Energy costs vary by 5× from state to state. Your neighbor in Connecticut pays $400/month while someone in Washington pays $90 — for the same house. Here's where your state ranks and what to do about it.
| Rank | State | Avg Monthly Bill | Biggest Drain | Top Fix |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Connecticut | $380 | Heating oil | Weatherstripping + duct sealing |
| 2 | Massachusetts | $350 | Heating oil/electric | Air sealing + attic insulation |
| 3 | Rhode Island | 340 | Heating oil | Door sweeps + window film |
| 4 | New York | $320 | Heating + high electric rates | Smart thermostat + peak shifting |
| 5 | California | $310 | Cooling + high electric rates | Window treatments + pre-cooling |
| Rank | State | Avg Monthly Bill | Why It's Cheap |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Washington | $90 | Hydroelectric power, mild climate |
| 2 | Oregon | $100 | Hydro power, moderate temps |
| 3 | Idaho | $110 | Low rates, mild summers |
| 4 | Utah | $115 | Low gas rates, dry climate |
| 5 | Louisiana | $120 | Natural gas cheap, mild winters |
The problem: Heating oil + old housing stock. Many homes were built before insulation existed. Winter temps drop to 10–20°F.
The fix: Weatherstripping, duct sealing, and attic insulation. These 3 fixes address 70% of the waste in Northeast homes. Start with our door weatherstripping guide — it pays for itself in one heating season.
The problem: Cooling dominates. Humidity makes AC run 8+ months/year. Poor insulation in newer construction.
The fix: Window treatments (cellular shades), duct sealing (attic ducts in hot attics), and pre-cooling during off-peak hours. See our window treatment guide.
The problem: Extreme cold snaps + old furnaces. Ice dams. Basement air infiltration.
The fix: Air sealing (basement rim joists, attic bypasses), furnace tune-up, and window film. The thermal leak detection guide covers the Midwest-specific issues.
The problem: Extreme heat (110°F+). Reflective roof surfaces, inadequate attic insulation, pool pumps running during peak hours.
The fix: Radiant barrier in attic, pool pump scheduling (run at night), window film, and thermal curtains. Our energy storage guide covers peak-shaving for TOU plans common in AZ/NV.
The problem: High electric rates ($0.30–$0.50/kWh in CA). Wildfire-related PSPS events. Mild but damp winters.
The fix: Battery storage + solar (the best ROI in the country for CA), heat pumps (efficient in mild winters), and behavioral peak shifting. See our heat pump guide for cold-climate heat pump tips.
The national average for home energy is $200–$250/month. If you're paying more, you're above average. The biggest gap isn't climate — it's building quality. A well-sealed home in Connecticut can cost less than a leaky home in Oregon.
No matter where you live, the biggest energy waste is almost always the same: leaky envelope, uninsulated ducts, and appliances running during peak hours. Fix those first, then worry about the climate-specific stuff.
Start with our door weatherstripping guide (works everywhere), then move to window treatments or duct sealing depending on your region.
Take the Quick Quiz, compare our recovery kits, or use the free printable checklist. Your climate tells you where to start.
Quick Quiz