You don't need a major renovation to slash your electricity bill. These 15 changes cost little—many under $50 total—and can collectively reduce your bill by 15–20% or more. Most can be done in a single weekend.
Under $10 Each
1. Outlet and Switch Gaskets
Foam gaskets behind outlet and switch plates on exterior walls block drafts. A 10-pack costs about $5. Install in 15 minutes.
2. Door Sweep
Gaps under exterior doors waste significant heating and cooling. A door sweep costs $8–15 and takes 10 minutes to install.
3. LED Bulbs (High-Use Fixtures)
Replace the 3–5 most-used bulbs with LEDs. A 4-pack of 60W-equivalent LEDs runs $10–15. Saves $30–50 per year.
4. Faucet Aerators and Low-Flow Showerhead
Reduce hot water use—and thus water heating costs—with low-flow fixtures. Aerators cost $5–10; showerheads $15–25.
5. HVAC Filter
A dirty filter forces your system to work harder. Replace monthly during heavy use. Filters cost $5–15 each.
$10–$30 Each
6. Smart Power Strip
Eliminates phantom power for entertainment centers and home offices. $20–35. Saves $50–100/year on standby drain.
7. Weatherstripping for Windows and Doors
Self-adhesive foam or V-strip seals gaps. $15–25 for a typical home. Reduces drafts and HVAC load.
8. Programmable Thermostat
Basic models start around $25. Automate temperature setbacks when away or asleep. Saves 10–15% on heating/cooling.
9. Water Heater Blanket
If your water heater is in an unheated space, an insulating blanket ($20–30) reduces standby heat loss. Check manufacturer guidelines first.
10. Refrigerator/Freezer Thermometer
Ensure fridge is 37–40°F and freezer 0°F. Too cold wastes energy. Thermometer costs $5–10.
$30–$50 Each
11. Ceiling Fan Direction Switch
Use fans to complement HVAC. Summer: counterclockwise. Winter: clockwise at low speed. No new fan needed—just set it correctly.
12. Pipe Insulation
Insulate hot water pipes in unheated areas. Foam sleeves cost $20–40 for a typical home. Reduces heat loss and wait time for hot water.
13. Window Film (Seasonal)
Reflective film blocks summer heat; insulating film reduces winter heat loss. DIY kits run $30–50.
14. Dryer Vent Cleaning
Clogged vents extend drying time. A cleaning brush costs $15–25. Clean annually.
15. Caulk and Seal
Seal gaps around windows, baseboards, and penetrations. Caulk and a caulk gun cost $15–25. One of the highest-impact low-cost fixes.
- Start with the under-$10 items—biggest impact for least effort
- Add power strips and weatherstripping next
- Schedule a weekend for caulking and sealing
"I did items 1, 2, 3, 6, and 7 in one Saturday. Total cost: $65. My next bill was $40 lower. That's a payback of under two months."
Use ElectriBill's calculator to estimate your current usage, then implement these changes and compare your next few bills to measure the impact.