Cooler nights are here. A few small changes can cut waste and make your home feel better. Try these quick wins this month.
10 quick ways to save at home
Get a home energy audit. The U.S. Department of Energy suggests starting weatherizing with an audit. It shows where to begin, then points you to air sealing, insulation, moisture control, and ventilation.
Seal fixed cracks with caulk. Sealing cracks and openings reduces drafts and cold spots. Use caulk where parts do not move, like gaps around trim, pipes, and foundation joints.
Add weatherstripping to doors and windows. Doors and windows move, so caulk is not the best fit there. Add weatherstripping to reduce leaks you can feel on windy days.
Improve insulation and plan ventilation. After an audit, look at insulation levels in attics and walls. Also plan for moisture control and ventilation so your home stays comfortable and healthy as you tighten it up.
Set winter temps the smart way. DOE suggests about 68–70°F while you are awake in winter, and lower while you are asleep or away. You can save as much as 10% a year on heating and cooling by turning your thermostat back 7–10°F for 8 hours a day from its normal setting. If you use a heat pump, note that programmable setback is generally not recommended in heating mode.
Use ceiling fans the right way. A fan helps move cooler air in summer and can help distribute heat in winter. Fans cool people, not rooms, so turn them off when you leave.
Switch to LED lighting. LEDs use up to 90% less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs and last up to 25 times longer. Start with bulbs you use the most, like kitchen, porch, and living room lights.
Set your water heater to 120°F. For most homes, DOE recommends 120°F. This temperature is usually hot enough for daily needs while avoiding waste from overheating water.
Know your electric rate and shift when it helps. Many utilities offer time-of-use rates. Prices change at set times of day, often with an afternoon peak and lower overnight prices. Check your bill or your utility website for your rate plan, then compare its rules to your habits. If you are on a time-of-use plan, run big loads during lower-price hours when you can.
Support local solar with a community solar subscription. DOE defines community solar as a solar project or purchasing program where the benefits flow to many customers in the area. With community solar, nothing is installed at your home. No panels, no roof work, no equipment. Your utility keeps delivering electricity on the same wires. Here is how savings typically work: subscribers pay less for the subscription than the solar credits are worth. Credits cover part of the bill, so any discount applies to the credits, not the whole bill. Savings depend on your state, utility, and project. New to this idea? Read our Community Solar 101 guide. Want to see if a project is open near you? Check your eligibility.
Make small changes stick
Pick two or three items from the list and set a date to do them. Buy the bulbs, caulk, or weatherstripping before the weekend. Update your thermostat schedule so setbacks happen every day without extra work.
A simple plan for this week
- Walk your home with a notepad. List drafts to seal and bulbs to replace.
- Check your water heater dial and set it to 120°F if needed.
- Look up your utility rate plan and note any peak hours.
- Flip on each ceiling fan to confirm it feels comfortable, then switch it off when you leave the room.
Small steps add up over the season. Tackle a few now, and your home will feel better through fall and winter.