My energy bills keep going up and I'm looking for practical DIY energy saving projects cheap enough that the savings will actually pay for the project quickly. I've seen all the fancy smart home stuff, but I'm talking about basic improvements that don't require an electrician or major renovations.
So far I've done weather stripping around doors and windows, added some LED bulbs, and put a water heater blanket on my tank. These were all pretty cheap DIY energy saving projects.
What other simple projects have made a noticeable difference in your utility bills? I'm especially interested in things like window treatments, insulation tricks for renters, or simple behavioral changes that add up. Has anyone done DIY energy saving projects cheap that actually showed up on their next bill?
The biggest difference for me was installing outlet gaskets. They're like $10 for a pack and stop drafts from coming through outlets on exterior walls. I could literally feel the difference.
Also, those window film kits for winter. They create an air gap and really help with insulation. About $20 per window and reusable if you're careful removing them.
One of my favorite DIY energy saving projects cheap was putting foam pipe insulation on hot water pipes. The kit was maybe $15 and I noticed my water heater doesn't run as often.
I made thermal curtains from old blankets and curtain rods. Just sewed loops on the blankets to hang them. They're not pretty but they work really well at night.
Also, those draft stoppers for doors can be made from old socks filled with rice. Just sew them closed and lay them at the bottom of doors.
One simple behavioral change that helped was washing clothes in cold water and only running full loads. My water heater is one of the biggest energy users so this made a noticeable difference on my bill.
For renters, those removable window insulation kits are great. They use double sided tape and plastic film. Did my whole apartment for about $50 and it made a huge difference in winter.
Also, putting your water heater on a timer if it's electric. They're about $30 and you can set it to only heat water during off peak hours or when you actually need it.
One of my best DIY energy saving projects cheap was installing a clothesline instead of using the dryer. Cost maybe $20 for rope and hooks and saves a ton on electricity.
I installed a programmable thermostat myself. It was about $40 and the instructions were pretty clear. Saves me about 10% on heating and cooling just by automatically adjusting when I'm asleep or away.
Also, those power strips with switches for entertainment centers. My TV, game console, speakers, etc. were all drawing power even when off. Now I just flip one switch.
One simple DIY energy saving projects cheap trick was cleaning the coils on my refrigerator. Just vacuumed the dust off and it runs more efficiently now. Free if you already have a vacuum.