Being a homeowner is expensive. Sure, a mortgage is cheaper than rent, and you’re building equity. Still, there are sizable recurring costs in homeownership. Repairs. Utilities. Projects. It all adds up. Luckily, there are countless DIY home improvement projects and easy fixes that can help you save — and save BIG on utility bills. Here are 18 to get you started.

DIY Home Improvement Projects to Save on Heating and Cooling Bills

#1 – Replace Your Windows

Does your house have single-pane windows that seem to let all the cold air in? The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that the average U.S. home can save nearly $500 a year when switching to EnergyStar double-pane windows. 

Of course, these savings aren’t totally open and shut as there is a big price tag associated with swapping your windows. Plus, it takes a reasonable skill level to tackle this project on your own. But it’s worth it in the end. Your home’s updated windows will be reflected in market value. Between 70 – 80% of the cost of new windows is recouped a home’s selling price. 

Savings: ~$125 – $500 yearly

#2 – Reseal Windows and Doors

Once you’ve checked your windows to make sure they’re double-paned, door and window treatments are next. A cheaper and somewhat easier way to deal with drafts is sealing behind windows and doors. A DIY air leak audit can help you determine your needs and where to start. 

Savings: ~$100 – $150 yearly

#3 – Add Insulation

This is a  home improvement idea that can quickly pay dividends, especially if you have had an older home. By sealing your home and adding insulation in attics, floors over crawl spaces, and accessible basement rim joists, you can save up to 20% on heating and cooling costs. 

Not sure how to start? Check out this guide to insulating your attic.

Savings: ~$200 yearly

#4 – Install Energy Efficient Curtains

This idea is one of the most simple home improvement projects on this list. While all curtains add to a room’s charm, not all are equally endearing to a home’s heating and cooling costs. Energy-efficient curtains include an opaque lining on the back. Because the material is so dense, these curtains help prevent heat from leaking in and out of your home. 

In the winter, less heat sneaks out the windows. In the summer, closed drapes prevent the sun from overheating a room. A bonus: These curtains block light and noise, so they are especially valuable for light sleepers. 

Savings: ~$125 – $500 yearly

#5 – Get a Ceiling Fan

A ceiling fan can provide year-round cost savings. In the winter, running the fan at low speed in a clockwise direction will recirculate the warm air rising to the ceiling. In the summer, the added airflow can offset your need for air conditioning. The more you use your fan, the more you save. Running a fan only costs a few cents per hour—a mere fraction of the cost of air conditioning. 

Savings: ~$100+ yearly

#6 – Plant Trees

Adding a deciduous tree to your yard can be great for your wallet and for the environment. A mature tree on the south, west, or east side of your house will shade your roof and cut cooling costs by as much as 30%. Plus, a full-grown tree can add up to $10,000 in value to your home. And they say that money doesn’t grow on trees…

Savings: ~$200 yearly

#7 – Close Doors

This is an easy win that doesn’t mean breaking the bank. Close the doors to your closets, pantries, and rooms you don’t use. There’s no reason to heat your guest bedroom if you’re not planning on visitors. Plus, you won’t have the constant reminder that really should be cleaning instead of getting caught up on your Netflix shows. 

Savings: ~$50 yearly

#8 – Replace Your HVAC Filter Monthly

Air conditioning filters and furnace filters should be regularly changed. A new AC filter can reduce your energy costs by as much as 15%, offsetting the price of the filter and then some. But that’s not the real financial incentive. Changing filters is the best way to prevent irreversible damage to the HVAC damage and the need for a new furnace.

Savings: ~$150 – $2,500 

#9 – Schedule an Annual HVAC Tune-Up

To ensure your HVAC system is in tip-top shape, schedule an annual furnace maintenance clean and safety check. For less than $100, we’ll clean your system’s cabinet, compartments, blowers, motors, hoses, filters, air, intake, exhaust vent, and thermostat. We’ll also test the system and inspect all vents and seals. 

A clean furnace is more efficient to run. And, by catching issues early, you can prevent more serious—and costly repairs. Replacement parts, if needed, are extra. 

