Key takeaways
- Heating, cooling and water heating are usually the biggest levers.
- Free measures — thermostat settings, cold-water laundry, killing phantom loads — can trim 5–15%.
- Rate plans matter: time-of-use, budget billing and supplier choice (in deregulated states) can change what you pay for the same kWh.
- Smart plugs, LED bulbs and heat-pump upgrades pay back fastest among purchases.
- Plug-in solar lets renters in ten states produce their own power.
With US residential electricity averaging more than 18¢ per kWh in 2026, every kilowatt-hour you don't buy is worth more than ever. The good news: many of the most effective measures are free or cheap, and most work just as well in an apartment as in a house.
We've grouped them by cost, starting with the ones you can do today.
Free: change how you use power
1. Tune your thermostat
Heating and cooling are the biggest energy users in most homes. Setting the thermostat around 68°F in winter and 78°F in summer while you're home, and further back when you're away or asleep, can cut heating and cooling costs significantly over a season. Ceiling fans let you feel comfortable at a higher summer setting — but turn them off in empty rooms; they cool people, not air.
2. Wash in cold water
Most of the energy a washing machine uses goes to heating water. Modern detergents clean well in cold water.
3. Air-dry when you can
Electric dryers are among the most power-hungry appliances. A drying rack for even part of your laundry adds up.
4. Kill phantom loads
Game consoles in "instant-on" mode, cable and satellite boxes, older TVs, desktop computers left on and dozens of chargers draw power around the clock. Standby power can account for a noticeable slice of a bill. Unplug what you don't use daily or put it on a switched strip.
5. Use the right appliance for the job
Microwaves, toaster ovens, air fryers and slow cookers use far less energy than heating a full-size oven for small meals. Keep the fridge at 37–40°F and the freezer at 0°F — colder wastes energy.
6. Manage the sun
In summer, close blinds or curtains on sun-facing windows during the day. In winter, open them to let the sun in and close them at night.
Free: change how you pay for power
7. Check your rate plan
Ask your utility what plans are available:
- Time-of-use (TOU) plans charge less at off-peak hours. If you can run laundry, dishwashers and EV charging at night or midday, you may save. If your usage is concentrated in the late afternoon and evening, TOU can cost more.
- Budget billing doesn't lower your annual cost but smooths out seasonal spikes.
8. Shop for supply (in deregulated states)
In states with retail choice — such as Texas, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Illinois, New York, New Jersey, Maryland, Massachusetts and Connecticut — you can choose who supplies your electricity while the utility still delivers it. Compare offers carefully: watch for teaser rates that roll into expensive variable rates, and for monthly fees.
9. Check for assistance programs
Many utilities and states offer low-income discounts, payment plans, weatherization programs and appliance rebates. Search your utility's website for "assistance" and "rebates."
Cheap: under $100
10. Switch to LED bulbs
LEDs use a fraction of the energy of incandescent bulbs and last many times longer. If you still have incandescents or halogens, this is one of the fastest paybacks available.
11. Smart plugs and smart power strips
Automatically cut power to entertainment centers, office equipment and chargers when they're not in use. Many smart plugs also measure consumption, which helps you find hidden energy hogs.
12. Seal drafts
Weatherstripping doors, sealing window gaps (removable products work for renters), and adding door sweeps reduce heating and cooling losses.
Bigger investments
13. Upgrade inefficient appliances
When it's time to replace a refrigerator, washer, dryer or AC unit, choose ENERGY STAR-certified models. A refrigerator from the 1990s can use several times the energy of a modern one. Renters: if your landlord's appliance is clearly inefficient, it's worth asking.
14. Heat pumps
For homeowners with electric resistance heat, a heat pump can deliver the same heat for a fraction of the electricity. Heat-pump water heaters offer similar savings. Check your state and utility for rebates.
15. Make your own power with plug-in solar
In the ten states that have legalized it, plug-in (balcony) solar lets you generate electricity without a rooftop installation: one to four panels and a microinverter that plugs into an outlet. A well-placed 800 W kit typically saves $150–$400 a year depending on your rate, and it moves with you.
Where to start
- Pull your last 12 months of bills and note kWh per month. Seasonal swings tell you how much goes to heating and cooling.
- Do the free measures this week.
- Buy a few smart plugs with energy monitoring and find your biggest always-on loads.
- Review your rate plan.
- If you're in a plug-in solar state, run the calculator — it may be the best return you can get as a renter.
Curious why bills keep rising in the first place? Read why your electric bill is so high.
Frequently asked questions
What uses the most electricity in a home?
Typically heating and cooling, followed by water heating, then appliances such as refrigerators, dryers and cooking equipment. In all-electric homes in cold climates, heating can be more than half of annual use.
Does unplugging appliances save money?
Yes, for devices with significant standby draw — cable boxes, game consoles in instant-on mode, older electronics and chargers. A smart power strip or smart plug makes this automatic.
What temperature should I set my thermostat to save money?
A common guideline is 68°F in winter when you're home and awake, and 78°F in summer, setting back further when you're away or asleep. Each degree of setback over a long period typically saves a few percent on heating or cooling.
Can renters lower their electric bill?
Yes. Most measures here — thermostat habits, LED bulbs, smart plugs, window treatments, rate-plan changes and, where legal, plug-in solar — need no landlord approval or only minimal cooperation.