide a whole house assessment and recommend ways you can save with improved energy efficiency, comfort and safety.

During the assessment, the contractor tests the home for air leakage and looks for opportunities to improve the home's insulation, heating and cooling system, windows, appliances and lighting. Low interest financing -- or 10 percent cash back -is available for eligible measures.

2. Use ceiling fans. Using ENERGY STAR-qualified ceiling fans can help cool your home without greatly increasing electricity use. Ceiling fans also improve airflow and create pleasant breezes.

3. Use a programmable thermostat. A home doesn't need to be chilled all day to be comfortable, so save energy and money by installing an ENERGY STAR-qualified programmable thermostat to regulate cooling and heating systems. Save three percent on energy costs for each degree you set your thermostat higher than 72 degrees on your room or central air conditioner.

4. Light homes with a cooler bulb. ENERGY STAR qualified lighting produces 75 percent less heat, uses 75 percent less energy and lasts up to 10 times longer than a standard incandescent bulb. One ENERGY STAR qualified compact fluorescent light bulb (CFL) saves $65 and reduces carbon dioxide emissions by almost 700 pounds over its lifetime.

5. Use ENERGY STAR qualified home electronics. ENERGY STAR qualified home electronics -- such as televisions, VCRs, DVDs and telephones -- use 60 percent less energy while providing the same performance as less efficient models.

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New Jersey's Clean Energy Program