Practical cleaning, upkeep, and energy-saving guides for American homes.
Renters can’t replace windows or insulation, but they can still cut bills. Practical ways to save on cooling, heating, appliances, and electronics, and what to ask your landlord.
Air conditioning is the biggest summer cost in most homes. Practical ways to cut it, from thermostat settings and fans to shading windows and shifting usage off-peak.
Space heating is the largest energy use in U.S. homes. Thermostat strategy, sealing drafts, insulation, and safe use of heat pumps and space heaters to cut winter bills.
The Department of Energy suggests 78°F when you’re home and higher when you’re away. How to set a summer schedule that saves money without making the house miserable.
Air conditioning, space heating, and water heating top the list in U.S. homes, followed by lighting and refrigeration. How to find your own biggest users and what to do.
Devices that are off but plugged in still draw power, often estimated at 5% to 10% of household electricity. How to find the worst offenders and cut the waste without hassle.
Dirty outdoor condenser coils make your AC work harder. How to shut off power, clear debris, rinse the coils without bending fins, and when to use a coil cleaner.
Dusty condenser coils make a refrigerator run longer and work harder. How to find them, clean them safely with a brush and vacuum, and how often to do it.