Handymen say if you aren't doing any of these things, your monthly bills are higher than they should be

Damaged or dirty siding can affect your home's insulation and aesthetics. “Regular cleaning and repair of your siding are essential,” says Austin Skoog, owner of Sky Side Exteriors. “For cleaning, I recommend the Simple Green Oxy Solve house and siding pressure washer cleaner.”

This pressure washer concentrate is suitable for cleaning vinyl, aluminum, stucco, wood, and brick, removing stains and discoloration caused by algae, moss, and mildew. Harnessing the power of peroxide, this nontoxic formula lifts grime without harsh chemicals, making it safe for plants and the environment. Efficiently clean up to 6,400 square feet with one bottle.

“Gaps around windows, doors, and siding can let in drafts, making your heating and cooling systems work harder,” says Skoog. “To address this, you can use weatherstripping and caulk to seal these leaks effectively.”

Skoog recommends this heavy-duty weather stripping for keeping your home cozy and energy-efficient year-round. Designed to block drafts, air leaks, dust, pollen, and insects, this durable seal won't freeze or crack even in temperatures as low as -40 degrees Fahrenheit. With a total length of 17 feet, it’s easy to install and requires no glue or nails. Ideal for maintaining a warm home in winter and a cool one in summer, it will help save money on energy bills.

“Proper insulation can significantly reduce energy loss,” says Skoog. “Adding insulation to attics, walls, and around pipes can make a big difference.”

Skoog suggests you consider using Frost King’s foam pipe insulation. Designed for 3/4 inch copper pipes, it prevents cold pipes from sweating and keeps hot pipes hot. The pre-slit, tubular polyethylene foam is easy to install and helps improve energy efficiency in your home.

It’s not just pipes that lose heat. “Drafts under doors can lead to significant heat loss,” says Skoog. “Using draft stoppers can block cold air from entering your home. The Holikme twin door draft stopper is a good option.”

This adjustable draft stopper is easy to install to block light, wind, and noise, making your home more comfortable. Its large-size sponge stays secure with door openings, and the hook and loop fastener keeps foam tubes in place. The non-damaging, slide-on design is ideal for renters and can be machine-washed for reuse.

“Thermal curtains can help keep your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer by reducing heat transfer through windows,” points out Skoog. “I recommend NICETOWN’s thermal insulated grommet blackout curtains. These curtains are designed to insulate your windows effectively.”

These blackout curtains block 85% to 99% of light and UV rays, reduce noise, and enhance TV viewing with triple weave technology. They also balance room temperature and help protect your furniture from sun damage. Machine washable and wrinkle-free, these curtains are ready to hang and easy to maintain, coming in 42 colors.

Dusty refrigerator coils can make the appliance work harder, increasing energy consumption, according to Skoog. The solution? “Regularly cleaning the coils can improve efficiency.”

Keep your home spotless with this two-pack of coil cleaning brushes. Designed for versatility, it cleans dryer lint, refrigerator coils, and hard-to-reach dust under furniture. Featuring a 30-inch flexible stainless steel shaft and sturdy bristles, it efficiently tackles trapped lint and improves appliance performance. Regular use also helps prevent dryer fires, making it a must-have for safety.

“Drying clothes in a dryer uses a lot of electricity,” Skoog points out. “Using a clothesline or drying rack can save energy.”

Skoog recommends you save energy and extend the life of your clothes with this indoor drying rack. Made from durable, lightweight steel, its rust-resistant white finish is made to last. The accordion-style design allows for easy setup, folds flat for compact storage, and fits in small spaces. Supporting up to 32 pounds, it's practical, lightweight, and praised for its quality.

Don’t let money literally go down the drain. “A dripping faucet can waste a surprising amount of water over time, increasing your water bill,” says Tommy Mello, CEO and founder of A1 Garage Door Service. “Most leaky faucets can be fixed with a simple washer replacement, which costs just a few dollars. You can save water and money by addressing these small leaks promptly.”

This 258-piece faucet and plumbing washer assortment kit is your solution for leaks and repairs. With five different beveled and flat faucet washers and seven sizes of plumbing washers, it meets all your replacement needs. Ideal for bathroom sinks, outdoor faucets, and garden hoses, this kit includes non-corrosive brass screws and tough neoprene washers. Keep your plumbing in top shape with this comprehensive, easy-to-organize set.

Ian Chambers, an electrical contractor in Kansas City, Missouri, says: “Installing dimmer switches can reduce the light bill by 30 to 40 percent. I recommend the Lutron Diva CL-150.”

