How to save energy at home
Maximize savings by making both big and small changes
If you want to save on energy costs and reduce your environmental impact, making some simple changes to your daily routine and opting for energy-efficient products can make a big difference. It’s all about adopting a few energy-efficient habits and sticking to them.
As Paul Eaton, founder of Ladybug Energy, a Texas energy marketplace, put it: “In a nutshell, saving energy is about making mindful choices, big and small.”
Key insights
- Simple steps — like turning off lights and unplugging electronics when not in use — can add up to substantial energy savings over time.
- Look for Energy Star-certified products, which meet strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the EPA, and WaterSense-labeled products, which are designed to be water-efficient.
- Take advantage of natural light: Open curtains or blinds to let in sunlight and reduce the need for artificial lighting, and consider arranging your furniture to maximize natural light flow.
Energy conservation vs. energy efficiency
If you’re interested in saving on your energy bills, you’ll need to think about both energy conservation and energy efficiency.
- Energy conservation means taking steps that consume less energy, like waiting until there’s a full load to do laundry or plugging your sink while you hand-wash dishes.
- Energy efficiency refers to the practice of using as little energy as possible, like implementing low-flow toilets or motion sensors for your lights.
» MORE: Energy-efficient mortgages: what it is and how to get one
Both also contribute to a healthier planet, and some agencies, like Efficiency Maine, offer significant loans for energy-efficient home improvements. (Maine ranked as No. 4 in our recent greenest states study.)
8 ways to conserve energy at home
There are countless ways to reduce your energy needs. Brad Johnsmeyer, co-founder of Ecohome, suggested starting small, “To save the most energy at home with minimal investment, my top suggestion would be to focus on the small changes that have a big impact,” he told us.
Focus on the small changes that have a big impact.”
Below are eight changes that yield big savings. A good strategy to jump-start your energy conservation is to start with something easy and move forward from there.
1. Use energy-efficient lighting
When it comes to artificial light, LEDs are best; they use 75% less energy and last 25 times longer than incandescent lights. A good savings strategy might be replacing your incandescent bulbs with LEDs as they burn out.
» OTHER ALTERNATIVES: How do solar lights work?
2. Optimize heating and cooling systems
Regular maintenance on energy-efficient heating and cooling systems is important: Change the filters often and be mindful of where you place your thermostat — TVs, lamps and other warm appliances can interfere with its readings, making your air conditioner run longer than it should.
» COMPARE: Best home warranties for HVAC
3. Insulate your home
Keeping your home well insulated can make a huge difference, potentially saving you up to 20% on heating and cooling costs.
Cisco DeVries, CEO of OhmConnect, a company whose mission is “unlocking clean, affordable and reliable energy,” explained attic insulation, air sealing and floor and crawl space insulation keep your house warm in the winter and cool in the summer.
According to DeVries, good insulation costs about $1.59 per square foot and can save you up to 20% on heating and cooling costs and up to 10% on total energy costs.
4. Turn off devices and reduce phantom power
If you struggle to remember to power down electronics, try using smart plugs or power strips that automatically turn off the power supply when items aren’t in use. Also, go ahead and unplug any devices you can.
“Just because you turned the device off doesn’t necessarily mean it stops using electricity,” DeVries explained.
Devices that are plugged in but not in use, like electric toothbrushes, phone chargers and microwaves, use what’s called “phantom power.” DeVries likens the sources of phantom power to “energy vampires” because they drain power even when they aren’t being used and can account for up to 20% of your monthly bill.
Just because you turned the device off doesn’t necessarily mean it stops using electricity.”
5. Upgrade to energy-efficient appliances
Chances are that the newer the product, the more energy efficient it is — a 2023 refrigerator is four times more efficient than one that’s 50 years old, for example. When your old appliances break down, look for Energy Star-rated replacements with a yellow EnergyGuide label. The yellow label tells you how much energy the appliance uses and how much to expect in energy costs.
» MORE: Is an appliance extended warranty worth it?
6. Practice smart water usage
The two biggest sources of water use at home are toilets and showerheads, with toilets accounting for a whopping 25% of all household water use.
Look for products with a WaterSense label to reduce your energy consumption — for example, replacing an inefficient showerhead with a WaterSense-approved head can reduce your water use by 2,700 gallons a year.
PEACE OF MIND: A product must meet competitive market standards to receive the WaterSense label.
