Electricity bills can easily leave you scratching your head. They’re unpredictable, expensive, actively rising, and are expected to continue growing throughout the years.
The average annual salary in the United States for a middle-income household is a little over $63,500. Meanwhile, the average electricity bill is approximately $130, although this number can vary significantly depending on several variables.
Electricity is expensive and will keep getting expensive, so we’ve rounded up 10 practical ways to lower your energy bills. Just a disclaimer, we’ll be avoiding filler and “sensible” approaches like switching off unused lights and such.
If you’re reading this, you’ve likely tried all of these already and still can’t find the source of lost energy, so today, we’ll show you how to save energy bills at home with practical solutions.
1. Adjust Your Thermostat Settings to Save Electricity at Home
The easiest way to lower your energy bill is to stop heating or cooling an empty house. The U.S. Department of Energy states you can save up to 10% a year on heating and cooling by turning your thermostat back 7°-10°F for 8 hours a day.
This means setting the temperature higher when you’re away in the summer and lower in the winter.
Install a Programmable or Smart Thermostat
For a more automated approach, consider the technology that makes this effortless. A programmable thermostat automatically adjusts the temperature according to a schedule you set.
You can set it to lower the heat 30 minutes after you leave for work and have the house comfortable again just before you return. This can save you about $180 a year.
For even more control, a smart thermostat learns your schedule and preferences and can be controlled from your phone. According to ENERGY STAR, a certified smart thermostat can save you approximately $100 a year.
2. Maintain Your Furnace and HVAC System for Lower Electric Bills
Heating and cooling account for nearly half of your home’s energy use. A neglected system has to work harder, use more energy, and cost you more money. Still, two simple habits can literally help you cut your power bill in half.
Schedule Regular Tune-Ups
Just like a car, your HVAC system needs a yearly check-up. A professional technician will clean components, check refrigerant levels, and ensure the system is running at peak performance.
This not only lowers your energy bills but also helps prevent mid-winter breakdowns and extends the life of your equipment.
Replace Air Filters on Time
This is the simplest and most impactful maintenance task. A dirty filter restricts airflow, forcing your system to strain and consume more energy.
Check your filter monthly and change it at least every 3 months. A clean filter protects your system from dust and dirt, which can lead to expensive repairs.
3. Seal Air Leaks Around Your Home or Apartment
Your HVAC system might be working perfectly, but if your home is leaky, all that conditioned air is escaping. So, sealing up drafts ensures the air you pay to heat or cool stays inside. But how do you do that?
Weatherstrip Doors and Windows
Feel for drafts around your windows and exterior doors. Sealing these leaks with weatherstripping or caulk is a low-cost task that can have a big impact on your comfort and your bill.
Add Insulation Where Needed
The attic is often the biggest culprit for heat loss. Adding insulation there can slow the loss of heat in winter and keep heat out in summer, significantly reducing the workload on your HVAC system.
Also, you may consider sealing your heating and cooling ducts. Gaps in the ducts that run through your attic or basement can waste 20% or more of the air moving through them.
Fix Drafty Doors
Just like windows, doors can also let air escape and contribute to significant heat loss. If you’ve ever walked past your front door on a cold day and felt a draft, you’ve experienced this firsthand—especially with larger entry doors. Upgrading your front door can make a noticeable difference in comfort and efficiency, and Kobyco’s door and window solutions offer a reliable way to improve both.
4. Use Energy-Efficient Lighting to Cut Your Electric Bill in Half
This is one of the fastest and most effective upgrades you can make. Simply swapping out old incandescent bulbs for LED bulbs can save you about $225 a year in energy costs.
LEDs use up to 90% less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs and last for years, so you will save money on both your energy bill and replacement costs.
5. Manage Hot Water Usage to Save on Energy Bills at Home
Heating water is typically the second-largest energy expense in a home, accounting for about 18% of your utility bill.
A simple and free fix is to turn down your water heater’s thermostat to 120°F. This is hot enough for all your needs, prevents scalding, and reduces the energy needed to keep water hot.
6. Cook and Clean More Efficiently to Reduce Your Electric Bill
Your large kitchen and laundry appliances are significant energy users. You can use them smarter without sacrificing convenience.
Run Full Loads in Dishwasher and Laundry
Always wait until you have full loads before running your dishwasher and washing machine. This maximizes the energy and water used for each cycle.
Air-Dry Clothes and Dishes When Possible
Skip the dryer’s heat by using a clothesline or drying rack. As for your dishwasher, use the air-dry setting instead of the heat-dry cycle. These small changes avoid using a major appliance altogether.
7. Reduce Phantom Energy Loads with Smart Devices
Many of your electronics are secretly sucking power 24/7, a waste known as “phantom load” or “vampire energy.” This happens with devices like televisions, chargers, and media players that use electricity even when switched off. This standby power can add up to $165 per year to your energy bill.
The simplest solution is to unplug devices you are not using, but this can be a bit tedious, walking around unplugging and replugging everything. So, for a more convenient approach, plug your electronics into a smart power strip.
These strips automatically cut power to devices when they enter standby mode, eliminating the phantom load without you having to constantly unplug and replug cords.
8. Optimize Appliance Use in Your Apartment or Home
You don’t need to replace every appliance at once to see savings. The key is to be strategic with the ones you use most often, which can significantly reduce your kitchen’s energy load . Making a smart choice when you do need a new appliance locks in lower energy bills for years to come.
Choose ENERGY STAR Appliances to Save Electricity
When an old refrigerator, dishwasher, or washer finally needs replacing, make your next one an ENERGY STAR-certified model.
These appliances are independently certified to use less energy than standard models, saving you money on your monthly bills without sacrificing performance.
9. Upgrade Home or Apartment Insulation and Windows
Heating and cooling account for nearly half of a home’s energy use, and a lot of that expensive air escapes through leaks and poor insulation. Sealing these leaks is one of the most effective ways to reduce your energy bills.
Install Energy-Efficient Windows to Lower Your Electric Bill in Summer
Modern energy-efficient windows go beyond traditional weatherstripping by incorporating advanced sealing technology directly into their design. Fusion-welded frames and sashes create a tight seal that prevents air from escaping, while durable materials ensure long-term performance.
You can see these advanced sealing technologies in action with manufacturers like Evergreen Window.
Repair or Replace Damaged Windows
Even the best windows can’t perform properly if they’re cracked, warped, or no longer close securely. Instead of quick DIY fixes, consider working with professionals who specialize in air-seal technology to restore efficiency and appearance. Michigan Screen & Window offers reliable repair and replacement services to help your home stay draft-free.
10. Consider Renewable Energy Options for Long-Term Savings
For the ultimate step in reducing your energy bills and your environmental impact, consider generating your own clean power. While some options require more investment, the long-term savings can be substantial.
Explore Solar Panels and Other Energy-Saving Devices
Installing solar panels on your roof is a significant long-term investment that can drastically cut or even eliminate your electricity bills over time.
You can also explore highly efficient electric systems like heat pump water heaters. An ENERGY STAR-certified model can save a household of four around $550 a year compared to a standard electric water heater.
Ready to Save on Energy Costs?
Cutting down on energy costs doesn’t have to mean major sacrifices—just a few smart habits and targeted upgrades can make a big difference.That’s where Elite Degrees can help. Our team provides expert maintenance, practical recommendations, and energy-efficient upgrades designed to keep your home comfortable while reducing utility expenses.