Chamber’s recommended Diva LED+ Dimmer Switch is tested on thousands of bulbs and ensures flicker-free dimming with over 150 lighting levels. Compatible with up to 150-watt dimmable LED/CFL or 600-watt incandescent/halogen bulbs, it offers versatile control in single-pole or three-way applications. The rocker switch turns lights on and off, while the discreet slider adjusts brightness. Easy to install in 15 minutes with no neutral required, this dimmer switch enhances your home lighting effortlessly.

“Install a vacancy sensor in the bathrooms,” suggests Chambers. “These switches sense when you enter the room and when you leave the room. This way if you forget to turn off the light it will automatically turn off for you.”

This advanced passive infrared (PIR) motion sensor switch offers a 180-degree field of view to automatically control your lights based on room occupancy or vacancy. It remembers your on/off preferences to provide lighting at your desired levels. With universal wiring for easier installation and customizable modes for occupancy and vacancy, this sensor is versatile and user-friendly.

Scot Rounds, solar contractor and CEO and president of Sunray Roofing and Solar, advocates for unplugging devices when not in use. “Things like phone chargers, laptops, and gaming consoles draw power even when idle,” he says. “Unplug them before bed or when away and you'll save $100 to $200 per year.”

If fully unplugging is too much of a chore, you can use this smart plug to control your electronics from anywhere using the Kasa app, whether at home or on vacation. Schedule your devices to turn on and off automatically with timer and countdown options, helping to save on bills when you’re away from home. Easy to set up, these plugs require a 2.4GHz WiFi connection.

“Another tip is switching to LED lightbulbs,” says Rounds. “They cost a bit more upfront but last years longer and reduce energy usage. Replace the five most used bulbs in your home, and you'll likely cut $50 to $100 from your annual electric bill.”

Brighten up your home with this value pack of six LED bulbs, each providing 800 lumens of vivid, close-to-sunlight quality light. Save money and energy by replacing 60-watt bulbs with these 9.5-watt alternatives that last up to 13 years. Enjoy smooth dimming with most LED dimmers, offering a warm glow. Great for any room, these bulbs turn on instantly with no flicker.

Allen Chenault, owner and founder of AC's Heating & Air, highlights the importance of ensuring your air filters are clean. “Dirty filters reduce airflow and force your system to work harder, increasing costs,” he notes. “Replace filters every 30 to 90 days to maximize efficiency.”

This four-pack of pleated AC and furnace air filters is designed to capture countless microparticles, allergens, bacteria, odors, and dust for cleaner air. According to the brand, you’ll notice cleaner air in 48 hours. The filters are made with a single-sided frame to help reduce environmental waste and are made from recycled cardboard. They come in a standard 20-inch by 20-inch size.

“As an HVAC service provider, one of the biggest ways homeowners can lower energy bills is by upgrading to a programmable thermostat,” says Chenault. “For around $30, a smart thermostat can adjust the temperature automatically when you're away or sleeping to save 10% to 15% per year.”

Ensure comfort and energy savings with this programmable thermostat. Compatible with single or multistage systems, this thermostat offers precise temperature control and easy programming. Features include a large, backlit LCD display, separate heating and cooling swing settings, and dual power options.

“Swapping out your standard showerhead for a low-flow model can save both water and energy,” says Josh Miller, seasoned carpentry worker and CEO of Clean Carpets. “They reduce water usage without sacrificing pressure, leading to lower water and heating bills. I recommend the AquaDance high-pressure handheld showerhead.”

Upgrade your shower experience with this 7-inch high-pressure rainfall showerhead. It features six invigorating settings, including power rain, pulsating massage, and water-saving pause mode. The all-chrome finish and angle-adjustable design add a touch of luxury to your bathroom. Easy tool-free installation ensures a hassle-free setup, while the reinforced 5-foot stainless steel hose offers durability.

Some savings may literally fall from the sky. “Collecting rainwater is an excellent way to reduce water bills,” says Samuel Davis, horticulturist and CEO of London Gardeners. “A rain barrel can be used to water gardens, lawns, and even indoor plants.”

This collapsible rain barrel holds up to 53 gallons. Made from waterproof PVC, it's built to last in extreme temperatures. The barrel features six support poles and a sturdy lotus base for secure stability. Easy to install in minutes with no complex tools needed, it includes 25 garden tags for better plant management. The transparent design, measurement lines, and dual outlets make water monitoring and retrieval convenient.

“Mulching helps retain soil moisture, reducing the need for frequent watering,” Davis points out. “It also suppresses weeds, which can save time and money on maintenance. Consider using the EZ-Straw seeding mulch, a cost-effective and easy-to-use option.”

