50+ Energy-Saving Tips for New Homeowners

No-Cost Tips (Do Today!)

• Turn off lights when leaving a room
• Unplug phone chargers and devices when not in use
• Close blinds and curtains on hot summer days to block heat
• Open blinds on sunny winter days to let in warmth
• Use ceiling fans to circulate air (counterclockwise in summer, clockwise in winter)
• Turn off ceiling fans when you leave the room (they cool people, not rooms)
• Lower water heater temperature to 120°F (most are set to 140°F)
• Take shorter showers (every minute saves 2.5 gallons of hot water)
• Run dishwasher and washing machine only with full loads
• Use cold water for laundry when possible
• Air dry dishes instead of using heated dry cycle
• Clean dryer lint filter before every load
• Don't preheat oven unless baking (saves 15 minutes of energy)
• Use lids on pots when cooking to retain heat
• Keep refrigerator between 37-40°F and freezer at 0-5°F
• Don't leave refrigerator door open while deciding what to eat
• Close doors to unused rooms and close vents in those rooms
• Set thermostat to 68°F in winter, 78°F in summer
• Lower thermostat by 7-10°F when sleeping or away (saves 10% per year)
• Use bathroom exhaust fans only while showering (not for hours after)

Low-Cost Tips ($1-$50)

• Replace HVAC filter monthly ($5-15 each, improves efficiency 5-15%)
• Install LED bulbs in most-used fixtures ($2-8 each, use 75% less energy)
• Use power strips for electronics and turn off when not in use ($10-20)
• Install low-flow showerheads ($15-30, saves 2,700 gallons/year per person)
• Add faucet aerators to sinks ($3-5 each, reduces water use 30%)
• Seal air leaks around windows and doors with caulk ($5-10 per tube)
• Install door sweeps under exterior doors ($8-15 each)
• Add weatherstripping to drafty windows and doors ($5-15 per window)
• Insulate hot water pipes in unheated areas ($1 per linear foot)
• Install window film to reduce heat gain in summer ($15-30 per window)
• Use thermal curtains or cellular shades ($20-50 per window)
• Install outlet gaskets behind switch and outlet plates ($0.50 each)
• Insulate attic access door ($20 for materials)
• Wash clothes in cold water with cold-water detergent ($5-10)
• Use a drying rack or clothesline for small loads (free-$25)

Medium-Cost Improvements ($50-$500)

• Install a programmable thermostat ($50-150, saves $180/year)
• Upgrade to smart thermostat ($150-250, learns your schedule)
• Replace all bulbs with LEDs ($50-100 whole house, lasts 15-25 years)
• Install dimmer switches for lighting control ($15-40 per switch)
• Add insulation to attic (DIY: $300-500, saves 15% on heating/cooling)
• Seal and insulate ductwork ($100-300, prevents 20-30% energy loss)
• Install a tankless water heater circulation timer ($100-200)
• Upgrade to Energy Star certified appliances (when replacing existing)
• Install ceiling fans in bedrooms and living areas ($75-200 each)
• Add solar-powered outdoor lighting ($50-150)
• Install motion sensor lights for outdoor and garage ($20-50 each)
• Upgrade to WaterSense certified toilets (when replacing, saves 13,000 gal/year)
• Install storm windows or upgrade to double-pane windows
• Add insulated garage door ($400-500, if garage is attached)

Heating & Cooling Tips

• Change HVAC filter monthly or as recommended
• Schedule annual HVAC maintenance ($100-200, prevents 5% energy loss)
• Clean outdoor condenser unit (remove debris, hose down fins)
• Keep vents and registers clear of furniture and drapes
• Use space heater in single room instead of heating whole house
• Close foundation vents in winter, open in summer
• Plant shade trees on south and west sides of house
• Install awnings over south-facing windows
• Use whole-house fan at night in summer instead of AC
• Make sure attic has proper ventilation to reduce heat buildup

Water Heating Tips

• Set water heater to 120°F (not 140°F default)
• Insulate water heater tank with insulation blanket ($20-30)
• Insulate first 6 feet of hot and cold water pipes
• Drain water heater annually to remove sediment
• Fix leaky faucets (one drip per second wastes 3,000 gallons/year)
• Replace old water heater with tankless or heat pump model
• Run dishwasher during off-peak hours if you have time-of-use rates
• Wash full loads of laundry in cold water
• Turn off water heater when on vacation

Appliance & Electronics Tips

• Unplug rarely-used appliances (second TV, guest room clock radio)
• Use power strips to turn off all electronics at once
• Disable "quick start" features on TVs and cable boxes
• Clean refrigerator coils every 6 months
• Keep refrigerator and freezer full (use water jugs if needed)
• Don't place hot food directly in refrigerator (let cool first)
• Vacuum refrigerator door gaskets and check seal
• Use laptop instead of desktop computer when possible
• Enable sleep mode on computers and monitors
• Unplug second refrigerator or freezer if barely used
• Use microwave or toaster oven instead of full oven for small meals
• Match pot size to burner size on stove
• Clean dryer vent annually (improves efficiency and safety)

Lighting Tips

• Switch to LED bulbs (use 75% less energy than incandescent)
• Use task lighting instead of lighting entire room
• Install motion sensors for outdoor and garage lights
• Use timers or smart bulbs for outdoor lighting
• Install dimmer switches to use less electricity
• Turn off decorative lighting when not needed
• Use solar-powered landscape lighting
• Choose lighter paint colors to reflect more light
• Clean light fixtures and bulbs to maximize light output

Seasonal Tips

Summer

• Close blinds during hottest part of day
• Use ceiling fans to feel 4°F cooler
• Grill outside instead of using oven
• Plant shade trees and shrubs on west side of house
• Install reflective window film
• Service AC before cooling season starts
• Keep outdoor condenser unit clear of vegetation

Winter

• Open curtains on sunny days, close at night
• Reverse ceiling fans to push warm air down
• Use space heater in room you're in
• Close doors to unused rooms
• Weatherstrip windows and doors
• Service furnace before heating season
• Cover window AC units or remove them
• Use humidifier to feel warmer at lower temperatures

Estimated Annual Savings