Conservation is a powerful first step, but the real opportunity comes when it’s paired with energy efficiency. By combining mindful habits with smarter technologies, you can unlock even greater savings, comfort, and environmental benefits. ​​
8 Powerful Ways to Make Your Home More Energy Efficient
Here are 8 high-impact energy efficiency improvements, ranked by savings potential. While many require some upfront investment—whether modest or significant—almost all pay for themselves through lower utility bills and keep delivering savings and comfort year after year.
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For many cases rebates or coupons are available to reduce your upfront cost!
Energy efficiency stands for using technologies and upgrades that provide the same benefits with far less power. Conservation depends on daily habits, while efficiency is built into the equipment and systems you choose.
Action
Air seal your home
Incentive
Cuts infiltration losses. Can save 10–20% heating/cooling.
Action
Add attic insulation
Incentive
Brings insulation to modern R-value. Can save 15–20% HVAC load.
Action
Seal HVAC ducts
Incentive
Leaky ducts = 20–30% waste.Sealing Can save 10–20% HVAC energy.
Action
Replace old appliances with ENERGY STAR appliances
Incentive
Replacing old fridge, washer, dryer, dishwasher.
Savings vary, up to $500/year, biggest from refrigerators + laundry.
Action
Install low-flow shower heads
Incentive
Cuts hot water heating 5–15%.
$50–$100/year savings.
Action
Install LED light bulbs
Incentive
If switching from incandescents → 75–80% less lighting energy.
Today, savings are often $50–$150/year.
Action
Clean or replace HVAC filters (monthly/quarterly)
Incentive
Prevents 5–15% extra HVAC energy use.
Savings ~$50–$100/year + avoids costly breakdowns.
Action
Clean refrigerator coils
Incentive
Dirty coils can raise energy use 10–30%.
Cleaning yearly saves $20–$60/year, extends fridge life.