Homes and buildings account for 40% of all energy used in the US, and much of it is wasted. The average homeowner loses $200 to $400 a year due to energy efficiency problems!
But here’s the good news: fixing it is easier than ever—and it starts right at home.
In this guide, we share 57 smart, actionable ways to boost your home’s energy efficiency in 2025.
Whether you’re looking to save money, reduce your carbon footprint, or make your home more comfortable, these tips are your blueprint.
Building Envelope Improvements
Most energy waste in a house is lost through the building envelope, which is essentially your home’s exterior construction. It includes your home's walls, roof, windows, doors, insulation, and foundation. Since it's where most energy loss occurs, it's the best place to start making energy efficient home improvements.
1. Get an energy audit
A professional energy audit is the first step toward improving your home’s energy efficiency. During this assessment, a certified energy auditor will identify the most cost-effective ways to reduce energy waste in your home and help you make a plan of action.
2. Schedule a blower door test
A blower door test is usually included in an energy audit, but it can also be done on its own. The blower door creates a pressure difference between your home and the outside air to measure and locate leaks so they can be air sealed.
3. Air seal your attic & foundation
Our attics and basements are riddled with small gaps and cracks that let heated and cooled air escape. Sealing them stops this loss, saving energy and reducing your heating and cooling bills.
4. Upgrade your insulation
Insulating your attic and basement or crawl space is one of the best ways to improve your home’s energy efficiency. It can save you 15% on heating and cooling costs, according to the Environmental Protection Agency.
5. Encapsulate your crawl space
Crawl space encapsulation seals your crawl space off from the surrounding earth. This creates a barrier that prevents heat loss in the winter and heat gain in the summer while also blocking out moisture and pests.
6. Seal gaps around plumbing and wiring penetrations
Small holes around pipes and wires can add up to major energy loss. You can seal small openings yourself with spray foam or caulk, or have them professionally air sealed.
7. Install weatherstripping around windows and doors
Weatherstripping creates a tight seal around windows and doors, reducing drafts and energy loss.
8. Upgrade to ENERGY STAR® windows
Replacing old single-pane windows with ENERGY STAR®-rated windows can save you 13% on your energy bills. Plus, the new windows will be less drafty and can improve the value of your home.
9. Install a storm door
Storm doors add an extra layer of protection against drafts and extreme temperatures.
10. Use door sweeps to reduce drafts
Door sweeps block the gap at the bottom of doors, keeping conditioned air in and outdoor air out. It’s one of the easiest and most inexpensive ways to improve your home’s energy efficiency.
11. Install awnings over south-facing windows
Awnings create shade that blocks sunlight before it enters your home, lowering indoor temperatures and reducing the need for air conditioning.
12. Hang thermal curtains
Thermal or insulated curtains hold heat inside your home during the winter, helping you stay warmer with less heat.
13. Install insulated shades
Insulated cellular shades are one of the most affordable ways to reduce energy loss through windows. When installed correctly with a tight fit, cellular shades reduce unwanted heat gain through your windows by as much as 60%!
14. Choose a light-colored roofing material
When it’s time to replace your roof, consider a light color. Lighter colors like white and light gray reflect sunlight and reduce heat absorption, which can help your home stay cooler and reduce energy costs.
Heating & Cooling
More than half of all energy used in a home goes toward heating and air conditioning! Making improvements to your heating and cooling systems can have a major impact on your home’s overall energy efficiency.
15. Install a heat pump HVAC system
A heat pump is one of the most energy efficient options for home heating and air conditioning. A modern heat pump can reduce your electricity use for heating by up to 75% compared to electric resistance heating systems.
16. Add zoning to your HVAC system
Zoning allows you to control temperatures in individual areas, so you’re not heating or cooling unused spaces.
17. Use a smart or programmable thermostat
Smart thermostats learn your schedule and optimize comfort while saving energy.
18. Set your thermostat to 68°F in winter and 78°F in summer
These are the optimal HVAC settings for energy efficiency that balance comfort and energy savings.
19. Change air filters every 1–3 months.
Clogged air filters restrict airflow, which forces your HVAC system to work harder, increasing energy usage and costs. Keeping your filters clean is an easy way to improve energy efficiency in your home.
20. Get your HVAC system tuned up annually
Never skip a tune-up! Regular maintenance keeps your HVAC system running smoothly and at peak efficiency.
