Learning how to save electricity at home is one of those things that makes sense no matter how you look at it. You lower your utility bills, reduce stress on the environment, and even make your home more comfortable in the process. While it might sound like you need to overhaul your entire lifestyle, the truth is that many of the best changes are simple, inexpensive, and easy to do right away. As we explored in a recent post about tips & tricks for every homeowner when it comes to managing electrical equipment and devices at home, 

Let’s walk through practical ways you can cut down on energy use at home without turning your life upside down.

Start with Lighting

Lighting is one of the simplest areas to tackle. Traditional incandescent bulbs are huge energy hogs compared to newer options. Switching to LED bulbs can reduce electricity use for lighting by up to 80%. They also last much longer, meaning you’ll buy fewer replacements. On top of that, LEDs are available in warm or cool tones, dimmable versions, and all sorts of shapes to suit your taste.

But saving energy isn’t just about the bulb—it’s also about how you use it. Get into the habit of switching lights off when you leave a room. It’s easy to forget, but those few hours a day add up quickly. Natural light is also free, so whenever possible, open blinds and curtains instead of flicking on a lamp during the day.

Rethink Heating and Cooling

Heating and cooling usually make up the largest portion of your electricity bill, especially if you live in an area with hot summers or cold winters. Small changes can make a big difference here.

For example, setting your thermostat just a couple of degrees lower in winter or higher in summer can cut energy use without making your home uncomfortable. If you’re gone during the day, program your thermostat to scale back heating or cooling while you’re out. Smart thermostats are especially useful because they can “learn” your habits and adjust automatically.

Your home itself also plays a role. Check for drafts around doors and windows, and seal them up with weatherstripping or caulk. Adding insulation to attics and walls helps trap heat in winter and keep it out in summer. Even simple tricks—like using ceiling fans to circulate air—can reduce the workload on your heating and cooling system.

Be Smart with Appliances

Most of us don’t think much about the appliances humming away in our homes, but they can consume a surprising amount of electricity. Washing machines, dryers, dishwashers, and refrigerators are among the biggest users. Luckily, a few tweaks can go a long way.

• Laundry: Wash clothes in cold water whenever possible. Modern detergents are designed to clean effectively without hot water, and you’ll save on the cost of heating it. If you have the space and the weather allows, line-dry clothes instead of using a dryer. If not, make sure to clean the lint filter each time you use the dryer—this helps it run more efficiently.
• Dishwashing: Run the dishwasher only when it’s full. Skip the “heated dry” setting if your model has it; letting dishes air-dry saves power.
• Fridges and freezers: These run 24/7, so keeping them efficient is crucial. Don’t leave the door open longer than necessary, and make sure the seals are tight. Setting the fridge to about 37–40°F (3–4°C) and the freezer to 0°F (-18°C) is usually ideal.

If your appliances are very old, consider upgrading to newer, energy-efficient models. Look for the ENERGY STAR label, which indicates they meet strict efficiency standards. While buying new appliances requires an upfront investment, the savings in electricity over the years can be significant.

Watch Out for Phantom Power

Even when turned off, many electronics continue to draw electricity if they’re plugged in. This “phantom power” often comes from devices like TVs, gaming consoles, chargers, and even microwaves. It may seem small, but across an entire household, it adds up.

An easy fix is to use power strips. You can plug multiple devices into one strip and switch them all off at once when you’re not using them. Smart power strips go a step further, automatically cutting power to devices that aren’t in use. Making it a habit to unplug chargers once your phone or laptop is topped up also helps.

Use Water Wisely

Heating water accounts for a big slice of energy use in many homes. By reducing the demand for hot water, you save electricity too.

Take shorter showers, and if you can, install a low-flow showerhead. It reduces water use without making your shower feel weak. Set your water heater to around 120°F (49°C)—this is hot enough for daily needs but not so high that it wastes energy. When doing laundry, stick with cold water unless hot is absolutely necessary.

If your water heater is old and electric, you might eventually want to replace it with a more efficient option like a heat pump water heater. These can use less than half the electricity of traditional models.

Make the Most of Technology

Technology isn’t just a source of energy use—it can also help you manage it. Smart plugs, smart thermostats, and energy-monitoring apps let you see exactly how much electricity you’re using and where it’s going. Sometimes just seeing the numbers is enough to encourage better habits.

Timers and smart plugs can automatically turn off lights or electronics at night or when you leave for work. Motion-sensor lights are another great tool, especially in spaces like garages, hallways, or outdoor areas where lights are often left on by accident. Learn more about our home custom lighting solutions here!

Cook with Care

The kitchen is another place where energy habits matter. Cooking with smaller appliances like microwaves, toaster ovens, or slow cookers often uses less electricity than heating up a full-sized oven. If you do use the oven, avoid opening the door too often since that makes it lose heat and work harder to recover.

When boiling water or cooking on the stove, covering pots with lids speeds up the process and saves energy. Using the right-sized burner for your pot also helps—you don’t need a large burner to heat a small pan.

Think About Your Lifestyle

Finally, saving electricity isn’t just about gadgets and equipment—it’s also about mindset. Do you leave the TV running in the background when nobody’s watching? Do you rely on air conditioning instead of opening windows on cool evenings? Small shifts in daily routines often make the biggest impact over time.

Even better, many of these changes benefit your quality of life too. A home that makes the most of natural light feels brighter and more cheerful. Air-drying clothes can help them last longer. Cooking smartly can save you time as well as energy.

Save Electricity at Home: Conclusion

Saving electricity at home doesn’t mean living in the dark or giving up comfort. It’s about being thoughtful with how you use energy and making small, smart adjustments that add up. From upgrading light bulbs and sealing drafts to tackling phantom power and rethinking appliance use, there are dozens of ways to make a difference.

The best part is that you don’t need to do everything at once. Start with one or two simple changes—like swapping to LED bulbs or adjusting your thermostat—and build from there. Before long, you’ll notice lower bills, a lighter environmental footprint, and a home that feels just as comfortable as ever.

Whether you are building a new home, upgrading your existing electrical configuration, or just looking to find ways to reduce your electric bill, you can always contact Olivieri Electrical Services. We are happy to answer any questions you might have about your home. Living and working in Ancaster means we have an in-depth understanding of how homes in the neighbourhood and surrounding areas work. Give us a call today with any questions!