10 Easy Ways to Reduce Your Heating Bill This Winter

Winter’s on its way, and with it, those dreaded spikes in heating bills. As someone who takes pride in keeping both my yard and my home in top shape, I know how important it is to keep the cold out without spending a fortune.

I’ve learned a few tricks over the years to make sure my place stays warm without draining my wallet. Here are 10 effective ways to dial down the expense while cranking up the heat.

Use Your Ceiling Fans

Believe it or not, your ceiling fan isn’t just for those hot summer days. In winter, flip the little switch on your fan to make the blades rotate clockwise.

This adjustment pulls cool air up and pushes warm air—which naturally rises to the ceiling—down along the walls and back into the room. This can help even out the temperature, making your living spaces feel warmer.

Just double-check by standing under the fan; if you don’t feel a breeze coming down, you’ve got it set right for winter savings.

Rearrange

Sometimes, a little furniture shuffle can do more than just refresh your room’s look—it can actually help cut your heating costs.

Take a look around: if your sofa, bed, or bookshelf is blocking a heating vent, you’re not just losing out on warmth; you’re also making your heating system work harder. By moving furniture away from vents, you allow warm air to circulate freely, optimizing your home’s heat distribution.

Keeping furniture a few feet away from vents ensures you’re getting the most out of your heating and can make a noticeable difference in your comfort and your bills.

Shut Off Spare Rooms

If you’ve got rooms in your house that rarely see any activity—like that guest room no one ever sleeps in—keep their doors closed to save on heating. It’s an easy way to cut down on energy costs by not heating space you don’t use.

Close the vents in these rooms too, so the warm air is directed to where it’s actually needed. And if you’re worried about drafts, a simple towel or draft blocker at the door’s base can help.

Just remember, if there are water pipes in those walls, keep it above freezing in there to avoid any burst pipe disasters.

Cook Your Way to Warmth

Who doesn’t love a good, home-cooked meal when it’s cold outside? Cooking or baking more at home during winter does more than just fill your belly with comfort food—it also heats up your space.

Using your oven and stove can add a bit of extra warmth to your kitchen and nearby areas. After you finish cooking, don’t rush to close that oven door; let the residual heat spread out. Plus, you’ll save a bit on dining out.

Use a Humidifier

Adding a humidifier to your living space during winter can be a game-changer. It’s not just about combatting the dryness; it’s about making your home feel toastier without turning up the heat.

Moist air feels warmer than dry air, allowing you to dial down the thermostat and save on heating costs. Plus, it gets rid of that annoying static electricity that seems to accompany the colder months.

Let the Sunshine In

Don’t overlook the power of natural light for warming your home in the winter. Open those south-facing blinds during the day to soak up the sun’s free heat.

The Department of Energy is on to something here—using sunlight wisely can really help cut down on heating costs. And if you have room in your yard, think about planting a deciduous tree by those windows. It’s a natural year-round solution for temperature control—cool shade in the summer and warm sunlight in the winter.

Just remember to shut your blinds at sunset to keep the chilly night air out and cozy warmth in.

Improve Window Insulation

A considerable amount of your home’s heat can escape through the windows, which can be a big problem when the temperature drops. If your windows feel drafty, consider upgrading them.

Remember, ordering and installing new windows could take months, so it’s wise to start this process early. If a full replacement isn’t in the cards right now, there are still effective options.

Thermal curtains are a fantastic temporary fix. They’re designed with multiple layers and a foam core to prevent heat loss, keeping the warm air in and the cold out.

For those who prefer natural light, applying a Low-E window film can also boost insulation without darkening your rooms.

Set Your Thermostat

Tweaking your thermostat settings can lead to substantial savings on your heating bill. The Department of Energy suggests that lowering your thermostat by 7 to 10 degrees for 8 hours a day can reduce your annual heating costs by up to 10%.

Try setting it lower during the night or when you’re not at home. But remember, in colder climates, keep it warm enough to prevent your pipes from freezing.

For ease and efficiency, think about installing a programmable or smart thermostat. These devices adjust the temperature based on your schedule automatically, which means less fiddling and more savings.

If you’re renting, make sure to get your landlord’s nod before making any significant changes to the heating setup.

Maintain Your Heating System

Keeping your heating system in top shape can make a noticeable difference in your energy bills. Start with the basics: cleaning or replacing your filters as needed.

For thinner filters, aim to change them every season, while thicker ones might only need a swap every six to nine months. Though it might not seem like a big saver, fresh filters keep your system running efficiently and extend its lifespan.

Also, consider a professional checkup of your ductwork. Leaks can waste up to 30% of your heated air, and fixing these can lead to significant savings—sometimes hundreds of dollars annually.

Insulate and Seal Drafts

Your home is your haven, so let’s keep the warmth where it belongs. Begin by sealing drafts around windows, doors, and any openings where pipes or cables enter your home. Using draft stoppers or outlet sealers can tackle these issues without breaking the bank. If you notice the weather stripping on windows and doors is worn, replace it to prevent cold air from sneaking in.

For a more comprehensive approach, check your home’s insulation, especially if it’s an older build. Poor insulation can lead to heat escaping through your roof, indicated by quickly melting snow and icicles. Sealing these leaks can trim your heating costs by up to 15%, making your home snugger and your wallet a bit thicker.