TL;DR
- Start with simple fixes: unplug energy-wasting devices, adjust your thermostat, wash clothes in cold water, and switch to LED bulbs.
- Use smart power strips to stop TVs, gaming consoles, chargers, and office equipment from drawing power when not in use.
- Set your thermostat for comfort first, then adjust by 1–2 degrees to reduce heating and cooling costs.
- Run appliances during off-peak hours if your utility offers time-of-use rates.
- Renters can still save energy with smart plugs, weatherstripping, thermal curtains, and better daily habits.
- Homeowners should air seal and insulate before replacing HVAC equipment or adding solar.
- Solar and battery storage work best after you reduce wasted energy first.
Start with the energy waste you can control
You do not need a major renovation to lower your electric bill.
The fastest energy savings usually come from small fixes: electronics left plugged in, inefficient thermostat settings, old bulbs, drafty doors, and appliances running when electricity costs more.
Start there.
Once your home uses less energy, bigger upgrades like insulation, heat pumps, solar panels, and battery storage can work better.
1. Stop phantom loads
Phantom load is the electricity devices use when they are plugged in but not actively being used.
Common culprits include:
- TVs
- Gaming consoles
- Streaming devices
- Printers
- Desktop computers
- Coffee makers
- Phone chargers
- Microwaves
The easiest fix is a smart power strip. Use one for your TV area, gaming setup, or home office.
Quick wins
- Put entertainment devices on a smart power strip.
- Switch gaming consoles to energy-saving mode.
- Unplug chargers when they are not in use.
- Use a plug-in energy monitor to find hidden energy waste.
Start here: Your TV area probably wastes more energy than you think.
2. Adjust your thermostat without making your home uncomfortable
Thermostat settings can make a big difference, but comfort matters.
In summer, set your cooling as high as you can comfortably tolerate. For many homes, that may be somewhere in the mid-to-high 70s. If 78°F feels too warm, try 75°F or 76°F.
In winter, many energy-saving guides recommend heating around 68°F when you are home, then lowering it a few degrees when you are asleep or away.
Quick wins
- Adjust by 1–2 degrees at a time.
- Use ceiling fans in summer.
- Close blinds during hot afternoon sun.
- Replace HVAC filters every 60 to 90 days.
- Schedule annual HVAC maintenance.
Start here: Pick a setting you can actually live with. A realistic schedule beats one you override every day.
3. Run appliances during cheaper hours
Some utilities offer time-of-use rates. That means electricity costs more during peak demand and less during off-peak hours.
If your utility offers this option, shifting when you use electricity can help lower bills.
Good candidates include:
- Dishwashers
- Washing machines
- Electric dryers
- EV chargers
- Heat pump water heaters
Quick wins
- Ask your utility if you are on a time-of-use rate.
- Run the dishwasher overnight.
- Use delay-start on laundry.
- Charge your EV during the lowest-cost window.
Start here: Check your utility rate plan before changing your routine. Load shifting only saves money if your rate rewards it.
4. Use renter-friendly energy fixes
Renters have more control than they think.
You may not be able to add insulation, replace windows, or install solar. But you can still cut wasted energy.
Best energy saving tips for renters
- Wash clothes in cold water.
- Switch to LED bulbs.
- Use smart plugs.
- Add foam weatherstripping to drafty doors.
- Use thermal curtains.
- Turn off lights and electronics when you leave a room.
- Use fans before lowering the AC.
Start here: Cold-water laundry and LED bulbs are two of the easiest changes.
5. Seal drafts before making major upgrades
Before replacing HVAC equipment or adding solar, reduce the energy your home wastes.
The best order is:
- Get an energy audit.
- Air seal leaks.
- Improve insulation.
- Right-size HVAC equipment.
- Consider solar or battery storage.
This order matters. If your home leaks heat in winter or gains too much heat in summer, new equipment has to work harder than it should.
