Starting the new year with high utility bills is frustrating, but Del Mar homeowners have plenty of options to turn things around. Whether you’re recovering from winter heating costs or simply want to make 2026 your most efficient year yet, simple changes can create lasting savings on your electricity and water bills without sacrificing comfort in your coastal home.
Set Your Home Up for Winter Savings
Your thermostat is your biggest ally right now. Setting your heat to 68 degrees keeps you comfortable while preventing wasted energy. Lowering the temperature by just 2 to 3 degrees from your usual setting makes hardly any difference in comfort but shows up as real savings each billing cycle. Smart thermostats learn your daily routine and automatically adjust when you’re away or sleeping, so you’re not heating an empty house.
January is perfect for taking advantage of natural sunlight. Open your curtains during the day to let sunshine warm your rooms naturally, then close them at night to keep that warmth inside. This free heating method works especially well in Del Mar’s sunny coastal climate.
Quick Wins That Lower Bills Fast
Switching out old bulbs for LED lighting cuts lighting costs by up to 75% and these bulbs last years longer than traditional options. Smart power strips eliminate phantom energy drain from devices that pull electricity even when turned off, like phone chargers, computers, and entertainment systems that quietly add dollars to your statement.
Water heating is another area where small adjustments pay off. Lower your water heater to 120 degrees to reduce the energy needed without any noticeable difference in comfort. Always run full loads in your dishwasher and washing machine to maximize each cycle. When appliances need replacing, Energy Star-certified models deliver efficiency that keeps paying you back month after month.
Make Energy-Efficiency Your 2026 Goal
This is the perfect time to conduct a home energy audit and identify exactly where your home is losing energy. Check weather stripping around windows and doors, since sealing air leaks and drafts can reduce energy bills by 10 to 20% year-round. Proper insulation in your attic and walls keeps indoor temperatures stable year-round.
Want to learn more about making your Del Mar home work better for you? Discover the neighborhood through our articles, where you’ll find helpful guides about coastal living and local resources.
Local Resources and Smart Upgrades
Del Mar residents can access SDG&E rebate programs through the Clean Energy Alliance that help cover the costs of energy-efficient improvements such as new windows, upgraded water heaters, and enhanced insulation. These programs make it easier to invest in home energy efficiency upgrades that create value for years to come.
Coastal conditions, such as humidity and salt air, require regular HVAC maintenance to keep systems running efficiently. Schedule professional tune-ups early this year to ensure your heating and cooling equipment performs at its best. Clean the refrigerator coils, maintain your dishwasher, and ensure your washing machine uses the appropriate water temperature for each load.
As someone who knows Del Mar homes inside and out, I can help you find properties that balance beauty with efficiency, where comfort doesn’t come at the cost of shocking utility bills. Let’s work together to find your ideal home.
Build Habits That Last All Year
Small daily actions compound into significant results over time. Turn off lights when leaving rooms. Use cold water for laundry whenever possible since heating water accounts for most of the energy used in washing. Reheating leftovers in the microwave uses up to 80% less energy than firing up the oven.
Del Mar’s moderate temperatures mean you can open windows during cooler mornings and evenings for natural ventilation. Ceiling fans help circulate air efficiently year-round, and switching them to clockwise rotation during winter pulls warm air down from the ceiling where it naturally rises.
Making how to reduce energy bills at home your focus this January sets you up for success throughout 2026. Start with one or two changes this week and build momentum from there. Every improvement moves you toward a more efficient, comfortable home where you can enjoy coastal living without worrying about the next utility statement.
Sources: spencerheatingandair.com, spectrumcs.org, enact.solar, delmarcoastalconnections.com, hufthomeservices.com, delmar.ca.us, theoneilgrp.com
Header Image Source: Akashni Weimers
