Free Ways to Reduce Your Energy Bills

Energy costs across New York State have climbed steadily in recent years, leaving many homeowners wondering how to keep monthly bills under control. Between long, cold winters in Buffalo and hot, humid summers downstate, New Yorkers face some of the highest seasonal energy demands in the country.

The good news? You don’t always need to invest in new appliances or expensive upgrades to make a noticeable difference. Many of the most effective energy-saving techniques are completely free — small behavioural changes that, when practised consistently, can cut your bills by 10% to 20%.

We help homeowners, landlords, and tenants take those savings even further. Through state-backed home insulation, air sealing, and energy efficiency upgrades, our goal is to make your home more comfortable, sustainable, and affordable year-round.

Before considering professional improvements, here are 10 free ways to reduce your energy bills this month — all simple, science-backed steps you can start today.

Why Energy Conservation Matters

Energy conservation isn’t just about lowering your bills — it’s also about protecting New York’s environment and supporting a more resilient energy system.

Every kilowatt-hour saved reduces the strain on the state’s power grid, especially during high-demand periods like winter evenings or summer heatwaves. It also helps cut greenhouse gas emissions, aligning with New York’s Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA) targets for a cleaner future.

For homeowners, the benefits are immediate and long-term:

• Lower utility bills: Reduced electricity and heating consumption leads directly to financial savings.
• Increased comfort: Energy-efficient homes maintain steadier temperatures and improved air quality.
• Improved home value: Energy efficiency is now a key selling point for New York properties.

Small actions create meaningful impact. Let’s look at ten free ways you can start conserving energy right now.

1. Unplug Devices When Not in Use

It might surprise you how much energy your devices consume even when they’re “off.” This phenomenon, called phantom load or vampire power, can account for up to 10% of your household electricity use.

Common culprits include:

• Televisions and gaming consoles
• Chargers for phones and laptops
• Coffee makers and microwaves
• Routers and modems

When left plugged in, these devices continue to draw small amounts of power 24/7.

Quick Fixes:

• Unplug chargers and electronics when not in use.
• Group devices on a power strip and switch it off before bed or leaving home.
• Schedule “unplug time” before long trips or weekends away.

For New York homeowners who rely heavily on electronics, especially during winter months indoors, this habit alone can save $50–$100 per year on electricity bills.

2. Adjust Your Thermostat Settings

Heating and cooling account for nearly half of a typical New York home’s energy bill. By making strategic thermostat adjustments, you can stay comfortable while saving money — without spending a cent.

For winter:

• Lower your thermostat by 1–2°C (about 2–4°F) when sleeping or away.
• Dress in layers and use heavier bedding to reduce heating demand.

For summer:

• Set your thermostat to 26°C (78°F) when you’re home.
• Turn it up a few degrees when away.

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, every degree you adjust your thermostat can save up to 3% on heating or cooling costs.

If your home still feels uneven in temperature, that could indicate heat loss through unsealed gaps or insufficient insulation — a common issue in older New York homes. Professional air sealing can make these adjustments even more effective. Learn more at NYSERDA Empower Contractors.

3. Maximise Natural Light During the Day

New York receives abundant daylight, even during shorter winter days — yet many homeowners rely heavily on artificial lighting.

Simple steps to save:

• Keep curtains and blinds open during daylight hours, especially on south-facing windows.
• Arrange furniture to make the most of available sunlight.
• Clean windows regularly — even a thin layer of grime can reduce light transmission by up to 20%.

When daylight fades, switch to low-energy LED bulbs. They use 75% less energy than incandescent lights and last up to 25 times longer.

This simple daylighting strategy brightens your home, reduces electricity use, and improves your overall sense of well-being — all at no cost.

4. Seal Air Leaks with Household Materials

Drafts are a major energy waster in New York homes, particularly those built before 1990. Heat escapes through gaps around windows, doors, and baseboards, forcing your furnace or air conditioner to work harder.

Quick, no-cost fixes:

• Use rolled-up towels or blankets at the base of drafty doors.
• Apply removable weatherstripping tape (often available free from local utility programmes).
• Close fireplace dampers when not in use.
• Check for air leaks around window frames using a candle or incense stick — if the smoke flickers, there’s a leak.

By reducing drafts, you can cut heating costs by up to 20% during New York’s cold winters. For long-term comfort, consider professional air sealing and insulation assessments through NYSERDA Empower Contractors.

5. Clean Air Vents and Filters

Blocked vents and dirty filters make your heating and cooling system work harder, consuming more energy to deliver the same temperature.

Here’s what to do:

• Vacuum vents and registers monthly.
• Wash or replace filters every 1–2 months (many can be cleaned with warm water and mild soap).
• Ensure furniture or rugs aren’t blocking airflow.

Even minor airflow restrictions can increase system energy use by 5–15%.

In cities like Syracuse or Albany, where homes rely on forced-air heating for long stretches each year, keeping vents clean is one of the easiest and most effective maintenance habits you can develop — no technician required.

