10 Game-Changing Appliance Upgrades to Reduce Your Home Energy Costs

We asked 10 home energy experts “What is one appliance upgrade that has had the most significant impact on reducing your home energy costs?

Here is what 10 thought leaders have to say.

• Upgrade to Energy-Efficient HVAC
• Invest in Heated Blankets
• Switch to LED Lighting
• Choose ENERGY STAR Washing Machines
• Integrate Alexa-Enabled Smart Home System
• Install a Smart Thermostat
• Switch to Tankless Water Heaters
• Enhance Air Conditioner Efficiency
• Upgrade to High-Efficiency Refrigerator
• Invest in High-Efficiency Heat Pump

Upgrade to Energy-Efficient HVAC

Upgrading to an energy-efficient HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) system has had the most significant impact on reducing home energy costs. Newer HVAC models with high SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) ratings use advanced technologies like variable-speed compressors and smart thermostats to optimize heating and cooling. These systems not only maintain a consistent indoor temperature but also use less energy to do so.

By replacing an older, less efficient system with an energy-efficient HVAC, homeowners can see a noticeable reduction in utility bills—sometimes by as much as 20-40%. Also, these systems contribute to a smaller carbon footprint, making them an excellent investment both financially and environmentally.

Viraj Lele, Industrial Engineer & Business Unit Advisor, DHL Supply Chain

Invest in Heated Blankets

A heated blanket is a great investment for saving energy. It allows me to reduce how often I use the furnace during winter. By staying warm through the night with the heated blanket, I can set my furnace to only 67 degrees, which helps conserve energy. While it may not be considered a traditional appliance, it is still a small appliance in its own way and incredibly useful.

AL Tran, Blogger, Author, Ai Trainer, DS Inspire

Switch to LED Lighting

One of the most impactful upgrades I’ve made in my home to reduce energy costs was swapping out my old incandescent light bulbs for LED lighting. Now, that might sound like an obvious choice, especially given my background in the lighting industry, but the difference it made was far more substantial than I anticipated.

Initially, I had this mindset that a few light bulbs couldn’t possibly make a big dent in my energy bill. However, when I decided to replace every bulb in the house with high-efficiency LEDs, the results were immediate. The most noticeable change was in the kitchen and living room, where the lights are on the most. I went for LEDs that not only consumed a fraction of the energy but also offered the same warm light we were used to, so there was no compromise in comfort or ambiance.

The impact on our energy costs was surprising. Within the first couple of months, I noticed a significant drop—about 15%—in our electricity bill. It might not sound like a lot at first glance, but considering the number of lights in an average home and how often they’re used, it adds up quickly. Plus, these LEDs have a much longer lifespan compared to traditional bulbs, so I’ve also saved on replacement costs and the hassle of changing bulbs frequently.

Matt Little, Founder & Managing Director, Festoon House

Choose ENERGY STAR Washing Machines

One appliance upgrade that’s really made a difference in my home’s energy costs is switching to an ENERGY STAR-rated washing machine. These machines use much less water and energy compared to older models, which has been a game-changer for our utility bills. They’re designed to be super-efficient without compromising on cleaning power. Plus, many of them come with features like eco-friendly wash cycles that optimize energy use even further. It’s been a win-win—lower bills and a smaller carbon footprint!

Samantha Odo, Real Estate Sales Representative & Montreal Division Manager, Precondo

Integrate Alexa-Enabled Smart Home System

One appliance upgrade that has significantly reduced my home energy costs is using an Alexa-enabled smart-home system. By integrating smart plugs and lights with Alexa, I can easily turn off appliances and lights that I often forget about when leaving the house or going to bed. This simple adjustment has led to noticeable savings on my energy bill since I no longer waste electricity on devices left running unnecessarily.

Moreover, the convenience of voice commands means I can manage my home’s energy use effortlessly. For instance, if I’m busy in another room or out of the house, I can simply ask Alexa to turn off specific devices or lights without needing to walk back and check everything manually. This not only helps save money but also promotes a more eco-friendly lifestyle by reducing my overall energy consumption.

Azam Mohamed Nisamdeen, Founder, Convert Chat

Install a Smart Thermostat

Before making the change, my energy usage was fairly consistent but inefficient—often heating or cooling my home when no one was around or during times when the temperature didn’t need to be adjusted. After researching options, I decided to install a smart thermostat because it integrates technology with energy efficiency, which aligns with how I think about solutions in my work as well.

