20 Tips to Lower Heating Costs This Winter

Cost Saving Ideas

Jan 4

There's nothing better than returning to a warm and cozy house on a cold winter day. However, it can be easy to lose sight of how much you're spending on heating as the winter months drag on. Fortunately, there are many simple and cost-effective ways to reduce your heating costs this winter, and you don't have to sacrifice your comfort to save money. You can significantly reduce your energy consumption and lower your heating bills by making minor changes to your home and heating habits.

Here are twenty ways to reduce your heating costs this winter:

1. Set Your Thermostat to a Lower Temperature to Lower Heating Costs This Winter

20 Tips to Lower Heating Costs This Winter

Setting your thermostat to a lower temperature is one of the easiest and most efficient ways to reduce your heating expenditures. Every degree you lower your thermostat can result in significant energy savings. When you are at home and awake, the U.S. Department of Energy advises setting your thermostat to 68°F (20°C) and reducing it when you are asleep or away from home. They predict you can save roughly 1% on your heating bills for every degree you lower your thermostat. Therefore, you can save approximately 5% on your heating bills if you drop your thermostat from 73°F (23°C) to 68°F (20°C).

The precise amount of money you can save by lowering your thermostat will depend on several factors, including the size of your home, the type of heating system you have, and the climate where you reside. But, if you're comfortable with a slightly cooler house, you can set your thermostat lower to save even more money.

2. Use a Programmable Thermostat to Lower Heating Costs This Winter

A programmable thermostat is a terrific way to reduce your heating expenses while keeping your home at a comfortable temperature. With the help of a programmable thermostat, you can set up individual temperature schedules for different times of the day and week so that the temperature will be automatically lowered when you are sleeping or away from home. As a result, you won't need to heat your home while no one is home to enjoy it, which can result in substantial energy savings.

The cost of programmable thermostats might vary, but many types are affordable and straightforward to install. Basic programmable thermostats can be purchased for between $25 and $50, but more sophisticated versions can cost up to $100.

3. Add Insulation to Your Home to Lower Heating Costs This Winter

Adding insulation to your home can help save heating costs during the winter by minimizing heat loss and improving your home's energy efficiency. Insulation works by trapping pockets of air within its fibers, which helps to slow the transfer of heat from one side of the insulation to the other. This can help keep the heat inside your home during the winter and reduce the energy your heating system needs to use to maintain a comfortable temperature.

Many types of insulation are available, and the best type for your home will depend on your unique needs and spending budget. Some common types of insulation include fiberglass, cellulose, and spray foam. Each type has a unique set of advantages and disadvantages, so it's essential to research and choose the type best suited to your needs.

Adding insulation to your home can be a significant investment, but it can pay off in the long run by saving you money on your energy bills and improving the comfort of your home. The U.S. Department of Energy states that adding proper insulation to your home can save up to 20% on your energy bills. Your home's energy efficiency can be increased, and your winter heating expenses may be decreased by adding insulation.

4. Seal Air Leaks Around Windows and Doors to Lower Heating Costs This Winter

You can lower your heating costs during the colder months by sealing air leaks around windows and doors. These air leaks, sometimes referred to as drafts, can allow chilly air to enter the home, forcing the heating system to work harder to maintain a suitable temperature. Many techniques, such as weatherstripping, expandable foam, caulking, or installing draft stoppers on doors, can successfully seal these leaks.

An additional layer of insulation can be created by installing draft guards on windows or applying plastic film to the interior of window frames. By plugging up these cracks and crevices, you can help make your home more energy-efficient and reduce your monthly heating costs.

5. Use Draft Stoppers on Doors and Windows to Lower Heating Costs This Winter

Draft stoppers are a simple and affordable solution to halt air leaks around doors and windows, reducing your heating expenses. Draft stoppers are long, narrow tubes filled with an insulating material such as polyester fiberfill or sand and are placed along the bottom of a door or window to block drafts. They are simple to use and can be placed on doors and windows without needing tools or special skills.

6. Install Low-Flow Shower Heads and Faucets to Lower Heating Costs This Winter

Low-flow fixtures use less water than traditional fixtures, which can help to minimize the amount of hot water you use in your home. Since heating water is one of a house's most significant energy expenses, reducing your hot water usage can significantly impact your energy bills. The exact amount of money you can save will depend on several factors, including the efficiency of your current fixtures, the size of your household, and your hot water usage habits. However, on average, a low-flow showerhead can save a family of four up to 2,900 gallons of water per year, which can result in significant energy savings.

