Energy Efficiency
Using less energy at home and paying less for it, from quick, free changes to insulation, air sealing and efficient upgrades worth the investment.
Saving energy
Saving energy at home
Lowering your energy use makes a home more comfortable and cuts monthly bills. The cheapest improvements, such as sealing drafts, adjusting the thermostat and maintaining your heating system, often save the most for the least money.
How to make your home more energy efficient is our complete guide. It covers air sealing, insulation, heating and cooling, water heating, lighting and appliances, and how to prioritize upgrades.
For winter, how to lower your heating bill focuses on thermostat settings, keeping heat in, space heater safety and help with bills. How to winterize your home covers the fall jobs that cut drafts and heat loss.
Before paying for big upgrades, ask your utility about energy audits, rebates and budget billing, and check current federal and state incentives, which change from time to time. A smart thermostat can help too; see smart home basics. For electricity, internet and other household bills, see how to lower your monthly bills.
Common questions
Heat pumps heat and cool efficiently in most US climates, and newer cold-climate models work well in many colder regions. Whether one pays off depends on your current system, energy prices and available rebates, so get an energy assessment and several quotes first.
Often, yes. An audit shows where your home loses the most energy, so you spend money where it counts. Many utilities offer free or discounted audits, and some rebates require one.
Sealing air leaks, adding attic insulation where it's thin, LED lighting, a programmable or smart thermostat and low-flow showerheads usually pay back quickest. Bigger upgrades like heat pumps, new windows or solar take longer, so check rebates and incentives first.