7. Employ natural lighting and ventilation
Using daylight means you don’t have to use power to light your room, but using this light also lets in heat in the summer and cool air in the winter. There are solutions, though; to make the best use of natural sunlight without letting excess heat into your home, try solar tubes for an energy-efficient natural light source.
» LEARN: What is a solar tube?
8. Install solar panels
The sun is a great source of clean and natural renewable energy. While cloud coverage and weather do have some impact on performance, solar panels can produce energy year-round, even in harsh New England winters.
The only real drawback to installing solar panels is the upfront cost, which can be quite high. That said, solar panels are getting more efficient and have long life spans, making them a low-risk, long-term investment.
Rick, a ConsumerAffairs reviewer from Florida who purchased solar panels from SunPower, felt the expense was worth it early in the process. “We don't really have an electric bill anymore,” they told us. “The electric company owes me money at this point. My last bill was negative $17, and that's a great place to be.”
The electric company owes me money at this point. My last bill was negative $17, and that's a great place to be.”
If you’re interested in solar energy but worried you don’t have the financing, special mortgage lending is available for green improvements. Federal tax incentives can also lower the cost of solar by up to 30%, and there are sometimes additional incentives at state and local levels.
» MORE: Best Solar Energy Companies
FAQ
How can I reduce energy consumption during the summer?
To save energy, consider the following tips:
- Vacuum your air vents.
- Cover your south-facing windows during the day.
- Weather-strip your doors and windows.
- Run the bathroom fan when you shower.
And turn off ceiling fans when you’re not in the room — they can make you feel cooler, but they don’t actually lower the room temperature.
What are some simple ways to save energy in the kitchen?
Hand-washing dishes uses twice as much energy as an energy-efficient dishwasher. To get the most savings, load your dishwasher fully before running. You can also set your fridge at 35 to 38 degrees Fahrenheit and defrost regularly to maximize efficiency.
Since toaster ovens and microwaves are much more energy efficient than conventional ovens, avoid the traditional oven as much as possible and cover pots and pans while cooking.
Does turning off appliances and electronics save energy?
Items that are not in use should be turned off and unplugged. The U.S. Department of Energy estimates these items account for 5% to 10% of most people’s electricity usage.
Is it worth investing in renewable energy sources for my home?
By far, the biggest drawback to renewable energy sources (like solar panels) is the high upfront costs. However, solar panels can add significant resale value to your home. With a 25-year life span and a 10-year return on investment, solar panels can save you quite a bit of money over time. Depending on where you live, you may even be able to sell your excess energy back to the electric company.
Article sources
- City of Sonoma, “ What is the difference between energy efficiency and energy conservation? ” Accessed July 17, 2023.
- Energy Star, “ Smart Thermostats .” Accessed July 19, 2023.
- Energy Star, “ What's the Difference Between the Energy Guide and Energy Star? ” Accessed July 20, 2023.
- Environmental Protection Agency, “ Save with an Energy Star Qualified Dishwasher… ” Accessed July 20, 2023.
- Environmental Protection Agency, “ Start Saving .” Accessed July 17, 2023.
- Environmental Protection Agency, “ WaterSense Labeled Showerheads .” Accessed July 17, 2023.
- Environmental Protection Agency, “ The WaterSense Label .” Accessed July 20, 2023.
- Seattle Public Utilities, “ Using Water Wisely at Home .” July 20, 2023.
- U.S. Department of Energy, “ Homeowner’s Guide to the Federal Tax Credit for Solar Photovoltaics .” Accessed July 20, 2023.
- U.S. Department of Energy, “ 3 Easy Tips to Reduce Your Standby Power Loads .” July 20, 2023.
- U.S. Department of Energy, “ DOE Proposes New Standards for Residential Appliances to Save Americans Billions in Annual Energy and Water Bill .” Accessed July 19, 2023.
- U.S. Department of Energy, “ Fall and Winter Energy-Saving Tips .” Accessed July 17, 2023.
- U.S. Department of Energy, “ Kitchen Appliances .” Accessed July 18, 2023.
- U.S. Department of Energy, “ Guide to Home Insulation .” Accessed July 19, 2023.
- U.S. Department of Energy, “ Let it Snow: How Solar Panels Can Thrive in Winter Weather .” Accessed July 19, 2023.
- U.S. Department of Energy, “ LED Lighting .” Accessed July 18, 2023.
- U.S. Department of Energy, “ Spring and Summer Energy-Saving Tips .” Accessed July 17, 2023.
- U.S. Energy Information Administration, “ Use of energy explained .” Accessed July 17, 2023.
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