Let’s face it: no one enjoys opening the electricity bill. It’s like a suspense movie, except the ending is always disappointing. The good news? You don’t have to buy solar panels or remodel your entire house to start saving money.
A few smart changes in how you use energy can lower your bills month after month. And unlike fancy gadgets, most of these tricks are free (or dirt cheap). Here are 7 energy-saving tricks every homeowner should know:
1. Unplug “Energy Vampires”
Even when turned off, appliances like TVs, gaming consoles, and chargers still suck up power. These sneaky devices are called “energy vampires.”
Fix: Use a power strip or just unplug devices when not in use. You’ll stop paying for energy you’re not even using.
💡 Pro tip: Pair this with a smart plug for even more savings (we talked about those in the Smart Home Gadgets article).
2. Adjust Your Fridge & Freezer
Your refrigerator is one of the biggest energy hogs in the house — running 24/7. If it’s set too cold, it’s wasting energy.
Fix:
- Fridge: 37–40°F (3–4°C).
- Freezer: 0–5°F (-17 to -15°C).
That’s cold enough for food safety, without making your fridge work overtime.
3. Seal Drafts Around Doors & Windows
Ever feel a little breeze when you walk past a closed window? That’s money literally leaking out. Heating and cooling costs skyrocket when warm or cool air slips away.
Fix:
- Use inexpensive weatherstripping or draft stoppers.
- Check doors, windows, even outlets on exterior walls.
A $10 roll of weatherstripping could save you hundreds on heating and cooling.
4. Wash Clothes in Cold Water
Most of the energy in laundry doesn’t go into spinning the drum — it’s in heating the water.
Fix: Wash clothes in cold water whenever possible. Modern detergents work just as well without heat.
Impact: You could cut washing energy use by up to 90%.
5. Turn Down the Water Heater
Many water heaters come set at 140°F (60°C) by default. That’s hotter than you need and wastes energy keeping water ready at that temperature all day.
Fix: Lower the thermostat to 120°F (49°C). You’ll save money and avoid accidental scalds.
6. Switch to LED Bulbs (If You Haven’t Already)
Still hanging on to old bulbs? They burn money as much as they burn energy. LEDs use up to 75% less electricity and last 25 times longer.
Fix: Replace bulbs in the rooms you use most often first (kitchen, living room, bedroom).
💡 Bonus: Pair with smart bulbs for scheduling and dimming features.
7. Use Ceiling Fans the Right Way
Ceiling fans don’t just move air — they can help you use less heating and cooling.
- Summer: Set fans to spin counterclockwise. The breeze makes you feel cooler.
- Winter: Set them clockwise at a low speed. This pushes warm air down from the ceiling.
It’s a simple switch that can make your HVAC system work less.
Saving energy doesn’t have to mean spending thousands on renovations. Sometimes, it’s as simple as unplugging a charger, sealing a draft, or hitting the right button on your ceiling fan.
Each of these tricks might only save a little, but together, they add up to noticeable cuts in your monthly bills. And if you pair them with smart gadgets, you’ll have a home that’s both efficient and comfortable.
👉 Want more? Check out our guide to 7 Smart Home Gadgets That Save You Money Every Month for tech that makes energy savings even easier.
