🐼 Watt Panda’s Home Energy Efficiency Checklist

Could you cut up to 10% off your electric bill just by checking a few boxes? Let’s do it!

🔌 Appliances & Electronics

Nighttime audit: unplug TVs, gaming consoles, chargers, and other idle electronics—vampire loads are sneakily inflating your bill.
Use smart power strips or unplug devices when not in use to stop phantom energy grabs.

🏠 Sealing & Weatherproofing (No‑Cost/Low‑Cost Wins)

Inspect around doors, windows, outlets, light fixtures, and plumbing penetrations. Use caulk or weather-stripping to seal drafts.
Check attic access hatches, fireplace dampers, and duct leaks—seal dirty seams with proper duct mastic, not duct tape!

🧤 Insulation & Air Barriers

Make sure you have sufficient insulation in your attic, walls, floors, and crawlspaces. If joists are visible or insulation is missing—time to upgrade!
Target thermal bridges—improve continuous insulation to avoid hot/cold spots and energy waste.

🌡️ Heating, Cooling & Water Heating Systems

Check if your HVAC system and water heater are older than 10–15 years. Older units can be inefficient—consider an energy-efficient replacement.
Replace HVAC filters every 1–2 months during heavy use; have professional tune-ups yearly.
Insulate hot water pipes and consider wrapping your heater in an insulating blanket if not already insulated.

💡 Lighting Efficiency

Swap out incandescent bulbs for LEDs—they use 75–80% less energy and last much longer.
Use dimmers, timers, or motion sensors, especially in seldom-used areas like basements, garages, and closets.

🧺 Appliances & Usage Habits

Review your older appliances—ENERGY STAR certified models like newer refrigerators, washers, dryers, and dishwashers save considerable energy.
Use laundry and dishwasher machines on cold water cycles when possible.
Unplug idle devices or use power strips to prevent energy waste.

🧠 Smart Controls & Behavior Changes

Install a programmable or smart thermostat—even small adjustments can save up to 10% on heating or cooling costs.
During hot months, raise thermostat temperature while away and use ceiling or box fans to offset setting changes.

📊 Utility Review & Planning

Examine past utility bills for patterns—identify unusual increases or baseline consumption levels.
Ask your utility about rebates, energy audits, or weatherization assistance—some programs offer helpful support or funding.

🧾 Whole‑House Energy Strategy

Ask yourself:

What’s your annual energy spend?
Where are biggest losses—leaky ducts, poor insulation, ghost loads?
How fast will upgrades pay off?
Do upgrades add comfort, durability, or resale value?
How long do you plan to stay in your home? Value and comfort matter too!

✅ Watt Panda Wrap-up

By tackling these checks—sealing leaks, upgrading insulation, cleaning HVAC, efficient lighting, smarter appliances, and better habits—you’re setting up easy wins for better comfort and lower energy bills.

Need help with step‑by‑step DIY guides, or planning bigger upgrades like new windows, attic insulation, or smart thermostats? Watt Panda’s ready to power you up!