I need to start this article by saying that I grew up in a house with the most frugal dad that ever walked the face of the earth. Lowering his electric bill was built into his DNA and some of it definitely rubbed off on me. With some clever strategies and a bit of creativity, you can significantly cut down on your energy costs without sacrificing too much comfort. Let’s get to it…
1. Readjust Your Thermostat & Mindset
Your HVAC unit is by-far the biggest energy suck in your home, hands-down.
The absolute best way to save money on your electric bill is to adjust your thermostat in the summer and winter.
If you’re serious about lowering your bill, try setting it at 64 degrees in the Winter and 78 degrees in the Summer.
In the Summer, you’ll save 3% on your bill for every degree over 72.
In the Winter, set it down to 60 degrees at night and then turn it back up in the morning. And before you leave a comment, “catching up” isn’t actually an issue.
The time and energy your furnace uses to raise the temperature is far less than if it had been running all night, so you’re always saving energy and money.
The only exception is if heat loss to the outside is greater than what your system can provide, in which case, unfortunately, you’re losing efficiency regardless.
PRO TIP: MAKE SURE YOUR POWER ISN’T BEING STOLEN
Ensure no one is using your power without permission. Locate your electric meter, turn off all your breakers, and check that the meter stops running. If it doesn’t, investigate the cause. This happens more often than you might think and is worth checking out.
2. The Fan Rotation Trick
Most people know that ceiling fans help cool in the summer, but did you know that they can keep you warm in the winter, too?
During winter months, set your fan to rotate clockwise at a low speed.
This pushes warm air that rises to the ceiling down into the room, maintaining warmth and reducing the need for extra heating.
3. Smart Power Strips to Combat Phantom Power
Phantom power—energy used by devices even when they’re turned off—accounts for a surprisingly large part of your energy bill.
Combat this with smart power strips that turn off energy flow when devices aren’t in use.
Plugging things like TVs, game consoles, and kitchen gadgets into smart power strips is an easy way to stop unnecessary electricity drain.
See Also: Lower Your Bills By Negotiating – Here’s How
PRO TIP: EMBRACE ROOM-SPECIFIC COMFORT
Instead of heating or cooling your entire home, consider setting up zones. Use space heaters or fans in specific rooms where you spend most of your time.
Smart thermostats (more on these later) or even simple space heaters can allow you to focus warmth or cool air exactly where it’s needed, reducing the strain on your HVAC system.
4. Insulate Everything—Not Just the Walls
We know that good wall insulation is essential, especially in very cold climates.
But did you know that smaller insulation steps can make a huge difference, too?
Insulate around electrical outlets, cover exposed pipes, and even use draft blockers for doors and windows.
These little moves keep conditioned air in and cold or hot air out, reducing your HVAC system’s workload.
PRO TIP: ATTIC IS THE MOST IMPORTANT
Check the depth of the insulation in your attic. If it’s 3″ or less consider adding more, up to 12″ if you can afford it.
You lose A LOT of heat through your ceiling if you don’t have sufficient attic insulation. Way more than through your walls.
5. Maximize Sunlight
Sunlight is free energy, so let it work for you. During winter, open the blinds and curtains on your south-facing windows to let the sun’s warmth in.
During summer, keep them closed to block out heat and consider planting small trees in front of them.
Layering this with shades or blackout curtains can amplify the effect, keeping you comfortable without the need for artificial climate control.
See Also: Clever Ways to Use Social Media to Save Money
6. Run Appliances at Night
Many power companies have lower rates for energy used during off-peak hours, typically late at night.
Schedule heavy-duty appliances like washers, dryers, and dishwashers to run during these times.
Not only can this lower your bill, but it also spreads out the load on the grid, which can be beneficial during peak energy demand periods.
7. Adjust Your Water Heater Temperature
The default setting on most water heaters is around 140°F, which is often hotter than necessary.
Lowering it to 120°F can save on heating costs without affecting daily tasks like showering or doing laundry.
If you’re going on vacation, set your water heater to the lowest setting or even “vacation mode” to avoid heating unused water.
GO EXTREME: “LIVE BY CANDLELIGHT” EVENINGS
Commit to one or two nights a week where you don’t use any electric lights in your home, opting for candlelight instead. Candles (or even oil lamps) can create a cozy, old-world vibe while helping you get into the habit of conserving electricity. Bonus: it’s a great excuse for a quiet night reading or spending time with family.
