Top 100 Simple and Effective Energy-Saving Tips to Lower Bills This Winter

It’s that time of year again—days are shorter, nights are colder, and heating bills are starting to creep up.

We all want to stay warm without breaking the bank, and thankfully, there are plenty of easy ways to save energy that don’t require any big changes.

You don’t need an engineering degree or a toolbox full of gadgets; just a few small adjustments can make a big difference.

So, here we go—100 ways to save energy at home, so easy it’ll make saving energy feel almost effortless.

1. Open curtains on sunny windows to warm up your home during the day, then close them at night to keep the heat in.
2. Use heavy curtains or drapes over drafty windows to help block out the cold.
3. Place weather stripping around windows and doors to seal out drafts.
4. Put a door snake (or just a rolled-up towel) at the bottom of drafty doors.
5. Lower your thermostat when you’re out or asleep to save up to 10% a year on heating.
6. Get a smart thermostat that adjusts automatically and can save you about $50 annually.
7. Keep the thermostat set at a steady temperature for heat pumps to maximize efficiency.
8. Insulate your attic, walls, and floors to keep warmth in and cold out.
9. Seal leaks around pipes, ducts, and chimneys to prevent heat from escaping.
10. Use foam gaskets behind outlet covers on exterior walls to stop cold air from sneaking in.
11. Install a door sweep to block drafts under exterior doors.
12. Keep fireplace dampers closed when not in use to keep warm air from going up the chimney.
13. Add caulking around your fireplace hearth to prevent heat loss.
14. Use tempered glass doors on fireplaces to stop drafts.
15. Try a fireplace insert or heat-air exchange system to boost efficiency.
16. Set your water heater to 120°F—warm enough for comfort but not so hot it wastes energy.
17. Insulate your water heater with a blanket to hold in heat.
18. Use LED holiday lights—they use up to 90% less energy and last way longer.
19. Replace regular light bulbs with LEDs or CFLs to reduce lighting costs.
20. Turn off lights when you leave a room—sounds basic, but it works.
21. Use motion-sensor lights outdoors so they only turn on when needed.
22. Keep blinds closed during hot days in summer and open them on sunny winter days.
23. Use light-colored paint and decor to make rooms feel brighter without extra lighting.
24. Run your dishwasher only when it’s full to save water and electricity.
25. Skip the “heated dry” setting on your dishwasher—air drying works just as well.
26. Don’t rinse dishes before putting them in the dishwasher; modern machines can handle it.
27. Wash clothes in cold water whenever possible; it’s easier on fabrics and your wallet.
28. Wait until you have a full load of laundry before washing.
29. Try to dry similar fabrics together; they dry more evenly, saving time and energy.
30. Clean the lint trap in your dryer after each load to boost efficiency.
31. If your dryer has a moisture sensor, use it to stop automatically when clothes are dry.
32. Don’t over-dry clothes—taking them out a bit damp is easier on fabrics and saves energy.
33. Skip the oven whenever possible; microwaves and toaster ovens use much less power.
34. If you’re using the oven, keep the door closed. Peeking inside drops the temp fast.
35. If you’re able, cook multiple items at once in the oven—why waste heat?
36. Use lids on pots to trap heat and cook faster.
37. Match pots to the burner size to avoid wasting heat.
38. Don’t preheat the oven longer than necessary—it’s not always needed.
39. Batch-dry clothes: doing consecutive loads keeps the dryer warm and saves energy.
40. Install ceiling fans and set them to turn clockwise in winter to push warm air down.
41. Use power strips for electronics and switch them off when not in use to avoid phantom power drain.
42. Unplug chargers and small appliances when not in use—every little bit helps.
43. Use a programmable power strip for devices like TVs and gaming consoles to cut standby power.
44. Turn off computers and monitors at night or when you’re done with them.
45. Activate “sleep mode” on computers for automatic energy savings.
46. Avoid using space heaters—they consume a lot of power and aren’t always efficient.
47. If you use a space heater, keep doors closed in the room to trap heat.
48. Install a low-flow showerhead to save on hot water use.
