Tips to Save Energy & Money, Room by Room

April 2, 2026 at 8:00am in Energy, Community
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Looking for ways to save money on utilities? Simple changes can add up to make a real impact!

Start by taking inventory of your home energy use. Which electronics or lights remain constantly on? How often do you run your dishwasher or washer and dryer each week? Knowing how you currently use energy can help identify areas to save. 

Once you have an idea of where in your home you're using the most energy, use these simple room-by-room tips to find ways to cut back and save.

Utility Room

  • Set the thermostat on your water heater to 120°F. Water is often heated to 140°F unnecessarily and lowering it a few degrees can provide significant energy savings. Avoid turning down the water temperature too low, as pathogens can survive at temperatures below 120°F.
  • Ensure your heating system is in good working condition. Heating accounts for the single largest energy expense in most homes. Ensuring it is in good working condition supports the overall health of your home, and can result in significant savings. 
    • Change your furnace filter every 6 months.
    • Have your heating system professionally checked every year. A heating technician can let you know if/when your system needs replacing.

Bathroom

  • Fix leaky faucets or running toilets. These are a constant, quiet drain on energy. If you're renting, notify your landlord about the issue promptly.
  • Install low-flow shower heads and low-flow aerators on faucets. This low-budget fix reduces water flow, saving both water and energy in the long-term.    
  • Take showers, they use less hot water than baths.

Kitchen

  • Use your dishwasher, if you have one. Dishwashers can save 7,000 gallons of water each year compared to washing dishes by hand. To save on water and energy use further, wait to run the dishwasher until you have a full load. This simple habit-change can build-up energy-savings over time.
  • Set your refrigerator temperature between 36-38°F and your freezer between 0-5°F. These temperatures are food-safe; you lose money if you keep it too cold.
  • Consider using microwaves, toaster ovens and crockpots to cook small meals. They use less energy than the stove or oven. For safety and to reduce energy use, unplug crockpots and toaster ovens when not in use.
  • Clean refrigerator coils. Most older refrigerators have exposed coils, on which dust can build up and lower the efficiency. Using a coil brush to clean these can improve energy efficiency and cut down on costs.

Laundry Room

  • Clean the lint filter after each use. This important fire safety step also helps clothes dry faster, saving energy!
  • Wash and dry only full loads. During the warmer month, you might also consider drying laundry outdoors on a sunny day.

Living Room

  • Turn off electronics when not in use. Have a television? A gaming device? Power them off when done and, if available, use the sleep function. 
  • Utilize power strips. Phantom power is when electronics draw energy even when powered off. Reduce phantom power by connecting your electronics to a power strip and flipping the switch off when not in use.
  • Notice a draft? You can purchase inexpensive draft stoppers from many home and hardware stores.
  • If you have a fireplace, seal it off when not in use. An open fireplace lets in cold air and results in energy costs, especially in the winter. Close the flue when it is not in use or make a fireplace insert. Inserts seal air leaks and can be removed easily.

Bedroom

  • Program your thermostat to lower temperatures during hours you are sleeping or away from home. Between 62 - 68 °F is generally recommended during the winter. Health & Safety First! Remember that elders, children and those with medical conditions may have different heating needs when adjusting the thermostat.

Home Safety

  • Install smoke detectors on every level of your home and outside each sleeping area. Test your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors regularly and replace batteries promptly.
  • Never store anything flammable near your furnace. 
  • Use your bathroom fan to help ventilate your home and reduce moisture build up. 
  • Make sure you know where your fire extinguisher is located, and how to use it.
  • If you use a space heater, only use it in an open area and at least three feet away from flammable items. Never plug it into a power strip.

Looking for more ways to save?

When upgrading an appliance, look for the ENERGY STAR label to save money in the long run

Visit ahfc.us/efficiency for more energy efficiency information and tips.