21. Seal your air ducts
In a typical house, 20-30% of all air that moves through the HVAC ducts is lost to leaks. Duct sealing closes these leaks and is one of the most effective ways to improve your home’s energy efficiency.
20. Insulate your air ducts
Air ducts often run through unconditioned spaces like attics and basements or crawl spaces, which means they’re exposed to heat and cold. Insulating your ducts can help protect them against heat loss and gain, improving overall HVAC system efficiency.
23. Install a mini split heat pump in hard-to-heat or cool areas
If you have rooms or areas in your house that never get warm or cool enough, cranking up the thermostat won’t help, but it will increase your energy bills. Instead, consider installing mini split heat pumps for targeted heating and cooling in bonus rooms, finished basements, garages, and additions without ductwork.
24. Use ceiling fans for cooling on mild days
When it’s warm outside but not excruciatingly hot, consider using a ceiling fan instead of relying so heavily on your air conditioner. It reduces the need for constant AC, saving energy and money.
25. Keep vents and registers clear
Blocked vents disrupt airflow and make your HVAC system work harder, driving up your energy usage. For optimal energy efficiency, keep rugs and furniture away from your HVAC air vents.
26. Use a dehumidifier
When the air in your home is humid, it feels warmer than it actually is, causing you to crank up the AC. Using a plug-in dehumidifier during the summer can make your house feel cooler and more comfortable so you can run your AC less often.
Lighting
Lighting accounts for about 6% of all electricity consumption in US homes. Making small changes in your lighting fixtures and habits can make a big difference when it comes to energy efficiency.
27. Replace all bulbs with LED lighting
Replacing old lightbulbs with LEDs is one of the easiest ways to improve your home’s energy efficiency. LEDs use up to 90% less energy than incandescent lightbulbs and last years longer.
28. Use motion sensors or timers on outdoor lights
Timers and motion sensors ensure you’re only using outdoor lighting when it’s needed, saving energy.
29. Install dimmer switches
Dimming lights is an easy way to reduce electricity use and extend bulb life.
30. Add sensors in closets, bathrooms, and hallways
Sensors automatically turn lights off when a room is empty so energy isn’t wasted lighting unoccupied spaces.
31. Use task lighting instead of overhead lighting when possible
Using targeted lighting from desk lamps and table lamps instead of lighting up a whole room with overhead lighting can save energy while providing better lighting for the task at hand.
32. Take advantage of natural light during the day
Open up your blinds to let sunlight into your home during the day. It’s free and doesn’t require any energy usage!
33. Clean light fixtures and bulbs
Dust can easily build up on lightbulbs and fixtures, blocking light and causing us to turn on additional lights. Simply dusting off your lights every once in a while can help you save energy at home.
Water Heating & Use
Water heating is the second largest energy expense in almost every US household, accounting for 18% of all energy usage. Making changes to your habits and water heating system can make a big difference in your energy bills.
34. Install low-flow showerheads
Low-flow shower heads use less water than traditional shower heads, conserving water. They also save energy because the less water you use, the less water you have to heat.
35. Use faucet aerators on sinks
Aerators are small, very affordable devices that attach to your faucets. They mix air with water, which creates a smoother, more consistent stream using less water.
36. Insulate hot water pipes
Pipe insulation stops heat loss as water moves through your pipes, saving energy and reducing your water heating bills.
37. Install a heat pump water heater
Heat pump water heaters pull existing heat out of the air and use it to heat water for your taps and showers. A heat pump water heater can save an average family of four $550 a year when replacing an electric resistance water heater.
38. Wash clothes in cold water
Clothes washers use a lot of water and, when you heat that water, a lot of energy. You can save energy by opting for cold water instead. It’s good for energy efficiency, and it’s also good for your clothes as it will help prevent the shrinkage and fading hot water can cause.
39. Fix leaky faucets immediately
Minor leaks are easy to ignore. But even slow drips can waste gallons of water—and the energy used to heat it—every day. Tighten dripping faucets and repair leaks as soon as you notice them to save water and energy.
40. Only run dishwashers and washing machines with full loads
Dishwashers and clothes washers are convenient and they make our lives easier. But they do suck up a lot of water and energy. Waiting until the machine is completely full to run it can help you cut back on energy consumption.
41. Choose a high-efficiency ENERGY STAR® dishwasher
When it’s time to replace your dishwasher (or install one for the first time) be smart about the model you choose. ENERGY STAR® certified dishwashers use less water and energy while getting your dishes just as clean.
