It’s never too late to make your home more energy-efficient and the payoff goes beyond helping the planet. Simple changes can also lead to noticeable savings on your utility bills.
Over the years, CNET’s experts have shared a wealth of tips on everything from solar power to everyday energy-saving habits. We’ve pulled together the best of that advice into one handy cheat sheet to help you live more sustainably and save money while you’re at it.
This story is part of CNET Zero, a series that chronicles the impact of climate change and explores what’s being done about the problem.
For more green tips, try these eight ways to make your home a little more eco-friendly. And if you like this guide, you can also explore our solar cheat sheet and our home internet cheat sheet.
What devices can help you save energy around the home?
Here at CNET, we’ve tested dozens of energy-saving devices over the years to help you figure out which is best for your needs. Here are our favorites:
Small changes you can make around the house to save energy (and money)
Here Are 23 Ways to Save On Your Electric Bills Right Now
See all photos
Summer temperatures mean spiked energy use
Not only can trying to beat the brutal summer heat be tough on your wallet (costing on average between $75 and $175 per month to run a central air conditioning system), but it can also be a real drain on energy. Here are ways to save on AC usage.
There are easy ways to go green in the kitchen, too
Families often spend a ton of time in the kitchen. While it’s one of the centers of the home, it’s also a major area for producing waste.
Waste management is an essential part of home sustainability.
Reduce, reuse, recycle. But do it correctly
If you’re trying to make your home more sustainable and reduce your environmental footprint, one of the first things you’ll learn is to recycle. Recycling is an efficient way to manage the 139.6 million tons of waste that heads to US landfills every year. But it can be a helpful practice only if you actually do it right, which is sometimes not as easy as you may think.
For more eco-friendly tips, here’s how you can lower your energy usage as a renter. You can also explore these sustainable products that make going green easier than ever in 2025, and these sustainable clothing brands.
