When electricity rates rise, the fastest savings come from separating the charges on your bill, moving flexible use into cheaper hours, and attacking heating and cooling—the largest typical household load. Start with a bill audit, then change thermostat schedules and draft control before committing to major equipment.
Do not judge a plan by its advertised cents-per-kilowatt-hour price alone. Your result depends on energy, demand, fixed, delivery, supply and tax charges, your hourly usage, and whether you can avoid the utility’s peak window.
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1. Read the bill before changing anything
Download the last 12 months of bills or record the information in a spreadsheet. Mark the billing period, total kilowatt-hours (kWh), total cost, meter readings, rate name and any peak-demand measurement. Separate every line into the following categories.
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| Charge type | What affects it | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Energy charge | How many kWh you use and, on some tariffs, when you use them | Tier thresholds, time-of-use prices and any seasonal rates |
| Peak-demand charge | Your highest measured demand during the utility’s demand interval | The interval length, peak window and whether one short spike sets the monthly charge |
| Fixed customer charge | The account or meter connection | Recognize that conservation normally does not reduce this line |
| Supply and delivery charges | Utility tariff structure and energy delivered | Whether each component changes with kWh, has a separate fixed fee or is supplied by another company |
| Taxes and public-benefit charges | Local rules and the structure of the underlying bill | Which items are percentage-based and which are fixed |
Calculate your effective cost by dividing the total bill by total kWh. This is a budgeting measure, not necessarily the rate used to price the next kWh. A plan with a lower energy rate can still cost more if it adds a large fixed fee, raises delivery charges or exposes you to demand penalties.
#1 Best Overall
- 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
Establish a baseline
Record monthly kWh, the bill total, heating and cooling degree-season patterns if your utility provides them, and unusual events such as guests, a vacant home or an electric vehicle purchase. Photograph the meter or save a downloadable interval file. A baseline lets you test one change at a time instead of mistaking mild weather for a permanent saving.
2. Test a time-of-use or dynamic plan on paper first
Time-of-use (TOU) tariffs set different prices for defined periods. Dynamic tariffs can vary with wholesale conditions. Neither is automatically cheaper: the outcome depends on whether your household can move enough consumption out of expensive periods without creating new peaks.
Model your flexible loads
- Export hourly usage from the utility portal, if available. If not, record meter readings at consistent times for several days and list the operating hours of major appliances.
- Mark the tariff’s peak, shoulder and off-peak windows on a calendar. Include weekends and seasonal exceptions.
- Estimate which loads can move: laundry, dishwashing, electric water heating, pool pumps and electric-vehicle charging are usually more schedulable than cooking, medical equipment or a fixed heating cycle.
- Build a “current” schedule and an “off-peak” schedule. Keep the same total tasks and temperatures so the comparison reflects timing rather than reduced service.
- Ask the utility for eligibility, enrollment fees, peak definitions, opt-out rules, minimum terms, bill-protection provisions and demand-response requirements before enrolling.
Do not assume an appliance timer alone is enough. A water heater or vehicle charger that starts together with other large loads can create a demand spike, and a dynamic plan may send a high price signal with little notice. Keep a copy of the complete tariff and compare the projected annual bill, not one month’s cents-per-kWh figure.
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U.S. Department of Energy guidance from 2023 attributes about 30% of a typical utility bill to home heating. That makes thermostat settings, equipment condition and the building envelope the first places to look.
Rank #2
- High use of the scheduling feature of the T5 thermostat saved customers between 8 and 16% on heating and cooling bills. Dollar savings range based on nationwide average annual single-family detached home's heat and cooling bills; actual savings varies based on consumption.
- Save Energy and Get Rewarded. Check with your energy provider about available energy savings rebates to save on your purchase. Plus, eligible customers can enroll in their local Utility's "DEMAND RESPONSE PROGRAM" which can reward you for allowing the utility to slightly adjust your AC or furnace temperature settings when there is high energy demand.