Appliances & Electronics
Making smart choices about what types of appliances you install and how you use them can improve your home’s energy efficiency and save you money on your bills.
42. Upgrade old appliances to ENERGY STAR® models
There are ENERGY STAR®-rated alternatives to almost every type of home appliance, from dishwashers and clothes washers to refrigerators and freezers. Appliances that earn the ENERGY STAR® label meet strict energy efficiency specifications set by the US Environmental Protection Agency, helping you save energy and money.
43. Unplug small appliances and electronics when not in use
Any device that’s plugged in can draw power, even if it’s not being used. This is often referred to as phantom load or even energy vampires. Unplugging things like your TV, coffee maker, toaster, and even hair dryers when you’re not using them can help save energy.
44. Use smart power strips to reduce phantom loads
Smart power strips allow you to cut power to multiple devices all at once. If you plug your toaster, coffee maker, and air fryer into a smart power strip, you can easily cut power to all of them at once instead of constantly unplugging and replugging them in. It’s an effortless way to save electricity.
45. Don’t leave electronics and standby mode
TVs, gaming consoles, and computer monitors all use energy even when they’re just in standby mode. Turning your electronics off completely when you're not using them is an easy way to save energy.
46. Clean refrigerator coils to improve efficiency
Dirty coils force your fridge to work harder, using more electricity. Cleaning them occasionally can help you save energy.
47. Hang dry clothes when possible
Clothes dryers suck up a lot of electricity. Hanging your clothes to dry on a clothesline or drying rack whenever possible saves energy and it’s also better for your clothes.
48. Install a heat pump clothes dryer
If you’re not ready to give up the convenience of a clothes dryer, switching to a heat pump dryer can make a big difference in your energy costs. ENERGY STAR® certified heat pump clothes dryers use a staggering 70% less energy than traditional dryers.
49. Run large appliances during off-peak energy times
Utility companies charge more for electricity during certain times of the day when demand for electricity is high—usually in the evenings. You can save money on your electric bills by running high-energy appliances like your dishwasher and clothes dryers during off-peak hours when rates are lower. It won’t reduce your energy consumption, but it will reduce your electric bills.
Landscaping & Outdoor Energy Efficiency
Energy efficiency improvements aren’t limited to the inside of your house. You can often make a significant impact on your energy consumption and bills by making changes to your landscaping and outdoor energy usage.
50. Plant shade trees on the south and west sides of your home
Planting trees can provide natural cooling for your home by blocking sunlight that would otherwise radiate right through your windows and into your house. This reduces the need for air conditioning in the summer and saves you money.
51. Use native and drought-tolerant plants
Native species and drought-tolerant plants require less water, which reduces water consumption and energy usage for irrigation.
52. Use solar-powered path or landscape lighting
Most of your outdoor lighting can be powered with renewable solar energy. Solar lights charge from sunlight during the day and cost nothing to use.
53. Install a variable speed pool pump
Pools can be a huge source of energy consumption, but there is an easy way to improve their efficiency—install a variable speed pump. Variable speed pool pumps use less energy than single-speed pumps, saving you money.
Energy Generation & Storage
Making energy efficiency improvements to your home is a great way to reduce your energy usage and save money on your bills. If you want to take things to the next level, consider generating your own clean power.
54. Install rooftop solar panels
Solar panels let you generate clean electricity right from your roof. It significantly reduces your carbon footprint while saving you money on your electric bills.
55. Add solar battery storage
Solar batteries store the excess solar power your panels generate during the day so you can use clean solar energy at night.
56. Install a geothermal HVAC system
Geothermal HVAC systems take advantage of the stable temperatures well below the earth’s surface to heat and cool your home. They’re expensive, but arguably the most energy efficient option for home heating and air conditioning.
57. Use solar-powered attic fans
These fans vent hot air from the attic using solar power, keeping your home cooler in the summer while using less energy.
Ready to Take Action?
You don’t need to tackle everything at once. Even a few small changes, like switching to LEDs or sealing air leaks, can have a big impact on your home’s energy use, comfort, and costs.
But if you're ready to take your home's energy efficiency to the next level, it pays to work with a trusted expert.
The Clean Energy Connection makes it easy to find reliable contractors in California for everything from insulation and air sealing to heat pump installation and solar panel upgrades.