How to Improve Home Energy Efficiency in the New Year

Published: January 13, 2026

As the new year unfolds, many people recommit to improving their lives—and that often starts right at home. If you're a new or recent homeowner, improving your home energy efficiency is one of the smartest resolutions you can make. Not only may it help lower monthly utility bills, but it can also improve comfort, increase your system's lifespan, and boost your home value.

With energy costs continuing to rise, learning how to use less energy without sacrificing comfort has never been more important. The good news? You don't have to do everything at once! Small changes and smart habits can make a noticeable difference.

Read on to learn how to create an energy-efficient home in the new year.

Reasons Why Energy Efficiency Is Important

Between tariffs, inflation, and rising grocery prices, homeowners everywhere are looking for ways to cut back on expenses With everyday expenses increasing, many homeowners are looking for ways to reduce costs. Improving your home's energy efficiency is one of the most effective ways to reduce ongoing costs without changing your lifestyle.

When your home runs more efficiently, you're not just saving energy—you're creating a healthier, more comfortable space to live in. Improving home energy efficiency can help you:

Reduce overall energy use, lowering emissions
Improve indoor comfort and maintain balanced temperatures
Reduce strain on your heating and cooling systems
Help keep money in your wallet

Benefits of Peak Home Energy Efficiency

When you reduce your energy use, the benefits can be substantial. From the moment your systems start running more smoothly, you'll likely notice improvements in both comfort and cost savings.

By investing in energy-efficient equipment and staying on top of routine maintenance, homeowners often experience:

Lower monthly bills
Year-round consistency in heating and cooling
Fewer repair calls
Longer system lifespan
Better indoor air quality
Increased home resale value

Efficiency isn't just about saving energy—it's about creating a home that's easier and more affordable to live in.

What Wastes the Most Electricity in a House?

Now that you know why efficiency matters, the next question is what typically uses the most electricity in a home. Understanding common contributors to electricity use is a good starting point.

Some common contributors to higher energy use include:

An HVAC system running inefficiently
A water heater that's set too high or is poorly maintained.
A home with little to no insulation (causing air leaks)
Outdated appliances
Incandescent lighting v. LED lighting
Electronics and "phantom" energy usage (electronics are off but still plugged in).

What Saves the Most Energy in a House?

The good news is that improving efficiency doesn't have to be complicated. To establish good home care in the new year and save on energy use, here are some home energy efficiency tasks that will make a difference over time.

Get your system probably maintained two times per year (spring and fall)
Insulate attics, basements, and crawl spaces
Seal any air leaks
Invest in a smart thermostat
Be sure you are using ENERGY STAR–rated appliances
Change out old bulbs and replace with LED lighting
Clean HVAC filters every three months

What are Some Seasonal Habits You Can Do to Save Energy?

When the seasons change, so do we! Just like you change your wardrobe for the seasons, your home needs seasonal adjustments, too. Making small changes during the year can help you stay on track to reduce energy waste.

Here's a seasonal checklist you can follow:

In Winter…

Lower thermostat settings
Seal drafts and improve insulation
Adjust ceiling fan direction to clockwise
Efficient heating schedules
Change air filters

In Spring and Fall…

Schedule HVAC maintenance and inspections
Adjust thermostat programming
Open windows strategically for natural ventilation
Change/replace air filters

In Summer…

Use natural light wisely with blinds or blackout curtains
Set ceiling fans to rotate counterclockwise
Take advantage of smart thermostats' cooling strategies
Reduce heat from appliances (grill outside v. using oven)
Change air filters

A Professional Tech Can Help You Maximize Efficiency

While you can adopt small habits to boost your home's energy efficiency, sometimes you may need to call in professional help. Here are a few things a trained technician can do to help.