21 Ways to Lower Your Electric Bill 2026

Key Takeaways

Lowering your energy costs is less about cutting back on comfort and more about maximizing the value you get from the energy you use. In this guide, we’ll share expert tips and practical steps you can take to reduce energy waste.

Here’s what you’ll learn:

• Heating and cooling systems are the largest energy users in most homes, often accounting for the biggest share of your electric bill — which means they offer the greatest opportunity for savings.
  
• Many effective ways to lower your electric bill, like adjusting your thermostat or unplugging unused devices, don’t cost anything to get started.
  
• Upgrading to energy-efficient appliances and LED lighting can significantly reduce electricity use while lowering long-term costs.
  
• “Vampire power” is energy that is passively used by electronics in standby mode. It can quietly add to your bill, but it’s easy to prevent by using power strips or smart plugs.
  
• Simple home maintenance, like sealing air leaks and cleaning filters, can improve efficiency and help your system run more smoothly.

Reducing your electric bill isn’t just about saving money — it’s about using energy more efficiently. In this guide, you’ll find 21 practical, actionable tips to help you do exactly that. We’ve organized them into three categories:

1. No-cost habits you can start today.
2. Low-cost upgrades with quick payback.
3. Long-term investments that can deliver the biggest savings over time.

Feel free to skip ahead and find the steps that work best for your home and budget.

• In the summer: Start with your preferred temperature setting. Increase it by one degree, and give your body a few days to adjust. If you’re feeling comfortable by the end of the week, increase it by one more degree the next week. Repeat until you find the highest possible temperature that feels comfortable.
• In the winter: Start with your preferred temperature setting. Decrease it by one degree, and give your body a few days to adjust. If you’re feeling comfortable by the end of the week, decrease it by one more degree the next week. Repeat until you find the lowest possible temperature setting that feels comfortable.
• Use a programmable or smart thermostat to schedule a more economical setting for when you’re away or asleep.  \

2. Unplug “electronics once charged or not in use

“Vampire” or “phantom power” is the energy electronics continue to use even when they’re turned off or in standby mode. Devices that are idling in standby mode may account for up to 5–15% of your home’s total energy usage.  devices that are idling in standby mode may account for up to 5–15% of your home’s total energy usage.

• Common electronics that passively drain energy include:
• TVs
• Set top boxes
• Video game consoles
• Phone chargers
• Digital clocks on appliances
• Plug these devices into power strips that you can easily shut off (or smart plugs that automatically cut power when devices aren’t being used).
• Prioritize entertainment centers and home office setups first.
• Use power strips that offer surge protection for expensive electronics.

3. Set your washing machine to Cold

Up to 90% of a washing machine’s energy use comes from heating water, according to ENERGY STAR. Wash your clothes in cold water to save on energy costs.

• Set your machine to wash with cold water when possible, especially for everyday loads.
• Only use hot water for sanitation needs.
• Many modern detergents work better with cold water.
• Cold water is gentler on your clothes and requires one-tenth the energy.

4. Air-dry clothes and dishes when possible

Clothes dryers are one of the most energy-intensive appliances in your home, accounting for a noticeable share of household energy use, according to the DOE.

• Air-dry your clothes on a clothesline.
• Start air-drying just one load of laundry per week, and increase the frequency if possible.
• Skip the heated dry cycle on your dishwasher and let your dishes air dry instead.

5. Clean your refrigerator coils and dryer vents. 

Dusty refrigerator coils force your appliance to work harder to release heat, while clogged dryer vents waste energy. They can also create a potential fire hazard.

• Clean your refrigerator coils every 6 to 12 months for optimal performance.
• Clean out your lint trap after every single load of laundry you dry. This helps maintain airflow and reduce drying time.
• Remember: well-maintained appliances run more efficiently, last longer and work better.

6. Rearrange your furniture to improve airflow

Proper airflow helps your heating and cooling system run more efficiently and maintain consistent temperatures. Make sure your furniture, curtains and rugs aren’t blocking vents.

