Energy Saving Tips Home Improvement
Most Energy Efficient Doors: 2025
5 minute readChoosing the right energy-efficient door can help Texas homeowners reduce cooling costs and improve home comfort year-round.
How to Save Money on Your Electricity Bill in Texas: 100 Tips
Learn how to save money by conserving electricity.
12 minute read • Last update October 2024
How to lower your energy bill: 100 tips
BKV Energy’s ultimate guide to saving money on your electric bill. We discuss ways to save energy around the house, including reducing heat transfer, using appliances efficiently, and improving insulation. We also provide lifestyle tips on how to save on your electric bill costs throughout the year.
Learn how to calculate your electricity bill.
Warm weather tips
1. Close curtains or blinds on the hottest days of the year
This helps prevent heat from entering your house through the windows, reducing overall energy consumption. This is especially important for south and west-facing windows that receive the most sun during the warmest hours of the day.
2. Set the thermostat between 78-80 degrees
Turn up the thermostat to 78-80 degrees during the day. The closer your indoor temperature is to the outdoors, the less energy your central air conditioner will use, significantly lowering your energy costs over time.
3. Set the thermostat above 80 when you’re out
Set the thermostat above 80 degrees if your home will be empty for 4 or more hours. It requires more energy to keep your home cool while you’re out (and no one is there to enjoy the AC) than to cool it again when you return. This simple adjustment is one of the easiest tips for how to lower electric bills while keeping your home comfortable when you’re there.
4. Use your ceiling fans
Using ceiling fans to keep air flowing reduces air conditioning use and keeps electricity costs down. Remember to turn them off when you leave the room, as fans cool people, not rooms.
5. Consider portable or tabletop fans
Don’t have ceiling fans in your home? Consider investing in portable or tabletop fans to keep you cool. This allows you to set the thermostat higher and use less energy on air conditioning.
6. Cover pans while cooking
Covering your pans while cooking on the stove will release less heat into the air. This prevents your air conditioner from working harder to maintain the temperature in your home.
7. Save heat-generating activities for the early morning
Plan heat and humidity-generating activities such as cooking, laundry, and dishwashing for early morning or late evening.
8. Decrease thermostat settings slowly
If you’re figuring out how to reduce the current bill, don’t set your thermostat to extremely low temperatures. This wastes energy. Instead, lower it steadily for more efficient cooling.
Cold weather tips
9. Close the fireplace flue
Ensure your fireplace flue is closed when not in use to prevent cold drafts from entering your house. This small adjustment can help lower electric bills by keeping your home insulated from outdoor cold air.
10. Keep the curtains or blinds open during sunny winter days
Keep curtains or blinds open on sunny days to warm your home naturally with direct sunlight. This free, natural heat can help lower your electric bill over time.
11. Set the thermostat to 68-70 degrees
Instead of relying on the furnace alone, dress warmly or use blankets to reduce strain on your heating system and lower costs.
12. Shut curtains and blinds on cloudy days
During those cloudy winter days, close the curtains and blinds to help contain warm air inside. This method can reduce your electric bills and minimize heat loss.
13. Lower thermostat settings before hosting large gatherings
Entertaining a large gathering at your home? Drop the thermostat a few degrees. Body heat will naturally raise the temperature when guests arrive.
14. Leave the thermostat alone when you head out during winter
Keep your thermostat at regular settings when leaving the house for 4 or more hours. It requires more energy to reheat your home than to maintain a steady temperature.
15. Stay away from portable heaters
Steer clear of portable heaters as they consume a lot of energy to warm a small space, significantly increasing your bill.
16. Limit bathroom exhaust fan use during winter
Minimize use of the bathroom exhaust fan during the winter. The water vapor from showers helps humidify your home, contributing to overall warmth.
Kitchen energy saving Tips
17. Plan your trips to the refrigerator
Try to avoid opening the refrigerator door more than you need to – plan your trips to the fridge! This will help you conserve energy and is a great example of how to reduce electric bill costs in the kitchen.
18. Clean the refrigerator coils
Clean dust from the coils on the bottom or the back of your refrigerator to enhance cooling efficiency. This easy chore keeps your refrigerator in top condition, helping you save electricity.