- 7-Day Flexible Scheduling or Location Based Temperature Control. It’s your choice. 7-day scheduling programs your thermostat. Geofence technology helps make you comfortable by using your smartphone’s location to know when you’re away and when you return.
- Auto Home and Away Mode. Enjoy ideal temperatures at home, then save when away.
- ENERGY STAR certified. Help save energy, track your heating and cooling with monthly energy reports and get personalized tips on reducing energy use.
Use setbacks safely
DOE states: “You can save as much as 10% a year on heating and cooling by simply turning your thermostat back 7°-10°F for 8 hours a day from its normal setting.” Schedule the setback when occupants are asleep or the home is empty, then restore the setting before people return. The figure is a potential annual saving, not a guarantee; weather, insulation, equipment efficiency and the starting temperature all matter.
Heat pumps need special care. Follow the manufacturer’s guidance on setback size and auxiliary or emergency heat. A deep recovery can trigger electric resistance backup and erase expected savings. Keep indoor temperatures safe for children, older adults, pets, plumbing and any health condition, and never disable required ventilation.
Maintain the system
- Replace or clean filters on the schedule specified for the equipment and household conditions.
- Keep outdoor heat-pump or air-conditioner coils clear of leaves and obstructions.
- Have a qualified technician inspect refrigerant, airflow, electrical connections and combustion safety where applicable.
- Seal accessible duct leaks, especially in unconditioned attics, crawl spaces and garages.
Maintenance does not guarantee a particular percentage reduction, but it prevents a dirty filter, blocked coil or duct leak from forcing longer runtimes.
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4. Stop paying to heat or cool the outdoors
Air-sealing sequence
- Look for daylight or moving air around movable doors and windows, plumbing and wiring penetrations, attic hatches, baseboards and duct penetrations.
- Use caulk for stationary cracks and weatherstripping for movable door or window joints. Follow the product’s surface and temperature requirements.
- Seal accessible duct joints with approved duct mastic or suitable tape; do not cover required service openings.
- After sealing, verify that combustion appliances and whole-house ventilation still receive the air they require.
DOE’s 2013 guidance reports potential draft-reduction savings of 5%–30% per year. The range is broad because a leaky, poorly insulated home has more opportunity than a tight home.
Rank #3
- PRIVACY PROTECTION*: Sensi won’t sell your personal information to third parties
- EASY DIY INSTALLATION: Use the built-in level and step-by-step app instructions for a quick installation. Works with HVAC equipment found in most homes. Common wire (c-wire) is not required in most applications
- SAVE ABOUT 23% ON HVAC ENERGY*: The ENERGY STAR-certified Sensi smart thermostat can help you save energy with features like flexible scheduling, remote access and usage reports
- SIMPLE CONFIGURATION: Looks and feels like a thermostat. Has buttons and fits the same space as a traditional thermostat so you don’t have to patch and paint your walls
- SMART MAINTENANCE: Sensi can help monitor the performance and efficiency of your HVAC system by delivering valuable usage reports, alerts about your equipment, and maintenance reminders like filter replacement
Insulate only after moisture and ventilation checks
Attic, crawl-space and wall insulation can reduce heat flow, but adding insulation over a moisture problem can trap damage. Address roof leaks, standing water, bathroom exhaust paths and required attic ventilation first. Keep insulation away from heat-producing fixtures unless the fixture is rated for contact, and preserve access to electrical junctions and equipment.
DOE also says that combining maintenance, equipment upgrades, insulation, air sealing and thermostat changes can cut heating and cooling use 20%–50%. This is a broad potential range for a package of measures, not a promise for any single project.
What a weatherization project can deliver
A 2014 U.S. Department of Energy summary of one Oak Ridge National Laboratory evaluation found about 12% average savings, or $223 annually, in weatherized homes. That result describes the evaluated homes and conditions; it should not be treated as a universal payback estimate.
