How to Save on Energy Bills During the Winter

Winter Energy Savings
During the winter months, energy bills increase due to higher heating demands. Shorter days mean more lighting use, and colder temperatures keep you indoors longer. All of this drives costs up—but there are practical ways to reduce your heating bills.

Seal and Insulate Your Home

One of the most effective ways to lower energy bills is sealing and insulating your home. Cold air leaks through gaps around doors, windows, and poorly insulated walls, forcing your system to work harder.

Ways to Check for Drafts

Visual Inspection

Look for gaps, cracks, or holes around windows, doors, foundations, and where pipes or wires enter your home.

Hand Test

Run your hand along suspected areas to feel for cold air leaks or poorly insulated walls.

Candle or Incense Test

Place a candle or incense stick near suspected draft areas. Flickering flames or shifting smoke indicate air leaks.

Paper Test

Close a door or window on a piece of paper. If it slides out easily, the seal may not be tight enough.

Thermal Cameras

Thermal cameras help identify cold spots quickly and accurately. These can often be rented from hardware stores.

Adjusting Your Thermostat

Lowering your thermostat by just a few degrees can significantly reduce heating costs. Use sunlight during the day and lower temperatures at night to save energy.

• At Home: Set to around 68°F for comfort and efficiency.
• Asleep: Lower to 60–65°F. Use blankets instead of raising heat.
• Away: Set between 55–60°F for extended absences to save energy while protecting pipes.

Using Ceiling Fans

Ceiling fans can help in winter by redistributing warm air. Set them to rotate clockwise to push warm air down from the ceiling.

• Even Heat Distribution: Eliminates cold spots in large rooms.
• Lower Thermostat Settings: Allows you to reduce temperature while staying comfortable.
• Less System Strain: Improves efficiency and reduces maintenance needs.
• Faster Warm-Ups: Helps rooms heat more quickly.
• Better for High Ceilings: Prevents warm air from getting trapped above.

Let the Sun Do the Work

Open curtains and blinds during sunny days to naturally heat your home. Close them at night to trap warmth inside and reduce heating demands.

Close Off Unused Rooms

Shut doors and vents in unused spaces to avoid heating areas you don’t use. Be careful not to block return air registers, as this can strain your system.

Schedule Regular Furnace Maintenance

Regular furnace maintenance is essential for efficiency and reliability. Have your system checked at least once a year, ideally before winter. In colder climates or with older systems, consider an additional mid-season check.

Skipping maintenance can lead to higher energy costs, reduced efficiency, and expensive repairs.

Get Ready for Winter

Not sure where to start with winter prep? Our experienced technicians can help you identify the best ways to improve efficiency and reduce costs. Reach out today and stay comfortable all winter long.

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