5 Ways to Lower Your Electric Bill in 2026

A few simple changes can help you manage your electric bill this year. You do not need special tools or a major upgrade. Start with these five steps you can do at home or at your small business.

1) Check your rate plan

Many utilities offer time-of-use rates. Prices change at set times of day, often with a higher afternoon peak and lower overnight prices. Check your bill or your utility’s website to confirm your plan and its rules. Then compare those rules to your daily habits.

Practical moves:

• If you have a time-of-use rate, try running laundry or the dishwasher during lower-price hours when it fits your schedule.
• Charge phones, laptops, and battery tools overnight when rates are typically lower.
• Use appliance delay-start features so energy-heavy cycles avoid the afternoon peak.

If your plan does not match your routine, see what other options your utility offers. Even small shifts in when you use power can add up over a month.

2) Seal drafts and air leaks

Drafts make rooms feel colder in winter and warmer in summer. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) says sealing cracks and openings reduces drafts and cold spots. Focus first on the places you can reach.

Where and how to seal:

• Use caulk on fixed cracks and gaps that do not move, like along baseboards or where pipes and wires go through walls.
• Use weatherstripping around doors and windows that open and close.
• Check for light around door edges. If you see light, air is getting through.
• Look at window locks and latches. Tight hardware often means tighter seals.

Work one room at a time. Wipe surfaces clean so caulk and weatherstripping stick well. Test doors and windows after you finish to be sure they still open and close smoothly.

3) Adjust thermostat settings wisely

Heating and cooling are a big part of most energy bills. DOE suggests about 68–70°F in winter while you are awake. Lower the setting while you sleep or when you are away. Turning your thermostat back 7–10°F for 8 hours a day from its normal setting can save as much as 10% a year on heating and cooling.

Tips for common setups:

• If you heat with a furnace or boiler, set a daily schedule. Lower the temperature at night and when you are out.
• If you use a heat pump in heating mode, DOE notes that programmable setback is generally not recommended. Large setbacks can trigger inefficient backup heat. Instead, use a steady setting or small adjustments.
• Close curtains at night in winter and open them on sunny days to help rooms feel more comfortable at the same setting.

Make changes in small steps so everyone at home stays comfortable. Aim for consistent habits you can keep all season.

4) Switch to LED lighting

Lighting is an easy win. DOE reports that LED bulbs use up to 90% less energy and last up to 25 times longer than traditional incandescent bulbs.

Make the switch where it counts:

• Replace the bulbs you use the most first, like kitchen, living room, and porch lights.
• Use LEDs that fit your fixtures. They come in many shapes and bases.
• Pick brightness levels that match your old bulbs. The package shows lumens for brightness.

Longer life also means fewer ladder trips and fewer burned-out bulbs at bad times. Over a year, the difference in energy use adds up.

5) Subscribe to community solar

Community solar lets many customers share the benefits of a local solar project. DOE defines it as a solar project or purchasing program, within a geographic area, where the benefits flow to multiple customers such as individuals, businesses, nonprofits, and other groups.

How it works with your bill:

• Nothing is installed at your home or business. No panels, no roof work, no equipment.
• Your utility keeps delivering electricity on the same wires you use now.
• Each month, solar credits from your share reduce part of your utility bill.
• You pay for your subscription, and subscribers pay less for the subscription than the solar credits are worth. Because credits cover part of the bill, any discount applies to the credits, not the whole bill. Savings depend on your state, utility, and project.

If you want a plain-language overview, see our Community Solar 101 guide. Ready to find out if a project serves your area and utility? You can check your eligibility online. Renters and small businesses can take part if they meet program rules because nothing gets installed at the property. A subscription supports local solar energy.

Quick checklist to get started this week

• Look up your rate plan and note peak and off-peak times.
• Seal one drafty door or window with weatherstripping.
• Set your winter thermostat schedule. Keep heat pump guidance in mind.
• Replace two of your most-used bulbs with LEDs.
• Read Community Solar 101 and check eligibility.

Small steps are easier to keep up over time. Pick one or two ideas, try them for a week, and build from there. With steady habits and a clear plan, you can manage your bill month after month.