8 Home Items Under $100 That Will Lower Your Utility Bills
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Andrew Lisa
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Susan Kim
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With summer bearing down, you can expect your utility bills to rise as you consume more energy keeping cool — and when it’s over, winter’s high heating bills are not far behind.
The good news is that you don’t need a major renovation — or even a minor one — to consume less energy while staying comfortable. GOBankingRates spoke with home energy experts who profiled eight products that cost less than $100 but will pay you back when your electricity, gas and water bills come due.
Smart Power Strips
As the principal of Hutter Architects, Pam Hutter designs energy-efficient homes and retrofits existing structures to reduce energy consumption. Her company’s motto is “Hutter Architects roots every project in sustainability” — but you don’t need to hire a specialty firm to make meaningful money-saving changes at home.
“One effective and budget-friendly way to decrease utility bills is by installing smart power strips,” said Hutter. “These strips prevent phantom power draw when electronics are not in use and can be found for under $30, providing significant savings over time.”
Water Heater Blankets
Hutter says another simple yet impactful purchase is a water heater blanket, which you can typically find for about $20.
“Many homes lose heat through older water heater tanks,” she said. “A blanket can minimize this loss, improving overall energy efficiency and lead to reduced heating costs.”
High-Efficiency Shower Heads
Like her previous suggestions, Hutter rounds out her trio of go-to items with a solution that’s both inexpensive and nearly effortless to DIY.
“Installing high-efficiency shower heads, which usually cost less than $50, can reduce water usage without compromising pressure,” she said. “This change not only conserves water but also reduces the energy required to heat it, lowering both water and energy bills.”
Door Sweeps
Ben Connell, owner of Connell Roofing Inc., is a Master Elite Certified contractor who has spent years implementing energy-saving solutions in homes across Massachusetts. The company focuses on affordable, high-impact improvements, like a simple product that prevents thermal transfer under doors.
“One inexpensive option under $100 that can lead to considerable savings is the installation of draft stoppers or door sweeps,” he said. “These simple devices can be placed at the base of doors to prevent air leaks, which significantly reduces heating and cooling expenses. It’s a small change that can prevent costly conditioned air from escaping your home.”
Insulation Covers for Attic Stairs
Replacing spent attic insulation is one of the best ways to lower your utility bills, but that will cost you a whole lot more than $100. Don’t worry — there’s an easier way to mitigate heat transfer from above.
“Another effective measure is adding insulation covers to attic stairways or access doors,” said Connell. “These covers are generally inexpensive and can be installed by homeowners themselves. They help seal off one of the common places where heat tends to escape, especially during the colder months, reducing the load on your heating system and your energy bill.”
Reflective Attic Insulation
You can also mitigate the transfer of hot and cold air through your attic with a modest upgrade beyond the pull-down stairs.
“Reflective insulation or radiant barrier installations in the attic can also be pursued for under $100, especially if you opt for a DIY approach,” said Connell. “This material reflects heat back into the property during winter and out during summer, aiding in maintaining a consistent indoor temperature. This reduces reliance on HVAC systems and cuts down on energy expenditures substantially.”
Window Insulation Kits
Like doors and attics, windows are thermal transfer hotspots, but replacing them can be expensive. The good news is that there’s an easy way to make the windows you have more efficient.
“A window insulation kit, available for around $15, can be an excellent investment, especially for residents in areas with extreme seasonal temperatures,” said Jake Herman, founder of Spray Foam Insulation USA, the largest company of its kind in New York and New Jersey. “By adding an extra layer of plastic film over windows, you greatly enhance their thermal sealing capacities. This kit not only cuts down on energy costs by reducing heat loss during winter and keeping out heat during summer but also improves comfort by eliminating drafts.”
LED Light Bulbs
Herman also says that upgrading to LED light bulbs is a move every homeowner should consider.
“Typically available for under $10 apiece, these bulbs are over 75% more energy-efficient than traditional incandescent bulbs and last significantly longer,” he said. “By switching to LEDs, homeowners not only reduce their electricity consumption drastically but also decrease the frequency of replacements, providing savings on maintenance costs.”
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