Making your home more energy-efficient in 2026 is easier than ever. New smart devices and efficient appliances can cut your electricity use, lower your bills, and even make your home more comfortable. The best part is that many of these upgrades are simple to install and use. Below, we break down the top energy-saving appliances and gadgets, from quick DIY fixes to major home upgrades, and give you product tips for each. Let’s start saving energy, shall we?
Smart Thermostats for Smarter Heating and Cooling
Smart thermostats are often the first upgrade people try, and with good reason. They learn your schedule and adjust heating or cooling automatically to avoid wasting energy when you’re out or asleep. That means you stay comfortable when home and save money when you’re not. Modern models come with Wi-Fi apps, voice control, and even AI that fine-tunes your climate control. For example, adaptive scheduling and geofencing let the thermostat dial back when you leave and pre-comfort your home before you return[1][2]. No more cooling an empty house!
Popular Smart Thermostats
Google Nest Learning Thermostat and ecobee SmartThermostat are two popular choices. The Nest uses powerful learning algorithms to optimize your HVAC schedule without you lifting a finger. The ecobee comes with extra room sensors and can integrate with other smart devices for even more savings. Both can trim about 10%–12% off your heating and cooling costs by automatically adjusting temps when you don’t need as much climate control[3]. They’re also user-friendly, with intuitive apps that let you check and change settings anytime.
(Pro Tip: If you have a time-of-use electricity plan, pair a smart thermostat with it. You can program or let it learn to run HVAC more when power is cheaper and reduce use when rates spike. Comfort stays the same, but your bill drops.)
Bright Savings with LED Lighting and Smart Bulbs
Lighting is one of the easiest places to save energy. LED bulbs use a fraction of the electricity of old incandescent bulbs, and they last for years. By swapping out traditional bulbs for LEDs, you can use 75%–80% less energy on lighting, since LEDs convert more electricity into light instead of waste heat[4]. That’s a quick win for any home.
Add smart bulbs or smart lighting systems to the mix, and you get even more control. Smart LEDs (like Philips Hue or TP-Link Kasa Smart bulbs) let you schedule lights to turn off when not needed, dim them to save power, or control everything with your voice. You can also set up motion sensors or timers so you never accidentally leave lights blazing all night. The result is lower lighting costs and added convenience, so your lights work around your lifestyle.
Popular Lighting Upgrades
For a simple swap, try Energy Star LED bulbs from brands like Cree or GE; they have the highest efficiency ratings and good color quality. If you want the smart features, Philips Hue Starter Kits give you several bulbs plus a hub to set scenes and schedules. Another budget-friendly option is Wyze Bulb Color, which connects via Wi-Fi (no hub needed) and lets you automate your lighting easily through an app. All these options will slash your lighting energy use while adding a cool modern touch to your home.
Smart Plugs and Power Strips to Stop Wasted Power
Do you know many devices keep drawing power even when “off”? This standby drain (aka phantom load) can add up over time. Smart plugs and advanced power strips are an easy fix. Smart plugs go between an outlet and your appliance to let you turn the appliance on/off via an app or schedule. This means you can completely cut power to things like TVs, game consoles, or chargers that would otherwise sip electricity 24/7. Over a year, that could save you a decent chunk on your bill for devices you only use occasionally.
Smart power strips take it further by shutting off multiple devices in tandem. For example, when you turn off your TV, the strip can automatically cut power to your soundbar, cable box, and gaming console too. No more electronics sitting in standby mode all day, costing you money for nothing. Many smart strips also have one “always on” outlet for something like a DVR that you do want powered continuously, while cutting power to peripherals.
Popular Plugs & Strips
The TP-Link Kasa Smart Plug is a top pick for its easy app and reliability. Plug in a lamp, fan, or coffee maker and put it on a timer or use voice control with Alexa/Google – both energy-saving and convenient. For power strips, look at TrickleStar Motion Sensor Power Strip (great for home offices – it uses a sensor to turn everything off when you leave the room) or Belkin Conserve Smart AV strip designed for entertainment centers. These gadgets pay for themselves by eliminating that constant trickle of wasted electricity.
Smart Window and Door Sensors to Prevent Energy Loss
Every time you leave a window open with the AC or heat on, you might as well throw money out that window. Smart window and door sensors can help by alerting you to drafts or even pausing your HVAC when a window or door is left open. These small wireless sensors attach to your doors or windows and detect when they open or close. If you forget a window cracked, they can remind you – or better yet, if integrated with your thermostat, they can automatically turn off the AC/heat until the window is closed, so you’re not cooling or heating the whole neighborhood.