19. Let warm food cool before putting it in the fridge
Allow hot foods or drinks to cool before placing them in the refrigerator. Putting hot items directly into the fridge forces it to work harder to maintain its temperature, increasing energy consumption.
20. Ensure your fridge seals tightly
Check the seals on your refrigerator doors and replace them if they are broken or ripped. Proper seals prevent cold air from escaping, ensuring your fridge runs efficiently.
21. Optimize refrigerator temperature settings
Set the refrigerator between 38-40 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature range keeps food fresh while minimizing power usage.
22. Set the freezer around 5 degrees Fahrenheit
Set the freezer around 5 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature is cold enough to safely keep food frozen while preventing unnecessary energy use from overly cold settings.
23. Reduce refrigerator clutter
Clean out the refrigerator to reduce clutter and increase interior circulation.
24. Run the dishwasher only when full
Only run the dishwasher when the machine is full, but avoid overloading. This maximizes electricity usage and helps minimize your electric bill over time.
25. Air-dry your dishes
Air dry your dishes instead of using the heat dry setting on the dishwasher. This simple change can play a considerable role in how to save money on electric bills. Air drying also helps prevent water spots and can extend the life of delicate glassware.
26. Set the dishwasher to ECO mode
If available, set the dishwasher to ECO mode before running a cycle. This mode typically uses less water and lower temperatures, reducing both water and electricity usage.
27. Don’t open the oven while cooking
Try not to open the oven door to check on cooking progress, as this releases heat, forcing the appliance to use more energy to maintain temperature. Instead, utilize the oven light, making sure to turn the light off when you’re finished with your check-in.
28. Use the broiler sparingly
Avoid using the broiler in the oven too often. This cooking setting consumes much more energy than regular baking or roasting due to its high heat intensity.
29. Opt for the microwave
When you can, cook your food in the microwave. Microwave ovens consume less energy than regular ovens and often cook food more quickly, saving both energy and time.
30. Turn electric stove burners off early
When cooking on an electric stove, try turning off the burners before you are finished cooking. The pans will retain heat with the burners off and continue to cook your food, making use of the residual heat.
31. Remember to turn off the kitchen exhaust fan
Don’t forget to turn off the kitchen exhaust fan after unwanted odors have dissipated. Leaving it on unnecessarily can draw out conditioned air, making your heating or cooling system work harder.
32. Clean the garbage disposal often
Clean your garbage disposal regularly so it requires less energy to operate when you turn it on.
33. Upgrade to ENERGY STAR kitchen appliances
Upgrade to a refrigerator and a dishwasher that are Energy Star-rated. These appliances are designed to use significantly less energy than standard models, often paying for themselves over time.
Bathroom & plumbing efficiency tips
34. Reduce water heating temperature settings
Lowering the temperature settings on your water heater will reduce energy use, as it won’t need to work as hard to maintain high temperatures.
35. Take colder showers
Shower with colder water so your water heater consumes less energy.
36. Take shorter showers
Take shorter showers. Spending less time in the shower reduces your utility bills by conserving both water and the energy needed to heat it.
37. Turn off the tap
Turn off the tap while scrubbing soap on your hands and brushing your teeth. This habit can save gallons of heated water daily.
38. Repair leaking pipes and faucets
Repair leaking faucets and pipes to reduce warm water leaks which increase water heater energy usage.
39. Turn off the bathroom exhaust fan
Turn off the exhaust fan in your bathroom after unwanted water vapors have been removed. During the winter, use the exhaust fan sparingly, if at all, as excessive use can remove warm air from your home.
40. Switch to a tankless water heater
Upgrade to a tankless water heater as part of your strategy on how to save money on electric bills. These units heat water on demand, making them 35-45% more energy efficient and eliminating the energy waste from traditional water tanks.
Electronics & appliances energy tips
41. Utilize power strips with surge protection
Plug your electronics into power strips and turn the power strip off when the electronics are not in use. Electronics plugged directly into the wall are always drawing power, even when turned off.
42. Reduce TV brightness settings
Turn down the brightness settings on your televisions to reduce the energy used while you watch TV.
43. Reduce computer brightness settings
Turn down the brightness on your desktop computer. This is not only better for your eyes and sleeping habits but can significantly reduce your computer’s energy consumption.
