Is Your Home Energy Efficient? 5 DIY Checks You Can Do Today

When was the last time you checked if your home was wasting energy? Many households unknowingly lose money every month due to small inefficiencies that are easy to fix. Whether you're trying to cut down on energy bills or just live a little greener, here are 5 simple checks you can do today to test your home’s energy efficiency.

1. Inspect Doors and Windows for Drafts

Feel a slight breeze near your windows or doors, even when they’re closed? That’s likely air leakage — and it’s a common energy waster. To test this, close all doors and windows, turn on exhaust fans in the kitchen and bathroom, then hold a lit incense stick near edges of windows and doors. If the smoke moves, you’ve found a leak.

Tip: Use weather stripping or caulk to seal these gaps quickly and affordably.

2. Touch Your Walls — Literally

Place your hand on your walls during different times of the day. If they feel excessively cold in the winter or hot in the summer, your insulation might be failing. Poor insulation means your heating or cooling system has to work harder, increasing energy use and costs.

3. Check Light Bulbs

If you’re still using incandescent bulbs, you're using about 75% more energy than needed. Switch to LEDs — they last longer, use less electricity, and even reduce heat in the home during warmer months.

Bonus: LEDs now come in a range of color temperatures and smart features, so there’s no excuse not to upgrade.

4. Review Appliance Energy Ratings

Every appliance has an energy rating, and older ones tend to consume more electricity. Look for the Energy Star label or similar efficiency ratings. If an appliance lacks one or is more than 10 years old, it might be time to replace it — or at least use it more efficiently.

5. Run a Quick WattWise Estimate

Finally, use our WattWise Energy Saving Estimator to get a quick sense of how much energy your household is using — and what you could save by making smarter choices. It's free, fast, and tailored to your lifestyle.

Understanding your baseline energy use is the first step toward cutting costs and reducing your environmental impact.

Conclusion

Small checks lead to big savings. You don’t need to be an expert or spend a fortune to make your home more energy-efficient. Start with these quick DIY tips, and you’ll likely notice a drop in your bills and an improvement in comfort. Don’t forget — the WattWise tool is always available to help you track your progress.