The 15-Minute Home Energy Tune-Up

You don’t need a full weekend or a costly renovation to make your home more energy efficient. In just 15 minutes, you can tackle a few simple tasks that may help improve comfort, reduce energy waste, and keep your home running more efficiently.

Set a timer and see how many of these quick wins you can check off!

1. Replace or Check Your HVAC Air Filter

A clean air filter helps your heating and cooling system operate more efficiently by improving airflow. During the summer months, filters can become dirty more quickly, so check yours monthly and replace it if needed.

Time: 2–3 minutes

2. Adjust Your Thermostat

If your home is empty during the day, raising your thermostat a few degrees can help reduce energy use. A programmable or smart thermostat makes it easy to maintain comfort while preventing unnecessary cooling. Set it and forget it!

Time: 1 minute

3. Seal Air Leaks

Take a quick walk around your home and check doors and windows for gaps where cool air could escape. Replacing worn weatherstripping or adding caulk to small gaps can make a noticeable difference.

Time: 3–4 minutes

4. Clean Around Your Refrigerator

Dust and pet hair can collect around the refrigerator, lowering efficiency. Vacuuming the area around the appliance and ensuring there’s adequate airflow helps it operate at its best.

Time: 3 minutes

5. Unplug Energy Vampires

Many electronic devices continue to use electricity even when they’re turned off. Chargers, gaming consoles, coffee makers, and entertainment equipment can all contribute to standby energy use. Unplug devices you don’t use regularly or connect them to a smart power strip.

Time: 2 minutes

6. Switch Off Unnecessary Lights

Walk through your home and turn off lights in empty rooms. If you still have older incandescent bulbs, consider replacing them with ENERGY STAR® certified LED bulbs, as they burn less energy and last much longer.

Time: 2 minutes

Small Tasks. Big Impact.

Improving your home’s energy efficiency doesn’t have to be complicated. By spending just 15 minutes on simple maintenance and energy-saving habits, you can help lower energy waste, support the performance of your home’s systems, and keep your home comfortable all season long.