The smart thermostat automatically learns my household’s habits, adjusting the temperature when needed and going into energy-saving modes when we’re not home. It can be controlled remotely through a mobile app, which means I can optimize energy usage even when I’m away. This small change has led to a noticeable reduction in my energy bills—by around 10% to 15% on average.

Not only did this upgrade help lower costs, but it also fits my philosophy of using technology to make life more efficient and sustainable. It’s a simple, one-time investment that pays for itself over time, making it a highly effective upgrade for anyone looking to manage energy consumption better.

Spencer Christian, Founder, Christian Companion App

Switch to Tankless Water Heaters

One appliance upgrade that I’ve seen make a big difference in reducing home energy costs is swapping out old water heaters for tankless models. I’ve come across homes where the homeowners were pleased with the energy savings after making the switch. Traditional water heaters keep a large tank of water heated all day, which eats up a lot of energy. But with a tankless water heater, you’re only heating water on demand, which can dramatically lower your energy bills.

I’ve inspected many homes where the owners say they noticed a drop in their utility bills within the first month after upgrading. Plus, they loved that the tankless system took up less space and provided an endless supply of hot water when they needed it. It’s a win-win—lower energy costs and improved efficiency. And with energy prices continuing to rise, this is one upgrade I see more and more homeowners benefiting from. Also, consider heat pump-style water heaters, as their efficiency is unrivaled.

Javier Toro, Owner, Orlando Inspex LLC

Enhance Air Conditioner Efficiency

When you’re looking at reducing energy costs, especially during a hot summer, one of the biggest things you can do is make your air conditioner more efficient. Most people don’t realize how much their AC is working behind the scenes and how small changes can really add up. It’s all about reducing the workload on the compressor. By cooling the air before it even hits the system, you can bring down the overall amp draw, which is just a fancy way of saying your system is using less energy.

Now, what does that mean for you? Lower energy bills, for one. Even a small drop in the temperature coming out of your vents—just a degree or so—can make a big difference. Your AC doesn’t have to work as hard, and you’ll still stay cool inside without cranking it up to the max.

The great thing is that these adjustments aren’t complicated. They’re quick, easy fixes that anyone can do, and they can lead to real savings over time. If you’re trying to be more energy-conscious while keeping your home comfortable, it’s a smart move.

Steve Pacholski, Brand President, Varsity Zone

Upgrade to High-Efficiency Refrigerator

One of the most significant appliance upgrades that I’ve personally seen make a huge impact on home energy costs is switching to a high-efficiency refrigerator. Not only do modern refrigerators use far less energy than older models, but the technology has improved so much that even small features, like better insulation and smart temperature control, can really make a difference.

For example, I remember a customer who had an older fridge that was constantly running. After we recommended an upgrade to an ENERGY STAR-rated refrigerator, she noticed a dramatic decrease in her energy bills—almost 15% lower each month. The fridge ran quieter, kept food fresh longer, and gave her peace of mind knowing she was using less electricity.

If you’re looking for an upgrade that will positively impact your energy costs, a modern refrigerator is a smart investment. Plus, as someone who installs and repairs appliances every day, I can attest to how much more efficient these newer models are compared to what was available even just a few years ago.

Lexi May, Marketing Specialist, Thomas Home Services

Invest in High-Efficiency Heat Pump

Without a doubt, upgrading to a high-efficiency heat pump has had the most significant impact on cutting down my home energy costs. I’ll be honest—before I made the switch, I didn’t realize just how much energy my old HVAC system was chewing through. But once that new heat pump was installed, the difference was immediate, not just in comfort but in my monthly utility bill.

Heat pumps are fantastic because they’re incredibly efficient—especially the newer models. They don’t generate heat like a traditional furnace; instead, they move heat around, which takes way less energy. In fact, a modern heat pump can be up to three times more efficient than the standard systems most people still have in their homes.

And let me tell you, the savings add up. I saw about a 30% drop in my energy bills within the first few months, which is huge when you think about it over the long haul. Plus, it’s not just the financial side of things. Knowing that I’m using less energy and reducing my carbon footprint feels pretty good, too.

If there’s one appliance I’d recommend to anyone looking to make a serious dent in their energy costs, it’s upgrading to a high-efficiency heat pump. It’s an investment that pays for itself quicker than most people realize.

Michael Davis, HVAC Business Owner, HVAC Angel