Start by finding which parts of your home use the most energy, then tackle heating and cooling, hot water and frequently used appliances before spending on upgrades. Compare energy tariffs using your actual consumption and the full bill—not just the advertised unit rate. Lower use can help, but the bill may not fall by the same percentage because fixed charges, weather, tariffs and household needs all matter.
Where does household energy go?
Heating and cooling, hot water and appliances are major household energy uses, but their relative importance depends on your home, climate and equipment. Pools and spas, refrigeration and other appliances can also be significant. The Australian Government’s household energy guidance recommends targeting the largest uses first rather than focusing only on small standby loads.
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Look at recent bills and, if available, smart-meter data to understand when and how much energy you use. Compare billing periods of similar length, and bear in mind that weather and changes in household routine can affect consumption. Separate the amount of energy used from the amount charged: a bill includes both usage charges and, in many markets, fixed supply charges.
UK figures illustrate why national averages should not be treated as household targets. The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero reported median domestic consumption in England and Wales in 2024 of 10,000 kWh of gas and 2,500 kWh of electricity. These are population medians, not predictions for an individual home. Its 2026 NEED report also found those medians were 43% and 33% lower, respectively, than in 2005; that long-run change cannot be attributed to any single measure.
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- ENERGY STAR certified smart thermostat for home that helps you save energy and stay comfortable.Connectivity : Wi-Fi - 802.11b/g/n 2.4 GHz, 802.11a/n 5 GHz Wi-Fi., Wireless interconnect : Bluetooth Low Energy Please refer to the product description section below for all applicable legal disclaimers.Product note: You can also check your system’s compatibility before purchasing a Nest thermostat with our online Nest Compatibility Checker on the Google Nest support page
- The Nest Thermostat is designed to work without a C wire in most homes, but for some systems, including heating only, cooling only, zone controlled, and heat pump systems, you’ll need a C wire or other compatible power accessory
- Nest Thermostat turns itself down when you leave, so you don’t waste energy heating or cooling an empty home. Lock feature: No
- Programmable thermostat that lets you create an energy efficient schedule in the Google Home app on your Android or iPhone
- Remote control lets family members change the thermostat temperature from anywhere on a phone, laptop, or tablet[1]
What can I change now?
Heat or cool only the space you use
- When practical, condition rooms in use instead of the whole home.
- Block drafts around doors and windows with suitable seals, and use curtains or blinds to manage heat gain and heat loss in a way that suits the season and climate.
- Set heating and cooling to a comfortable level that meets household health needs. Do not reduce heat below a safe level to pursue a bill saving.
Thermostat advice is location- and equipment-dependent. For example, the Australian Government guide suggests seasonal settings of 18–20°C for heating and 25–27°C for cooling, and estimates that each additional degree increases heating or cooling energy use by 5–10%. Those figures are guidance in an Australian context, not a guarantee of an individual saving or universal settings; health needs, climate and local advice may call for different choices.
Reduce hot-water use sensibly
- Shorten showers where it is practical. A compatible low-flow showerhead may reduce water flow, but suitability and savings depend on the fixture and household.
- Follow the appliance and local safety guidance for water-heater settings. Do not compromise safe hot-water temperatures or equipment operation to save energy.
Use appliances efficiently
- Wash clothing in cold water when suitable for the items, and run full loads rather than partial ones.
- Switch off devices that do not need to remain on, but keep refrigeration and medical equipment operating as required.
- When an appliance needs replacing, consider its expected running cost and suitability for your household as well as its purchase price.
In England, the 2022–23 English Housing Survey reported that in response to rising prices in 2022, 51% of households said they reduced the hours they heated their home, 46% said they heated to a lower temperature, and 42% said they used less electricity. These were multiple-response survey results about actions taken at that time—not recommendations or current prevalence. Reducing heat is not appropriate if it makes the home unsafe or uncomfortable, particularly for someone with health-related heating needs.
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- An Alexa thermostat - Amazon Smart Thermostat is an easy way to switch from a traditional thermostats for homes and help reduce energy usage.