Smart door/window sensors are easy to install (usually just peel-and-stick) and often run on batteries that last years. Many home security systems include them, but you can use them purely for energy-saving purposes too. For instance, ecobee’s SmartSensor for doors and windows works with ecobee thermostats to shut off your HVAC after 5 minutes of an entryway being open[5]. It then sends a notification to your phone, helping you save energy automatically[6]. Other systems like Samsung SmartThings or Ring Alarm have contact sensors that you can set up to send alerts or trigger routines (like turning off a smart thermostat or window AC) whenever a door or window is open too long.
Popular Sensors
The ecobee SmartSensors are a great choice if you already use (or plan to get) an ecobee thermostat – they pair seamlessly and start saving energy by pausing the HVAC when windows open[5]. If you’re in another ecosystem, Ring Alarm Contact Sensors or Aqara Door/Window Sensors are affordable options that can integrate with Alexa, SmartThings, or Apple HomeKit to create automation. All of them will give you peace of mind that you’re not accidentally wasting AC or heat due to an open window or door.
Radiator and AC Zone Controllers for Targeted Comfort
Heating or cooling an entire home when you’re only using one or two rooms is a big energy waster. That’s where radiator and AC zone controllers come in – they let you split your home into zones and condition only the areas you need. This can be a game-changer for multi-room efficiency: you stay cozy where you are, and unused rooms don’t get heated or cooled unnecessarily.
For homes with radiator heating, smart thermostatic radiator valves (TRVs) replace your manual radiator knobs. They’re battery-powered devices that open or close the hot water flow to each radiator based on the temperature you set for that room. Installation is usually a quick unscrew the old knob, screw on the smart TRV – about 5 minutes and no plumbing required[7]. Once in place, you can control each room’s radiator via an app or set schedules individually. The energy savings are significant: by heating only the rooms you’re actually in, you avoid wasting heat in empty rooms[8]. It’s perfect for, say, keeping bedrooms cooler during the day and only heating your living room and kitchen until bedtime. Some smart TRVs even have open-window detection, so if they sense a sudden drop in temperature (indicating a window opened), they’ll temporarily shut off that radiator to avoid “heating the street”[9].
For central HVAC systems (forced-air heating and cooling), you can use smart zone controllers like smart vents. These are retrofit smart vents that replace the floor or wall vents in each room. They open or close automatically to redirect airflow, ensuring conditioned air goes only where you want.
Smart vent systems (for example, from Flair or Keen) work with small wireless temperature sensors (sometimes called “Pucks”) in each room. You set a desired temperature per room, and the system will throttle airflow by closing vents in rooms that are already at temperature, pushing more air to rooms that need it. This creates a multi-zone effect without installing multiple HVAC units or complex ductwork. The installation is simple, just pop out your old vent cover and drop in the smart vent, no wiring or drilling needed[10]. The system’s software also prevents too many vents from closing at once (to protect your HVAC system). The result is a balanced home and potentially big energy savings, since you’re not overcooling or overheating areas unnecessarily[11]. According to manufacturers, smart vents offer “superior temperature control at a fraction of the cost of traditional zoning, with no intrusive installation.”[12]
If you have ductless mini-split ACs or window AC units, there’s a zone solution for you too: smart AC controllers. These small IR blasters (like the Sensibo Sky or Flair Puck) act like a universal remote for your AC unit that you can control with a phone app. They enable scheduling, geofencing, and smart home integration for each independent AC. For instance, you could set your bedroom window AC to turn on 30 minutes before bedtime and stay off the rest of the day. Or use geolocation to shut off all the mini-splits when you leave the house. This gives you similar zone-based control – each room’s AC runs only when needed – and can reportedly save up to 20–40% of the energy compared to just leaving ACs running or using manual timers (especially in homes where people often forget to turn units off).
Recommended Zone Control Products
For radiators, the tadoº Smart Radiator Thermostat is a top-rated TRV system in Europe that’s easy to install and claims up to 22% heating savings with features like open-window detection and scheduling. Another solid choice is Honeywell Home (Resideo) Evohome Radiator Valves which integrate with Honeywell’s smart thermostats for whole-home coordination. On the AC side, the Flair Smart Vent system paired with Flair Pucks is great for central HVAC – it’s a well-reviewed system for DIY zoning that works with ecobee and Honeywell smart thermostats. If you prefer a different brand, Keen Home Smart Vents perform a similar function and have SmartThings integration. For ductless units, the Sensibo Air controller is popular for its user-friendly app and features like climate react (it learns how your AC cools the room to optimize runtime). Any of these solutions will let you target your heating and cooling, meaning you only pay to be comfortable in the rooms you’re actually using.
