DIY Home Energy Audit (Step-by-Step)
Finish in about 60 minutes: find the biggest electricity wastes, prioritize fixes, and measure real savings.
Start Cutting Electricity Waste Today
These 4 picks match the exact steps below: measure → identify → fix → track.
- ⭐ P3 Kill A Watt P4400 — measure real kWh so you stop guessing (see today’s price →)
- ⭐ TP-Link Kasa EP25 (Energy Monitoring) — find “always-on” loads fast (check price →)
- ⭐ Philips LED A19 60W Equivalent 4-Pack — fastest lighting payback (view options →)
- ⭐ TrickleStar TS1006 Advanced Power Strip — cut standby waste automatically (see deal →)
Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, we may earn from qualifying purchases.
What you’ll do
Step 0: Prep (5 minutes)
Grab a notebook (or notes app). The goal is not to “optimize everything” today — it’s to find the few things that move your bill the most.
Step 1: Read your electricity bill (5 minutes)
Compare usage (kWh), not just cost. If your kWh jumps in hot/cold months, HVAC is likely your biggest lever.
If you want a quick estimate of monthly cost from kWh, use our electricity cost calculator.
Step 2: Find the biggest loads (20 minutes)
A) Heating & cooling (HVAC)
HVAC is often the #1 driver. Note your schedule, typical setpoints, and whether rooms feel uneven (often a draft/insulation clue).
B) Water heating
Long showers, high setpoints, and older water heaters can quietly dominate usage — especially electric water heaters.
C) Appliances
Refrigerators, dehumidifiers, and space heaters can be surprisingly expensive. If you suspect a device, measure it.
D) Lighting
Lighting is a fast win. Swap the most-used bulbs first (kitchen, living room, hallway). Choose brightness and color temperature for comfort.
Step 3: Quick wins (20 minutes)
A) Fix obvious drafts
Air leaks make both heating and cooling work harder. Walk around doors/windows and feel for drafts.
Next guide: Weatherstripping Guide.
B) Control standby (“phantom”) power
TV boxes, consoles, chargers, printers, and desktop setups often draw power even when “off”. This can add up.
If you want device-level tracking over time (instead of one-time measurement), an energy-monitoring smart plug is a great audit upgrade.
C) Improve HVAC control
Schedules and temperature setbacks work best after you reduce drafts. See: Smart Thermostat Guide.
Step 4: Track savings (10 minutes)
Pick 1–2 changes and track for 7–14 days. Look for lower kWh, shorter HVAC runtime, or reduced peaks.
Tip: Don’t change everything at once — otherwise you won’t know what actually worked.
Recommended Products (Specific Picks)
These 4 are enough for most homes: measure, stop standby waste, and lock in daily savings.
Plug-in Energy Meter
Best for: quick measurement (dehumidifier, space heater, fridge, PC). Simple and reliable.
P3 Kill A Watt P4400 — see today’s price →Energy Monitoring Smart Plug
Best for: finding always-on loads and tracking device usage over time.
TP-Link Kasa EP25 — check price →Advanced Power Strip
Best for: entertainment centers & desk setups; reduces standby waste automatically.
TrickleStar TS1006 — view on Amazon →LED Bulbs (4-Pack)
Best for: fast lighting ROI. Swap the most-used bulbs first.
Philips A19 LED 4-Pack — compare options →Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, we may earn from qualifying purchases.
Next steps
- Seal drafts efficiently: Weatherstripping Guide
- Improve HVAC control: Smart Thermostat Guide
FAQ
How long does a DIY home energy audit take?
Most DIY audits take 45–90 minutes. Focus on the biggest loads first and only measure devices you suspect are expensive to run.
What is the fastest fix that saves electricity?
Common fast wins include switching to LEDs, reducing standby power (smart plugs/power strips), and sealing obvious drafts.
Do I need special tools?
No. You can start with observation and your utility bill. A plug-in meter helps confirm what actually costs money, and a smart plug can reduce and track standby power.