- Create comfort zones throughout your home by connecting to select Alexa devices to automatically adjust heating and cooling based on temperature readings or presence detection.
- Save money and energy - After purchase, Amazon will send you an email with details about home thermostat rebates that may be available from energy providers in your area.
- Save energy - According to EPA estimates, ENERGY STAR certified thermostats save an average of $90 on yearly energy bills.
- Programmable thermostat and automatic control - Create your own home, away and sleep schedules, or have Alexa automatically control the temperature with Alexa+ advanced features.
How do I know whether a different tariff will help?
Compare offers against your household’s actual usage pattern and complete bill. Check the unit rates, fixed or supply charges, and any time-of-use periods. A lower unit rate alone does not prove an offer will cost less overall.
- Gather recent bills or usage data, including the amount used in each relevant time period if your meter provides it.
- Check whether you can choose among competing tariffs in your location and whether your meter supports any required time-of-use arrangement.
- Compare the offer’s rates and fixed charges with your current plan, using your own usage pattern rather than a generic household estimate.
- If considering a time-of-use tariff, check the retailer’s exact peak, off-peak and other period definitions. Estimate whether you can realistically move flexible activities into cheaper periods.
Shifting use helps only when the tariff makes those periods cheaper and your schedule allows the shift. Availability of smart meters, tariff choice and comparison tools varies by location. The Australian Government points households to a comparison calculator and cautions that its results are guides; check the terms of any offer directly.
Rank #3
- Save up to 23% every year on heating and cooling costs, adjusts to your set schedule to save energy when you’re gone and optimize comfort when you’re home. Compared to a hold of 72
- Compatible with 85% of systems, check your system’s compatibility with our online ecobee Compatibility Checker on the ecobee support page
- Change your temperature by easily tapping the color touchscreen or using the ecobee app. Plus, free software upgrades ensure you get the best out of your Smart Thermostat Essential, for years to come
- Automatically adjusts to your set schedule to save energy when you’re gone and optimize comfort when you’re home. Keep track of your energy consumption when you're on the go on the ecobee app
- Easy DIY install. No C Wire, no problem. Get the ecobee Power Extender Kit (PEK) for homes without a C-Wire and keep your walls looking nice with our trim kit – both sold separately
When are home upgrades worth considering?
After identifying the main loads and trying practical changes, consider whether the building or equipment is driving avoidable use. Insulation, air sealing, duct sealing, efficient heating or cooling, water heating, appliances and lighting are possible upgrade areas. The right choice depends on the home’s condition, climate, existing equipment and household needs; an assessment can help identify which measure is relevant before you commit to work or a replacement.
Compare expected running costs and suitability, not just the upfront price. A measure’s payback depends on its installed cost, the energy it actually saves, local energy prices and how the household uses the home. The UK NEED analysis notes that residents may take some efficiency improvements as added comfort—for example, by heating more often or to a higher temperature. Its metered savings account for that increased use, so results from one home or measure should not be treated as a guaranteed saving for another.
Rank #4
- EASY DIY INSTALLATION: Do it yourself fast with a built-in level and simple step-by-step instructions. Works with the HVAC equipment found in most homes
- COMMON WIRE REQUIREMENTS: Common wire(C-Wire) required for heat pump and heat/cool only systems. C-wire not required on most systems
- SAVE ABOUT 23% ON HVAC ENERGY: ENERGY STAR-certified and packed with features that help you save money, including flexible scheduling, geofencing, remote access and usage reports
- PRIVACY PROTECTION: Sensi won’t sell your personal information to third parties or leverage your thermostat activity data for targeting or advertising purposes
- CONTROL FROM ANYWHERE: The top-rated mobile app for Android and iOS devices makes it easy to control your comfort from a smartphone or tablet
Public assistance is also location-specific. The U.S. Department of Energy says its Home Energy Rebates are active only in select states; check local availability, eligibility and current program status before relying on a rebate. Renters should get landlord approval before making permanent changes.
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