Energy-Efficient Washers: Big Cleaning, Smaller Bills
Washing machines are one of the larger energy (and water) users in a home. Upgrading to a modern high-efficiency washer can significantly cut energy consumption and also save thousands of gallons of water a year. The latest Energy Star certified washers use 25% less energy and 33% less water than old conventional models[13], thanks to improvements like advanced motors, smarter sensors, and drum designs that require less water to get clothes clean.
Front-loading washers are generally the most efficient. In fact, no top-loading washer made it onto the ENERGY STAR “Most Efficient” list for 2024. Front-loaders beat them in energy use[14]. Front-load machines use gravity to tumble clothes through a small pool of water (instead of fully submerging them), and they spin much faster – extracting more water and cutting dryer time needed. High-efficiency top-loaders are available too, but if ultimate efficiency is your goal, a front-loader is the way to go.
What kind of savings can you expect? A top-rated Energy Star front-loader like the Electrolux ELFW7738 uses as little as 74 kWh per year in energy – it’s one of the most efficient washers ever measured[15]. It also uses only around 10-14 gallons of water per load, compared to 20+ gallons with older machines[16]. Reviewers noted this Electrolux cleans great even with cold water and has a 3.2 IMEF rating (a high efficiency score), meaning it leads in both low energy and low water use[17]. For larger households, check out something like the Samsung WF53BB89 front-loader. It has a spacious 5.3 cu ft drum and still achieves an excellent efficiency (IMEF ~3.1) – using just about 103 kWh annually despite its size[18]. It even includes smart features like Wi-Fi and Alexa/Google integration to help schedule laundry when energy is cheaper or send alerts when a cycle is done[19].
Beyond just the numbers, these modern washers often come with features that indirectly save energy too. Load-sensing technology adjusts water and cycle length to the exact load, so no excess energy is wasted on small loads[20]. High spin speeds (well over 1000 RPM) remove more moisture from clothes, so your dryer doesn’t have to work as hard[21]. And many have effective cold-wash settings, meaning you can get clean clothes without using the heating element to warm the water at all[22] – a big energy saver since heating water is a large part of a washer’s energy use.
Recommended Efficient Washers
The Electrolux ELFW7738 Front-Load Washer is a superstar for efficiency nerds – Energy Star certified Most Efficient and praised for its low energy and water consumption (it also has useful cycles like steam, and a matching efficient dryer). For a family-size option, the LG WM8900H or Samsung WF53BB series front-loaders offer around 5.0+ cu ft capacity with high efficiency – they let you wash more clothes per load, which means fewer loads overall and more savings[18]. If you absolutely prefer a top-loader, consider the LG WT7400/8400 series High-Efficiency Top-Load; it’s one of the more efficient top-load designs (uses ~120 kWh/year, which is higher than front-loaders but still far better than old agitator models)[14]. Any new Energy Star washer you choose will be a leap forward in efficiency, but the models above are leading the pack in 2025/2026.
(Quick tip: To maximize savings with any washer, use cold water for most loads. Modern washers and detergents are designed for cold wash, and you’ll save the energy that would have gone into heating gallons of hot water.)
Energy-Efficient Dryers: Heat Pump Tech Changes the Game
If your dryer is more than a few years old, it’s likely an energy hog. Traditional dryers use electric resistance heating or gas burners to produce hot air – effective, but energy-intensive. Enter the new wave of heat pump dryers, which are far more efficient. A heat pump dryer acts like a dehumidifier: it removes moisture by condensing water out of the air rather than just venting hot, damp air outside. This allows it to recycle much of the heat, using dramatically less electricity per load. Energy Star certified dryers (many of which are heat pump or hybrid models) use about 20%+ less energy than standard dryers, and the best heat pump units can save up to 50% compared to old-school vented dryers[23].
How does that translate to your bill? Consider the LG DLHC1455W, a popular heat pump dryer. It was recognized as “Most Efficient” by Energy Star and uses a heat pump instead of a traditional heating element[24]. This 4.2 cu ft dryer can run on a standard 120V outlet and sip energy – many users report it barely warms up the laundry room, since so little heat escapes. It uses the water from your clothes to continually self-clean its condenser coils for optimal efficiency[25]. While cycle times can be a bit longer on heat pump dryers, the upside is huge energy savings and the ability to install it almost anywhere (ventless means you don’t need a vent to the outside). LG also has introduced full-size heat pump dryers (like model DLHC5500 series), being one of the first in the US to offer a big 7.4 cu ft drum with this tech. Early data shows those large models cut power use by roughly 30–40% versus conventional dryers, while still drying clothes thoroughly – they even earned Energy Star’s 2025 Most Efficient mark.