Savings: ~$150 – $2,500 

DIY Home Improvement Projects to Save on Electricity Bills

#10 – Use Your Microwave

Many of us think the microwave is solely for heating leftovers and frozen dinners or for popping the occasional bag of popcorn. But, countless foodies think otherwise—plus you can save on your gas or electric bill. This post includes 31 drool-worthy recipes you can make the microwave. Or if you’re ready to get serious, check out this microwave gourmet cookbook. 

Savings: ~$40+ yearly

#11 – Plug in SmartStrips and Outlets

Photo Credit: APC via Amazon

About one-quarter of your home’s energy consumption is used to power electronic devices in sleep or in standby. Many appliances use as much power when off as they do when they are turned on. 

A great way to save money is to unplug appliances when not in use. But, even with the best of intentions, it’s easy to forget. An easier solution? Smart power strips and outlets. 

Savings: ~$240+ yearly. For a more accurate guesstimate, use this smart power strip saving calculator. 

#12 – Donate any Extra Fridges and Freezers

Many of us have an extra refrigerator or freezer in our garage or basement. But, these appliances are usually pretty old and inefficient.

Depending on the vintage, these appliances can suck up to $200 worth of electricity each year. So ask yourself: Is keeping your extra pop cold, worth it? If you really need the extra space, it’s probably more economical to donate or recycle your old fridge and buy a new (or newer) energy efficient appliance.

Savings: ~$200 yearly

DIY Home Improvement Projects to Save on Water Bills

#13 – Smarter Showers

If you have kids, there’s a good chance that a chunk of change is going down the drain. Those long showers can really raise your water bill. One option to curb usage is to install a water-saving shower-head adapter. Another approach is to use a shower timer to encourage efficient showering. And if your kiddos really love to wallow in the water, baths might be a better option.

Savings: ~ $200 yearly

#14 – Install a Water Filter

Okay, here’s something that may be hard to swallow. All those bottles of water you buy could be adding up to $1,000 a year. It turns out that this healthy refreshing drink isn’t so good for your financial health. But there’s an untapped solution, and it’s in your kitchen. While the taste of faucet water can be funky depending on where you live, a water filter is an easy fix. Many options are available—including faucets and under-the-sink systems—most for under $100. 

Savings: ~$1,000 yearly

#15 – Reduce Water Pressure 

If your water pressure is too high, you’re paying for power—and water—you don’t need. If you haven’t done so already, switch your faucets, toilets, and showerheads with low-flow options. Look for products with the WaterSense mark as those are certified to use at least 20 percent less water than standard models. They may be more expensive, but in the end, you’ll be awash in savings. 

Also, fix those leaky faucets! One drip per second wastes over 1,600 gallons of water and can cost you up to $35 yearly. 

Savings: ~$200 yearly

DIY Home Improvement Projects to Save Around the House

#16 – Make Your Own Cleaning Products

By using inexpensive household products such as vinegar, rubbing alcohol, and essential oils, you can make homemade cleaners that actually work for pennies on the dollar. Added bonus: these homemade cleaners are typically free of toxins that can be found in some commercial cleaning products.

Savings: ~ $50 yearly

#17 – Replace Appliances in the Offseason

You can lock in significant savings when manufacturers release their new models. For most appliances, the prime opportunity in your local home improvement hubs is in September and October. Refrigerators are the exception; new fridge models are released in May. Of course, appliances are prone to stop working at inopportune times. So, if you need a new machine now, do some online comparative shopping to ensure that you’re getting the best deal.

Savings: Could be thousands

#18 – Buy Used, Not New

Here’s another one that doesn’t just save you a few bucks but is also more eco-friendly. Regardless of what you need, there are likely online and offline sources that you can tap into. The online Freecycle Community is a great place to swap goods. And, there’s always pawn shops, second-hand stores, and Craigslist. 

Savings: Unlimited

Don’t Lose Your Cool Over High Utility Bills

For more ways to save this heating season, check out our guide on how to save on heating costs. And, as always, we’re here to help you with all your HVAC needs.