Real‑world examples of retrofitting appliances for energy efficiency

Before talking theory, let’s jump straight into everyday examples of retrofitting appliances for energy efficiency that regular homeowners and renters are doing right now.

Think about:

• Swapping a fridge’s worn door gasket so it stops leaking cold air.
• Adding a smart plug to a window A/C so it doesn’t run all day.
• Installing a heat‑pump retrofit kit on an electric water heater.
• Replacing old incandescent bulbs inside an oven range hood or fridge with LEDs.
• Adding a dryer vent booster fan so clothes dry faster with less heat.

None of these projects require you to remodel your house. They’re targeted tweaks that make existing appliances sip less energy. Below, we’ll walk through some of the best examples in detail, with simple explanations of why they work and when they’re worth your time and money.

Kitchen upgrades: examples of retrofitting appliances for energy efficiency

The kitchen is often the biggest energy hog after heating and cooling. Here are real examples of retrofitting appliances for energy efficiency right where you cook and store food.

1. Refrigerators and freezers: sealing, sensing, and smarter controls

Older fridges can run for decades, but they’re often wasting power. You don’t have to replace them immediately; you can retrofit them to run leaner.

Replace door gaskets and adjust hinges
If your fridge door doesn’t close tightly or you see condensation around the edges, cold air is leaking out. New magnetic door gaskets are a simple retrofit:

• Cost: often \(30–\)120 for parts, depending on model.
• Impact: Better sealing means the compressor cycles less often, which can cut fridge energy use by 5–10% in many homes.

This is one of the best examples of a small, boring repair that quietly saves energy for years.

Add a plug‑in energy monitor and temperature sensors
A plug‑in meter (like a Kill A Watt‑type device) shows how much electricity your fridge uses. Pair that with a simple thermometer inside the fridge and freezer.

If you find your fridge is much colder than needed (below 35°F in the fridge or below −5°F in the freezer), you can safely dial the thermostat back. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) recommends 35–38°F for the fridge and 0°F for the freezer for food safety and efficiency (energy.gov).

Tuning temperatures is a retrofit in behavior and settings, not hardware, but it’s still a powerful example of retrofitting appliances for energy efficiency because it changes how the appliance performs day to day.

Add smart plugs for second fridges and garage freezers
If you have a second fridge or chest freezer in the garage, a smart plug or smart outlet can:

• Track run time.
• Let you schedule off‑times if you’re over‑cooling.
• Alert you if the appliance stops working.

Some people discover that their extra fridge is barely used and can be unplugged most of the time. That’s a retrofit with a 100% energy reduction.

2. Dishwashers: heat and water tweaks

Modern dishwashers are already pretty efficient, but you can still retrofit behavior and settings on older units.

Turn off heated dry and use air‑dry
Many dishwashers have a heated‑dry option that uses an electric element. Turning that off and cracking the door after the cycle ends can trim dishwasher electricity use by 10–30%. This is one of the simplest examples of retrofitting appliances for energy efficiency using only a button.

Lower water heater temperature when compatible
If your dishwasher has its own internal heater (most newer models do), you can often lower your main water heater set point to around 120°F, as recommended by the U.S. Department of Energy for both safety and efficiency (energy.gov). The dishwasher will boost water temperature internally when needed, and you’ll cut standby losses from the water heater.

Laundry room: practical examples of retrofitting washers and dryers

Washers and dryers offer some of the best examples of retrofitting appliances for energy efficiency because a few small changes show up quickly on your bills.

3. Washing machines: valves, hoses, and smarter cycles

Install a high‑efficiency shower‑style washer supply hose
If your washer is older and uses a lot of hot water, upgrading to hoses and valves that restrict flow can reduce the volume of hot water used per cycle. Combined with switching to cold‑water detergents, this can dramatically cut the energy used to heat water.

Switch to cold‑water cycles with modern detergents
This is a behavioral retrofit backed by science. Many detergents are now formulated for cold water. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s ENERGY STAR program, heating water accounts for a large share of laundry energy use (energystar.gov). Using cold water whenever possible can slash that portion of energy use without touching the appliance hardware.

4. Clothes dryers: sensors, vents, and heat pump add‑ons

Clean and upgrade the dryer vent path
Clogged or long, twisty vents force your dryer to run longer. Retrofitting the vent with smoother, shorter ducting and adding a booster fan (where allowed by code) can:

• Shorten drying times.
• Let you use lower heat settings.
• Reduce fire risk from lint buildup.

