How to Cut Your Utility Bills: Practical Energy-Saving Tips
Practical, affordable ways to lower electric, gas, and water bills, from thermostat settings and LED lighting to sealing drafts and smarter laundry habits.
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Utility bills can take a big bite out of a household budget, especially during hot summers and cold winters. The good news is that many energy-saving steps are free or inexpensive, and some can lower your bills right away.
Heating and Cooling
Heating and cooling usually account for a large share of home energy use, so this is where small changes can have the biggest impact.
Adjust Your Thermostat
The U.S. Department of Energy notes that you can save as much as 10% a year on heating and cooling by turning your thermostat back 7 to 10 degrees Fahrenheit for 8 hours a day, such as while you're asleep or away.
Use a Programmable or Smart Thermostat
A programmable thermostat adjusts temperatures automatically on a schedule. Smart thermostats can learn your routine and let you adjust settings from your phone.
Change Air Filters
Dirty HVAC filters force your system to work harder. Check filters monthly and replace them as recommended, often every one to three months.
Use Ceiling Fans
Ceiling fans can help you feel cooler, allowing you to set the thermostat a bit higher in summer. Turn fans off when you leave the room, since fans cool people, not rooms.
Use Curtains Strategically
In summer, close blinds and curtains on sunny windows during the day. In winter, open them to let sunlight warm your home and close them at night to hold heat in.
Schedule HVAC Maintenance
Regular maintenance helps systems run efficiently and can catch problems early.
Seal Drafts and Insulate
Air leaks around doors, windows, and outlets let heated or cooled air escape.
- Weatherstripping seals gaps around doors and windows.
- Caulk fills cracks around window frames.
- Door sweeps close the gap at the bottom of exterior doors.
- Outlet gaskets reduce drafts through outlets on exterior walls.
Many of these are inexpensive DIY projects. Renters can use removable options like draft stoppers and window insulation film.
Lighting
Switch to LED Bulbs
According to the Department of Energy, residential LEDs, especially ENERGY STAR-rated products, use at least 75% less energy and last much longer than incandescent bulbs. Replace your most-used bulbs first.
Turn Off Lights
It sounds simple, but turning off lights in empty rooms adds up.
Use Natural Light
Open curtains during the day to reduce the need for lighting.
Water Heating
Lower the Water Heater Temperature
Many water heaters are set higher than necessary. The Department of Energy suggests 120°F for most households, which can reduce energy use and help prevent scalding.
Take Shorter Showers
Less hot water means less energy used to heat it.
Install Low-Flow Showerheads and Faucet Aerators
These inexpensive fixtures reduce water use without a major change in experience. Look for WaterSense-labeled products.
Fix Leaks
A dripping faucet or running toilet wastes water every hour. Many fixes are simple and inexpensive.
Laundry
- Wash in cold water when possible. A large share of the energy a washer uses goes to heating water.
- Wash full loads, but don't overload.
- Clean the dryer lint filter after every load. It improves efficiency and reduces fire risk.
- Air-dry clothes when you can.
For more laundry tips, see our small laundry room organization guide.
Kitchen
- Run the dishwasher only when full, and skip heated drying if your model allows.
- Use small appliances like a microwave, toaster oven, or slow cooker for small meals instead of heating a full oven.
- Keep the fridge at the right temperature: at or below 40°F for the refrigerator and 0°F for the freezer.
- Clean refrigerator coils occasionally so the fridge runs efficiently.
Electronics and Phantom Power
Many electronics draw power even when turned off. Use power strips to turn off groups of devices, such as your TV and gaming console, when not in use.
Check for Assistance and Programs
- Utility programs: Many utilities offer free energy audits, rebates for efficient appliances, and budget billing to smooth out seasonal costs.
- LIHEAP: The federal Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program helps eligible households with heating and cooling costs. Contact your state's program for details.
- Weatherization assistance: The Department of Energy's Weatherization Assistance Program helps eligible low-income households make energy improvements.
Review Your Plans
- Compare internet and phone plans regularly. Ask your provider about lower-cost plans.
- In areas with energy choice, compare electricity suppliers carefully, and read contract terms.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the quickest way to lower my electric bill? Adjusting your thermostat, switching your most-used bulbs to LEDs, washing laundry in cold water, and turning off electronics with a power strip are all quick wins.
Do smart thermostats save money? They can, especially if they help you automatically lower heating or cooling when you're asleep or away. Savings depend on your habits and climate.
Where can I find help paying utility bills? Contact your utility company about assistance programs and budget billing, and check your state's Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).
The Bottom Line
Lowering utility bills doesn't require a major renovation. Adjust your thermostat, seal drafts, switch to LED bulbs, lower your water heater temperature, wash in cold water, and cut phantom power. Combine these habits with available utility programs, and you'll see your bills come down. For more ways to stretch your budget, see our guide to building a household budget.