This expert-recommended straw-seeding mulch is an excellent solution for protecting grass seed and ensuring faster germination. Its natural, biodegradable bonding agent keeps straw in place even in windy or wet conditions. This straw helps keep your soil moist, reducing the need for frequent watering. Shoppers love its performance and ease of use, noting that it spreads effortlessly and delivers excellent results.

“Drip irrigation is a water-efficient way to keep plants hydrated,” says Davis. “It minimizes water wastage and ensures that water goes directly to the plant roots. A great budget-friendly option is the Raindrip R560DP automatic watering kit.”

Save time and water with Davis’ recommended drip irrigation kit, a comprehensive 108-piece set that eliminates hand watering for up to 26 plants. Designed for flower beds, gardens, and landscapes, this kit ensures up to 80% water savings and consistent growth, according to the brand. Easy three-step installation and clog-resistant devices make setup a breeze.

“LED lights consume less electricity and have a longer lifespan compared to traditional bulbs,” says Davis. “They can significantly cut down on energy bills.”

Illuminate your outdoor spaces with these solar spotlights. With up to 650 lumens and a focused 90-degree beam, they brighten landscapes, trees, and more. Choose from three adjustable brightness modes to suit any scene, and rely on its IP67 waterproof durability in all weather. Enjoy extended runtime and automatic on/off functionality, with easy installation options for ground or wall mounting.

“Attic insulation is one relatively straightforward way I'd recommend for lowering your monthly bills,” says Matt Balducci, co-owner and CEO of HomeHero Roofing. “I think lots of people aren't aware of how much inside air they're losing to their attic, or how much heat they're taking on from an attic in summer. Adding some insulation means your cooled or heated air will stay inside the main levels of your home, and it can also prevent the hot air that accumulates in your attic in warmer months from raising the temperature of your home.”

Enjoy enhanced insulation and energy savings with this lightweight, fiber-free reflective insulation that is ideal for crawl spaces, attics, walls, and metal buildings. Its seven-layer design, featuring two layers of aluminum foil and inner bubble pack layers, reflects 97% of radiant heat and resists heat flow. Easy to cut and install, reviewers have given it a high 4.7-star rating.

“Clogged or damaged gutters can lead to water damage on your roof and walls, increasing maintenance costs and potentially affecting energy efficiency,” says Joshua Riutta, owner of Mikku and Sons Roofing. “Regularly clean and maintain your gutters to ensure proper water flow and prevent any damage. A gutter cleaning tool, like a gutter scoop or telescoping wand, can make the job easier.”

Keep your gutters clean effortlessly with this gutter scoop. Its high handle position protects your hands, while the extended tongue reaches under gutter supports easily. The flexible scoop conforms to any gutter size, making debris removal quick and easy. It also doubles as a scoop for rock salt or fertilizer.

“Damaged or missing shingles can lead to leaks and decreased insulation efficiency, affecting your home's energy performance,” says Riutta. “Regularly inspect your roof for any damaged shingles and replace them as needed to maintain the integrity of your roof.”

Upgrade your roofing game with this anti-rust roof shingles remover. Made from durable steel, it features a two-in-one design for efficient and safe nail installation and removal. The nail-slot design ensures a secure grip, while the claw tip easily pulls nails from shingles. Handy and easy to use, this tool is a must-have for both professional roofers and DIY enthusiasts.

Kim Abrams Bishop, president and CEO of Abrams Roofing & Sheet Metal, Inc, points out the importance of proper ventilation in your attic. “Without it, heat gets trapped during summer months while moisture during winter months; both these conditions not only raise energy bills but also cause long-term damage to structures,” she says. “I would suggest using vent covers such as E-Z-gutter guards since they enhance airflow besides keeping off debris, which tends to accumulate in older houses.”

Made from heavy-duty powder-coated steel, these gutter guards are designed for 5-inch residential gutters and can withstand rough weather and heavy debris loads. Easy to install with no fasteners needed, each section is notched for a 3/4-inch overlap. These guards snap out effortlessly for maintenance, ensuring your gutters remain clear and functional. Each box covers 39.35 linear feet, making it an efficient solution for your home.

Cozy blankets aren’t just for people, according to Josh Mitchell, HVAC and plumbing technician. “This blanket costs under $30 and wraps around your water heater to keep the heat in,” he says. “This means your heater works less hard, saving you up to 16% on your water heating bill. It's perfect for older water heaters and doesn't require a professional to install.”

Boost your water heater's efficiency with the Frost King water heater insulation blanket. Designed for gas, oil, or electric heaters up to 60 gallons, this 3-inch thick, vinyl-backed fiberglass blanket improves energy savings. Easy to install with the included plastic tape, it offers an R10 insulation rating. Shoppers praise its simplicity and effectiveness in cutting and installing.

