How to Save Energy at Home

Before spending money on upgrades, figure out where your energy is actually going.

• Walk through room by room and note anything that feels drafty, outdated, or inefficient.
• Check for drafts around windows, doors, and outlets. Hold a candle near edges to spot air leaks.
• Inspect insulation in your attic, basement, and crawl spaces. Older homes often have gaps.
• Note old appliances that may be drawing more power than modern replacements.
• Try our Home Energy Audit tool for a scored checklist across 6 categories.

Lighting is one of the easiest and cheapest fixes in any home.

• Switch to LED bulbs. They use 75% less energy than incandescent bulbs and last 15 to 25 times longer.
• Maximize natural light. Open curtains and blinds during the day. Rearrange workspaces near windows.
• Install dimmers in living rooms and bedrooms to reduce usage when full brightness is not needed.
• Use motion sensors in hallways, bathrooms, and outdoor areas so lights only run when someone is present.
• Turn off lights when you leave a room. It sounds obvious, but it adds up.

Heating and cooling account for nearly half of a typical home's energy use. Even small adjustments make a noticeable difference.

• Set your thermostat to 68F in winter and 78F in summer. Each degree saves about 3% on your bill.
• Install a programmable or smart thermostat to automatically adjust when you are sleeping or away.
• Seal air leaks around windows and doors with caulk or weather stripping.
• Clean or replace HVAC filters every 1 to 3 months for better efficiency.
• Use ceiling fans to circulate air. Run them counterclockwise in summer (down draft) and clockwise in winter (updraft).

Water heating is the second largest energy expense in most homes, typically accounting for about 18% of your bill.

• Lower your water heater to 120F. Most come set at 140F, which wastes energy and risks scalding.
• Insulate your water heater tank and the first 6 feet of hot water pipes.
• Fix dripping faucets. A single hot water drip can waste hundreds of gallons per year.
• Take shorter showers. Cutting 2 minutes per shower saves roughly 5 gallons of hot water each time.
• Wash clothes in cold water. Modern detergents work just as well without hot water.
• Install low-flow showerheads that use 2 gallons per minute or less.

How you use your appliances matters as much as which appliances you own.

• Run full loads in the dishwasher and washing machine. Partial loads waste water and energy.
• Air-dry dishes and clothes when possible. The dryer is one of the most energy-hungry appliances.
• Unplug phantom power draws. Devices on standby (TVs, chargers, game consoles) use energy even when off.
• Use power strips to easily switch off groups of electronics at once.
• When replacing appliances, look for the ENERGY STAR label. These meet strict efficiency standards.

Once you have reduced your energy use, consider generating your own clean energy or buying it from green sources.

• Get a solar quote. Costs have dropped dramatically, and many areas offer tax credits and rebates. Use our Solar Savings Estimator to see potential savings.
• Look into community solar if your roof is not suitable. You can subscribe to a local solar farm and get credits on your bill.
• Switch to a green energy provider that sources electricity from renewable sources like wind and solar.
• Consider a heat pump for heating and cooling. Modern heat pumps work efficiently even in cold climates.

What gets measured gets improved. Tracking your energy use keeps you motivated and shows what is working.

• Compare your monthly bills to see if your changes are making a difference.
• Track year-over-year usage to account for seasonal variations.
• Use your utility's online dashboard for detailed breakdowns, if available.
• Set specific goals, like reducing usage by 10% this year or cutting $50 off your monthly bill.
• Celebrate milestones. Saving energy is a long game. Acknowledge your progress along the way.