Energy

How to lower your energy bill

Reduce your energy bill with thermostat habits, utility programs, rebates, and simple home changes before making major upgrades.

Energy5 min readLast updated May 2026

Energy savings usually come from a mix of small behavior changes and a few targeted home adjustments that add up over time.

Guide

If you want to go deeper after this guide, read How to negotiate your bills down or How to build a monthly savings habit. When you want a more personalized order of operations, start your free savings plan.

Focus on heating and cooling first

Heating and cooling are often the biggest drivers of utility bills. Adjust your thermostat schedule so you are not heating or cooling an empty home.

Even modest schedule improvements can help lower monthly costs over time.

Seal easy drafts

Drafty windows and doors make your HVAC system work harder. Weather stripping, draft blockers, and basic sealing can improve comfort and reduce waste.

Simple fixes are often more worthwhile than buying gadgets you may not use consistently.

Use appliances more efficiently

Run full laundry and dishwasher loads where possible, wash clothes in cold water, and keep appliance filters clean.

These habits are not dramatic on their own, but together they add up.

Check for utility programs

Many utility providers offer usage alerts, budget billing, time-of-use guidance, or rebate programs.

These tools can help you manage costs without making the bill feel unpredictable.

Review your bill pattern

Compare current usage to the same season last year if the utility shows it. Spikes often point to habits or equipment worth reviewing.

That gives you a more useful signal than looking at one unusually hot or cold month by itself.

Realistic savings

$20-$90/month depending on season, home size, and current usage habits.

How we estimate this

Savings ranges are approximate and based on common US household patterns, typical bill categories, and the actions described in this guide. Your actual savings will vary by location, provider, eligibility, spending habits, and which steps you take.

Common Mistakes

  • Focusing only on tiny unplugging habits
  • Changing thermostat settings too aggressively to sustain
  • Missing utility rebates, audits, or peak-hour programs

Related guides

You may also want to read

Keep building momentum with a few adjacent guides that tackle similar savings opportunities.

Next Step

When you want a more personalized starting point, use the AI savings plan to organize your next best actions.

Savings are estimates and may vary.

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