Energy bills can take a big bite out of a household budget, especially when temperatures swing from one extreme to another. The good news is that lowering your energy costs doesn’t require expensive upgrades or major lifestyle changes. A few small habits and smart swaps can make a noticeable difference over time.
Whether you’re hoping to save money each month or reduce your environmental impact, here are five practical ways to make your home more energy efficient.
1. Choose Energy-Efficient Appliances and Lighting
When it’s time to replace a household appliance or light bulb, look for energy-efficient options that help cut costs without sacrificing performance.
Products that carry the ENERGY STAR label meet energy-efficiency standards set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). These appliances and lighting products may use up to 30% less energy than standard models, which can lead to lower utility bills and fewer greenhouse gas emissions over their lifespan.
Energy-efficient products are designed to use only the amount of power needed to do their job—whether that’s cooling food, cleaning clothes, or lighting a room. Over time, these small savings add up. Even simple swaps, like replacing old incandescent bulbs with LEDs, can help lower your energy use while keeping your home comfortable and well-lit.
2. Use Appliances Strategically
Even if you already own energy-efficient appliances, how and when you use them can make a big difference in your energy costs. Some of the biggest household energy users are dryers, dishwashers, and ovens. Using them more thoughtfully can help keep your bills in check.
Try these small adjustments:
- Do laundry back-to-back: Drying consecutive loads makes use of leftover heat, reducing total energy use.
- Air dry when possible: Hang clothes outside or use an indoor drying rack instead of running the dryer for every load.
- Wait for a full load: Run the dishwasher only when it’s completely full to make the most of each cycle.
- Cook smart: During the summer, consider grilling or using smaller appliances like a slow cooker or air fryer. Ovens generate heat that can make your air conditioner work harder, increasing energy costs.
Making small changes to how you use everyday appliances can help you save energy, reduce wear and tear on your machines, and lower your monthly utility bills.
3. Improve Insulation and Seal Drafts
A well-insulated home keeps warm air in during winter and hot air out during summer—reducing the amount of energy your heating and cooling systems need to stay comfortable.
Check around windows, doors, and walls for gaps or cracks where air can escape. Sealing these with weatherstripping or caulk can make an immediate difference. It also helps to insulate spaces that are often overlooked, like attics or basement rim joists, which can lose more air than windows.
Improving insulation and sealing drafts doesn’t just save energy—it can also make your home quieter, reduce humidity, and improve indoor air quality. A simple weekend project can lead to long-term comfort and savings.
4. Maintain Heating and Cooling Systems
Your heating and cooling systems work hardest to keep your home comfortable, which means they also account for a large share of your energy use. Regular maintenance can keep these systems running efficiently and prevent costly breakdowns.
Start with the basics:
- Replace air filters regularly: Clogged filters restrict airflow and make your system work harder, which increases energy use.
- Keep vents clear: Make sure furniture, rugs, or curtains aren’t blocking airflow from your vents.
- Inspect your ducts: Leaks or gaps in ductwork can waste significant amounts of heated or cooled air.
It’s also a good idea to schedule a professional HVAC tune-up once a year. A technician can clean internal components, check for issues, and ensure your unit runs at peak efficiency. Routine care not only helps lower energy bills but also extends the life of your system.
5. Install and Use a Programmable Thermostat
Heating and cooling take up the biggest portion of most household energy bills, but a programmable thermostat can help manage those costs automatically.
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, setting your thermostat back 7 to 10 degrees Fahrenheit for eight hours a day—such as when you’re asleep or away—may help you save up to 10% a year on heating and cooling costs.
Programmable or smart thermostats make it easy to adjust temperatures based on your schedule. You can program them to warm up or cool down your home just before you wake up or return home, so you stay comfortable without wasting energy.
During winter, lowering the temperature slightly at night can reduce heating costs, while in summer, raising it a few degrees can ease the strain on your air conditioner. Over time, those small adjustments can lead to noticeable savings on your monthly bills.
Conclusion: Save Energy, Save Money
Lowering your energy bills doesn’t have to mean giving up comfort or convenience. Small, consistent changes—like sealing drafts, using appliances efficiently, and keeping your HVAC system in good shape—can make your home more energy-efficient and comfortable year-round.
The key is awareness. When you understand how your household uses energy, you can make smarter choices that reduce waste and keep more money in your pocket. Over time, those small steps can add up to meaningful savings and a lighter impact on the environment.
The content provided is intended for informational purposes only. Estimates or statements contained within may be based on prior results or from third parties. The views expressed in these materials are those of the author and may not reflect the view of SmartSpending. We make no guarantees that the information contained on this site will be accurate or applicable and results may vary depending on individual situations. Contact a financial and/or tax professional regarding your specific financial and tax situation. Please visit our terms of service for full terms governing the use this site.