5. Install a smart thermostat only after checking compatibility
ENERGY STAR’s 2025 consumer guidance says an ENERGY STAR certified smart thermostat can reduce heating and cooling bills by more than 8% and save about $50 per year on average. The same guidance estimates approximately $100 in annual savings for a home that is unoccupied much of the day.
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
Pre-purchase checklist
- Photograph the existing thermostat wiring and confirm the system type, number of heating and cooling stages, and presence of a common wire or compatible power adapter.
- Check specific heat-pump, dual-fuel, electric-resistance, radiant and multi-zone compatibility; generic “works with HVAC” language is not enough.
- Confirm internet and app requirements, privacy settings, remote-control behavior and what happens if the connection fails.
- Read the utility’s demand-response terms. An enrolled thermostat may adjust temperature during events; verify event frequency, override controls and any payment or bill-credit conditions.
- Search the utility and state energy office for current rebates before purchase. Some programs require pre-approval, a qualified installer or a particular model.
Set a schedule that matches real occupancy, use a moderate recovery ramp and review runtime reports after the first billing cycle. A smart thermostat cannot compensate for a failed heat pump, severe duct leakage or an unsafe temperature strategy.
6. Shift secondary loads and find hidden consumption
Move work into rewarded hours
When the tariff offers a lower off-peak price, schedule dishwashers, laundry, electric water heating, pool pumps and EV charging in that window. Use delayed-start controls, but avoid overlapping several high-wattage appliances if the tariff includes demand charges. For an EV, set a charging limit and start time that finish before the next peak period rather than charging immediately at the highest possible rate.
Reduce waste without replacing everything
- Replace failed or frequently used lamps with efficient lighting and turn off lights in unoccupied rooms.
- Enable sleep or power-management settings on computers, monitors, game consoles and printers.
- Unplug rarely used adapters or place them on a switched power strip.
- Clean refrigerator coils where the manufacturer permits and check that door seals close fully.
- Clean the dryer lint filter every load and keep the exhaust path clear.
Measure before buying
A plug-in electricity monitor can show the wattage and accumulated energy of compatible 120-volt loads. Measure a suspected always-on device for several days, then annualize its kWh using your effective bill cost. Do not use a plug-in monitor on appliances that exceed its rating, hard-wired circuits, or equipment that requires a qualified electrician.
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Heat pumps, heat-pump water heaters, insulation and high-efficiency windows can produce larger long-term changes than individual plug-load actions, but they require site-specific design and upfront spending.
Best Value
- 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]
| Option | Evidence or potential | Timing benefit | Checks before committing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heat pump | Potentially lowers heating energy when properly sized and installed; no single savings figure is established for every home | Usually reduces consumption rather than shifting it; controls may still respond to TOU periods | Climate suitability, sizing, backup heat operation, electrical capacity, installer quality and maintenance |
| Heat-pump water heater | ENERGY STAR reports 70% less energy use on average and $550 annual savings for a family of four versus a standard electric water heater | Can be scheduled to heat during lower-cost periods if the model and tariff support it | Location, condensate drainage, room temperature, noise, recovery settings, panel capacity and current incentives |
| Insulation and air sealing | DOE reports 5%–30% potential draft savings; a combined package can reduce heating and cooling use 20%–50% | No direct timing shift; lowers demand whenever the system operates | Moisture, ventilation, combustion safety, attic access and workmanship |
| High-efficiency windows | Site-specific effect; the guidance provides no universal percentage | No direct timing shift | Orientation, shading, frame condition, installation quality and whether air sealing or insulation would deliver better value first |
Use lifecycle cost rather than purchase price: estimate installed cost, expected energy reduction, maintenance, financing, incentive eligibility and replacement timing. Ask for a written scope that identifies model numbers, efficiency ratings, electrical work, warranty responsibilities and commissioning tests. A high-efficiency unit installed incorrectly can perform worse than a properly maintained existing system.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.8. Use a practical decision framework
The following categories help prioritize work when exact local prices are unavailable. “Low” or “high” describes commitment, not a guaranteed return.