6. Use Ceiling Fans Properly

Ceiling fans don’t cool the air — they move it. When used strategically, they help distribute conditioned air more efficiently, letting you adjust your thermostat for savings.

In summer:
Set the fan to rotate counterclockwise to push cool air downward, creating a breeze effect.

In winter:
Reverse it to clockwise on low speed to pull cool air up and circulate warm air trapped near the ceiling.

By combining ceiling fans with modest thermostat adjustments, New York homeowners can reduce heating and cooling costs by up to 10% annually.

Remember to turn off fans when you leave the room — they cool people, not spaces.

7. Do Laundry in Cold Water

Nearly 90% of the energy used by washing machines goes into heating water. Switching to cold water washes is one of the easiest free ways to cut energy use without sacrificing cleanliness.

Modern detergents are formulated to work effectively in cold water, and most fabrics — especially synthetics and dark colours — actually last longer when washed cold.

Bonus Tips:

• Wash full loads whenever possible.
• Air dry clothes on a rack or line during warm months.
• Clean the dryer lint filter after each use to improve airflow and efficiency.

Across New York, where electricity rates can vary widely between utility providers, these small changes can save £100 or more per year for an average household.

8. Reduce Hot Water Waste

Heating water typically accounts for 15–20% of household energy bills. The less hot water you use, the more you save.

Try these no-cost techniques:

• Take shorter showers — even one minute less can save gallons of heated water.
• Turn off the tap while brushing teeth or washing hands.
• Use the dishwasher only when full, and let dishes air-dry instead of using the heated cycle.

If your hot water feels inconsistent, it might signal heat loss through uninsulated pipes — something professional insulation can solve permanently. For long-term savings, reach out to NYSERDA Empower Contractors for a free assessment.

9. Optimise Refrigerator and Freezer Efficiency

Refrigerators run 24/7, making them one of the biggest energy consumers in any household. Fortunately, there are several free ways to make them more efficient:

• Keep them full: A well-stocked fridge retains cold better than an empty one.
• Check door seals: Close the door on a sheet of paper — if it slides out easily, the gasket needs cleaning or adjustment.
• Set ideal temperatures:
  • Fridge: 3–5°C (37–41°F)
  • Freezer: -18°C (0°F)
• Defrost regularly: Ice build-up makes the compressor work harder.

Keeping your fridge in a cool, well-ventilated area (away from ovens or direct sunlight) can further reduce energy use — a smart move for compact kitchens common in New York City apartments.

10. Educate Family Members About Energy Habits

Energy efficiency works best when everyone participates. Many homes waste energy simply because occupants aren’t aware of how daily routines add up.

Start by:

• Discussing energy-saving goals at home.
• Encouraging children to turn off lights when leaving a room.
• Making it a fun challenge — track your utility bills and reward monthly progress.

In a multi-person household, small habits compound quickly. A family of four in Rochester who commits to unplugging devices, adjusting thermostats, and washing clothes in cold water could collectively save hundreds of dollars each year.

From Small Savings to Long-Term Solutions

These ten free strategies can noticeably reduce your energy bills within weeks — but they’re only the beginning.

While behavioural changes help manage short-term costs, long-term energy efficiency comes from improving how your home retains and uses energy.

That’s where professional solutions like home insulation, air sealing, and energy audits make a real difference. Older homes across New York often lose up to 30% of their heat through uninsulated attics and walls. A professional assessment from NYSERDA Empower Contractors can identify these inefficiencies and create a customised plan to fix them permanently.

By combining free daily habits with smart upgrades, you can achieve consistent comfort and dramatically lower your energy expenses year-round.

How NYSERDA Empower Contractors Can Help

At NYSERDA Empower Contractors, we partner with the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) to help residents access funded energy efficiency improvements through the EmPower New York Program.

This state-supported initiative helps low- and moderate-income households make essential upgrades — including insulation, air sealing, and efficient lighting — often at no cost to the homeowner.

Our team provides:

• Free home energy assessments to pinpoint inefficiencies
• Expert insulation and weatherisation services
• Guidance on available NYSERDA grants and incentives
• Professional installation by certified local contractors

Whether you live in Long Island, Hudson Valley, or Upstate New York, we’re here to help you save energy, improve comfort, and reduce costs sustainably.

Ready to take the next step? Schedule your free home consultation today at NYSERDA Empower Contractors.

Conclusion

Reducing your energy bills doesn’t always require spending money — sometimes, it’s about changing habits and being more mindful of how energy is used daily.

From unplugging devices and adjusting thermostats to sealing drafts and using cold water for laundry, these 10 free ways to reduce energy bills can start saving you money right away.

But for lasting comfort and maximum efficiency, consider taking advantage of professional support available through NYSERDA Empower Contractors.

Ready to make your home more energy efficient and comfortable?
Visit NYSERDA Empower Contractors today to book your free energy consultation and discover how much you could save.