Energy Saving Tips to Lower Your Electric Bill
Summary:
To save energy every season, set your thermostat back when you’re away, lower your water heater, switch to LED bulbs, use your blinds with the season, seal gaps around doors and windows, and unplug idle electronics.
Table of Contents
Heating and cooling are often the biggest reason why your energy bill climbs. The good news is that some of that cost is within your control. These energy saving tips are not sales gimmicks, you can do them all on your own and they only take a few minutes.
1. Set your thermostat back
The most effective way to save is also one of the easiest. When you’re away or asleep, move your thermostat about 10°F toward the outdoor temperature (For example, if you typically set it to 70°, and it is 90° outside, move the thermostat’s temperature to 80°).
2. Lower your water heater to 120°F
Many water heaters are set to 140°F, hotter than most households need. Turning it down to 120°F still covers typical use but cuts down the energy used keeping the tank hot. Water heating is a large energy use in a typical home, so this small change makes a bigger impact than you’d think.
3. Switch to LED bulbs
LED light bulbs use a fraction of the energy that typical bulbs do and last longer. Swapping them is an easy first step, and you continue saving for years without further effort.
4. Work your blinds with the season
In the summer, close blinds on south and west facing windows on sunny days to keep heat out and take some load off your air conditioner. In winter, open them during the day to let the sun warm the room, and close them at night.
5. Seal doors and windows
Small gaps around your doors and windows let cool air escape, which makes your system work harder all year. Weather-stripping and caulk are cheap fixes.
6. Unplug idle electronics
Many devices still use power while turned off. Chargers, TVs, and small appliances add a constant load to your bill. An easy tip is to use a power strip that you can switch on/off, so you can stop the energy flow when those devices arent being used
Keep the list handy
We put these energy saving tips into a one-page guide that you can print and keep on your fridge.
Download the printable Energy Saving Guide (PDF).
Where smart home automation helps
Some of these tips are a one time fix, like switching to LED bulbs or sealing a door or window. The rest only lower your electric bill when you remember to do them.
Smart home automation may be a good solution for you if you struggle to remember some of these tips. It can handle everyday adjustments for you, running your home efficiently in the background. If that sounds worth exploring, our team can walk you through what fits your home.
A thank-you to Loudoun
Southern Electrical was voted the #1 Electrical Company in the 2026 Loudoun Now Favorites Readers Poll. That recognition comes straight from the community we serve, and we do’t take it lightly. Thank you to everyone who voted.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best energy saving tips to lower my electric bill?
The highest impact tips are setting your thermostat back when you’re away, lowering your water heater to 120°F, and switching to LED bulbs. These target the biggest energy users in most homes, heating, cooling, and hot water, and they take very little effort to put in place.
How can I lower my electric bill in summer?
In summer, set your thermostat a little higher when you’re out, close blinds on sun-facing windows during the afternoon, and let ceiling fans help you stay comfortable at a higher setting. These steps ease the load on your air conditioner, which is usually the largest driver of a summer electric bill.
How can I save energy in winter?
In winter, lower your thermostat when you’re asleep or away, open blinds during the day to let the sun warm your home, and seal drafts around doors and windows. Holding heat in and letting free heat from the sun do some of the work reduces how hard your heating system has to run.
Which energy saving tips are one-time fixes?
Switching to LED bulbs, sealing doors and windows, and lowering your water heater setting are largely set-and-forget. You do them once and they keep saving without any ongoing effort. Tips like adjusting the thermostat and unplugging electronics depend on habit, which is where home automation can help.
Do smart thermostats and home automation really save money?
They can, because they handle the day-to-day adjustments that people often forget. Automating your thermostat, lighting, and idle electronics keeps your home running efficiently in the background. A licensed electrician can help you choose and install a setup that fits your home.