This is a classic example of retrofitting appliances for energy efficiency by improving the system around the appliance, not the appliance itself.

Add or repair moisture sensors
Many dryers have moisture‑sensing features that automatically stop the cycle when clothes are dry. On older units, sensors can get coated with fabric softener and lint. Cleaning or replacing them lets the dryer shut off earlier instead of running on a fixed timer.

Heat pump dryer conversions or replacements
In some regions, retrofit kits and condenser/heat pump dryer modules are starting to appear as drop‑in replacements for vented dryers. Where available, this can cut dryer energy use by up to half compared with older electric resistance models. If a full replacement is needed, pairing it with proper vent sealing and smart plug monitoring still fits into a broader strategy of retrofitting appliances for energy efficiency.

Hot water: standout examples of retrofitting water heaters for efficiency

Water heating is one of the biggest energy loads in many U.S. homes. This is where you’ll find some of the best examples of retrofitting appliances for energy efficiency with a strong payback.

5. Electric water heaters: insulation and smart controls

Add an insulation blanket and pipe insulation
If you have an older electric tank water heater (and it’s not already well insulated), wrapping it with a properly rated insulation blanket and insulating the first 3–6 feet of hot and cold pipes can reduce standby heat loss.

The DOE notes that insulating a hot water tank and pipes can reduce heat loss by 25–45% in some cases and save 7–16% in water heating costs (energy.gov).

Install a heat pump water heater retrofit or hybrid unit
Some manufacturers now offer hybrid heat pump water heaters that can often fit into the same footprint as an old electric tank. While this is closer to a replacement than a simple tweak, it’s still a retrofit of your existing plumbing and electrical setup.

Heat pump water heaters use electricity far more efficiently by moving heat from the surrounding air into the water instead of making heat directly. This is one of the strongest modern examples of retrofitting appliances for energy efficiency in 2024–2025, especially in warm or moderate climates.

Add smart controls or timers
For electric water heaters, a smart controller or timer can:

• Turn the heater off during times you don’t need hot water.
• Shift heating to off‑peak hours where time‑of‑use rates apply.

Many utilities in the U.S. now offer rebates or special rates if you let them control your water heater during peak demand. That’s another real‑world example of retrofitting appliances for energy efficiency that also supports grid stability.

6. Gas water heaters: low‑flow fixtures and temperature tuning

If you have a gas water heater, you still have retrofit options even without replacing the tank.

• Install low‑flow showerheads and faucet aerators to reduce hot water volume.
• Set the thermostat to around 120°F (or the lowest safe setting that still meets your household’s needs) to reduce standby losses and scald risk.

This is a simple, low‑cost example of retrofitting appliances for energy efficiency that combines hardware (aerators) with smart settings.

Cooling and comfort: window A/C, mini‑splits, and fans

Space cooling is where many people waste a lot of electricity, especially in hot U.S. climates.

7. Window A/C units: smart plugs and better sealing

Window air conditioners are perfect candidates for quick retrofits.

Add smart plugs or smart thermostats
A smart plug that measures energy and allows scheduling can:

• Turn the unit off when you’re not home.
• Pre‑cool a room before you arrive.
• Give you a clear picture of how much the unit is costing you per hour.

Pairing a window A/C with a room‑level smart thermostat or sensor (where compatible) is another strong example of retrofitting appliances for energy efficiency. It improves temperature control without touching the compressor or refrigerant.

Seal gaps and insulate the sleeve
Most window units are installed with foam side panels that don’t fully seal. Upgrading the side panels, sealing air leaks with foam tape, and adding a simple insulated cover in winter (if you leave the unit in place) reduces both energy loss and drafts.

8. Ceiling fans and portable fans as A/C partners

You can “retrofit” your cooling strategy by combining existing air conditioners with ceiling or portable fans. Moving air makes you feel cooler at higher thermostat settings.

By raising your thermostat set point by even 2–4°F and using fans, you can significantly cut A/C run time. This is a behavior‑plus‑hardware example of retrofitting appliances for energy efficiency that’s especially helpful in mild climates.