44. Watch TV together
Watching the same television show as a housemate or family member? Schedule time to watch together instead of separately to reduce the amount of time the TV is on.
45. Read more often
Relaxing at home? Pull out a book to read instead of switching on the TV.
46. Use a laptop and only plug in when charging
Unlike desktop computers, laptops don’t need to be plugged in 100% of the time and are generally more energy-efficient.
47. Invest in solar battery chargers
Buy portable solar battery charging packs to charge your phones, laptops, and tablets. You will never need to use your home’s energy to power your devices again! This eco-friendly option harnesses renewable energy, making it an effective option for how to minimize electricity bills.
48. Unplug devices when they hit 100%
Unplug your devices once they are finished charging. Leaving them plugged in after they’re fully charged wastes energy and can potentially shorten the battery life of your devices.
49. Turn off and unplug for vacations
Turn off and unplug all lights and electronics when you leave for vacation. This eliminates unnecessary energy use while you’re away.
50. Check the dryer before the timer ends
Check your laundry before the cycle ends; clothes are often dry earlier than the preset time. Consider upgrading to a dryer with a moisture sensor for automatic, energy-efficient drying.
51. Clean the lint filter
Clean the dryer’s lint filter before each use. This habit improves efficiency, reduces drying time, and prevents potential fire hazards.
52. Wash your clothes with cold water
Wash your laundry with cold water to significantly reduce your water heater’s workload, as heating water for laundry is one of its most energy-intensive tasks.
53. Dry your clothes in the sun
When possible, hang clothes to dry in the sun to eliminate the substantial energy costs associated with running an electric dryer.
54. Don’t overload your laundry machines
Run full loads in your washer and dryer, but avoid overloading. This approach maximizes efficiency per cycle without straining the machines.
55. Upgrade to ENERGY STAR-rated laundry machines
Invest in Energy Star-rated washer and dryer sets. These appliances are designed for significant long-term savings on both energy and water use.
Lighting tips
56. Install dimmer switches
Switch from regular on/off light switches to dimmer switches so you can control the brightness of your bulbs. Lower intensity brightness consumes less electricity.
57. Use fixtures with fewer bulbs
Replace chandeliers with lighting fixtures that have fewer bulbs. Fewer bulbs = fewer watts used.
58. Turn the lights off
Turn the lights off when you leave the room to reduce wasted energy.
59. Keep your bulbs clean
Regularly dust light bulbs. Clean bulbs provide more light, allowing you to use lower wattage settings.
60. Use energy-efficient light bulbs
Replace incandescent bulbs with LED light bulbs. These use up to 75% less energy, significantly cutting your lighting costs over time.
61. Use solar-powered lights outdoors
Install solar-powered exterior lights. These harness free solar energy, illuminating your outdoor spaces without adding to your electric bill.
62. Ensure your bulb wattage matches the socket
Check that your light bulbs do not exceed the recommended wattage of each socket.
63. Use natural lighting when possible
Take advantage of natural light whenever possible, especially during the spring and fall when temperatures outdoors are milder.
64. Use LEDs for holiday decor
Use LED lighting for holiday decorations. These consume less power than traditional bulbs, keeping your festive display from inflating your bill.
65. Setup a holiday light timer
Install a timer for holiday lights. This ensures lights are only on when needed.
HVAC energy-saving tips
66. Unblock air vents
Make sure your air vents are not blocked by furniture. This allows your HVAC system to distribute air evenly, reducing its workload.
67. Regularly replace your air filters
Replace or clean dirty air filters every 30-90 days. Clean filters prevent your HVAC system from straining to push air through clogged filters.
68. Schedule seasonal HVAC maintenance
Have your heating and cooling system professionally inspected each spring and fall. Regular check-ups catch issues early, preventing inefficient operation that drives up costs.
69. Shade your outdoor HVAC units
Provide shade for outdoor HVAC units. Cooler units don’t have to work as hard in hot weather, using less energy.
70. Install a smart thermostat
Switch to a smart programmable thermostat. These devices automate temperature adjustments, optimizing your HVAC use throughout the day.
71. Turn off the HVAC in nice weather
Open the windows in mild weather and turn off the HVAC. This gives your system a break during comfortable periods, cutting energy use entirely.
