13 Ways to Save on Your Electric Bill

By Lisa A. Koosis

March 13, 2026

As electric rates climb, many homeowners are feeling the pinch. If you're facing mounting utility costs, don't despair. There's plenty you can do to save on your electric bill, other than just turning off the lights.

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1. Adjust Your Thermostat

Setting your thermostat one degree higher in the summer or one degree lower in the winter can save you around 3% on heating costs year-round, and that can add up over time. For more substantial savings, reduce your HVAC usage when the house is empty. If household members work outside the home for eight hours a day, your house doesn't need to be cool and comfortable or warm and cozy. Changing the thermostat by 7 to 10 degrees while you're out can potentially save you 10% a year on your electric bill.

2. Weatherproof Your Home

Depending on the season, hot or cold air can escape through cracks and other unsealed areas of your home. By patching fissures and applying weatherstripping around windows and doors, you can reap energy savings of as much as 40%.

To identify problematic areas, follow drafts and check potential trouble spots, such as:

Ductwork
Attic doors
Ceiling fans
Lighting fixtures
Electrical outlets
Pipes leading outside

3. Use Your Oven Efficiently

It's tempting to open the oven door to check on dinner, but each time you do, you'll lower the temperature by about 25 degrees Fahrenheit. Instead, turn on the oven light and peer in through the window.

For additional savings:

Turn the oven off before you remove your food.
Preheat when absolutely necessary. For example, foods that have lengthy cook times typically don't require preheating
Use glass or ceramic pans rather than metal for more efficient cooking
Use pots that properly fit your burners

4. Use LED Lighting

Opt for energy-efficient lighting by switching from incandescent bulbs to LED. By replacing five high-use standard bulbs in your household with Energy Star-rated LEDs you can potentially save $75 (CAD 103) a year in energy costs. These bulbs also last up to 25 times longer than traditional bulbs, so you won't have to replace them as often, which can also save you money. To see how much you can save by switching over to energy-efficient LED bulbs, check out an online energy savings calculator.

5. Air Dry Your Dishes

Drying dishes quickly requires a high temperature, which can run up your electric bill. Fortunately, many modern dishwashers feature an air-dry setting. Although the cycle does take longer on air-dry, it's more energy-efficient and will save you money in the long run.

If your dryer doesn't have an air-dry setting, simply stop the cycle after rinsing is complete. Open the door slightly to let your dishes air-dry naturally. Just be careful to stay away from the open door when the steam is released.

6. Use Smaller Appliances

Larger appliances typically draw more power, so use smaller appliances whenever possible. If you're reheating leftovers, don't power up the oven. Instead, use a microwave, hot pot or toaster oven.

7. Keep Your HVAC System Running Efficiently

Your HVAC system accounts for nearly half of your home energy use. A clogged filter or dirty air ducts can hinder your unit's efficiency, which costs you money. To keep your system running smoothly, replace the filters at least every three months. In peak usage seasons, you may want to replace them as frequently as monthly, or whenever they look dirty.

Yearly inspections and tune-ups of your HVAC system, including air duct cleaning, can also keep your system running efficiently and save you money on your energy bill.

8. Invest in Smart Plugs

Hooking your appliances up to smart plugs is easy. Just plug them into your outlets, pair them with your virtual home assistant, such as Alexa, and they'll let you automate electrical items in your home so you can save energy. Set timers to turn off the lights during hours when nobody is home, such as during work and school time, and then turn them back on when you're due home. They're also great for holiday decorations, letting you turn your Christmas lights on when the sun goes down and off at bedtime.

9. Install Ceiling Fans

Operating a ceiling fan costs as little as 1 to 3 cents (CAD 0.01 to CAD 0.04) per hour. These effectively circulate air throughout a room, so they're a great way to cool your home. Households that use ceiling fans can raise their thermostats by about 4 degrees Fahrenheit without impacting their comfort. In moderate climates, a good ceiling fan may eliminate the need for air conditioning altogether, which can result in substantial cost savings.

10. Use a Smart Thermostat

Programmable smart thermostats optimize your home's heating and cooling to save you money. Once your temperature preferences are established, these Wi-Fi-enabled devices can adjust for sleep or the hours when family members are at work or school.

Many smart thermostats have advanced features such as geo-fencing, which let them detect when you're headed home, so your house can warm up (or cool down) to your liking. Some units also provide app-based control so you can set the temperature through your smartphone or tablet.

11. Use Advanced Power Strips

Advanced power strips, sometimes referred to as smart power strips, can reduce energy costs by minimizing phantom load. Essentially, phantom load is electricity that's consumed by electronics or electrical appliances when they're plugged in but not in use. Even small appliances such as toasters and coffee makers can cause phantom load, and this "vampire" electricity can cost you up to $200 (CAD 274) a year. Advanced power strips cut power off to devices you're not using, to conserve energy and save you money.

12. Wash Your Clothes in Cold Water

When you wash your clothes in hot water, only 10% of the electricity you use powers the motor. The other 90% is used to heat the water. Although hot water may be necessary to wash and sanitize heavily soiled items, cold-water washing with a suitable cold-water detergent is ideal for most daily loads, and it can help lower your electric bill.

13. Choose Energy Star-Certified Appliances

Whether you're shopping for an oven or a washing machine, always choose an Energy Star-certified product. Backed by the government, these items must meet strict energy efficiency standards. Switching out older, energy-gobbling appliances for newer, Energy Star-certified products can reduce your energy use and save you money. For example, ceiling fans with Energy Star certification can be up to 44% more efficient than standard units.

Look for the blue ENERGY STAR logo on products such as:

Ovens and stove tops
Washing machines and dryers
Smart thermostats
Dishwashers
Refrigerators and freezers
Air purifiers

Your local utility company may also offer incentives for purchasing ENERGY STAR appliances, so be sure to check before you shop.

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