10 ways to save electricity at home (ranked by actual impact)
Every list of electricity tips includes "turn off the lights." That saves $5/year. Here are the moves that actually move the needle, ranked by how much they save.
1. Fix your HVAC schedule — saves $200-400/year
Heating and cooling are 40-60% of your electric bill. A programmable or smart thermostat that reduces output when you're asleep or away saves 10-15% on HVAC alone. That's the single biggest behavioral change you can make.
2. Enroll in community solar — saves $120-960/year
Credits applied to your bill, no installation, 5-minute sign-up. Savings depend on your state (5-40% of credit value). This is passive — once enrolled, it just works every month.
Ready to start saving? Enrollment is free, takes about 5 minutes, and nothing gets installed.
Check if I qualify🔒 Secure enrollment via Ampion & VoltEra Energy3. Apply for LIHEAP if you qualify — saves $200-600/year
Direct bill payment assistance for income-qualifying households. Free money most eligible people never apply for.
4. Kill phantom loads — saves $100-200/year
Devices plugged in but "off" draw power constantly. TVs, chargers, game consoles, coffee makers. Use smart power strips ($25) that cut power automatically. The average home wastes $100-200/year on phantom loads.
5. Switch to LED bulbs — saves $75-150/year
If you still have any incandescent or CFL bulbs, each LED swap saves $10-15/year. A 10-bulb household saves $100-150 annually. LEDs cost $1-2 each and last 15-25 years.
6. Weatherize — saves $100-300/year
Draft stoppers, caulk around windows, thermal curtains, pipe insulation. These prevent your HVAC from working overtime. Many utilities offer free weatherization for low-income households.
7. Use off-peak hours — saves $50-150/year
If your utility offers time-of-use rates, running the dishwasher, laundry, and charging EVs during off-peak hours (usually nighttime) costs significantly less per kilowatt-hour.
8. Adjust your water heater — saves $50-100/year
Most water heaters are set to 140°F. Dropping to 120°F saves energy and is still plenty hot. Also: insulate the tank and hot water pipes if they're accessible.
9. Use ceiling fans before AC — saves $50-100/year
A ceiling fan uses 1/60th the energy of an air conditioner. In mild heat, fans alone may be enough. In real heat, fans let you set the AC 4°F higher while feeling the same.
10. Maintain your fridge — saves $20-50/year
Clean the coils (back or bottom), check the door seal, and keep it at 37°F (fridge) and 0°F (freezer). A fridge with dirty coils uses 25% more energy.