• Blocked vents can cause uneven temperatures in your home and make your HVAC work harder.
• Identify each supply and return vent in your home.
• Leave about 6 inches to 1 foot of space between vents and objects or furniture.
• Even small obstructions can reduce system efficiency over time. When possible, move objects and furniture away from your vents to maximize airflow.

7. Run full loads of dishes and laundry

Dishwashers and washing machines use roughly the same amount of energy and water per cycle — regardless of how many clothes or dishes you’re washing. Though it may be tempting to “get ahead” on your chores, you’ll save more on energy costs if you wait until you have a full load of clothes or dishes to wash.

• Avoid using your appliances for partial loads.
• Use eco or energy-saving cycles when available.
• Fewer cycles per week can lead to measurable savings over time.

Bonus Tip: Assign a “door check” routine

Make it a household habit to keep exterior doors closed as much as possible. Your home is like a refrigerator — even leaving a door open for a minute or two can let conditioned air escape and force your HVAC system to work harder.

• Give a family member the job of “door checker,” or incorporate it into your routine. Even small habits like this can reduce unnecessary HVAC runtime throughout the day.
• Place bells on the door that jingle when it opens.
• Keeping your doors closed helps maintain indoor temperatures, reduces strain on your heating and cooling system and saves energy.

• Replace the most frequently used bulbs in your home first for the fastest impact.
• LEDs produce less heat, which can lead to reduced cooling costs in warmer months.
• Fewer replacements over time means lower long-term costs and less maintenance.
• Although they cost more initially, smart LED bulbs lead to even more energy savings, since you can switch them off remotely or automate their on/off schedule.

1. Seal air leaks around doors and windows

Tiny cracks and gaps around your doors and windows allow outside air in and inside air out. One of the easiest, most affordable energy-saving DIY projects you can do is to seal or weatherstrip air leaks. In fact, this quick project could reduce your heating and cooling costs by 5-30% per year.

• Check for drafts around window frames, doors, outlets and baseboards.
• Use weatherstripping for movable parts, like doors.
• Use caulk for stationary gaps.
• Sealing leaks helps your HVAC system efficiently maintain a consistent, more comfortable temperature.

1. Install a smart thermostat

Smart thermostats automatically adjust your home’s temperature based on your schedule, which can help reduce energy use when you’re away or asleep. You can save up to 10% a year on heating and cooling costs by adjusting your thermostat for about 8 hours a day, according to the DOE.

• Many models learn your habits over time and optimize your settings automatically.
• You can control your thermostat remotely using a smartphone app.
• ENERGY STAR estimates smart thermostats can save about 8% on heating and cooling costs annually.

1. Upgrade to smart power strips

Smart power strips reduce “vampire power” by automatically cutting electricity to devices that aren’t in use.

• They detect when a main device (like a computer or TV) is turned off and shut down connected accessories.
• Use smart power strips in home offices and entertainment centers with multiple devices.
• Smart power strips eliminate standby energy use automatically so you never have to think about it.

1. Install dimmer switches

Dimming your lights not only adds ambiance — it also reduces energy use and extends bulb life.

• A light dimmed by 25% can use about 20% less electricity.
• Lower brightness levels reduce heat output and energy consumption.
• Dimmers work especially well in living rooms, bedrooms and dining areas that benefit from mood or time-based lighting.

1. Use insulated or blackout curtains

Insulated curtains act as a barrier or extra layer of insulation against heat loss in the winter, while blocking out sunlight in the summer.

• In the summer: Use blackout curtains to shade the interior of your home during the day. Your HVAC system won’t have to work as hard to cool your home.
• In the winter: When it’s sunny outside, open your curtains to let sunshine in. Close the curtains at night or on extremely cold, cloudy days for extra insulation.

1. Add insulation to your electric water heater tank

If you have an older electric water heater, adding an insulation blanket can reduce standby heat loss by 25–45% and save you 7-16% on water heating costs Check your tank’s existing insulation level before adding a blanket.

• Pre-cut jackets or blankets are often available for around $20.
• Reducing heat loss means your system doesn’t have to work as hard to maintain temperature.

