Windows Errors? Fix Them Before They Spread
Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallCrashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?
Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minuteStart by checking your utility bills and identifying which energy uses cost your household the most; if the main sources of waste are unclear, get a home energy assessment. Then prioritize fixes to air leaks and insulation, heating and cooling, and frequently used lights and appliances. The best order depends on your climate, rates, fuel mix, home, and existing equipment—and some improvements lower heating or total energy costs rather than the electric bill alone.
Where should you start to lower your electricity bill?
Use your bills to see what you spend by month and by fuel, then target the largest energy consumer or cost. The U.S. Department of Energy recommends collecting utility bills and asking your utility or state energy office about a home energy audit; ENERGY STAR describes using an assessment to plan and sequence improvements. An audit can help distinguish, for example, whether the priority is a leaky building envelope, inefficient heating and cooling, or a heavily used appliance. DOE’s Home Energy Checklist and ENERGY STAR’s home improvement guide outline these starting points.
- Compare electricity and other fuel costs separately. A measure that reduces gas heating use may lower total household energy costs without changing the electric bill.
- Note seasonal changes and unusually high-use periods, such as summer air conditioning or winter heating.
- Before replacing equipment, consider its age, condition, how often you use it, and whether an assessment identifies a more important problem.
No single improvement guarantees a particular household’s savings. Local energy rates, climate, occupancy, home condition, fuel source, and current equipment all affect the result.
Should you seal leaks or replace heating and cooling equipment first?
If the home has noticeable drafts, insufficient insulation, or ducts leaking into unconditioned spaces, address those issues before assuming a new heating or cooling unit is the answer. The right sequence depends on what an assessment finds and on the condition and installation quality of the existing system.
#1 Best Overall
- ENERGY STAR certified smart thermostat for home that helps you save energy and stay comfortable.Connectivity : Wi-Fi - 802.11b/g/n 2.4 GHz, 802.11a/n 5 GHz Wi-Fi., Wireless interconnect : Bluetooth Low Energy Please refer to the product description section below for all applicable legal disclaimers.Product note: You can also check your system’s compatibility before purchasing a Nest thermostat with our online Nest Compatibility Checker on the Google Nest support page
- The Nest Thermostat is designed to work without a C wire in most homes, but for some systems, including heating only, cooling only, zone controlled, and heat pump systems, you’ll need a C wire or other compatible power accessory
- Nest Thermostat turns itself down when you leave, so you don’t waste energy heating or cooling an empty home. Lock feature: No
- Programmable thermostat that lets you create an energy efficient schedule in the Google Home app on your Android or iPhone
- Remote control lets family members change the thermostat temperature from anywhere on a phone, laptop, or tablet[1]
Seal air leaks and add insulation where needed
Air sealing and insulation can improve comfort as well as efficiency. ENERGY STAR reports an EPA estimate of average savings of 15% on heating and cooling costs—or 11% on total energy costs—from air sealing and adding insulation in attics, floors over crawl spaces, and basements. These are averages for the described combination of measures, not a forecast or guarantee for an individual home. ENERGY STAR also gives a general estimate of up to 10% savings on annual energy bills from sealing leaks and adding insulation; keep that separate from the more specific EPA-attributed averages. See ENERGY STAR’s explanation of sealing and insulating.
Match the material to the joint: use weatherstripping on moving parts such as doors and operable windows, and caulk stationary cracks and gaps. Insulation needs vary by climate zone, and some locations—especially attics, basements, and crawl spaces—can be difficult or hazardous to work in. ENERGY STAR’s DIY guide to sealing and insulating covers locating hidden leaks, checking attic insulation, and safety. For complex work or uncertainty about the right approach, seek a qualified professional.
Rank #2
- An Alexa thermostat - Amazon Smart Thermostat is an easy way to switch from a traditional thermostats for homes and help reduce energy usage.
- Create comfort zones throughout your home by connecting to select Alexa devices to automatically adjust heating and cooling based on temperature readings or presence detection.
- Save money and energy - After purchase, Amazon will send you an email with details about home thermostat rebates that may be available from energy providers in your area.
- Save energy - According to EPA estimates, ENERGY STAR certified thermostats save an average of $90 on yearly energy bills.
- Programmable thermostat and automatic control - Create your own home, away and sleep schedules, or have Alexa automatically control the temperature with Alexa+ advanced features.
