Slay Your Home's Energy Vampires
Wasting money on energy vampires? You have the power to save money and energy in your own home with these 8 tools and tricks.
Jeff Bertolucci
Energy bills are a regular part of homeownership, but the cost can add up quickly. The average U.S. electricity bill is about $145.33 per month, according to data from the Energy Information Administration. The typical household uses about 843 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity each month, at an average price of 17.24 cents per kWh (December 2025 data).
Those numbers reflect the electricity you expect to use for daily living, but they also include the impact of small sources of wasted energy, often called energy “vampires.” These are devices and appliances that continue to draw power even when they are not actively being used. Fortunately, there are several tools and simple habits that can help reduce your home’s energy use and lower your carbon footprint, which is good for both your wallet and the planet.
The good news is that there are money-saving ways to cut down on your energy bills. From turning down your thermostat to insulating your windows, here are 8 simple tools and tricks to help you save money and kilowatts.
Article continues belowFrom just $107.88 $24.99 for Kiplinger Personal Finance
Become a smarter, better informed investor. Subscribe from just $107.88 $24.99, plus get up to 4 Special Issues
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
1. Turn down the thermostat
One of the easiest ways to save on your household energy bill is to simply turn down the thermostat. According to energy.gov, If you turn the temperature down for more than 8 hours at a time, you can save up to 1% on your energy bill per degree, without giving up a warm and cozy home. You might want to also invest in a smart thermostat to trim your utility bills while keeping your home comfortable.
You can schedule your smart thermostat to tell you what temperature you want and when, control the temperature in a particular room, see exactly how much energy you're using and automatically adjust the settings based on your habits, saving you money.
2. Insulate your windows
In an average home, windows can occupy about 15% to 20% of the surface area of the walls. During colder winters, heat can escape through gaps in your windows, especially if they are older or in bad shape.
To ensure this doesn't happen, use a draft stopper, cover your windows with window insulation film, and add weather stripping or heavier, thicker window coverings designed to keep cold air from getting into your home through windows.
3. Switch off unnecessary appliances
A simple step to save household energy is to unplug cell phones and MP3 players once they're charged.
Turn off the lights when you leave the room, and unplug appliances you're not using, especially when leaving for an extended vacation. You can also switch out regular light bulbs for LEDs, which are cheaper to run and will significantly reduce energy use.
4. Don’t overload your washing machine
You may think you're saving energy by piling as many clothes as you can get into your washing machine, but in reality, it's working harder to wash a heavy load, and is using much more energy (and water) than necessary.
Similarly, don't overload your dryer. You also won't have to repair or replace your washer and dryer as often — a win-win for your budget.
5. Change HVAC filters
Because the average person in the U.S. spends 90% of their time inside, indoor air quality can have a significant impact on your overall health, and your wallet. When an HVAC filter is clogged, it has to work harder for longer periods of time, which increases the energy your home uses.
Cleaning the filters on your furnace and air conditioner will not only save you money, but also keep your family healthy. Besides, its a quick and painless process that can be done in less than an hour.
6. Insulate your attic
Poorly insulated walls and attics siphon heat and cold from our homes. Although there are many different types of insulation, make sure the R-value (a number that shows the effectiveness of the insulation) is right for the size of your attic.
Colder climates should have insulation with a minimum R-value of 49. Houses in warmer climates should have an R-value of 30, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.
7. Shop for energy-saving appliances
When shopping for new appliances, consider models designed to use less power when they are not actively in use. Many modern appliances, including microwaves, televisions and kitchen gadgets, continue to draw small amounts of electricity even when they appear to be turned off.
Choosing energy-efficient appliances can help reduce that hidden electricity use. Look for products with energy-saving features or certifications such as ENERGY STAR, which are designed to limit standby power and improve overall efficiency.
8. Don't leave electronics on standby
Leaving your electronic devices on standby can drain nearly 10% of your home's energy use, according to the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. When electrical appliances, "energy vampires," are plugged into an outlet, they use energy even when turned off.
To save money, unplug all large and small electrical appliances, such as your computer, cable box, coffee maker, microwave, printer, television and toaster.
Related Content
