Looking for simple ways to use less energy at home? You can download a free energy-saving guide and access practical home energy checklists at no cost.
These resources include everyday tips as well as ideas for larger home-efficiency projects that may help reduce energy use and utility expenses.
Free Resource at a Glance
The Energy Saver guide is available as a free digital download and covers energy-saving ideas for your home and transportation. You can also use a free home energy checklist organized by daily, weekly, monthly, and annual actions.
1. Download the Free Energy Saver Guide
If you want free energy-saving tips in one convenient resource, start with the Energy Saver guide. It includes practical information about reducing energy use, improving home efficiency, and potentially lowering household energy costs.
The guide includes both quick actions you can start using right away and information about larger improvements that may provide longer-term savings.
Good to Know
This is an informational resource rather than a rebate or cash offer. There is no charge to access the digital guide.
2. Start With Simple No-Cost Energy-Saving Habits
Some of the easiest energy-saving changes do not require buying anything.
- Turn off lights, televisions, fans, and electronics when you are not using them.
- Use power strips to fully disconnect electronics that continue drawing standby power.
- Keep heating and cooling vents clear of furniture and other obstructions.
- Use computer power-management or sleep settings.
- Unplug chargers and other devices when they are no longer needed.
Small changes can be easier to maintain when you make them part of your normal household routine.
3. Use the Free Home Energy Checklist
A free home energy checklist can make it easier to remember energy-saving tasks throughout the year.
The checklist groups actions into daily, weekly, monthly, and annual categories, making it useful for homeowners who prefer a simple routine instead of trying to make every improvement at once.
You can use the checklist as a starting point and then focus on the areas of your home where you use the most energy.
4. Pay Attention to Heating and Cooling
Heating and cooling are among the largest sources of household energy use, so this is often one of the best places to look for savings.
Keeping your system maintained, using thermostat settings efficiently, sealing drafts, and making sure vents are not blocked can all contribute to a more efficient home.
Look for Air Leaks
Drafts around windows, doors, ceilings, floors, fireplaces, and other openings can allow conditioned air to escape. Sealing appropriate leaks can help improve both comfort and efficiency.
5. Reduce Energy Used by Lights and Electronics
Lighting and electronics offer several easy opportunities to cut unnecessary energy use.
Turn lights off when rooms are empty and consider energy-efficient lighting when bulbs eventually need replacement. ENERGY STAR notes that efficient LED lighting can use significantly less energy than traditional bulbs.
Electronics can also continue consuming small amounts of electricity while they appear to be turned off. A power strip can make it easier to completely disconnect several devices at once.
6. Save Energy When Using Hot Water
Water heating is another area where small household changes may reduce energy use.
Using less hot water, taking shorter showers, washing appropriate laundry loads in cooler water, and reviewing your water-heater settings are all places to start.
The Department of Energy’s home checklist recommends reviewing water-heater temperature and insulation as part of an overall home-efficiency routine.
7. Consider Larger Home Efficiency Improvements
After tackling the easy changes, you may want to look at larger improvements such as insulation, air sealing, heating and cooling upgrades, efficient windows, or energy-efficient appliances.
A home energy assessment can help identify where your home is losing energy and which upgrades are most likely to make a meaningful difference.
You do not need to complete every project at once. The free resources can help you prioritize improvements based on your home, budget, and energy use.
8. Build an Energy-Saving Routine That Works for Your Home
The best energy-saving plan is one you can realistically maintain. Start with a few simple habits, use the free checklist to stay organized, and gradually consider larger improvements when they make sense for your household.
Because every home is different, your actual savings will depend on your climate, utility rates, equipment, home construction, and personal energy use.
Helpful Energy-Saving Resources
Before You Go
These resources provide general energy-efficiency guidance. Actual energy and cost savings vary by home, climate, equipment, utility rates, and individual energy habits. Review manufacturer instructions and appropriate safety guidance before making changes to home equipment or performing larger DIY projects.
Final Thoughts
Free energy-saving tips are an easy way to start looking for unnecessary energy use around your home without spending money upfront. Begin with simple daily habits, then use the free guide and checklist to identify other areas worth improving.
Even if you only implement a few ideas at first, building better energy habits over time can help make your home more efficient and comfortable.