Best first upgrades
| Upgrade | Why it helps |
|---|---|
| Air sealing | Reduces drafts and heat loss |
| Attic insulation | Keeps indoor temperatures steadier |
| Smart thermostat | Reduces wasted heating and cooling |
| LED lighting | Cuts electricity use quickly |
| Heat pump water heater | Lowers water heating costs |
| Solar panels | Reduces long-term electric bills |
| Battery storage | Adds backup power and flexibility |
Start here: Ask your utility about energy audits, rebates, and efficiency programs.
6. Use smart technology to automate savings
Smart home tools work best when they reduce daily decision-making.
Helpful options include:
- Smart thermostats
- Smart plugs
- Smart lighting
- Motion sensors
- Smart EV chargers
- Home energy monitors
These tools can turn off devices, adjust temperatures, schedule charging, and show where your home uses the most energy.
Start here: Smart plugs are cheap, simple, and useful for lamps, office equipment, and entertainment centers.
7. Know when solar and battery storage make sense
Solar can be a strong long-term investment for Washington and Oregon homeowners.
But solar works best when your home is already reasonably efficient.
Before exploring solar, look at:
- Your last 12 months of electric bills
- Your roof age and condition
- Your daytime electricity use
- Any plans to buy an EV
- Future heating or cooling upgrades
- Whether backup power matters to you
Solar can reduce long-term electricity costs. Battery storage can add backup power and help you use more of your own solar energy.
Start here: Gather your electric bills before requesting a solar quote. Usage history helps size the system correctly.
Energy saving checklist for 2026
Do this weekend
- Unplug unused chargers.
- Put TV and gaming devices on a smart power strip.
- Wash laundry in cold water.
- Replace your most-used bulbs with LEDs.
- Check for drafts around doors and windows.
Do this month
- Replace your HVAC filter.
- Review your thermostat schedule.
- Ask your utility about your rate plan.
- Add weatherstripping where needed.
- Check your utility account for energy use patterns.
Do this year
- Schedule an energy audit.
- Improve air sealing and insulation.
- Review rebates and incentives.
- Consider solar if your roof, budget, and electricity use are a good fit.
- Consider battery storage if backup power matters to you.
The bottom line
The best energy saving tips are not always exciting.
Smart power strips, thermostat settings, cold-water laundry, LEDs, and weatherstripping are simple. But they work.
Do those first. Then look at bigger investments like insulation, HVAC upgrades, solar panels, or battery storage.
You will make better decisions when you know your home is not wasting energy first.
How A&R Solar helps Northwest homeowners go further
If you live in Washington or Oregon and want to reduce long-term electricity costs, solar may be a good next step.
A&R Solar helps homeowners understand where solar and battery storage fit into their larger energy plan.
That includes:
- Solar design
- Permitting
- Installation
- Battery backup options
- Long-term system support
Start with your electric bills. Gather your last 12 months of usage, then talk with a solar expert about your roof, your goals, and whether solar makes financial sense.
FAQ: Energy saving tips for 2026
What is the easiest way to save energy at home?
Start with phantom loads, thermostat settings, cold-water laundry, and LED bulbs. These are low-cost changes you can make quickly.
What is phantom load?
Phantom load is the electricity devices use while they are plugged in but not actively being used.
What thermostat setting saves energy?
Set your thermostat as close to outdoor temperatures as comfort allows. In summer, try the mid-to-high 70s. In winter, many guides recommend around 68°F when you are home.
Can renters lower energy bills?
Yes. Renters can use smart plugs, LED bulbs, cold-water washing, weatherstripping, thermal curtains, and better thermostat habits.
Should I insulate before replacing HVAC equipment?
Usually, yes. Air sealing and insulation reduce heating and cooling demand, which can help HVAC equipment work better.
Should I improve energy efficiency before getting solar?
In most cases, yes. Reducing wasted energy first can help you size your solar system more accurately.
Do solar panels lower electric bills?
Yes, solar panels can reduce electric bills for many homeowners. Savings depend on your electricity use, roof, utility rates, incentives, and system design.
