13 guides
Home energy-saving guides
Independent and practical. Every guide shows a rough cost, so you can start with what's free. We're not a utility, energy supplier, solar seller or contractor, and we don't take referral fees.
Heating and cooling
Usually the biggest share of a home's energy use.
- Thermostat settings that save without the shivers
Setback temperatures, smart thermostats and the myths about "working harder".
- Get more from your furnace and AC
Filters, tune-ups, vents and what SEER2, HSPF2 and AFUE mean.
- Heat pumps, explained
How they work, where they make sense, and questions to ask before you buy.
- Ceiling fans and window coverings
Cheap ways to feel cooler in summer and keep heat in during winter.
Sealing and insulation
Keep the air you paid for inside.
- Find and seal air leaks
Where homes leak air, how to find leaks yourself, and how to fix them cheaply.
- Attic insulation: how much is enough?
How to check your insulation depth and what R-value to aim for.
- Weatherstripping doors and windows
Choosing the right weatherstrip and installing it in an afternoon.
Hot water
Often the second-biggest energy cost.
- Cut your water heating costs
Temperature, pipes, showerheads and when to consider a heat pump water heater.
Electricity
Standby power, lighting and appliances.
- Standby power: the always-on load
How to find devices that draw power when "off", and what to do about them.
- LED lighting: what to buy
Lumens, color temperature and getting LEDs that look good.
- Appliances: use them well, replace them wisely
Settings, habits and when an old fridge or freezer is worth replacing.
Bills and rebates
Read your bill and find current incentives.
- How to read your energy bill
kWh, therms, delivery charges, rate plans and what to compare month to month.
- Rebates and incentives in 2026
What changed with federal tax credits, and where rebates are still available.