Living in San Diego, we’re lucky. We get to trade snow shovels for surfboards, and “winter” usually just means reaching for a Patagonia fleece when the marine layer rolls in.
But then, the SDG&E bill arrives.
We’ve all had that moment: opening the envelope (or the app) and wondering if you accidentally left the stadium lights on all month. With some of the highest energy rates in the country, we locals know that even a “mild” winter can lead to a major bill shock.
If you’re tired of your hard-earned money vanishing into the vents, here are ways to take control of your home’s energy use without sacrificing your comfort.
The Small Habits (That Actually Work)
We’ve all been there: It’s 6:00 AM, it’s surprisingly chilly outside, and that hot shower feels like the only thing keeping you going. But here’s the thing—shaving just two minutes off your shower can make a massive dent in your gas and water bills over a year. Think of it as a challenge: can you finish your “shower concert” before the second song ends?
The “One Degree” Battle
Most of us have a “thermostat war” at home. Someone wants it at 72°F, someone else wants it at 68°F. Here’s a reason to side with the 68°F team: dropping your thermostat by just one or two degrees can cut your heating costs by about 10%. Throw on those fuzzy socks you got for Christmas and save the extra cash for a weekend trip to Julian instead.
Ghost Hunting in the Living Room
Did you know your coffee maker and gaming console are “vampires”? They sip power even when they’re off. If you’re not using it, unplug it. It sounds like a hassle, but using a smart power strip makes it as easy as flipping one switch before you head out to Balboa Park for the day.
The Weekend DIY Projects
You don’t need to be a contractor to make your home more efficient. If you’ve got an afternoon and a trip to the hardware store in you, try these:
- Seal the “Beach Breeze”: If you live in a charming older home in North Park or Ocean Beach, you probably have some “character” which is just code for drafty windows. Weatherstripping those gaps can keep up to 20% of your heat from escaping into the night air.
- The LED Swap: If you’re still using those old-school bulbs that get hot to the touch, you’re literally paying to heat a wire. Swapping to LEDs uses about 90% less energy. It’s the easiest “set it and forget it” win.
- Fridge Check: Take a look at your fridge settings. You want it right around 40°F (4°C) and the freezer at 0°F (-18°C). Any colder and you’re just wasting money to keep your ice cubes extra frozen.
Playing the Long Game
If you’re a homeowner looking to really move the needle, it might be time for a bigger upgrade.
- Sun Power: We live in one of the sunniest places on Earth—why not use it? While the upfront cost of solar panels is a jump, they can eventually slash your electricity bill by 50% or more.
- HVAC Health: If your furnace or AC unit is older than most TikTok influencers (10+ years), it’s likely working way harder than it needs to. Upgrading to a modern, high-efficiency system can drastically lower your monthly overhead.
Potential Annual Savings at a Glance
| Action | Estimated Benefit |
| Turn heating down | Cut your annual heating bill by 10% |
| Upgrade Lightbulbs | Use up to 90% less energy for lighting |
| Reduce Shower Time | Significant savings on water and heating |
| Stop using Tumble Dryer | Noticeable reduction in energy usage |
| Switch off at the plug | Eliminate vampire power costs |
| Draught Prevention | Reduce heat loss by up to 20% |
Note: These savings are intended as a guide. Actual results will vary based on your household size, current energy usage, and your specific energy provider’s rates.
You don’t have to freeze in the dark to save money. It’s really about being “energy intentional.” Start with the easy stuff—dry your clothes on a rack in the San Diego sun instead of the dryer, or be the “switch police” with the lights. Your bank account will thank you when summer AC season rolls around!
The folks at Federation of Master Builders created this infographic showing estimated amount you can save per year.
For more power-saving and home upkeep tips in North San Diego County, explore our blog.
