🔎 Disclosure: Heads up, babe: some links here are affiliate links, which means you might throw a tiny commission my way if you buy (zero extra cost to you). Only things you’d actually use and love get shared on this site.
1. Seal Drafts Around Windows and Doors
You’d be surprised how much money sneaks out through tiny gaps.
Those little drafts are basically your hard-earned cash flying into the wind.
Seal them up, and your heating and cooling bills drop like magic.
Weatherproofing tape works wonders for old window frames.
Door draft stoppers can block cold air that sneaks under doors.
Foam sealant is great for sealing bigger cracks or holes.
You’ll notice your home stays warmer in winter and cooler in summer. For less money.
👉 Here's How You'll Do It: Walk around your home with your hand near windows and doors; if you feel air, seal that spot with weatherproofing tape immediately.
Make the Smart Choice: Consider using a 3M Weatherstrip Door Seal Kit to block drafts instantly.
2. Switch to Energy-Efficient LED Bulbs
You don’t realize how much those old bulbs are costing you until you swap them out.
LEDs use way less power and last for years. Like, literal years.
Plus, you’ll finally stop getting those random “why is my electric bill so high” moments.
LED bulbs use up to 75% less energy than incandescent bulbs.
They last 10–20 times longer, saving you replacement costs.
Choose soft white for cozy lighting or daylight for work areas.
Lower energy use = lower monthly bills, period.
👉 Here's How You'll Do It: Replace every bulb in high-use areas like kitchens and living rooms first, then move through the rest of the house over time.
Make the Smart Choice: Try the Philips Energy Saver LED Bulb Set to instantly brighten your home and cut costs.
3. Unplug Appliances When Not in Use
Even when you’re not using them, your gadgets are still sipping electricity. Sneaky little things.
That’s called “phantom energy,” and it adds up fast, especially if you have a dozen devices plugged in.
Unplugging saves money, and it gives you one less thing to worry about during storms or power surges.
TVs, chargers, and coffee makers still draw power when turned off.
Unplugging them saves up to $100 a year in wasted electricity.
Bonus: It reduces the risk of short circuits or surge damage.
For convenience, use power strips for easy unplugging.
👉 Here's How You'll Do It: Make a quick routine. Unplug devices you don’t use daily or turn off a power strip before bed.
Make the Smart Choice: Get a Kasa Smart Plug Power Strip to switch off multiple devices at once with one tap.
4. Install a Smart Thermostat
If you’re still using a basic thermostat, you’re missing out on some serious savings.
Smart thermostats learn your habits and adjust automatically. Like, your house is finally on your side.
You’ll stay comfy and still keep those bills low.
Smart thermostats can cut energy use by 10–15% annually.
They adjust temperatures automatically based on your routine.
Control them remotely from your phone or tablet.
Some even track energy reports to show savings in real time.
👉 Here's How You'll Do It: Replace your old thermostat with a smart one and set your preferred temps for day, night, and weekends.
Make the Smart Choice: Consider the Google Nest Learning Thermostat to keep your home comfy without lifting a finger.
5. Wash Clothes in Cold Water
Hot water is great for dishes, but terrible for your energy bill.
Cold water gets your clothes just as clean, and your washer uses way less power.
It’s like giving your wallet a little vacation every laundry day.
Washing in cold water saves about $60–$100 per year.
Cold water helps clothes last longer by preventing fading.
Energy-efficient detergents work perfectly even in cold cycles.
Your water heater also works less, saving even more money.
👉 Here's How You'll Do It: Next laundry day, set your washer to the cold cycle and keep it there for all regular loads.
Make the Smart Choice: Use Tide Coldwater Clean Laundry Detergent made for cold washes to keep clothes fresh.
6. Fix Leaky Faucets Fast
That slow drip isn’t “no big deal”. It’s literally your money going down the drain.
Even a tiny leak can waste gallons of water each day, which means higher bills for you.
You’ll feel extra proud when you fix it in five minutes flat.
A dripping faucet can waste 200+ gallons per month.
