Foundation
What makes a home energy efficient?
See how insulation, air sealing, HVAC, windows, appliances, and occupant behavior work together.
Whole-home efficiency guides
Make your home use less energy—starting with the building and the biggest loads.
Efficient homes are not defined by one gadget. Start with the building shell, heating and cooling, water heating, lighting, and daily habits; then prioritize the improvements that fit your climate, home, and budget.
Start with the highest-impact decisions
These guides explain the basics before you compare products or try to estimate a saving. Results vary by climate, utility rate, equipment condition, and how the home is used.
Practical plan
How to make your home more efficient
Use a practical improvement list to identify low-cost checks and larger upgrades worth evaluating.
Everyday use
How to save electricity at home
Prioritize habits and household loads that can reduce unnecessary electricity use without exaggerated claims.
Choose the right guide for your home
Construction type and age matter, but no single material or home style guarantees a low bill. Use these articles to frame the questions for your builder, energy assessor, or contractor.
New or old
Are new homes more energy efficient?
Compare code requirements, design, equipment, commissioning, and real-world operation instead of relying on the build year alone.
Small-space design
Are tiny homes energy efficient?
Learn the trade-offs between smaller conditioned space, insulation, air leakage, climate, and occupant behavior.
Systems
Energy-saving home systems
Understand how measurement, controls, lighting, heating and cooling, and building improvements serve different needs.
Measure first when the question is a high bill
Home efficiency improvements are most useful when they address a measured problem. If your bill changed suddenly, start with the Lower Electricity Bills hub; if you need to understand a device or monitoring method, see the Energy-Saving Devices hub.