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Home energy efficiency checklist with thermostat LED bulb insulation and utility information

Home Energy Savings Checklist

Use this interactive checklist to find practical opportunities to reduce household energy waste. Check off actions you have already completed, and the tool will build a short list of remaining priorities you can review or print.

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Set heating and cooling schedulesUse thermostat schedules or setbacks that fit when the home is occupied. No/low costReplace or clean HVAC filtersFollow your equipment manufacturer’s recommended filter schedule. No/low costSeal obvious air leaksCheck doors, windows, plumbing penetrations, attic hatches, and other leakage points. Low costCheck attic insulationCompare existing insulation with recommendations appropriate for your climate and home. ProjectSeal accessible duct leaksLeaky ducts can waste conditioned air in attics, crawlspaces, or garages. ProjectUse LED lightingReplace frequently used incandescent or halogen bulbs with efficient LEDs. Low costReduce standby powerUnplug unnecessary devices or use switched power strips where practical. No/low costWash clothes in cold water when appropriateMany everyday loads can be washed effectively without hot water. No/low costRun full dishwasher and laundry loadsUse appliance capacity efficiently instead of running frequent partial loads. No/low costUse smart power settings on electronicsEnable sleep, energy-saving, or auto-off modes on TVs, computers, and consoles. No/low costCheck water-heater temperature and settingsUse manufacturer guidance and consider household safety needs before making changes. No/low costInsulate accessible hot-water pipesPipe insulation can reduce heat loss where appropriate. Low costService heating and cooling equipmentRoutine maintenance can help systems operate as intended. MaintenanceShade high-sun windowsBlinds, shades, exterior shading, or films can reduce unwanted summer heat gain. Low costCheck refrigerator and freezer settingsAvoid colder-than-needed settings and make sure door seals close properly. No/low costReview utility rate plansTime-of-use or other plans may help some households depending on when they consume power. PlanningCheck available rebates and incentivesUtility, state, and federal programs may change the economics of upgrades. PlanningConsider a home energy auditA professional or utility-sponsored audit can help identify where upgrades are most useful. PlanningEvaluate older HVAC equipment before replacementCompare efficiency, fuel costs, sizing, installation quality, and available incentives. Major upgradeEvaluate water-heating upgradesIf replacement is approaching, compare standard electric, gas, heat-pump, and other options for your home. Major upgrade

Your Next Energy-Saving Priorities

How to Use This Checklist

Start with low-cost actions that apply to your home, then use maintenance needs and normal replacement cycles as opportunities to evaluate larger improvements. The checklist intentionally does not assign a universal dollar savings figure to each action because results vary widely by climate, utility rates, equipment, home construction, and household behavior.

Before a Major Upgrade

For expensive projects such as HVAC, insulation, windows, solar, or water heating, compare multiple options and verify current rebates, installation requirements, and contractor qualifications. A home energy audit can be especially useful when you are not sure which upgrade should come first.

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