7. Invest in Energy-Efficient Appliances to Lower Heating Costs This Winter

Energy-efficient appliances use less energy to operate than traditional appliances, which can help to reduce your energy bills and make your home more environmentally friendly.

When shopping for energy-efficient appliances, look for products that have earned the Energy Star label. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has an Energy Star program that honors appliances and other goods that use less energy. Devices that have earned the Energy Star label must meet strict energy-efficiency guidelines set by the EPA, so you can be confident that you're getting a product that will save you money on your energy bills.

8. Use a Space Heater to Lower Heating Costs This Winter

Using space heaters can help you save money on heating costs in the winter by allowing you to heat only the rooms you use rather than heating your entire home. This is particularly helpful in tiny homes or apartments with inconsistent heating, where some areas could be colder than others. You may contribute to lowering your overall energy usage and heating costs by using space heaters in addition to your primary heating system.

Space heaters must be used carefully to prevent mishaps and injuries. Make sure to put the heater on a stable, level surface and adhere to the manufacturer's recommendations. Keep anything combustible, like towels and curtains, at least three feet away from the heater. Space heaters shouldn't be used with extension cables as they can overheat and present a fire hazard. Use only space heaters that have received certification from a reputable testing facility, like UL or ETL. Finally, to prevent any potential mishaps, remember to switch off the heater whenever you leave the room or go to bed.

9. Use Fans to Circulate Warm Air to Lower Heating Costs This Winter

During the year's cooler months, you may use ceiling fans in any area of your house to spread warm air and save on your heating costs. In the winter, turn the fans around, so the blades spin in the opposite direction.

The blades should rotate counterclockwise to draw air upward and move warm air trapped near the ceiling down the walls and around the room. Stand beneath the fan to check that the blades turn in the right direction. There shouldn't be any air you can feel blowing down on you.

When not in use, be careful to switch off your ceiling fans. Turning off ceiling fans when not in use can help conserve energy and lower energy costs because they can consume a lot of electricity.

10. Open Your Curtains During the Day to Lower Heating Costs This Winter

Opening your curtains during the day can help you take advantage of natural sunlight, which can help warm your home and reduce your need for artificial heating. This can save you energy and money on your heating bills. To get the most benefit from natural sunlight, open your curtains on the south-facing windows, which receive the most direct sunlight. Keep your windows clean and use lightweight curtains to allow as much sunlight as possible. Remember to close your curtains at night to help insulate your windows and keep the heat in your home.

11. Lower the Temperature on Your Water Heater to Lower Heating Costs This Winter

You may cut your energy costs and overall heating expenses by turning down the temperature of your water heater in the winter. The U.S. Department of Energy's Energy Saver website states that lowering your water heater's temperature from 140°F (60°C) to 120°F (~49°C) can result in a 10% reduction in your water heating expenses. This is because your water heater uses energy to keep the water in the tank at a specific temperature, so the higher the temperature, the more energy it consumes. Most household appliances are made to function with water temperatures as low as 120°F (~49°C), so you should still reap the rewards of lower energy use without jeopardizing your equipment' functionality.

In addition to saving costs, lowering the temperature on your water heater is also a great way to preserve your skin's natural oils and lower your risk of developing dry, itchy skin in the winter months. Your skin may become dry and unpleasant if you use hot water since it strips it of its natural oils. Using slightly cooler water, you can help protect your skin's natural oils and lower your chances of developing dry, itchy skin.

12. Switch Off the Bathroom Fan to Lower Heating Costs This Winter

After taking a shower, turning off the bathroom fan will stop warm, wet air from escaping, which will help you save money on heating expenditures. The hot water in your shower creates steam, making the bathroom more humid. The bathroom fan can remove this warm, damp air from the space if it is left on, which will cause the area to cool down. To raise the temperature to a comfortable level, the heating system may have to turn on, using more energy and increasing heating costs.

After taking a shower, you can assist in maintaining the warm, moist air in the space by turning off the bathroom fan. This helps keep the area at a suitable temperature and lessens the need for heating. It's crucial to remember that you should still run the bathroom fan when necessary, such as when using strong cleaning products that produce vapors that need to be ventilated to eliminate extra moisture and stop the growth of mold and mildew.

13. Change the Filters in Your Heating System to Lower Heating Costs This Winter

Changing the filters in your heating system can help you save money on heating in the winter by improving the efficiency of your heating system. Filters for heating systems aid in removing dust, grime, and other pollutants from the air, which may improve indoor air quality and safeguard your furnace from harm.