14. Add insulation to your electric water heater tank

If you have an older electric water heater, adding an insulation blanket can reduce standby heat loss by 25–45% and save you 7-16% on water heating costs Check your tank’s existing insulation level before adding a blanket.

• Pre-cut jackets or blankets are often available for around $20.
• Reducing heat loss means your system doesn’t have to work as hard to maintain temperature.

• New ENERGY STAR refrigerators use about 9% less energy than standard models that meet minimum federal efficiency requirements.
• Modern appliances are often more energy-efficient, so upgrade your oldest appliances first.
• Look for ENERGY STAR labels on refrigerators, dishwashers, washing machines and more.

16. Replace old, drafty windows

Older windows can be a major source of energy loss, especially if they’re single-pane or poorly sealed. According to the DOE, losing or gaining heat through windows can account for 25-30% of your heating and cooling costs.

• Upgrade to modern double- or triple-pane windows that are designed to reduce heat transfer and improve insulation.
• Many energy-efficient windows use gas fills and special coatings to improve performance.
• Upgrading windows can reduce drafts, improve indoor comfort and lower heating and cooling costs.
• New windows can also reduce outside noise and increase your home’s resale value.

17. Service or upgrade your HVAC system

Your heating and cooling system is the largest energy user in your home, so upgrading or maintaining it can have a major impact on your bill.

• High-efficiency systems with higher SEER ratings use less energy to heat and cool your home.
• Annual professional maintenance helps your system run at peak efficiency and extend its lifespan.
• Even simple maintenance, like replacing filters regularly, can improve performance and reduce energy use.
• You may be able to find rebates or incentives on HVAC upgrades through your state or energy provider. EPB customers can explore options for rebates on new HVAC systems and tune-ups here.

18. Install a heat pump water heater

Heat pump water heaters are significantly more efficient than traditional electric resistance models in warmer climates because they don’t generate heat directly — they move it. are significantly more efficient than traditional electric resistance models in warmer climates because they don’t generate heat directly — they move it.

• Heat pump water heater systems can be 2–3 times more energy-efficient than standard electric water heaters, according to the DOE.
• These clever appliances work by transferring heat from the surrounding air to warm water in a storage tank.
• Since they don’t generate heat directly, they are extremely energy-efficient.

19. Get a professional home energy audit

A home energy audit gives you a detailed, personalized look at how your home uses (and loses) energy.

• Energy auditors use professional tools like blower doors and infrared cameras to identify inefficiencies.
• Most auditors provide you with a customized report on your home’s energy efficiency with recommended upgrades and estimated savings.
• This can help you prioritize the most impactful improvements for your home.
• Check with your energy provider to see if they offer low- or no-cost energy audits. (EPB customers can schedule a free EPB Energy ProSM Home Energy CheckupSM here.)

20. Install ceiling fans

Ceiling fans don’t lower the temperature in a room, but they make you feel cooler by creating a wind-chill effect.

• Using ceiling fans allows you to raise your thermostat by about 4°F without reducing comfort, according to the DOE.
• Fans use significantly less energy than air conditioning systems.
• Remember to turn fans off when you leave the room, since they cool people, not spaces.
• For more tips on using ceiling fans efficiently, check out our blog post.

21. Consider residential solar panels

Installing solar panels is one of the most impactful ways to reduce, or even eliminate, your electric bill over time. However, with an investment of this size, it’s critical to thoroughly research this project and find a licensed, highly rated contractor you trust.

• Solar systems generate electricity from sunlight, reducing your reliance on grid power.
• Federal tax credits and local incentives can help offset installation costs.
• While it’s a larger upfront investment, solar can provide long-term savings and energy independence.
• Contact your energy provider to see if they offer complimentary solar consultations. (EPB customers can schedule a free Solar Consultation with the EPB Energy Pros here).

Over time, these small decisions can lead to meaningful savings, improved comfort and a more energy-efficient home. Every step you take helps you get more value from the energy you use.

If you’re unsure where to start, a professional energy assessment can provide guidance. EPB customers can schedule a free home energy checkup with EPB’s Energy ProsSM to get personalized recommendations for maximum energy savings. Schedule your free consultation.