These upgrades often pay for themselves within a year or two:
Air Sealing Materials: Caulk, spray foam, weatherstripping for windows, doors, and baseboards
Smart Thermostat (e.g., Nest, Ecobee): Optimizes HVAC usage
LED Lighting: Replace all incandescent/CFLs with LEDs
Water Heater Blanket and Pipe Insulation: Retain heat, reduce standby loss
Low-Flow Showerheads & Faucet Aerators: Lower hot water demand
Window Film or Reflective Window Coverings: Reduce heat gain in summer
Power Strips for Electronics: Prevent phantom loads
Programmable Plug Timers: Efficiently manage devices
Duct Sealing Tape or Mastic: DIY leak fixes on exposed ducts
DIY Attic Hatch Insulation: Easy but often overlooked
Smart Power Monitor: Track and reduce usage by appliance