How to Tell If Your Home is Wasting Energy (And What to Do About It)

If your energy bills keep rising but your usage hasn’t changed much, your home may be leaking energy. Here’s how to identify common energy-wasting issues and what to do to stop them.

1. Drafts and Air Leaks

If you feel cold air near windows or doors in winter—or warm air in summer—you likely have air leaks. These leaks force your HVAC system to work harder, using more electricity than necessary.

Fix it: Use weatherstripping, caulk, or door sweeps to seal these gaps and cut down on wasted energy.

2. Poor Insulation

Outdated or insufficient insulation can let heat escape in winter and enter in summer. This means your cooling and heating systems run more often than they should.

Fix it: Check your attic and walls for proper insulation. Adding or upgrading insulation can save up to 20% on heating and cooling costs.

3. Inefficient Appliances

Old appliances often consume more electricity than newer, energy-efficient models. If your fridge, dishwasher, or AC unit is more than 10 years old, it might be costing you more than you think.

Fix it: Upgrade to ENERGY STAR-certified appliances to reduce energy usage and lower your monthly bills.

4. Phantom Energy Drain

Devices that are plugged in but not in use—like TVs, chargers, or game consoles—still draw power. This “phantom load” can account for up to 10% of your bill.

Fix it: Unplug devices when not in use, or use a smart power strip that shuts off automatically.

5. Outdated Lighting

Traditional incandescent bulbs use much more energy than modern LED lights. If your home still uses them, you’re likely wasting electricity.

Fix it: Switch to LED bulbs, which use 75% less energy and last significantly longer.

Use Our Free Estimator Tool

Curious how much you could save? Try our WattWise Estimator to see what cutting waste could mean for your electric bill.

Final Thoughts

Wasted energy doesn’t just cost money—it also increases your carbon footprint. Take the time to evaluate your home and start fixing these issues. Your wallet and the planet will thank you.