Cutting back on your utility bills doesn’t have to require a massive time or money investment. There are plenty of projects you can take on and handle in a week, with minimal investment or skill required. Here are five ideas for DIY projects that can help reduce electricity consumption in your home.

1 – Seal Windows and Doors

One of the simplest yet most effective ways to cut down on energy use is to seal your windows and doors. Drafts can force your heating and cooling systems to work overtime, leading to higher electricity bills.

Start by inspecting your home for any gaps or cracks around windows and doors. You can use a candle or incense stick; hold it near the edges and see if the smoke wavers. If it does, you have a draft.

There are different ways to plug these gaps. Weatherstripping is a great solution for doors. It’s easy to install and creates a tight seal that keeps the air inside where it belongs. For windows, caulking is your best friend. Apply a fresh bead of caulk around the edges to seal any leaks.

2 – Upgrade to Smart Thermostats

Smart thermostats are an excellent investment for any homeowner looking to reduce energy consumption. These devices learn your schedule and adjust the temperature accordingly, ensuring your home is always at an optimal temperature without wasting energy.

If switching your thermostat sounds too advanced for a DIY project, don’t worry. In most cases, the process is quite simple, and whatever thermostat you buy will come with installation instructions. You can find video guides on how to do it too.

Once installed, set your preferences, and let the smart thermostat handle the rest. These devices can cut down energy waste by a lot. Many can even be controlled remotely via your smartphone, allowing you to adjust the temperature while you’re away from home.

For added benefits, adjust your smart thermostat to take advantage of off-peak energy rates. You can also find cheap electricity rates using tools like Lowerebill.com to compare options.

3 – Reduce Phantom Power Use

Phantom power, also known as standby power, is the energy consumed by devices even when they’re turned off. This is a serious problem, as it can account for as much as 10% of your electricity bill, especially when considering the Northeast Ohio electric rates. Fortunately, there are good ways to reduce phantom usage.

What you need to do is start unplugging devices when they’re not in use. To make this easier, plug your electronics into a power strip, and turn it off when the devices are not in use.

There are different styles of power strip out there, some have a main power switch, while others have individual switches for each outlet. All of these can make it easier to shut off devices that aren’t being used. This can be particularly useful for devices you don’t use daily.

4 – Maintain Your HVAC System

Your HVAC system is one of the largest energy consumers in your home, so you don’t want it using any more power than necessary. Regular maintenance can ensure it runs efficiently, saving you money on your energy bills.

To ensure efficiency, you’ll want to replace your HVAC filters following manufacturer recommendations — usually, that’s every three months. Dirty filters force the system to work harder, using more energy.

Also, schedule an annual tune-up with a professional to check for any issues and perform necessary maintenance. You can also clean the vents and ducts yourself to improve airflow and efficiency.

5 – Isolate Your Water Heater

Water heaters are another significant energy drain, especially if they are not insulated properly. Insulating your water heater and the surrounding pipes can lead to substantial energy savings.

Get an insulating blanket for your water heater. Then wrap it around the heater, securing it with tape. This will help retain the heat, reducing the amount of electricity needed to keep the water warm. 

It is also a good idea to insulate the first few feet of the hot water pipes to prevent heat loss as the water travels from the heater to your faucet. Foam pipe insulation is easy to install and inexpensive.

For tankless water heaters, isolating the water heater itself isn’t much of a concern. But making sure heat isn’t escaping through the pipes is still a good idea.