It’s usually just a worn-out washer or O-ring.
Most leaks only need a basic wrench to tighten.
Fixing it saves both water and money right away.
👉 Here's How You'll Do It: Turn off the water supply, unscrew the faucet handle, and replace the rubber washer. Done in minutes.
Make the Smart Choice: Use a Danco Faucet Repair Kit to stop leaks without calling a plumber.
7. Add Weatherstripping to Doors and Windows
You know those small drafts that make your house feel colder than your ex’s heart?
Weatherstripping fixes that. And your energy bill thanks you later.
It’s one of the easiest DIY upgrades you’ll ever do.
Foam or rubber strips block cold or hot air leaks.
Costs less than $20 for an entire doorway or window.
Helps your heater and AC work less and last longer.
Reduces noise and dust from outside, too.
👉 Here's How You'll Do It: Peel and stick the strips along door frames and window edges where you feel air coming through.
Make the Smart Choice: Grab a Frost King Self-Adhesive Weatherseal Strip for an instant fix.
8. Run Appliances During Off-Peak Hours
Ever notice how your bill jumps for no reason?
It’s probably because you’re running everything when everyone else is too.
Shift your chores to off-peak times, and you’ll literally pay less for the same electricity.
Utility companies charge lower rates at night or early morning.
Run dishwashers, washers, and dryers during these hours.
Some energy plans even offer discounts for scheduling use.
Saves around 10–20% monthly, depending on your area.
👉 Here's How You'll Do It: Check your utility company’s off-peak times and set timers on your dishwasher or washing machine to start then.
Make the Smart Choice: Use a GE Smart Plug Timer to schedule appliance use automatically.
9. Lower Your Water Heater Temperature
Your water heater doesn’t need to feel like a volcano to work well.
Most are set too high, wasting heat and money 24/7.
Drop the temp a bit, and you’ll still get hot showers. Without the hot bill.
Set the heater to 120°F instead of 140°F.
Saves up to 10% annually on water heating costs.
Helps prevent scalding accidents, especially with kids.
Prolongs your heater’s lifespan by reducing wear.
👉 Here's How You'll Do It: Turn down the dial on your heater or adjust the digital display to 120°F and leave it there.
Make the Smart Choice: Use a Honeywell Home Water Heater Thermostat for quick adjustments.
10. Clean Air Filters and Vents Often
If your vents are dusty, your system’s basically working overtime. And you’re paying for it.
Clean air filters mean smoother airflow, better air quality, and smaller bills.
Think of it as giving your home a deep breath of fresh air.
Dirty filters make your HVAC use 15% more energy.
Cleaning extends your AC and heater’s lifespan.
Replace filters every 1–3 months, depending on pets and dust.
Helps keep allergy symptoms and odors under control.
👉 Here's How You'll Do It: Remove the filter, vacuum or replace it, and wipe vents with a microfiber cloth once a month.
Make the Smart Choice: Use a Filtrete 3-Month Pleated Air Filter to boost airflow and air quality.
11. Use Power Strips to Stop Energy Waste
You might think turning devices “off” means they stop using power. But nope.
They still suck energy quietly, like freeloaders you forgot to kick out.
Power strips let you shut everything down with one easy click.
Phantom energy can cost you up to $200 a year.
Power strips make it easy to disconnect multiple devices at once.
Great for TVs, consoles, chargers, and home offices.
Keeps cords organized and reduces clutter (bonus points for tidy vibes).
👉 Here's How You'll Do It: Plug your gadgets into one strip, and flip the switch before bed or when you leave home.
Make the Smart Choice: Use a Belkin 8-Outlet Power Strip Surge Protector to control multiple devices effortlessly.
Hey, I'm Lily! I'm a mom who's really good at two things: stretching a dollar and talking about stretching a dollar. I created Money Vice after one too many grocery trips where I watched my total climb and thought, "There's gotta be a better way." Spoiler: there is. Think of me as your money-savvy friend who's always got a tip (and coffee in hand).