8. Use Your Oven Wisely
Ovens consume a lot of energy, especially when preheating.
If possible, use smaller appliances like toaster ovens, air fryers, or slow cookers, which use significantly less electricity.
And when you do use your oven, try to cook multiple dishes at once to make the most of the heat. This way, your oven works double-duty with the same energy output.
Also, in the winter, always leave the oven door open when you’re done cooking and get that warm air in the kitchen. It drives me crazy when my kids leave the oven door closed and then complain about why it’s so cold in the house.
9. Dryer Balls and Line-Drying Clothes
Reduce your dryer’s energy use by using wool or rubber dryer balls—they help clothes dry faster by separating them, which allows more air to circulate.
On warmer days, consider line-drying items.
Even partially drying heavy fabrics outside before finishing them in the dryer can save energy and money.
10. Turn Down the Brightness on Your Screens
Many people don’t realize that high brightness settings on screens (TVs, computers, tablets) can increase energy consumption.
Lower the brightness on all your devices to save power and reduce eye strain.
For an even bigger impact, put screens on a “sleep” timer so they shut off automatically after a set period of inactivity.
GO EXTREME: GO OFF THE GRID PART-TIME
Disconnect from the grid during certain hours of the day, especially during peak usage times. To make this work, invest in a battery-powered system, solar charger, or a small generator that allows you to run essentials independently. By reducing peak-time electricity consumption, you might qualify for lower rates and avoid energy surcharges.
11. Smart Thermostat for Automated Savings
Investing in a smart thermostat can pay off quickly.
Many models allow you to set specific temperature schedules and will even adjust automatically based on your habits and local weather patterns.
Some can be controlled remotely from your phone, letting you adjust the temperature even when you’re not home.
12. Invest in LED Lighting—The Right Way
LED lights are up to 80% more efficient than traditional bulbs, but their placement and usage matter, too.
Use task lighting, such as desk or reading lamps, rather than lighting an entire room for small tasks.
Choose LED bulbs with dimming capabilities and invest in “daylight” or “warm white” options that suit the time of day and atmosphere, which reduces the need for additional lighting.
13. Go for Cold Washes and Shorter Showers
Washing your clothes in cold water reduces the energy needed to heat the water and is usually gentler on fabrics.
After your heater, your homes electric hot water heater uses the most electricity. So when it comes to hot showers, aim for shorter showers and use a low-flow showerhead, which reduces both water and water-heating expenses.
Better yet, start taking Navy Showers and your hot water usage will go WAY DOWN.
A Navy shower is when you let the water warm up, then immediately hop under and get fully wet. Then turn the water off and lather yourself up with soap and shampoo. Last, turn the water back on and rinse off.
Aim for having the water actually running for about 90 seconds and your hot water usage will GO WAY DOWN.
GO EXTREME: HEAT-FREE COOKING
Avoid using any electric or gas-based heat for cooking. Instead, focus on raw foods like salads, smoothies, and cold soups. When you want something cooked, try methods like using a sun oven, propane BBQ, or fire pit for outdoor cooking. This extreme approach can reduce energy consumption, especially in the summer when cooking often increases indoor cooling needs.
14. Unplug Chargers When Not in Use
Phone and laptop chargers left plugged in consume energy even when they’re not actively charging.
Unplug chargers when not in use, or keep them connected to a smart power strip that will cut off power automatically when they’re not drawing energy.
15. Strategically Place Mirrors
Mirrors can be powerful energy savers when used correctly.
Place mirrors on walls adjacent to windows to reflect natural light further into a room.
This can reduce the need for artificial lighting and even add a touch of decor to your home.
PRO TIP: INVEST IN A WHOLE HOUSE FAN
The best thing I ever did to lower my summer cooling bill was to install a whole house fan in the ceiling of our hallway. They work by pulling the cool outside air into your home in the mornings and evenings when it’s cooled off. You open a few windows, turn it on, and enjoy the cool air as it lowers the temperature of your home.
Note: I live in a area with a dry heat. If you live where it’s humid, the whole house fan is not as effective.
16. Don’t Overfill the Refrigerator
A packed refrigerator has to work harder to keep everything cool, which increases energy consumption.
Keep your fridge well-organized and avoid overstuffing it to allow cold air to circulate efficiently.
Regularly clean the condenser coils, as dust buildup can cause the fridge to use more energy.