72. Clean your air ducts
Have your air ducts professionally cleaned. Clean ducts allow air to flow more freely, reducing the strain on your HVAC system.
73. Keep doors and windows closed when the AC is on
Keep exterior doors and windows closed when the HVAC system is on. This prevents your system from working overtime to condition air that’s escaping outside.
74. Set the thermostat above 80 during summer vacation
Set the thermostat to 80 degrees Fahrenheit or higher during warm-weather vacations. This minimizes cooling in an empty house without completely shutting down your system.
75. Keep outdoor HVAC units free of debris
Keep outdoor units clean and debris-free. Clear units can “breathe” better, operating more efficiently with less energy.
76. Don’t confuse your thermostat
Refrain from positioning heat-generating electronics (like a television) underneath your thermostat. This can cause the thermostat to misread the temperature inside.
77. Install a high-efficiency air conditioner or heat pump
Install a high-efficiency air conditioner or heat pump. Higher SEER ratings mean the system uses less energy to cool your home.
78. Switch to a high-efficiency furnace
Upgrade to a high-efficiency furnace. Higher AFUE models extract more heat from the same amount of fuel, reducing waste. These upgrades may also qualify for tax credits, further offsetting your costs.
Home improvement suggestions
79. Eliminate air leaks with weather stripping
Apply weather stripping to your doors and windows to prevent and seal leaks that weaken your HVAC energy efficiency.
80. Insulate the attic
Increase the level of insulation in your attic. This helps maintain indoor temperatures, reducing the workload on your heating and cooling systems.
81. Insulate crawl spaces
Insulate crawl spaces beneath your floors, as this additional barrier helps prevent heat loss.
82. Fill drafts with door snakes
Use door snakes to block drafts under exterior doors, preventing unwanted air exchange.
83. Take advantage of rugs and carpeting
Cover bare floors with rugs or carpeting to add more insulation to your home.
84. Maximize indoor airflow
Keep interior doors open to improve air circulation. Better airflow helps distribute conditioned air more evenly, reducing HVAC strain.
85. Install window shutters on your home
Window shutters can block summer heat, reducing air conditioning needs and lowering cooling costs.
86. Upgrade your exterior doors
Consider replacing older doors with newer, energy-efficient models that help regulate indoor temperatures.
87. Install double-pane windows
Upgrade single-pane windows to double or triple-pane to reduce heat transfer and loss.
88. Shade your home with trees and shrubs
Plant trees and shrubs around your home, especially near south and west-facing windows. This natural shading reduces solar heat gain.
89. Upgrade your roofing
Replacing your roof? Consider metal or light-colored materials. These reflect more sunlight, reducing heat absorption during the summer and lowering cooling costs.
90. Keep the garage door closed
If your garage is attached to your home, remember to close the door. This helps maintain your home’s temperature barrier.
91. Install rooftop solar panels
Look into installing solar panels to power your home with renewable energy. Solar power can significantly reduce your reliance on grid electricity and lower your bills.
92. Enroll in a solar buyback plan
Reduce your energy bill even further by enrolling in a solar buyback plan which allows you to sell excess electricity back to the grid.
93. Shade your doors and windows
Install patio covers and awnings to shade your doors and windows from the sun, keeping your home cooler in the summer.
94. Install window films
Install screens or films to your windows to reduce the impact of the sun’s rays and lower indoor temperatures and air conditioning use.
Lifestyle tips
95. Spend more time outdoors
Spend more time outside. Activities like walking, jogging, or picnicking reduce home energy use.
96. Optimize your lighting placement
Place lamps in a corner instead of against a flat wall. This way, the light reflects off two walls, allowing you to use fewer fixtures overall.
97. Downsize your home
Consider downsizing your living situation to a smaller home. Reduced living space typically means lower energy consumption.
98. Educate your family
Educate your household about energy conservation. Collective efforts lead to greater savings.
99. Reward children for participating
Reward children for practicing energy-saving behaviors. This encourages long-term, energy-conscious habits.
100. Pick a simple fixed-rate electricity plan without gimmicks
Enroll in an affordable fixed-rate plan with no gimmicks. Enter your zip code below to explore BKV Energy’s low cost, no frills, and gimmick-free electricity plans. Enjoy energy without base fees, usage requirements, and high cancellation fees.
Related articles
