Not sure why your energy bill feels higher than it should? You might not need special tools or a professional visit to start figuring it out. A DIY home energy audit is a smart way to take a closer look at how your home uses electricity and where it might be wasting it.
With just a little time and a checklist, you can uncover small issues that add up to bigger costs over time. Here’s how to walk through your home and spot the places where electricity use might be slipping through the cracks.
1. Look for Air Leaks
Start with windows, doors, and anywhere two materials meet, like baseboards or areas around vents. Feel for drafts or temperature changes by running your hand along the edges or holding a lit stick of incense near the seams. If the smoke moves, air is likely leaking in or out.
What you need to do:
- Seal gaps with caulk or weatherstripping
- Use draft blockers for doors and windows
- Check attic doors and crawl spaces, too
2. Check Your Lighting
Lighting can account for a good portion of your electricity use—especially if you’re using older bulbs or leaving lights on in empty rooms.
What you need to do:
- Replace any remaining incandescent bulbs with LED options
- Check frequently used fixtures first (kitchen, living room, porch)
- Use lamps or task lighting instead of overhead lights when possible
3. Inspect Appliances and Electronics
Older or rarely used appliances can quietly use more electricity than you’d expect—especially if they’re always plugged in.
What you need to do:
- Unplug devices you don’t use daily
- Look for signs of wear or noise from your fridge, dishwasher, or laundry machines
- Plug entertainment centers or home offices into power strips to make shutting them down easier when not in use
4. Review Heating and Cooling Habits
Heating and cooling typically make up the biggest share of home energy use. If your thermostat is set too high or low, or if your filters are dirty your system may be working harder than needed.
What you need to do:
- Replace filters every 1–3 months
- Check that vents are open and not blocked
- Adjust your thermostat by a few degrees when you’re asleep or away
- Keep doors and windows closed while heating or cooling
5. Inspect Insulation
While you can’t see behind every wall, there are clues that your insulation may not be doing its job. Rooms that are much colder or hotter than others are a sign, as are high heating or cooling bills despite mild outdoor temperatures.
What you need to do:
- Check your attic for thin or uneven insulation coverage
- Feel exterior walls—cold spots may mean poor insulation
- Add insulation to water heater pipes and hot water lines
6. Evaluate Water Heating
Heating water uses more electricity than most people realize, especially if your heater is set too high or if hot water is being used more than needed.
What you need to do:
- Set your water heater to 120°F
- Fix any dripping faucets, especially hot water taps
- Use cold water for laundry when possible
- Add an insulating wrap to older water heaters
7. Note Usage Patterns
Sometimes, the way electricity is used makes the biggest difference. Running partial loads, leaving devices on overnight, or always using the dryer instead of air drying are all habits that quietly raise your bill.
What you need to do:
- Make a note of what’s running and when
- Try batching tasks (like laundry or dishwashing) to avoid multiple short runs
- Use sleep or energy saver modes on TVs, computers, and monitors
A full home energy audit from a professional is a great option—but even a quick walk-through on your own can reveal opportunities to use less and save more. By checking for drafts, swapping bulbs, cleaning filters, and keeping an eye on habits, you can uncover hidden energy drains and take simple steps to fix them.At NextVolt Energy, we’re here to help you stay informed, take control of your electricity use, and make smarter choices for your home—starting with what you can do today.