Are you focused on your home's energy consumption? Rising energy costs are no joke; a recent report from American Home Shield shared that electric bills alone are up an average of 11% in the last year, and in addition to reducing grocery spending and getting second jobs, consumers know that making smarter energy use more important than ever.
If you thought you were doing everything you could to promote energy savings at home, think again. From managing phantom energy loss to saving water or replacing inefficient heating systems, there are many things you can do to save money this year.
Managing energy at home used to mean turning off lights or unplugging things you weren’t using. While those habits still matter (really, they do), today’s homes can go way beyond that. Smarter tech and better tools are giving homeowners more control over how energy is used, stored, and even shared throughout the day.
That’s where energy management comes in. And it's becoming increasingly important for homeowners to speak the language.
“When homeowners ask integrators, ‘What is energy management?,’ there’s no simple answer,” shares Paul Dolenc, Vice President of Education & Training at CEDIA. “Many think of individual things like backup generators, surge protection or smart batteries. The truth is: energy management is all of those things working in tandem. True energy management is an ecosystem of tech working together to create a more efficient and resilient home.”
In other words, it’s not one device. It’s how all your systems talk to each other and respond to what’s happening inside and outside your house—automatically.
“An energy management system tracks usage patterns throughout the home, learns optimal settings, and can automatically adjust devices for maximum efficiency,” adds Dolenc. “For example, smart lighting can be dimmed or turned off when rooms are unoccupied, while automated blinds can reduce the need for artificial lighting during the day. These small adjustments, when multiplied across the home, can lead to real energy savings.”
And the more connected your home is—from appliances to entertainment systems to EV chargers—the more it benefits.
So Where Do You Start?
Marc Ayoub, Director of Energy at CET & Associates, says it begins with intent. “First, homeowners need to determine the intent – is it pure data, peak shaving, production, or storage? These answers will determine what product is chosen and how it is installed.”
Start by deciding what you actually want your system to do. Are you trying to lower your power bill? Use more solar? Get through a blackout with backup energy? Once you know the goal, you can choose the tech to match.
He says the next step is to figure out what types of energy use (or “loads”) matter most. “Knowing how much energy a refrigerator uses may be interesting, but is it useful in the long term?” explains Ayoub. “Controlling a refrigerator circuit may seem like the right choice until you realize that it should never really be turned off.”
For many homes, it’s about timing. Using less during peak hours makes a big impact, and today’s smart systems can learn and adjust on their own.
“Over time, certain systems can determine usage characteristics and create profiles that can automatically reduce consumption,” Ayoub says. “For example, if the goal is to use less electricity during peak times, then certain appliances can be setup to turn off during those times. A great example is a tanked electric water heater. Turning it off for a few hours will reduce consumption, but the water in the tank will stay hot for many hours and will not impact its usage.”
We thought it was interesting that Ayoub also noted a shift in attitude as we discussed recent data: “A younger generation is more likely to embrace new technology provided it aligns with their goals,” he noted. Older ideas of simply “seeing” energy use didn’t really move the needle. But now—with solar panels, battery storage, and rising utility costs—the value is clearer. More people are choosing to take control.
Small Habits Still Matter
If a full system isn’t in your future (yet), there are still plenty of smart things you can do today to cut down your energy use. Maureen Minkel, Senior Director of Energy Efficiency and Conservation at South Jersey Industries recommended the following list of best practices with an eye to lowering utility bills:
- Install a smart thermostat. You can save up to 8% on heating and cooling using a programmable thermostat it around your schedule.
- Use fans the right way. Ceiling fans help circulate air to keep rooms a comfortable temperature. In summer, run them clockwise to push cool air down and reduce cooling costs. In the winter, use them to reduce heating costs. Oh, and hey, feel free to open the windows when the temperature is right outside. It can help warm or cool your home in a pinch.
- Turn off light bulbs when you leave a room.
- Keep the oven closed. Peeking inside drops the temperature fast = heat loss.
- Use the microwave for small meals or quick reheats. It uses less energy than an oven or stovetop.
- Unplug electrical appliances with lights or digital clocks, like coffeemakers or toasters. They draw power even when off, adding to your monthly bills.
- Let your dishes air dry instead of running the heated drying cycle.
- Wash clothes in cold water, and wait until you have full loads.
- Unplug chargers and laptops when not in use. Even when they’re “off,” they still draw energy.
- Turn off your computer (not just the screen) if you're stepping away for a while.
- Change air filters regularly. Your HVAC runs more efficiently when it doesn’t have to fight dust buildup.
- Reduce your water heater temperature. 120°F is usually plenty. Many hot water tanks default to 140°F, which is hotter than needed for the sink or shower, and wastes energy.
And if you really want a clear picture of how your home uses extra energy, consider getting a home energy audit. Some utility companies offer an assessment of energy for free or at a discount, and they can help you figure out what’s worth upgrading.
Local Programs and Rebates
Angi's State of Home Spending Report noted that sustainability is a top priority for homeowners planning for the future. As homeowners plan for things like new appliances, EV charging stations, and solar panels, local municipalities and utility companies are trying sweeten the deal with tax credits, rebates, financing, or free tools to help the average household save energy. Before you buy anything new, check your utility provider’s website. You might be leaving money on the table.
Programs vary depending on where you live, but common cost savings include:
- Rebates on energy-efficient appliances, HVAC systems, and water heaters
- Discounts or incentives for installing smart thermostats or insulation
- Free in-home energy audits to target high energy bills
- Reduced-cost weatherization services for income-qualified households
- Coupons to switch to LED bulbs
- Referral discounts for solar panels or battery storage
Use Your Dishwasher in New Ways
Here’s a bonus tip you may not have thought about: your dishwasher can do more than just clean plates. And, unlike washing in the sink, it can usually get the job done and use fewer gallons of water in the process. If you're focused on reducing water consumption, think outside of the box.
“Beyond standard dishware, many people are surprised to learn that certain non-traditional household items can also be washed in the dishwasher, provided they’re labeled dishwasher-safe,” says Meera White, Senior Manager, Product Marketing at Whirlpool Corporation.
Her list of qualifying items includes things like:
- Silicone oven mitts
- Stovetop grates
- Fan grilles from range hoods
- Microwave turntables
- Some fridge shelves and bins
- Sink strainers
- Scrub brushes
- Toothbrush holders
- Soap dishes
Running a full load—whether it’s plates or fan grilles—makes your dishwasher more efficient. Plus, it keeps hard-to-clean items more hygienic.
Bottom line: Energy efficiency isn’t about doing one thing perfectly. It’s about making a series of small, smarter decisions that add up. Whether you’re starting with a smart plug or installing a full home energy system, it’s all about taking more control of how your home uses power.
