10 $25 fixes that’ll save you hundreds on the power bill

Keeping energy costs down doesn’t always mean you need a full-blown home upgrade. Small, budget-friendly fixes can make a bigger difference than you think, especially when you’re consistent about them. For under $25 each, you can tackle some of the most common energy drains in your home and see those savings add up month after month. These fixes are quick, practical, and proven to lower your power bill without requiring a big investment.

Weatherstripping Doors and Windows

Even the smallest draft around your doors and windows can send your heating or cooling right out of the house. A $25 roll of weatherstripping seals those gaps and keeps the air you’re paying for inside where it belongs. It’s an easy DIY job that makes an immediate difference.

Over time, this single step prevents your HVAC from overworking and can cut down on wasted energy by hundreds of dollars a year. If you’ve noticed uneven temperatures in different rooms, this is one of the fastest ways to fix it.

Outlet Sealers

Air leaks don’t just happen around windows—outlets on exterior walls can be a major culprit too. Foam outlet sealers cost just a few dollars a pack and block drafts you probably didn’t even realize were happening.

This is especially noticeable in older homes where insulation isn’t as strong. By plugging up those little gaps, you’re keeping your home more comfortable year-round and helping your system run efficiently without an extra strain.

LED Light Bulbs

Swapping out old bulbs for LEDs is one of the easiest upgrades you can make. For under $25, you can replace several of the most-used bulbs in your house, and the energy savings kick in immediately. LEDs use up to 80% less energy and last far longer than incandescent bulbs.

If you focus on high-use areas like the kitchen, living room, and bathroom, you’ll see a noticeable difference in your bill without changing any habits. It’s a small upfront switch that pays back quickly.

Smart Power Strips

Phantom power—energy your electronics use even when they’re turned off—adds up faster than most people think. A $25 smart power strip cuts that waste by automatically shutting down devices when they’re not in use.

This is perfect for TVs, gaming consoles, and office setups where multiple devices are plugged in at once. Over time, it prevents you from paying for electricity you’re not actually using.

Insulated Curtains

Thermal or insulated curtains can usually be found for under $25 a panel, and they make a big impact in keeping heat in during winter and blocking it out in the summer. They work especially well in rooms with large windows or direct sun exposure.

Not only do they help regulate the temperature, but they also reduce the workload on your heating and cooling system. That extra insulation means less wasted energy and a more consistent comfort level.

Draft Stoppers

A draft stopper for your front or back door is another budget-friendly tool that helps lock in your heating and cooling. You can pick one up for around $20 or even make your own, and the results are immediate.

By blocking cold air in the winter or hot air in the summer, you stop your system from having to cycle as often. It’s one of those little fixes that has an outsized impact on your monthly bills.

Faucet Aerators

Wasting hot water drives up both your water and energy bills. Installing faucet aerators costs less than $10 per fixture, and they cut water use while keeping the same strong flow you’re used to.

This means less energy spent heating water, and you probably won’t even notice a difference in your daily routine. Over time, this small change adds up to meaningful savings.

Smart Plugs

Smart plugs, usually available under $25, give you better control over your appliances. You can program them to turn off at certain times or manage them from your phone, making it easier to stop energy waste.

They’re especially helpful for space heaters, coffee makers, or lamps that tend to get left on longer than they should. With automation, you’re saving energy without having to think about it.

Pipe Insulation

Exposed hot water pipes in basements or utility areas lose a surprising amount of heat. A $25 pack of foam insulation sleeves slips right over those pipes and keeps the heat in your water where it belongs.

This means your water heater doesn’t have to work as hard, lowering your overall energy use. It’s a quick project that pays off, especially in colder months when pipe heat loss is the greatest.

Ceiling Fan Direction Switch

Most ceiling fans have a small switch that lets you reverse their direction. It doesn’t cost anything to flip it, but if you don’t already have a fan, adding one can run under $25. The trick is knowing how to use it.

In summer, you want the fan pushing cool air down, while in winter, reversing it circulates warm air without cranking up the heat. This simple step makes your home feel more comfortable while cutting your reliance on the HVAC system.

*This article was developed with AI-powered tools and has been carefully reviewed by our editors.