Lighting and controls: small retrofits with outsized impact

Lighting isn’t an appliance in the strict sense, but many appliances have built‑in lights or controls that can be upgraded.

9. LED retrofits in appliances

Replacing incandescent or halogen bulbs in:

• Refrigerators
• Ovens (with high‑temperature‑rated LEDs)
• Range hoods

with LED bulbs reduces energy use and heat output. Less heat inside a fridge or freezer means the compressor doesn’t work as hard. It’s a simple but often overlooked example of retrofitting appliances for energy efficiency.

10. Smart plugs and power strips for standby savings

Many appliances sip power even when “off” — think coffee makers with clocks, microwaves, and countertop gadgets.

Using smart power strips or individual smart plugs lets you:

• Cut power completely to appliances you rarely use.
• Schedule off‑hours for things like water coolers or beverage fridges.

The U.S. Department of Energy notes that standby power can account for up to 5–10% of household electricity use in some homes. Cutting that with smart controls is one of the quiet, ongoing examples of retrofitting appliances for energy efficiency that doesn’t require any mechanical work.

2024–2025 trends: where retrofits are heading

The conversation around retrofitting appliances for energy efficiency is shifting in a few important ways:

• Heat pumps everywhere. Heat pump technology is expanding beyond space heating into water heaters, dryers, and even window A/C units. Many utilities now offer rebates for these upgrades, making them some of the best examples of retrofitting appliances for energy efficiency with real financial support.
• Smart, grid‑aware appliances. More retrofits involve adding smart controllers that respond to time‑of‑use pricing or utility signals, especially for water heaters and EV chargers.
• Policy incentives. In the U.S., federal and state incentives are increasingly geared toward energy‑efficient appliances and retrofits. The Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency (DSIRE) at dsireusa.org is a helpful resource to see what applies in your area.

The big picture: retrofitting is no longer just about slapping on an insulation blanket. It’s about integrating existing appliances into a smarter, cleaner home energy system.

How to decide: retrofit or replace?

Not every appliance is worth retrofitting. Here’s a simple way to think about it:

• Retrofit when the appliance is still reliable, repairs are inexpensive, and the efficiency gap between your model and new models is moderate.
• Replace when the appliance is near the end of its life, frequently breaking down, or dramatically less efficient than current ENERGY STAR models.

You can check ENERGY STAR’s product finder (energystar.gov) to compare your appliance’s age and type with current high‑efficiency models.

In many homes, the best strategy is a mix: do low‑cost retrofits now (gaskets, smart plugs, insulation, vent cleaning) and plan for high‑impact replacements over time (heat pump water heater, heat pump dryer, high‑efficiency fridge).

FAQ: real examples of retrofitting appliances for energy efficiency

What is a simple example of retrofitting appliances for energy efficiency in a rental?
Using smart plugs on window A/C units or space heaters is a great example. You don’t alter wiring or plumbing, but you gain better scheduling and control, which cuts wasted run time.

What are the best examples of retrofitting appliances for energy efficiency on a tight budget?
Cleaning and shortening dryer vents, replacing fridge door gaskets, switching to cold‑water laundry, insulating hot water pipes, and adding low‑flow showerheads are all low‑cost projects with a fast payback.

Are there examples of retrofitting appliances for energy efficiency that don’t involve tools?
Yes. Changing dishwasher settings to air‑dry, raising your A/C thermostat a few degrees while using fans, and adjusting fridge and freezer temperatures to recommended ranges are all tool‑free examples.

How do I know if my old fridge is worth retrofitting or should be replaced?
Use a plug‑in energy monitor for a week to see how much electricity it uses. Then compare that to the annual kWh rating of a new ENERGY STAR fridge. If the old one uses dramatically more and is over 15 years old, replacement may save more money than continued retrofits.

Can retrofitting appliances for energy efficiency really make a noticeable difference on my bill?
Yes, especially when you stack multiple upgrades. For many households, combining water heater insulation and temperature tuning, dryer vent improvements, fridge gasket replacement, and smarter A/C control can trim electricity and gas use by a noticeable margin over a year.

Retrofitting isn’t about perfection. It’s about meeting your appliances where they are today and nudging them toward better performance. Start with one or two of the examples of retrofitting appliances for energy efficiency that feel doable this month, measure the impact where you can, and build from there. Small, steady upgrades beat one big, expensive overhaul you never quite get around to.