Real-world examples of energy-saving appliances for seasonal use

Everyday examples of energy-saving appliances for seasonal use

Let’s start with the fun part: real gear that makes a measurable difference. When people ask for examples of energy-saving appliances for seasonal use, I usually point them to items they’ll actually touch and adjust every week, not just fancy tech that sounds good in theory.

Some of the best examples include smart thermostats, ENERGY STAR–rated heat pump systems, efficient room heaters and fans, portable dehumidifiers, and even humble-but-mighty devices like thermal curtains. None of these are magic, but together they can chip away at your heating and cooling costs, which is where most home energy goes.

According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, heating and cooling still account for close to half of residential energy use in many U.S. homes, even as equipment gets more efficient. That means examples of energy-saving appliances for seasonal use are mostly about controlling temperature and humidity in smarter ways, not just buying a more efficient fridge and calling it a day.

Smart thermostats: The classic example of seasonal energy savings

If you want one standout example of an energy-saving appliance for seasonal use, it’s the smart thermostat.

Smart thermostats like the Google Nest, Ecobee, and similar models do more than let you change the temperature from your phone. They learn your schedule, adjust automatically when you’re away, and provide reports that show where you’re wasting energy. In winter, they can lower the heat at night or while you’re at work. In summer, they can ease off the air conditioning during cooler parts of the day.

The U.S. Department of Energy notes that you can save about 10% a year on heating and cooling by turning your thermostat back 7–10°F for 8 hours a day when you’re asleep or away. A smart thermostat basically automates that habit for you.

Why this is one of the best examples of energy-saving appliances for seasonal use:

• It works for both heating and cooling seasons.
• It doesn’t require you to remember every adjustment.
• It gives feedback on your usage, so you see the payoff.

If you only upgrade one thing this year, a smart thermostat is a strong contender.

Heat pumps and efficient AC: High-impact examples for hot and cold seasons

When people ask for examples of energy-saving appliances for seasonal use that can replace older systems, I immediately think of heat pumps. They’ve gone from niche to mainstream in the last few years, especially as incentives have expanded in the U.S.

Heat pump systems

A modern air-source heat pump can both heat and cool your home. Instead of generating heat by burning fuel or using electric resistance coils, it moves heat from one place to another. In winter, it pulls heat from outside air (yes, even cold air has heat energy). In summer, it works like an air conditioner, moving heat out of your home.

The U.S. Department of Energy explains that ENERGY STAR–certified heat pumps can reduce electricity use for heating by roughly 50% compared with electric resistance heating like baseboard heaters. That’s a massive seasonal difference.

This makes heat pumps one of the best examples of energy-saving appliances for seasonal use because:

• They replace both a furnace and an air conditioner.
• They shine in shoulder seasons (spring and fall), when they can run very efficiently.
• New cold-climate models work well even in many northern U.S. states.

ENERGY STAR room air conditioners

Not ready for a whole-house system? A high-efficiency room air conditioner is another solid example of an energy-saving appliance for seasonal use.

Look for:

• The ENERGY STAR label.
• A high Combined Energy Efficiency Ratio (CEER).
• Features like variable-speed compressors and smart controls.

These units use less power to deliver the same cooling, especially if you size them correctly for the room and seal gaps around the unit.

Space heaters and fans: Small appliances, big seasonal impact

Not every upgrade has to be a big-ticket project. Some of the most practical examples of energy-saving appliances for seasonal use cost under a hundred dollars and plug into a standard outlet.

Efficient electric space heaters

In winter, an efficient electric space heater can let you turn down the thermostat for the whole home while keeping your most-used room cozy. Look for models with:

• A thermostat setting instead of just “low/medium/high.”
• A timer or eco mode.
• Safety features like tip-over and overheat protection.

Used wisely, a space heater is a good example of an energy-saving appliance for seasonal use because it supports “zone heating.” Instead of heating empty rooms, you warm the space you’re actually in.

The trick: never use them to compensate for serious insulation or safety issues. They’re a supplement, not a substitute for a safe, well-maintained heating system.

Ceiling and portable fans

In summer, fans are underrated heroes. A ceiling fan uses far less electricity than an air conditioner and can make you feel 4°F cooler by increasing air movement across your skin. That means you can often raise the thermostat setting and still feel comfortable.

In winter, reversing the fan direction (usually a small switch on the housing) can gently push warm air down from the ceiling without creating a draft. That’s another subtle example of an energy-saving appliance for seasonal use that helps both summer and winter.

Humidity control: Dehumidifiers and humidifiers as seasonal helpers

Temperature gets all the attention, but humidity quietly drives a lot of comfort—and energy use. When you’re looking for examples of energy-saving appliances for seasonal use, don’t skip humidity control.

Dehumidifiers for sticky summers

In humid climates, a dehumidifier can make a room feel more comfortable at a higher temperature, which means less air conditioning runtime. ENERGY STAR–certified dehumidifiers use more efficient compressors and fans to remove moisture from the air.

This is a practical example of an energy-saving appliance for seasonal use in basements, laundry rooms, or coastal homes where humidity makes everything feel warmer and more uncomfortable.

Humidifiers for dry winters

In winter, very dry air can make you feel colder, even at the same thermostat setting. A well-controlled humidifier can bring indoor humidity into a more comfortable range, which may let you lower the thermostat a degree or two.

Look for models with built-in humidistats so they don’t over-humidify, which can cause mold or condensation on windows.

Together, dehumidifiers and humidifiers are quieter examples of energy-saving appliances for seasonal use—they don’t shout “energy saver,” but they support lower heating and cooling loads by making your home feel better at more efficient set points.