| Action | Upfront commitment | Can shift usage? | Comfort or disruption | Renter suitability | Rebate or program check |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thermostat setback | Low | Yes, by schedule | Can affect comfort during recovery | Usually high if the tenant controls the thermostat | Check demand-response terms |
| Caulk and weatherstripping | Low | No | Low disruption when correctly applied | Often practical with landlord permission | Check weatherization assistance |
| Smart thermostat | Low to moderate | Yes, through schedules or events | Requires setup and compatible wiring | Depends on permission and HVAC compatibility | Check utility rebates and event payments |
| Load scheduling | Low | Yes | Requires reliable timers and household routines | High for plug-in appliances | Confirm TOU eligibility and peak windows |
| Insulation or duct work | Moderate to high | No | Installation activity; benefits are ongoing | Usually requires owner approval | Check weatherization and utility efficiency programs |
| Heat-pump water heater | High | Often, depending on controls | Installation, sound and space requirements | Usually owner-installed | Check current state and utility incentives |
Payback depends on your tariff, climate, existing equipment, occupancy and incentive. Treat any percentage in this guide as an average or potential range tied to its named source, not as a quote for your address.
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9. Get help with bills, weatherization and upgrades
LIHEAP
The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) can help qualifying households with energy bills, crisis situations, weatherization and minor energy-related repairs. Eligibility, benefit size, application windows and funding vary by state. Use your state or local LIHEAP agency’s current instructions and keep shutoff notices, income documents and account information available.
Weatherization Assistance Program
The U.S. Department of Energy’s Weatherization Assistance Program supports energy-saving work for eligible low-income households. Services and waiting lists differ by state and local provider. Ask what assessments, repairs and health-and-safety checks are covered before signing a contractor agreement.
Utility efficiency programs
Utilities may offer rebates, income-qualified upgrades, home energy assessments or demand-response payments. Confirm the current model list, installation date rules, pre-approval requirement, paperwork, tax treatment and whether incentives can be combined. Program terms change with funding and rate cases, so rely on the utility or government program page rather than an old flyer.
Quick Recap
10. A 30-day plan that limits risk
- Days 1–3: Gather 12 months of bills, identify every charge type and calculate effective cost per kWh.
- Days 4–7: Request the complete tariff, peak definitions and TOU or dynamic-plan rules from the utility.
- Week 2: Record thermostat settings, HVAC runtime if available, water-heater operation and the schedule of major appliances.
- Week 2: Install weatherstripping or caulk at obvious leaks, clean approved filters and coils, and measure suspicious plug-in loads.
- Week 3: Run a controlled thermostat setback during sleeping or vacancy hours while monitoring comfort and backup-heat behavior.
- Week 3: Move one flexible load, such as laundry or dishwashing, into the documented off-peak window. Compare the next bill and any interval data.
- Week 4: Price a smart thermostat, weatherization or water-heater upgrade only after checking compatibility and current incentives.
- After day 30: Compare weather-adjusted usage and total charges with the baseline. Keep changes that reduce cost without creating unsafe temperatures, missed tasks or new demand spikes.
11. Common mistakes and fixes
- Watching only the cents-per-kWh rate: Recalculate using all variable and fixed charges.
- Assuming a TOU plan is cheaper: Model your actual hourly schedule and confirm peak windows.
- Using a large thermostat setback on a heat pump: Follow manufacturer guidance and watch for auxiliary heat.
- Insulating over moisture or blocking ventilation: Correct water intrusion and ventilation paths first.
- Buying a smart thermostat without checking wiring: Verify system type, stages, power requirements and utility event rules before purchase.
- Starting every appliance at once in off-peak hours: Stagger high-wattage loads if demand charges apply.
- Expecting fixed charges to disappear: Conservation lowers usage-related charges; account fees generally remain.
- Claiming a rebate before reading its terms: Confirm eligibility, pre-approval, approved equipment and documentation requirements.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
