Energy Savings Checklist

Work top-to-bottom. Each section costs more than the last but each item still pays back in under two years.

This week (free / under $30)

• Drop the thermostat 3-5°F at night and when away
• Replace incandescent bulbs with LEDs in the 5 most-used fixtures
• Add a door sweep to the worst exterior door
• Add foam outlet gaskets on all exterior walls
• Unplug the second fridge in the garage (or remove it)
• Switch washer to cold water for non-stained loads

This month (under $150)

• Install a programmable or smart thermostat
• Weatherstrip all exterior doors (V-strip + perimeter seal)
• Apply shrink-film insulation to drafty windows
• Insulate the first 6 ft of hot water pipes from the tank
• Install a smart plug energy meter to find phantom loads
• Vacuum refrigerator condenser coils

This season (under $1,500)

• Air seal attic floor penetrations (top plates, can lights, hatch)
• Add blown-in insulation to bring attic to R-49+
• Spray-foam basement rim joists
• Replace any pre-2001 refrigerator with ENERGY STAR model
• Get a blower-door energy audit (often free from utility)
• Look up state and utility rebates (the federal 25C credit ended Dec 31, 2025)