However, these filters can accumulate dirt and debris over time, lowering your furnace's performance and making it work harder to heat your house. By routinely cleaning the filters in your heating system, you can improve the efficiency of your heating system and save your energy bills. It is often advisable to change your filters every 1-3 months, depending on the filter you use and the number of contaminants in your home.

14. Use Rugs and Carpets to Lower Heating Costs This Winter

Rugs and carpets can help you save money on your heating bills during the winter by insulating your floors and reducing heat loss. Because heat rises, dwellings frequently lose heat through the floor. Your home can be better insulated and have less heat lost by adding rugs or carpets to the flooring, which will result in cheaper heating expenses.

In addition to insulating your floors, rugs and carpets can also help retain heat in your home by acting as a barrier between the cold floor and your feet. This can help you feel warmer and more comfortable, which may allow you to lower your thermostat and save energy.

15. Wear Layers Indoors to Lower Heating Costs This Winter

In the winter, the more layers you wear, the less often you need to turn up the heat in your house. Depending on your tolerance for the cold, you could feel more comfortable wearing a sweater over a short-sleeved shirt or changing to pants made of thicker fabric, such as denim, wool, or fleece. Additionally, wearing shoes or slippers inside the house during the winter is a good idea. Your feet will warm up, and the rest of your body will stay warm thanks to a pair of soft socks.

Curl under a blanket to stay warm when you are relaxing in your home at night, whether reading a book or watching television. Placing an additional blanket or two on your bed is a good idea to lower your thermostat while you sleep comfortably.

16. Seal Your Chimney Flue to Lower Heating Costs This Winter

When not in use, leaving your chimney flue open is equivalent to slightly opening your windows. You will allow a lot of warm air to leave your home and a lot of chilly air to come in, so it's essential to keep it closed when your fireplace is not in use.

To seal your chimney flue, you will need to locate the damper, a metal plate that sits inside the flue and can be opened and closed to control the flow of air. To seal the flue, you must close the damper and ensure it is adequately sealed. If the damper is not properly sealing the flue, you may need to replace the gasket or install a chimney balloon to block the flue and prevent heat loss.

17. Enroll in a State Run Energy Assistance Program to Lower Heating Costs This Winter

Enrolling in a state-run energy assistance program this winter can lower your heating expenses by giving financial support depending on your household income and family size. You could also be eligible for aid if you are experiencing a crisis with your energy.

The Low Income Home Energy Aid Program (LIHEAP), managed by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, is an example of a state-sponsored energy assistance program. Low-income households can get financial assistance through this program to pay their energy bills and prevent having their energy supply disconnected. The average household benefit from LIHEAP in 2019 was $436, which may lower the cost of heating a home throughout the winter.

You must contact your state's energy assistance office or check their website to learn if you qualify for one of their state-run energy assistance programs. You may need proof of income to qualify for several programs because of their income eligibility requirements.

18. Regularly Maintain Your HVAC System to Lower Heating Costs This Winter

Your heating system will function more effectively with regular maintenance, reducing the fuel it uses and lowering your heating costs. Getting a service agreement for your heating system may be a good option. An annual tune-up and maintenance check of your home's heater will be covered under the agreement. Thanks to the tune-up, your heating system will continue to operate at its best.

Regular system examination also increases your chance of discovering minor problems early and fixing them before they require more involved fixes or possibly replacement.

19. Use a Humidifier to Lower Heating Costs This Winter

A humidifier can help a room seem warmer and provide moisture to the air, reducing the need for heating during the winter. People may raise the thermostat to feel more comfortable if the air is dry because dryness can make it feel colder. A humidifier can make a room feel warmer by introducing moisture to the air, enabling occupants to lower the temperature while remaining comfortable. Lower heating costs may result in a reduction in the energy required to heat the space.

20. Cook and Bake at Home to Lower Heating Costs This Winter

You may be surprised at how much money you can save on heating in the winter by simply choosing to cook and bake at home. First, cooking produces heat, which can aid in warming the kitchen and its surroundings. This may imply that you can lower the thermostat or switch off the heating in these spaces to reduce overall energy consumption. Second, the heat generated by the oven and stove may spread to other rooms in the house, warming the environment.

During the winter, you can assist in naturally heating your home and lessen your dependency on artificial heating sources by using the oven and stove. It's crucial to remember that to make the most of these appliances, you should only use them when required and make sure they're in good operating order. The intended purpose of ovens and stoves is not to heat your house, so they should never be used improperly or in place of a heater.