Window and insulation helpers: Quiet examples that work all year

Not every energy-saving upgrade has a motor. Some of the most effective examples of energy-saving appliances for seasonal use are more like accessories you pair with your HVAC system.

Thermal curtains and shades

Insulated curtains and cellular shades can reduce heat loss through windows in winter and block solar gain in summer. Close them on cold nights to keep warmth in, and on hot sunny days to keep heat out.

They’re a subtle example of an energy-saving appliance for seasonal use because they don’t use power themselves, but they support your heating and cooling equipment. Think of them as clothing for your windows.

Smart plugs and advanced power strips

Lighting, entertainment centers, and office setups can waste energy when they’re not in use. Advanced power strips and smart plugs can cut standby power automatically or on a schedule.

Seasonally, this matters more than you’d think. In summer, every watt of wasted electricity also adds a bit of extra heat your AC has to remove. In winter, you might think that waste heat is helpful, but it’s an inefficient and expensive way to “heat” a room compared with a proper system.

So while they’re not glamorous, smart plugs are realistic examples of energy-saving appliances for seasonal use, especially for people who travel or have irregular schedules.

Kitchen and laundry: Less obvious examples of energy-saving appliances for seasonal use

Most people don’t think of the dishwasher or washer-dryer as seasonal, but how and when you use them changes with the weather.

ENERGY STAR dishwashers and clothes washers

Modern ENERGY STAR–certified dishwashers and clothes washers use less water and energy per cycle than older models. That helps year-round, but the seasonal angle is interesting:

• In summer, less hot water use means less heat and humidity added to your home, which reduces the load on your air conditioner.
• In winter, using high-efficiency appliances still saves money, and you can time loads to match when you’re already heating the home.

These are quieter examples of energy-saving appliances for seasonal use, but they’re part of the overall pattern of reducing wasted hot water and unnecessary heat indoors.

Heat pump dryers

Heat pump clothes dryers have become more common in the U.S. since around 2023–2024. They use a heat pump instead of electric resistance coils, which can cut energy use significantly compared with traditional electric dryers.

In summer, they release less waste heat into your laundry room, which means your AC doesn’t have to fight against a hot appliance. In winter, they’re still more efficient overall and can be easier on fabrics.

If you’re already considering a new dryer, this is a modern example of an energy-saving appliance for seasonal use that wasn’t widely available a decade ago.

How to choose the right seasonal energy-saving appliances for your home

With so many examples of energy-saving appliances for seasonal use, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. A simple way to prioritize is to ask two questions:

1. Where is most of my energy going now?
2. What do I actually use every day in the peak seasons?

For most households in the U.S., heating and cooling dominate, followed by water heating and major appliances. That’s why a smart thermostat or a high-efficiency heat pump usually beats a trendy kitchen gadget in terms of impact.

Look for labels and ratings

When comparing examples of energy-saving appliances for seasonal use, pay attention to:

• ENERGY STAR label: Indicates the product meets efficiency criteria set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Department of Energy.
• Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER/SEER2) and Heating Seasonal Performance Factor (HSPF/HSPF2) for heat pumps and AC units.
• EnergyGuide labels: The yellow tags that estimate annual energy use and cost.

These labels help you compare real examples of energy-saving appliances side by side instead of guessing from marketing language.

Consider your climate and habits

A dehumidifier is a great example of an energy-saving appliance for seasonal use in a humid southern climate, but it might sit idle in a dry western state. A cold-climate heat pump shines in the Northeast but may be overkill in a mild coastal area.

Think about:

• How hot and humid your summers are.
• How cold and long your winters are.
• Whether you’re home all day or gone most of the time.

Match the appliance to the problem you actually have, not the one a glossy ad tells you to worry about.

Quick FAQ: Real examples of energy-saving appliances for seasonal use

What are some common examples of energy-saving appliances for seasonal use?
Common examples include smart thermostats, air-source heat pumps, ENERGY STAR room air conditioners, efficient electric space heaters, ceiling fans, dehumidifiers, humidifiers with built-in controls, heat pump dryers, and insulated window coverings like thermal curtains or cellular shades.

Can you give an example of a low-cost energy-saving appliance for seasonal use?
A programmable or smart thermostat (often available with rebates), a high-quality ceiling fan, or an advanced power strip are all relatively low-cost examples of energy-saving appliances for seasonal use. They help you reduce heating and cooling loads without major construction.

Do energy-saving appliances really make a difference in winter and summer bills?
Yes. Because heating and cooling use so much energy, even modest improvements can add up. The U.S. Department of Energy notes that adjusting your thermostat alone can save about 10% a year on heating and cooling, and high-efficiency heat pumps and AC units can cut usage even further when properly installed and maintained.

How do I know which examples of energy-saving appliances for seasonal use are worth it for my home?
Start by looking at your utility bills to see where your energy use spikes. If summer bills are high, focus on efficient cooling, fans, and dehumidifiers. If winter bills are painful, look at smart thermostats, heat pumps, and better window coverings. Then check for rebates or incentives from your utility or local government, which can tilt the math in favor of certain upgrades.

Are there health considerations when using seasonal energy-saving appliances?
Yes. For example, dehumidifiers and humidifiers can affect indoor air quality if not cleaned regularly, and space heaters must be used safely to reduce fire risk. Reputable sources like the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. Department of Energy provide guidance on indoor air quality and safe use of heating and cooling equipment.

If you treat these examples of energy-saving appliances for seasonal use as a menu instead of a shopping list, you can pick two or three that fit your budget and your climate. Layer them over time—start with the thermostat or fans, then move toward bigger upgrades like a heat pump or heat pump dryer when it’s time to replace old equipment. That step-by-step approach is how real homes quietly become more comfortable, less wasteful, and a lot cheaper to run.