For those with limited space, compact heat pump dryers from European brands are an excellent choice. Miele and Bosch have 24-inch ventless dryers that have been popular in apartments and condos. The Miele TXR860WP for instance is a 4.0 cu ft heat pump dryer known for outstanding efficiency and gentle drying (its sensors prevent overdrying, saving energy and fabric wear). It’s a premium option, but reviewers love that it dries almost as fast as vented models and uses about half the energy of a typical dryer. On the more affordable side, Whirlpool and GE are also rolling out ventless heat pump dryers in the U.S. market, expanding choices. Even some all-in-one washer-dryer combos now use heat pumps to dry. For example, Samsung’s latest combo unit uses a heat pump and manages a wash-and-dry cycle on about 103 kWh of energy for the entire process[26][27], which is pretty impressive.
Efficient Dryers to Consider
If you’re ready to upgrade, look for models labeled Energy Star Most Efficient – these are often heat pump dryers. The LG EcoHybrid Heat Pump Dryer (DLHC series) is a strong pick for full-size needs; it offers smart features and achieves superb efficiency (users report savings and also less lint and wear on clothes due to lower heat). For a compact option, the Bosch 500/800 Series Heat Pump Dryer (24″ width) is a reliable workhorse known for using about 40% less energy than a standard compact vented dryer. And for premium performance and longevity, Miele’s Heat Pump Dryers are top-of-class – they cost more upfront but are extremely efficient and built to last, with features like fragrance pods and Wi-Fi monitoring. Whichever you choose, make sure to enable the eco-mode or lowest heat setting for normal loads; heat pump dryers inherently run at lower temperatures, which saves energy and is gentler on fabrics, all while getting clothes perfectly dry.
(Note: Heat pump dryers don’t require an external vent, which not only saves energy but also means you’re not dumping conditioned air outside. In the summer, a vented dryer is throwing your cooled indoor air out; in winter, it’s throwing out heated air you paid for. A heat pump dryer avoids that loss entirely, further improving overall home efficiency.)
Energy-Efficient Refrigerators: Cool Tech that Cuts Costs
Refrigerators run 24/7, so efficiency here really matters. The good news is today’s fridges are light-years ahead of old models in efficiency. If your fridge is over 10–15 years old, a new Energy Star refrigerator can use 35% or more less energy than your old one[28][29] – despite likely being larger and having more features. Modern fridges have better compressors (often inverter compressors that modulate speed), superior insulation, and smart sensors to optimize cooling. All of this means keeping your food fresh now uses a lot less electricity.
When shopping, note that fridge size and configuration affects efficiency. The most efficient designs tend to be top-freezer models in the 16–20 cu ft range[30][31]. They’re simpler (fewer doors, no through-door ice dispenser, etc.) and physics is on their side – the cold air doesn’t spill out as much when you open the top freezer vs a bottom freezer. But many people want larger French-door or side-by-side fridges for capacity and convenience. Luckily, there are efficient options there too. Manufacturers have improved even big fridges by using multi-zone cooling, better gaskets, and higher-efficiency components.
For example, LG’s LS27T3230S is a 26.6 cu ft side-by-side fridge that uses about 670 kWh per year, which is actually below the U.S. Department of Energy’s baseline for a fridge that size (721 kWh/yr)[32]. It’s Energy Star certified and even with all that space, it sips power thanks to LG’s inverter linear compressor technology and thoughtful design. On the even larger end, the Samsung RF30BB6602 is a 30.1 cu ft French-door refrigerator that manages to qualify for Energy Star Most Efficient 2025 – it uses only around 545 kWh per year, whereas the federal standard for that class is 728 kWh[33]. That’s a remarkable efficiency for such a spacious, feature-rich fridge (it has Wi-Fi and smart controls via SmartThings, so you can get energy usage alerts or adjust settings from your phone). Essentially, Samsung engineered it so well that you get a huge fridge with the energy use of a much smaller unit.