GO EXTREME: SWITCH TO HAND-POWERED APPLIANCES
Try swapping out electric-powered appliances for manual, human-powered alternatives. For example, you could use a hand-cranked coffee grinder, hand whisk instead of an electric mixer, or even a manual lawn mower instead of an electric or gas one. These choices can cut back on energy consumption while giving you a mini-workout in the process.
17. Use Your Dishwasher Efficiently
Avoid pre-rinsing dishes, which not only wastes water but also undermines the dishwasher’s energy-saving features.
Only run the dishwasher when it’s full, and if your model has an “eco” setting, use it.
Air-dry dishes instead of using the heated drying option for even more savings.
PRO TIP: THE DISHWASHER DILEMMA
If your dishwasher is older than 8 years, you might be better off handwashing dishes. Handwashing uses more hot water, but older dishwashers likely heat the water even further, which might make them less efficient overall.
18. Adjust Furniture Placement
Furniture placement can impact heating and cooling.
Make sure air vents aren’t blocked by sofas, bookshelves, or curtains, as this restricts airflow and makes your HVAC system work harder.
In winter, keep furniture away from windows and doors to avoid chilly drafts.
19. Install Low-E Film on Windows
Low-emissivity (Low-E) window film helps block UV rays in the summer and retains warmth in the winter.
It’s an affordable, easy-to-install solution for windows that see a lot of direct sunlight, helping keep indoor temperatures stable without heavy use of your heating or cooling system.
GO EXTREME: UNPLUG THE HOT WATER HEATER
Commit to heating water only when you need it. Disconnect your water heater and use alternative methods, like heating small amounts of water on the stove or in a solar water heater outdoors for tasks like washing dishes. This move can be a huge energy saver, especially in warmer months when hot water is less essential.
20. Mind the Gap with Doors and Windows
Even the smallest gaps around doors and windows can let in drafts, making your HVAC system work overtime.
Install weatherstripping on doors and windows, and use door sweeps to block air leaks. It’s a quick fix that can make a noticeable difference in energy use.
21. Set Your Freezer Correctly
The recommended freezer temperature is around 0°F. Setting it lower doesn’t make food any safer but does increase energy use.
Keep your freezer at the correct temperature, and avoid overstocking to maintain efficiency.
22. Embrace Layering Indoors
In winter, try wearing extra layers rather than cranking up the heat. Wearing a sweater, socks, and even a cozy blanket can reduce the need for constant heating.
Keep fleece throws and warm slippers handy for family members, especially if you lower the thermostat at night.
And sleep with extra blankets because you NEED to lower the thermostat at night if you have any chance of lowering your electric bill. The nights is when your heater has to work the hardest to compensate for the cold.
GO EXTREME: DOWNSIZE YOUR LIVING SPACE
Consider moving your daily activities into one or two rooms and only heating, cooling, and lighting those areas. In extreme cases, some people create a “micro-living space” within their homes (think one cozy room for all daily functions) to conserve energy. By focusing all energy needs in a limited area, you can cut down on utility usage across the rest of your home.
23. Try Out Thermal Curtains
Thermal curtains provide insulation by trapping air between the window and the curtain, keeping cold air out in the winter and hot air out in the summer.
They can significantly reduce the need for extra heating or cooling and come in a variety of colors and styles to match your decor.
24. Optimize Your HVAC Filters
Dirty HVAC filters reduce air quality and make your system work harder, using more energy in the process.
Change filters regularly and consider high-efficiency filters to maximize airflow. It’s a simple maintenance task that can have a big impact on energy costs.
GO EXTREME: COLD WATER SHOWER ROUTINE
Skip the hot water altogether and make cold showers a daily ritual. Not only will this cut down on your water heater’s energy use, but it might also wake you up faster and is often touted as having health benefits, like boosting circulation and improving mood.
On a side-note, my Dad used to take cold showers…but he’s also the most frugal human being I’ve ever met.
25. Decorate for Efficiency
Decor can be functional as well as stylish.
Hang tapestries or rugs on walls and place thick area rugs on floors to add insulation to rooms, reducing the need for extra heating.
It’s a great way to bring warmth into your home without relying solely on the thermostat.
Ask the Reader: How do you lower the electric bill at your house? Let me know your clever tips and I’ll add them to my article.
By Kyle James
I started Rather-Be-Shopping.com in 2000 and have become a consumer expert and advocate writing about out-of-the-box ways to save at stores like Amazon, Walmart, Target and Costco to name a few. I’ve been featured on FOX News, Good Morning America, and the NY Times talking about my savings tips. (Learn more)
