Energy prices, like everything else, have increased. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, electricity prices have jumped 40% from February 2020 to November 2025. And with the war in the Middle East, gas prices are also soaring – according to Reuters, the U.S. national average price for gasoline surpassed $3.75 a gallon for the first time since October 2023. So, what can you do to combat rising energy costs? By making a few key upgrades to your home, you'll save on your utility bills and improve the energy efficiency of your home. Or, if you are searching for a home, look for an energy efficient one.
1. Switch to LED lights. They last at least 25 times longer and consume up to 90% less electricity than incandescent bulbs.
2. Seal those leaks. On average, heating and cooling account for almost half of a home's energy consumption. All the little leaks can be equivalent to leaving open a 3' x 3' window. Take simple steps like caulking windows, sealing leaks around chimneys and recessed lighting, and sliding draft guards under your doors to save on heating and cooling costs.
3. Maintain your HVAC system. Make sure to clean or change your furnace filters regularly. A dirty furnace filter will slow down air flow, making the system work hard and costing you more money. And get your HVAC system tuned up annually or every 6 months. Consider replacing your furnace or A/C if they are older and not energy efficient.
4. Install a whole house fan, which replaces the trapped stale air in your home with fresh outdoor air and reduces your A/C usage
5. Use sustainable materials with a low carbon footprint to update your home, such as bamboo flooring and recycled glass countertops.
6. Use smart home technology, so you can track and manage your home's energy consumption. Use your smartphone to automatically turn off the lights or adjust the temperature while you're away or based on the weather.
7. Incorporate the use of sustainable landscaping, such as drought resistant plants, rain gardens, and rain barrels to reduce water usage.
8. Consider adding solar panels to your roof. Solar power reduces the amount of carbon and other pollutants that are emitted into the environment, which translates into less pollution and cleaner air and water.
No Cost Tips for Saving Energy
If you don't want to spend the money on the upgrades listed above, these tips will help save energy and they won't cost you a dime!
. Lock your windows. Don't just close them, but lock them to create an airtight seal that keeps out air leaks and drafts.
. Use a power strip with a switch to plug power-draining computers and electronic equipment. That way they can all be easily turned off when not in use.
. Turn off lights when leaving a room.
. Close the doors (and the heating vents) in rooms with minimal use, to reduce heat use in those areas.
. Get free solar heat by opening the blinds and shades on your windows during the day.
. Do your laundry in cold water. Cold water washing can actually be more effective than washing clothes in warm or hot water. Hot water can set stains into the fabric, and cold water is gentler on fabric.
. Remove lint often from your clothes dryer and its outside vent.
. Run only full loads in your dishwasher.
. Lower the thermostat. For every degree you lower your thermostat, you may be able to save 5% on heating costs. Definitely turn your heat down at night and just snuggle up under more blankets. If your thermostat is programmable, you can have the temperature turn up automatically in the morning before you get out of bed.