Check ducts and HVAC installation
For a forced-air system, look at accessible ducts that pass through an attic, crawl space, garage, or other unconditioned area. ENERGY STAR says sealing and insulating ducts in such spaces can improve heating and cooling system efficiency by as much as 20% in some cases. That figure describes system efficiency, not a promised reduction of 20% on the household bill. If replacing major equipment, use qualified evaluation and installation: ENERGY STAR warns that improper HVAC installation can reduce system efficiency by up to 30%. Its heating and cooling guidance explains these measures.
Use thermostat controls that fit your schedule
Programmable thermostat settings can reduce heating and cooling when the home does not need the same comfort level. An ENERGY STAR-certified smart thermostat may save approximately $100 per year in homes with high heating and cooling bills or that are unoccupied for much of the day, according to ENERGY STAR. The estimate applies to those conditions; it is not a general savings promise. Check compatibility with your HVAC system and consider whether your schedule gives automated controls room to help.
Recommended Free Tools
Rank #3
- Save up to 23% every year on heating and cooling costs, adjusts to your set schedule to save energy when you’re gone and optimize comfort when you’re home. Compared to a hold of 72
- Compatible with 85% of systems, check your system’s compatibility with our online ecobee Compatibility Checker on the ecobee support page
- Change your temperature by easily tapping the color touchscreen or using the ecobee app. Plus, free software upgrades ensure you get the best out of your Smart Thermostat Essential, for years to come
- Automatically adjusts to your set schedule to save energy when you’re gone and optimize comfort when you’re home. Keep track of your energy consumption when you're on the go on the ecobee app
- Easy DIY install. No C Wire, no problem. Get the ecobee Power Extender Kit (PEK) for homes without a C-Wire and keep your walls looking nice with our trim kit – both sold separately
Which lights and appliances are worth upgrading?
Prioritize devices that run often or use substantial energy, rather than replacing everything at once. The DOE recommends switching incandescent and fluorescent bulbs to LEDs, especially in fixtures used several hours a day. It also recommends maintaining HVAC filters, using programmable thermostat settings, and evaluating aging appliances. ENERGY STAR lists lighting, appliances, and water heating among home-improvement categories.
- Lighting: Start with frequently used fixtures. Choose LEDs that fit the fixture and the light quality you want.
- Appliances: Compare the likely use and efficiency of an existing appliance with a replacement before buying. Replacing a functioning unit early may not be the best financial choice for every household.
- Water heating: Consider it as part of total energy use, particularly if the water heater is old or inefficient. Depending on the fuel it uses, an upgrade may affect gas or other fuel costs rather than electricity.
- HVAC filters: Follow the equipment maker’s maintenance guidance so restricted airflow does not undermine system operation.
For practical checklists, see the DOE Home Energy Checklist and ENERGY STAR Home Energy Improvements.
Rank #4
- EASY DIY INSTALLATION: Do it yourself fast with a built-in level and simple step-by-step instructions. Works with the HVAC equipment found in most homes
- COMMON WIRE REQUIREMENTS: Common wire(C-Wire) required for heat pump and heat/cool only systems. C-wire not required on most systems
- SAVE ABOUT 23% ON HVAC ENERGY: ENERGY STAR-certified and packed with features that help you save money, including flexible scheduling, geofencing, remote access and usage reports
- PRIVACY PROTECTION: Sensi won’t sell your personal information to third parties or leverage your thermostat activity data for targeting or advertising purposes
- CONTROL FROM ANYWHERE: The top-rated mobile app for Android and iOS devices makes it easy to control your comfort from a smartphone or tablet
Are home energy rebates available where you live?
Possibly, but availability and eligibility are not universal. The DOE’s Home Energy Rebates program describes HOMES and HEEHR pathways for eligible upgrades that can include insulation, air sealing, HVAC equipment, water heaters, ducts, appliances, and lighting. The program page says rebates are available in select states and directs households to check the relevant state or territory energy office for program status and eligibility. Confirm the rules, covered measures, and application timing before committing to a project; they depend on location and can change. Start with the DOE Home Energy Rebates Program page.
Quick Recap
A practical order for household decisions
- Review bills: Separate electricity and other fuels, compare months, and identify the largest costs or loads.
- Get an assessment if the cause is unclear: Ask your utility or state energy office about a whole-home audit or energy assessment.
- Fix diagnosed envelope problems: Address air leaks and insulation needs, choosing DIY or contractor work according to the location, climate, and complexity.
- Evaluate HVAC distribution and controls: Check ducts in unconditioned areas, system condition, installation quality, and thermostat fit.
- Upgrade selectively: Start with high-use lighting and appliances whose use and condition justify replacement.
- Check incentives: Verify local availability and eligibility with your state or territory energy office before scheduling eligible work.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors
