Programmable Thermostat Most of the energy used in homes is for heating and cooling. A programmable thermostat allows you to produce just the right amount of heating and cooling for your home. For every 1 degree Fahrenheit you adjust your thermostat, you will use up to up to 3% less energy. Cost/Rebates: A Google Nest, a popular programmable thermostat, costs $130. It costs around $170-190 to install the thermostat, and for doing so, you may be eligible for a credit of up to $50.

Weatherize your home Insulate electrical outlets, doors, windows, and other in-home spaces that may let in outside temperatures. Cost/Rebates: The cost of weatherizing homes will depend on the extent of the project and what materials are used. Households with a lower income than 80 percent of the area’s median are eligible to have 100 percent of eligible purchases rebated, up to $14,000. Households in the 80 to 150 percent range of the area’s median income are eligible for rebates of 50 percent of project costs.

Solar Panels Install solar panels to significantly reduce your reliance on traditional energy sources, lower your electricity bills, and contribute to a more sustainable environment. Cost/Rebates: Solar panels cost around $27,500 prior to incentives, and around $19,250 after the 30% tax credit for a 1,500 square foot house. That results in an average rate of around $12.80 per square foot of living space (as of 2022). On average, a residential solar system costs $10,290–$20,580 in the U.S.

Water filters Water filters can reduce the harmful effects of the millions of plastic water bottles Americans purchase every year. A carbon filter also helps with removing contaminants. Cost/Rebates: On average, a whole-house water filtration system costs $850 to $5,400, and an under-sink water filter installation costs between $170 and $580. Water filters are $20 to $100 depending on the type, size, and quality of the item purchased. Rebate opportunities also vary.

LED Light Bulbs LED bulbs utilize less energy and are far more environmentally friendly than incandescent light bulbs. Cost/Rebates: 10 watt LED light bulbs (the average wattage) only cost around $10 to purchase and $0.33 per month to run.