Start with a baseline
Run the free home energy audit with your square footage, state, and household size. You’ll get an estimated annual cost and a realistic savings range before you spend on equipment.
Habits that cost nothing
- Raise cooling setpoints and lower heating setpoints by 2–3°F when you’re away.
- Wash clothes in cold water and only run full dishwasher loads.
- Unplug or power-strip “vampire” devices in home offices and entertainment centers.
Upgrades worth pricing out
| Upgrade | Typical installed cost | Annual savings (range) | Simple payback | Rebates |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Smart thermostat | $150–$300 | $50–$180/yr | 1–4 years | Utility + occasional federal |
| Attic insulation (top-up) | $1,500–$4,000 | $100–$400/yr | 4–12 years | State utility programs |
| Heat pump (replace AC) | $8,000–$18,000 | $300–$900/yr | 10–20 years | Federal 25C credit + state rebates |
| LED retrofit (whole home) | $80–$250 | $40–$120/yr | Under 2 years | Rare; low cost already |
Attic insulation, smart thermostats, and heat pumps often qualify for utility or federal rebates — check your state program before you buy. Run the audit above first so payback math uses your square footage and climate.
Thinking bigger: passive standard
If you are remodeling or building new, see our guide on what a passive house standard means for typical energy use, certification metrics, and realistic bill ranges versus a conventional home.
Relocation & reset series
Part 2 after you run relocation numbers: model home energy in your destination state. Next: rebuild habits.
Estimates on this site are for planning only; confirm with your utility bill and local rates.