5 Hacks to Make Your Home More Energy Efficient

Making your home energy-efficient doesn’t have to be hard. Small changes can lead to big savings on your energy bills. Plus, an energy-efficient home is better for the planet.

Whether you’re looking to lower costs or live more sustainably, these simple hacks can help. From lighting upgrades to smarter appliances, there’s a lot you can do.

In this blog, we’ll share five easy hacks to make your home more energy-efficient. We’ve also included product recommendations to help you get started. Let’s dive in!

Hack 1: Upgrade to Energy-Efficient Lighting

Close-up of LED light bulbs glowing brightly, highlighting energy efficiency and cost savings.

Lighting is one of the easiest places to save energy at home. Traditional bulbs, like incandescent ones, waste a lot of electricity. Switching to energy-efficient options like LED bulbs can make a huge difference.

LEDs use up to 75% less energy and last 25 times longer than incandescent bulbs. They also produce less heat, which helps keep your home cooler in the summer.

For even more savings, consider using smart bulbs. These can be controlled with your phone or voice assistants like Alexa. You can turn them off remotely or dim them to save energy.

Top Picks

Philips LED A19 Light Bulb: A reliable option for all-around lighting.
LIFX Color Bulb: Perfect for creating moods and saving energy with smart controls.
Motion Sensor Lights: Ideal for areas like hallways and bathrooms to ensure lights are only on when needed.

10%

Philips LED A19 Ultra Definition Frosted Dimmable LED Light Bulbs – Flicker-Free 60w Light Bulbs with EyeComfort Technology – Soft White 2700K Lightbulb – 800 Lumen – E26 Base – 4 Pack

$13.99 ($3.50 / Count)

12%

LIFX Color A19 800 lumens, Billions of Colors and Whites, Wi-Fi Smart LED Light Bulb, No Bridge Required, Works with Alexa, Hey Google, HomeKit and Siri (2-Pack)

$39.99 ($20.00 / Count)

Under Cabinet Lights,40 LED Rechargeable Battery Operated Motion Sensor Light Indoor, 2 Pack Magnetic Dimmable Closet Lights, Wireless Under Counter Lights for Kitchen, Stairs

Pro Tip: Use dimmers or timers to control how long lights stay on. This way, you save even more energy.

Hack 2: Install Programmable Thermostats

A sleek, smart thermostat mounted on a wall, showing temperature control settings.

Heating and cooling are some of the biggest energy expenses in any home. A programmable thermostat can help you cut those costs by adjusting the temperature automatically.

For example, you can program it to lower the heat when you’re sleeping or out of the house. This small change can save you up to 10% on your energy bill each year.

Smart thermostats take it a step further. They learn your habits and adjust the temperature based on your daily schedule. Some even let you control them remotely from your phone.

Top Picks

Nest Learning Thermostat: Easy to use, learns your habits, and saves energy.
Ecobee Smart Thermostat: Offers voice control and sensors for better temperature management.

32%

Google Nest Learning Thermostat – 3rd Gen (2015) – Programmable Smart Thermostat for Home – Works with Alexa – White

$249.00

ecobee3 Lite Smart Thermostat – Programmable Wifi Thermostat – Works with Siri, Alexa, Google Assistant – Energy Star Certified – DIY Install, Black

Pro Tip: When you’re away, set your thermostat to 7-10°F lower in winter or higher in summer. This saves energy without sacrificing comfort.

Hack 3: Seal Gaps and Insulate Properly

Hands applying weatherstripping to a window frame to block drafts and save energy.

Drafts and air leaks are silent energy wasters. Even small gaps around windows, doors, or attic spaces can let warm air escape in winter and cool air escape in summer. Sealing these gaps can make your home more energy-efficient and comfortable.

Weatherstripping and caulking are simple ways to block these leaks. Adding insulation in your attic or walls can further reduce energy loss. Proper insulation keeps your home’s temperature stable, so your heating and cooling systems don’t have to work as hard.

Top Picks

Frost King Weatherstrip Seal: Great for sealing gaps around doors and windows.
3M Indoor Window Insulator Kit: A quick solution for drafty windows.
Reflective Insulation Rolls: Perfect for attics and garage doors.

