First Step: Get Smart Thermostats & LEDs

TL;DR: The previous owners of my house in Northern California were spending $400-$450 a month on the utility bill, 72% gas / 28% electric. I cut this total down to $225 by creating a baseline with smart thermostats and LED lights. This step was the easiest and cheapest, but also provided the greatest % ROI.

Details: With the Nest thermostats I reduced heat use at night and shut the system off when we’re away. Many utilities offer rebates on smart thermostats, so check their websites.

Next, I replaced all old bulbs in the house, even accent lights, with LED. Between 60w incandescent, outdoor flood lights, overhead fluorescent tubes, old track lights and random tiny bulbs I spent ~$300. The Lastbulb switcher makes replacement super easy.

Products:

• 2x Nest thermostats: $185 each (BUY) (Includes $50 rebate)

• CREE 40W equivalent LED bulbs 8 pack: $42 (BUY)

• 2x H Type LED Track light all-in-ones warm white 6 pack: $90 each (BUY)

• 40W equivalent Edison style LED bulbs 3 pack: $16 (BUY)

• 90W equivalent LED flood lights 6 pack: $27 (BUY)

• LED T5 tube shop lights 6 pack: $40 (BUY)

• Random tiny bulbs replacing halogen, vintage lamps, etc.

Total Spent: $658

Total Cost Offsets: $67.5k over 25yrs ($2.7k savings annually)

Simple right? Spending <$1k breaks even in the first few months and keeps $67k in your pocket over the next couple decades.

ON TO STEP 2!