Everyday Cheapskate: Energy-Saving Secrets: 23 Easy Ways to Save Big Bucks Year-Round

Mary Hunt on Feb 9, 2026

Electric bills have a way of creeping up quietly, like a cat on a countertop. One day you glance at the bill and think, "Surely this can't be mine." But unless someone plugged in a cotton candy machine while you were sleeping, the explanation is much simpler: Energy prices rise steadily, and many homes waste electricity without realizing it.

The good news is that trimming your bill doesn't require sacrificing comfort. In fact, most of the best savings come from simple habit changes. Here are 23 practical, low-effort ways to cut energy waste and keep more money in your pocket all year long.

1. ADJUST YOUR THERMOSTAT

Two degrees warmer in summer or cooler in winter can shave a noticeable amount off your monthly bill.

2. USE CEILING FANS WISELY

Fans cool people, not rooms. Turn them off when you leave.

3. SEAL DRAFTS

Weatherstripping and caulk stop warm or cool air from slipping away.

4. SWITCH TO LED LIGHTS

They last longer and use far less electricity.

5. WASH LAUNDRY IN COLD WATER

Most detergents clean perfectly well without hot water.

6. RUN FULL LOADS

Dishwashers and washing machines use the same amount of electricity whether half-full or full.

7. SKIP HEATED-DRY SETTINGS

Let your dishes air-dry for free.

8. CUT PHANTOM POWER

Use power strips to shut down electronics completely.

9. ADJUST WATER HEATER TEMPERATURE

Set it to 120 F to trim heating costs.

10. FIX DRIPPING FAUCETS

Especially hot water -- the waste adds up.

11. REPLACE HVAC FILTERS

A clean filter lets your system run efficiently.

12. USE CURTAINS STRATEGICALLY

Close them on hot afternoons; open them to capture winter sun.

13. COOK EFFICIENTLY

Use smaller appliances when possible.

14. DON'T OPEN THE OVEN DOOR

You lose heat every time you peek.

15. KEEP YOUR REFRIGERATOR REASONABLY FULL

It maintains temperature better when not empty.

16. CHECK FRIDGE SEALS

A loose gasket means lost cold air and higher costs.

17. INSTALL A PROGRAMMABLE THERMOSTAT

Let the device adjust temps while you sleep or work.

18. KEEP VENTS CLEAR

Furniture blocking vents forces your system to work harder.

19. USE ZONAL HEATING OR COOLING

Condition the room you're actually using.

20. INSULATE YOUR WATER HEATER

A warm-to-the-touch heater needs a blanket.

21. DRY CLOTHES ON LOWER HEAT

It's gentler on clothes and uses less electricity.

22. LINE-DRY OCCASIONALLY

Even a few loads a month make an impact.

23. TRACK YOUR USAGE

Utilities often offer apps that show daily usage patterns.

Even small maintenance tasks make a surprising difference. A forgotten furnace filter, a refrigerator pushed too tight against the wall, or a dryer vent clogged with lint can all nudge your bill upward without any dramatic clues. A quick monthly walkaround of your appliances is one of the easiest habits you can develop. Think of it as a five-minute tuneup for your home's energy budget.

Another often-missed saver: unplugging rarely used small appliances. Coffee grinders, extra lamps, countertop gadgets and that old DVD player no one admits to owning still draw a trickle of power even when they're not doing a thing. One device won't change your bill, but half a dozen on constant standby will.

And while we're talking practical, don't overlook the power company itself as a resource. Many utilities offer free or low-cost home energy audits -- remote or in-person -- that point out the exact spots where your home is losing money. It's one of the best ways to get personalized savings without guessing.

The bottom line is simple: Lowering your energy costs doesn't require dramatic lifestyle changes or expensive upgrades. It's the small, steady habits -- done consistently -- that protect your comfort and your wallet year-round.

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Mary invites you to visit her at EverydayCheapskate.com, where this column is archived complete with links and resources for all recommended products and services. Mary invites questions and comments at https://www.everydaycheapskate.com/contact/, "Ask Mary." This column will answer questions of general interest, but letters cannot be answered individually. Mary Hunt is the founder of EverydayCheapskate.com, a frugal living blog, and the author of the book "Debt-Proof Living."