If you don’t need a gigantic fridge, there are plenty of midsize and smaller models that excel in efficiency. A great example is the Samsung RT18M6215 top-freezer (18 cu ft). It’s a bit of a classic, actually introduced several years ago, but it’s so efficient that it still made the Energy Star 2025 Most Efficient list[34]. It uses about 448 kWh/year in energy, which is extremely low and perfect for a starter fridge, apartment, or as a secondary fridge. It even has a nifty feature where the top freezer section can be converted into a fridge compartment at the press of a button (good for when you need extra fridge space instead of a freezer). Another notable mention: GE Profile PFE28KYNFS, a 27.7 cu ft French-door model, isn’t the absolute lowest in energy use (~725 kWh/year[35]), but it offers advanced features like hands-free auto-fill water dispenser and still meets Energy Star levels. It proves you don’t necessarily have to sacrifice modern extras to get decent efficiency.
Regardless of model, a new fridge will help avoid the “energy hog” issue of old refrigerators (especially if you have a secondary fridge in the garage that’s old – those can draw a shocking amount of power). Look for the EnergyGuide label for annual kWh usage: for context, the very best full-size fridges now are in the 400–600 kWh/year range, whereas older ones might be 800–1000+ kWh/year. Features like better door seals, LED interior lighting, and humidity-controlled crispers all contribute to efficiency by reducing compressor run time. Some smart fridges even let you see inside via cameras (so you open the door less) or alert you if a door is left ajar.
Recommended Efficient Refrigerators
For maximum energy savings in a family-sized unit, the Samsung RF30BB6602 (30 cu ft French-door) is a standout – as mentioned, ~545 kWh/year is stellar for its size[33], and it’s well-reviewed in performance too. For a slightly smaller but still roomy option, the LG LS27T3230S (26.6 cu ft side-by-side) is excellent at ~670 kWh/year and offers smart monitoring through the LG ThinQ app[32]. If you have a smaller household or space, the Samsung RT18 Top-Freezer (18 cu ft) gives you very low energy use (448 kWh) on a budget[34]. Lastly, if you’re after a premium French-door model with features, Whirlpool, GE Profile, and Bosch all make Energy Star certified fridges in the 25–28 cu ft range that use around 600–700 kWh/year – a good benchmark for efficiency with plenty of functionality. Just be sure to recycle your old fridge when the new one comes, as retiring that energy guzzler is part of the equation in saving energy!
Summary: Energy-Saving Upgrades by Ease of Installation
Quick, Easy Wins (Plug-and-Play): LED light bulbs; smart plugs and smart power strips; smart window/door sensors (peel-and-stick); (Little effort, immediate savings.)
Moderate DIY Upgrades: Smart thermostats (replace existing wall thermostat – moderate effort); smart radiator valves (swap radiator thermostat, easy install); smart HVAC vents for zoning (replace vent covers); (Some setup required, big impact on comfort and bills.)
Major Investments (High Impact): Energy-efficient washer (front-load high-efficiency model); energy-efficient dryer (heat pump or Energy Star dryer); Energy Star refrigerator (modern inverter fridge); (Higher upfront cost, but significant long-term energy savings.)
By choosing the upgrades that fit your comfort level and budget, you can make 2026 the year you take control of your energy use. Whether it’s a $20 smart plug or a new fridge, each step will chip away at your electricity bill and move your home toward a greener future. Happy saving!
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[3] ENERGY STAR Certified Smart Thermostats
https://www.energystar.gov/productfinder/product/certified-connected-thermostats/results
[4] How Renters Can Lower Their Energy Bills Without Renovating
https://www.gotrhythm.com/blog/renters-guide-lowering-energy-bills
[5] [6] Motion sensor for doors and windows | ecobee
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https://homey.app/en-us/best-buy-guide/smart-radiator-valves/
[10] [11] [12] Flair Smart Vent HVAC Register for Temperature Control
https://flair.co/products/vent?srsltid=AfmBOorrAef0_B4bqwhX-VzeKRyD93w-vWxen30OwXqs3L7dQiVJWUsF
[13] [16] [20] [21] [22] Top 5 Energy-Efficient Washers for a Greener Home
[14] [15] [17] [18] [19] [26] [27] The Best Energy-Efficient Washing Machines for Your Home
https://palmetto.com/home-electrification/best-energy-efficient-washing-machines
[23] Product Finder — ENERGY STAR Certified Clothes Dryers
https://www.energystar.gov/productfinder/product/certified-clothes-dryers/results
[24] [25] 6 Best Ventless Dryers of 2025 - Reviewed
https://www.reviewed.com/laundry/best-right-now/the-best-compact-ventless-dryers
[28] [29] [31] ENERGY STAR Certified Refrigerators | EPA ENERGY STAR
[30] Refrigerators | ENERGY STAR
https://www.energystar.gov/products/refrigerators
[32] [33] [34] [35] Best Energy-Efficient Refrigerators for 2026
https://palmetto.com/home-electrification/best-energy-efficient-refrigerators
