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Could you cut your electric bill just by checking a few boxes? Very possibly. Work through this home energy efficiency checklist one section at a time. Most items take minutes and cost little or nothing.
Key takeaways
- Start with the free wins: standby power, thermostat settings and filters.
- Sealing leaks and adding attic insulation are the best-value upgrades for most Texas homes.
- Replace old HVAC, water heaters and appliances with efficient models when they wear out.
- Don’t forget the plan: the right rate multiplies every other saving.
Electronics and standby power
- Nighttime walk-through: turn off or unplug TVs, consoles and chargers that sit idle.
- Smart power strips: cut standby power to entertainment centers and home offices automatically.
Sealing and weatherproofing
- Check around doors, windows, outlets, light fixtures and plumbing penetrations. Seal drafts with caulk or weatherstripping.
- Check attic hatches, fireplace dampers and duct joints. Seal duct leaks with mastic or foil tape, not cloth duct tape.
Insulation
- Check your attic insulation. If you can see the tops of the ceiling joists, it’s time to add more.
- Look for gaps in insulation over garages, around attic knee walls and in crawlspaces.
Heating, cooling and water heating
- Is your HVAC or water heater more than 10 to 15 years old? Start planning an efficient replacement before it fails.
- Replace HVAC filters every 1 to 3 months, more often in peak summer.
- Get a professional tune-up once a year.
- Insulate hot water pipes, and check that your water heater is set around 120°F.
Lighting
- Swap any remaining incandescent bulbs for LEDs. They use far less energy and last much longer.
- Add timers or motion sensors in garages, closets and outdoor areas.
Appliances and habits
- Replace old appliances with ENERGY STAR models as they wear out.
- Wash laundry in cold water and run full loads.
- Clean the dryer lint trap every load.
Smart controls
- Install a smart or programmable thermostat and set it warmer when you’re away in summer.
- Pair it with ceiling fans so you can set the thermostat higher without noticing.
Your bills and your plan
- Review the last 12 months of bills for unusual spikes. Here’s how to read them.
- Find your contract end date and calendar it.
- Ask about rebates and audits. Some utilities and cities offer efficiency rebates or programs.
- Check your rate. Send your bill to Watt Panda and we’ll tell you if you’re overpaying.
Whole-house questions to ask
- What’s your annual electricity spend?
- Where are the biggest losses: ducts, insulation, old equipment or standby power?
- How long will an upgrade take to pay off, and how long will you stay in the home?
- Does the upgrade also improve comfort or resale value?
Planning a bigger project? See our guide to building an energy-efficient home and the end-of-summer electricity audit.
Helpful official resources: ENERGY STAR · U.S. Department of Energy: Energy Saver
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Frequently asked questions
What is the cheapest way to make a home more energy efficient?
Sealing air leaks, changing filters, switching to LEDs and adjusting your thermostat schedule cost little and pay off quickly.
How much can energy efficiency upgrades save?
It depends on the home, but combining low-cost fixes with a better electricity plan often makes a noticeable difference in monthly bills.
What upgrade gives the best return in a Texas home?
For many homes, attic insulation and duct sealing, because they reduce the heat your AC has to fight all summer.
I’m so glad I found Watt Panda in lieu of Energy Ogre
Great list. I have implemented half of these and am working on adding more efficencies.
That’s a really helpful checklist – I hadn’t thought about sealing and weatherproofing as a no-cost way to save. I found a similar breakdown of energy usage tips
Helpful list. Reduced my bill by ~20%