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Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →You can often lower household energy costs without making your home less comfortable by starting with the bills, fixing noticeable drafts, and adjusting heating and cooling to your routine. The right order depends on your home, climate, fuel and utility rates, so treat national savings estimates as context—not a promise for your household.
Start with your bills and find the biggest opportunity
Compare recent bills across seasons, separating electricity from heating fuel where possible. Look for unusual changes and note when the largest costs occur. This helps you focus on the biggest use or expense instead of assuming every home needs the same fix. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) recommends checking household energy use and considering an assessment to match improvements to the home (DOE home energy checklist; why energy efficiency matters).
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DOE’s Energy Saver overview includes estimates published in 2014: it put heating and cooling at a typical 43% of a home’s utility bill and water heating at about 12%. These historical national estimates help explain why those areas are worth checking, but they are not a current forecast for an individual home; climate, equipment, fuel and rates all affect the split (DOE Energy Saver).
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1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsStop drafts before deciding how much insulation to add
Choose the right fix for the opening
Check around exterior doors and windows for moving air. Weatherstripping is generally used on parts that move, such as a door or operable window; caulk is generally used to seal stationary cracks and joints. A properly fitted weatherstripping kit can help with a noticeable door or window draft, but it will not address every source of heat loss.
#1 Best Overall
- 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]
DOE describes reducing air leakage as a way to reduce heating and cooling costs, improve durability and comfort, and support a healthier indoor environment (DOE air-sealing and insulation guidance). Draft control can also make a room feel more comfortable by reducing cold spots, even when the thermostat setting stays the same.
Pair air sealing with climate-appropriate insulation
Consider insulation after addressing air leaks, rather than treating it as a substitute for sealing drafts. The useful amount and location depend on climate zone, existing insulation and how the home is built. DOE defines R-value as resistance to heat flow: a higher R-value means greater insulating effectiveness for the material and thickness. That does not, by itself, tell you what a particular house needs.
Do not seal combustion appliance flues or vents. Work involving ducts, flues or concealed gaps can affect safety and ventilation; ask a qualified professional when the area or method is uncertain. A tighter home still needs appropriate ventilation.
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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.
Schedule heating and cooling around home, sleep and away times
If your household has predictable routines, program a thermostat around when people are home, asleep or away. The goal is to avoid heating or cooling an empty home unnecessarily while keeping it comfortable when occupied—not to force an uncomfortable setting. A programmable thermostat may help if it is compatible with your heating and cooling system.
DOE’s 2014 Energy Saver overview estimated that turning the thermostat back 10%–15% for eight hours could save up to 10% on annual heating and cooling bills. This is a dated national estimate, not a guaranteed result; actual savings depend on the home, equipment, climate and schedule (DOE Energy Saver).
- Use a schedule that reflects when rooms are occupied, rather than a setting that leaves household members uncomfortable.
- Keep supply and return registers clear so furnishings do not obstruct airflow.
- Check and replace or maintain filters as the equipment manufacturer recommends.
- If some rooms stay uncomfortable, look for drafts, blocked airflow or equipment issues before simply changing the whole-home setting.
Renters can also ask a landlord about draft repairs, filter responsibilities and thermostat controls. DOE’s renter guidance covers practical actions and notes that appropriate water-heater settings can vary with health circumstances (DOE guidance for renters).
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
Check hot water, appliances and lighting next
Once the largest heating, cooling or draft problem is addressed, look for easy opportunities in other uses. Shorter hot-water use can reduce demand; review water-heater temperature and insulation in light of the equipment instructions and household needs. Some health circumstances affect appropriate water-heater settings, so do not lower the temperature without considering them.
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DOE’s 2014 overview estimated that appliances accounted for about 15% of household energy consumption and lighting about 11% of an average household energy budget. It also said newer lighting technologies may reduce lighting energy use by 50%–75%. Those are historical national estimates, not predictions for a particular home (DOE Energy Saver). Turn off lighting when it is not needed and consider efficient lighting where it suits the fixture. When an appliance is already due for replacement, compare its efficiency as well as its purchase cost.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Use an assessment to choose larger improvements
Before taking on major air-sealing, insulation or equipment work, consider a home energy assessment. DOE says an evaluation may include a walk-through, infrared camera or blower-door methods. Findings can help distinguish a draft problem from insufficient insulation or an equipment issue and make it easier to weigh comfort goals, climate fit, cost and disruption (DOE energy-efficiency guidance; DOE checklist).
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
There is no universal payback ranking for weatherstripping, professional air sealing, insulation, thermostat controls and equipment upgrades. Compare the problem each option addresses, compatibility with your home and system, likely comfort effect, upfront and ongoing costs, and whether the work is suitable for DIY. For complex envelope or combustion-related work, seek qualified help rather than guessing.
Check local incentives before counting on a discount
DOE’s Home Energy Rebates page describes HOMES rebates of up to $8,000 for eligible whole-home upgrades with at least 20% modeled savings. This is a program maximum, not an amount every household will receive. Check the current state rollout, eligibility, funding and local availability before planning a project around it (DOE Home Energy Rebates).
More broadly, national program descriptions do not establish what is currently available where you live. Confirm rebate rules and any applicable tax benefits with the relevant state, utility or program administrator before committing to work.
Quick Recap
A practical order of operations
- Compare bills: Review recent seasons and separate electricity and fuel costs where possible.
- Find the largest issue: Identify the main cost, use pattern or comfort complaint rather than starting with a generic upgrade.
- Fix obvious drafts and waste: Use weatherstripping on movable joints and caulk on stationary cracks where appropriate.
- Set heating and cooling schedules: Align thermostat control with occupancy, sleep and away periods; maintain filters and keep registers clear.
- Review hot water and other loads: Consider hot-water habits, lighting and appliance efficiency when replacement is already needed.
- Get an assessment before major work: Use the findings, climate fit, costs and verified local incentives to prioritize improvements.
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.