49. Take shorter showers to conserve water and energy.
50. Fix any leaky faucets, especially hot water ones.
51. Try air-drying clothes instead of using the dryer, even if it’s just for the last few minutes.
52. Clean your refrigerator coils regularly to keep it running efficiently.
53. Use water bottles if needed to keep your fridge full for better energy efficiency.
54. Don’t keep your freezer too empty; a fuller freezer runs more efficiently.
55. Adjust fridge settings to the recommended range (37-40°F for the fridge, 0°F for the freezer).
56. Defrost your freezer regularly to prevent ice buildup.
57. Avoid putting hot leftovers in the fridge—it has to work harder to cool them.
58. If you use a second fridge, consider unplugging it when it’s unnecessary.
59. Vacuum or dust off the back of your fridge and freezer to improve air circulation.
60. Use surge protectors to protect devices and prevent energy waste.
61. Use small appliances like slow cookers and pressure cookers for energy-efficient cooking.
62. Defrost food in the fridge rather than the microwave—it’s easier on the appliance.
63. Avoid using the stove or oven during peak hours to save on energy costs.
64. Dress for the season at home instead of cranking up the heat or AC.
65. Rearrange furniture so it doesn’t block air vents and restrict airflow.
66. Don’t block radiators with furniture or curtains—they need space to warm the room.
67. Place rugs on cold floors to keep rooms cozy without turning up the heat.
68. Use draft stoppers in rooms with large gaps under doors.
69. Keep HVAC filters clean for efficient heating and cooling.
70. Get your HVAC system serviced yearly to keep it in top shape.
71. Upgrade to a high-efficiency furnace or boiler if your current one is old.
72. Insulate your basement and crawl space if they aren’t already.
73. Use a programmable thermostat to adjust temperatures when you’re away automatically.
74. Apply caulking around doors and windows for a tighter seal.
75. Seal gaps around attic hatches are also often a big source of leaks.
76. Cover your windows with plastic film in the winter to keep out the cold.
77. Place foam inserts behind switch plates on exterior walls to block drafts.
78. Look for ENERGY STAR appliances—they’re more efficient and can save money.
79. Choose energy-efficient light fixtures if you’re remodeling or upgrading.
80. Keep oven doors shut tight and make sure the seal is good.
81. Run your washer and dryer in off-peak hours if your utility offers time-based rates.
82. Air-dry dishes instead of using the dishwasher’s heated dry setting.
83. Use fans in the summer instead of turning up the AC.
84. Close vents in unused rooms to keep warm air focused on where you need it.
85. Get a boiler or furnace tune-up before the cold months hit.
86. Take advantage of rebates for energy-efficient home upgrades.
87. If you have a water heater, insulate the pipes to retain heat.
88. Wash dishes in the dishwasher instead of by hand—it actually saves water.
89. Schedule appliances like the dishwasher or laundry for nighttime use if possible.
90. Choose energy-saving settings on appliances if they have them.
91. Install window film to block heat loss in winter and excess heat in summer.
92. Turn off your heated blankets and pads when you leave the room.
93. If you can, use a programmable timer for holiday lights to control when they’re on.
94. Open windows on warm winter days to let fresh air in without using the heater.
95. Set your thermostat lower if you’re going to be active around the house.
96. Warm up blankets in the dryer for a few minutes instead of turning up the thermostat.
97. Wrap your water heater in insulation to prevent heat loss.
98. Use a clothesline or drying rack instead of the dryer for laundry.
99. Check windows and doors yearly for cracks and re-seal as needed.
100. Finally, start slow—don’t overwhelm yourself. Even a few changes can make a difference!

So there you have it—tons of simple, everyday ways to keep your place warm without sending your energy bill through the roof!

And hey, you’ll be saving money and helping the planet at the same time, which is pretty awesome.

Why not start with one or two of these ideas today? Seal up a draft, adjust the thermostat, or switch out a couple of light bulbs.

The results might surprise you, and before you know it, these small tweaks will become part of your routine.

So go on, give it a try, and start seeing the savings roll in.