“Many electronics draw current even when they are powered down (‘phantom loads’),” warns Tyler Hull, co-owner of Bubblegum Flooring. “Smart power strips can shut off power to devices when they’re not in use, preventing electricity waste. Plug your electronics into smart power strips and cut off the power when they’re not being used.”

Power up your home or office with this smart power strip. Control three smart outlets independently and charge two devices with always-on USB ports. Use voice commands with Alexa and Google Assistant for hands-free convenience. Protect your electronics with ETL-certified surge protection and manage your devices remotely via the Kasa app. You can even set schedules to save on your power bill.

Amy Wampler, CEO of Spartan Mechanical, an HVAC contractor serving the Bloomington, Indiana area, extols the virtues of installing a faucet aerator. “This device can save lots of water without affecting pressure while still conserving energy, especially when using hot water,” she says. “[The] Neoperl 2.2 GPM faucet aerator is a great choice!”

Enhance your faucet's efficiency and enjoy a smoother water stream with this faucet aerator. It features a red dome honeycomb screen that filters sediment and particles, ensuring a clean, aerated stream. It produces a soft, non-splashing flow, ideal for kitchen and bathroom faucets. With a 2.2 gallons per minute flow rate, it offers top performance while saving water and reducing energy costs.

Jason Farrell, certified master technician at Mechanic's Diary, says it’s important to prioritize and bundle your handyman tasks around the home. “Make a master list of all the repairs and maintenance projects you need done around the house. Group them by urgency and difficulty,” he suggests. “Then, see if you can bundle a few of the smaller jobs together to be completed in a single visit. This will cut down on service fees you'd pay for multiple appointments.”

Keep your home in top shape with this comprehensive maintenance guide. Tailored for new and veteran homeowners, this book offers detailed checklists, DIY project planning, and budget tracking. Log valuables for insurance, and track maintenance over 12 years with dedicated log sheets. From monthly indoor/outdoor tasks to safety inspections, this 186-page guide ensures no detail is overlooked.

A traditional grass lawn can be a huge money suck. “Many monthly bills tend to be things like water and energy utilities,” says Brett Bennett, director of operations at PURCOR Pest Solutions. “I have found that planting more native plants and flowers, along with more eco-friendly ground cover than your traditional lawn, can be a huge help when it comes to cutting back on your water bills especially. I've seen people pretty drastically reduce the amount of water they're using just by supplementing their lawn with clover or a native sedge variety.”

This dwarf clover offers a lush, green landscape that naturally fertilizes your soil by fixing nitrogen, reducing the need for extensive lawn care. Exceptionally drought-tolerant and low-maintenance, it thrives with minimal watering and mowing. Its small leaves and low growth habit offer a neat, manicured look. Great for erosion control, this mini clover enriches your lawn while adding seasonal beauty with charming white flowers. Transform your yard effortlessly with this versatile, eco-friendly ground cover.

“Overwatering your lawn can be one of the major reasons for inflated water bills in the spring and summer — so, cutting back on how much you're watering is one of the best ways to consistently bring these bills down,” says Ryan Farley, CEO of LawnStarter. “I tend to recommend using a ‘smart’ sprinkler attachment in these situations. This can be a great, convenient way to better keep track of and control how much water your lawn is getting throughout the week, taking into account weather conditions including temperatures and rain to determine how much water it actually needs. Plus, these attachments are app-controlled, which makes them even more convenient to use.”

This smart water timer offers seamless Bluetooth connection up to 100 feet. You can customize up to 20 watering plans, including cycle and soak modes, plus save water with adjustable delay settings and manual override via the app or timer. Enhance your garden's irrigation by pairing it with a WiFi hub and soil moisture meter. Shoppers appreciate its auto-watering feature, rain delay, ease of setup, and user-friendly controls.

Josh Qian, COO and co-founder of Best Online Cabinet, says: “Modern, energy-efficient windows improve insulation and block more UV rays, reducing cooling costs.” He goes on to recommend “affordable DIY window film solutions, such as the Gila Control heat and glare reduction window film, [that] provide similar benefits at a fraction of the cost.”

Gila’s window film offers intelligent heat control, increasing comfort while reducing cooling costs. This adhesive-based film comes in a light gray tint and is easy to install, sticking firmly to flat glass surfaces. It reduces glare by up to 53%, according to the brand, and blocks 99% of UV rays, protecting interiors from fading. Ideal for DIY projects, it combines advanced heat- and glare-rejecting technologies for lasting results.