Most people start the new year with resolutions to improve their health or their finances — but with heating costs projected to jump 9.2 percent this winter, why not think about making a resolution that’s good for the health of your utility bills too? The good news is you don’t need a major home overhaul to cut your energy use and slash costs. Just a few small changes can add up to real savings and a more comfortable home.
We’ve rounded up 10 easy things you can do, starting right now.
1. Turn Down the Water Heater
Heating water accounts for around 18 percent of your energy bill, making this expense second only to the money you spend heating and cooling your home. Most water heaters are set higher than they need to be, meaning you are literally rinsing money down the drain—but lowering the temperature on your water heater to 120°F can reduce energy use without skimping on hot water for showers, dishes, and laundry. If you’ve got an older water heater, adding a water heater insulation blanket can save you up to 16% in water heating costs. You can also insulate the first three feet of pipe coming out of the water heater with self-sealing fiberglass pipe insulation to conserve even more energy; this video shows you how:
2. Swap Out Old Light Bulbs
If you're still using incandescent or early-generation CFL bulbs, swapping them out with LEDs is one of the fastest and easiest changes you can make. Today’s LEDs use up to 75 percent less energy and last 25 times longer than incandescent bulbs. For the biggest bang for your buck, start by replacing the lights you use most, like those in the kitchen, living room, hallways, and outdoor lights.
3. Unplug Power Vampires
Everyday electronics like TVs, game consoles, printers, coffee makers, and phone chargers are known as “power vampires” because they draw power even when they’re turned off. Add a power strip in entertainment centers and home offices so you can you easily shut them all off with one switch when you’re not using them.
4. Install Door Sweeps
If you feel cold air seeping in at the bottom of exterior doors, adding a door sweep that creates a physical barrier can fix the problem in minutes. They’re inexpensive and easy to install with basic tools — Frost King makes door sweeps that easily slide on or stick to the bottom of your doors with no tools required.
5. Add Window Film for Winter Comfort
If you have older windows that let in drafts, adding window kits is an affordable way to instantly create an insulating barrier between your home and cold outdoor air. Watch this video then grab your hair dryer and our EZ Roll Insulation Kit and get to work making your home more cozy:
6. Seal Obvious Air Leaks
Sealing gaps and cracks with caulk and weatherstripping is a small project with a meaningful return. Check for openings around window frames, door trim, water spigots, and areas where pipes or wires enter the house. Use weatherstripping for areas that move, like doors and windows, and caulk for cracks and gaps that don’t move.
7. Wash Clothes in Cold Water
The old adage “Hot water cleans best” is no longer true in the era of modern laundry detergent. These new detergents are formulated to clean effectively in cold water, breaking down dirt and stains at lower temperatures, preserving fabric color, and extending the life of your garments. But they’re not just good for your clothes; they’re good for your pocketbook, too, because you don’t have to pay to heat water to wash your clothes.
8. Program Your Thermostat
Lowering your thermostat just a few degrees when you’re asleep or away adds up to big savings over time. If you don’t already have a programmable or smart thermostat, make 2026 the year you install one.
9. Clean or Replace HVAC Filters
Dirty filters force your heating system to work harder—and that means higher energy bills. Clean filters improve airflow so your system runs more efficiently. Check filters monthly and replace them as needed.
10. Use Ceiling Fans the Right Way
Ceiling fans aren’t just for summer. In winter, running fans clockwise at low speed gently pushes warm air down from the ceiling to make rooms feel warmer. For an added boost, install a heat and air deflector on vents to direct warm air down and into rooms. Watch this video for some great tips from an interior designer on arranging your rooms around vents for maximum comfort:
