Tackle lighting, standby power, and thermostat settings

Target the three biggest household energy drains — lighting, standby power, and heating/cooling — to noticeably lower your electricity bill with minimal effort.

Steps

1. Replace bulbs with LEDs: LED bulbs use 75–80% less energy than incandescents and last 15–25 times longer.
2. Eliminate vampire loads: Unplug chargers, TVs, game consoles, and small appliances when not in use, or plug them into a smart power strip that cuts power automatically.
3. Adjust your thermostat: Lower it a few degrees in winter and raise it in summer, especially when sleeping or away. A programmable or smart thermostat automates this.
4. Turn off lights when leaving a room.

Why It Works

Lighting and HVAC together account for roughly half of a typical home's electricity use. Standby power can add 5–10% to your bill. Addressing all three areas compounds the savings.