47%

Frost King R338H Self-Stick Rubber Foam Weatherseal, 3/8″W, 3/16″T, Black|Blacks

$5.48 ($0.55 / Foot)

Transparent Window Weather Sealing Tape 2 Inch x 33 FT Weather Stripping Residue-Free Clear Window Insulation Tape for Doors Windows and Shower Glass Gaps

17%

Reflectix BP24025 24-Inch by 25-Feet Bubble Pack Insulation, 1-Unit

$34.99

Pro Tip: Attention areas like basements, attics, and around pipes. These are common spots for air leaks.

Hack 4: Use Energy-Efficient Appliances

An Energy Star-certified refrigerator and modern dishwasher in a minimalist kitchen.

Old appliances may work fine, but they often waste energy. Modern, energy-efficient appliances use advanced technology to deliver the same performance while consuming less power.

Look for appliances with the Energy Star label. These products are certified to use significantly less energy compared to standard models. Whether it’s your fridge, washing machine, or dishwasher, upgrading to energy-efficient options can lead to noticeable savings on your utility bills.

Top Picks

Energy Star Refrigerator: Keeps your food fresh while saving energy.
LG Front Load Washer: Uses less water and energy for every load.
Bosch 800 Series Dishwasher: Efficient and powerful for spotless dishes.

Upstreman 3.1 Cu.Ft Mini Fridge with Freezer, Double Door Mini Fridge, Dorm Essentials, Adjustable Thermostat, Energy Saving, Mini Fridge for Office, Dorm, Bedroom, Black

Pro Tip: Use appliances during off-peak hours to save even more on energy costs.

Hack 5: Adopt Smart Power Strips and Plug Usage

Smart power strip with multiple plugged-in devices, showing energy-saving functionality.

Even when turned off, many devices continue to draw power. This is called phantom energy, and it can add up over time. Smart power strips can stop this waste by cutting power to devices when they’re not in use.

Smart plugs are another excellent option. They let you control your devices remotely, so you can turn off electronics from your phone. Both options are affordable and easy to use, making them a must-have for an energy-efficient home.

Top Picks

Belkin Smart Power Strip: Automatically cuts off power to unused devices.
TP-Link Kasa Smart Plug: This lets you control devices with your phone or voice assistant.

Belkin 12-Outlet Surge Protector Power Strip w/ 12 AC Outlets & 8ft Flat Plug, UL-listed Heavy-Duty Extension Cord for Home, Office, Travel, Computer, Laptop, Charger – 3,940 Joules of Protection

17%

Kasa Smart Plug HS103P4, Smart Home Wi-Fi Outlet Works with Alexa, Echo, Google Home & IFTTT, No Hub Required, Remote Control, 15 Amp, UL Certified, 4-Pack, White

$29.99

Pro Tip: Use these tools for TVs, gaming consoles, and chargers. These are some of the biggest phantom energy users in most homes.

Conclusion

Making your home energy-efficient doesn’t have to be complicated. By upgrading your lighting, using smart thermostats, sealing gaps, choosing energy-efficient appliances, and cutting phantom energy, you can save money and reduce your energy footprint.

Start small and build from there—every step makes a difference.

Thank you for reading! We hope these tips help you create a more sustainable and cost-effective home. If you try any of these hacks, let us know how they worked for you!

FAQs

How much can I save by switching to LED bulbs?

LED bulbs use up to 75% less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs. Over time, this can save you around $100 or more per year, depending on how many lights you replace.

Are smart thermostats worth the investment?

Yes, smart thermostats can save you up to 10-15% on heating and cooling costs annually. They also offer convenience with remote control and automated schedules, making them a great long-term investment.

How do I know if my home needs better insulation?

Signs of poor insulation include uneven temperatures, high energy bills, and drafts around windows or doors. An energy audit can help identify areas that need sealing or additional insulation.

Do smart power strips work with all devices?

Yes, smart power strips can be used with most devices, including TVs, gaming consoles, and kitchen appliances. Just ensure the strip’s wattage rating matches your devices for safe use.

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