Struggling to lower your utility bills in the colder months? Every year as the temperatures drop, our thoughts turn to ways to counteract the sting of high heating costs. And it's gotten worse since 2022 as energy costs have soared. No one likes to think of money melting away through that drafty window or poorly insulated attic.
But, there are some steps you can take before and during the cold months to keep costs under control. Here are eight tips we have for living energy smart.
1. Caulk and weather strip
Keep the warm air in your house and the cold air out by caulking your windows and by adding weather strips to your doors. This is an easy DIY job — a simple and low-cost way to stop drafts and reduce costs.
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2. Insulate your attic
Obviously you have to have an attic to insulate it... But, if you have one it's a vital step in defense against heat loss. And, although it will cost you upfront it will help you save hundreds of dollars on your heating bill each year.
Plus, you can claim the Energy Efficient Home Improvement Tax Credit for 30% of the cost of the insulation. This credit also applies to other green home improvements covered under the Inflation Reduction Act.
3. Change your air filter
A dirty filter makes your heating and cooling system work harder. By keeping it clean, you can lower your energy bills by 5% or more, according to Atmos Energy. Another simple, yet effective, task.
4. Get your heating system inspected
Booking in a service every year is an important thing for your winter house maintenance checklist. It is another task that has a (relatively small) upfront cost but that has long-term benefits. Getting your heating system inspected ensures it's in good condition for those cold, winter days and also that it's running efficiently — which will save you money in the long run.
5. Install a programmable thermostat
Getting the thermostat setting in your house just right, in the colder months, can cut your bills as well as keep you cozy. You should program the thermostat so the temperature in your home is 10-15% lower than normal while you're at work, asleep, or on vacation.
6. Set your thermostat at 70 degrees or lower.
Your heating costs rise 4-6% for every degree you set your thermostat above 70 in the winter, according to Atmos Energy. So keep your heating as low as possible and stock up instead on a pair of slippers and a thick sweater to keep you warm before boosting the heat.
7. Let the sun heat your house
Make sure you keep curtains, shades and blinds open during the day so the sun can heat your rooms. Every little helps when it comes to lifting the ambient temperature in your house, meaning that when you do turn on the heating it won't take as long to heat up your home.
8. Sign up for budget billing
Some gas companies let you spread out your payments more evenly over the year. You'll pay more in the warmer months but you won't be hit with bills that bust your budget in the cold months.
FAQs
8 Ways to Lower Your Heating Costs
- Caulk and weather strip. ...
- Insulate your attic. ...
- Change your air filter. ...
- Get your heating system inspected. ...
- Install a programmable thermostat. ...
- Set your thermostat at 70 degrees or lower. ...
- Let the sun heat your house. ...
- Sign up for budget billing.
Turn the Thermostat Down
Adjusting your thermostat can lead to a dramatic drop in your heating bills. Lowering the thermostat by up to 10 degrees can help you save up to 10% annually on heating. Some of the best times to turn down your thermostat are bedtime and before you leave for work in the morning.
How to keep heat bill low in winter? ›
Lower the Thermostat
According to the Department of Energy, turning down the thermostat by 7 to 10 degrees for up to 8 hours can help you save up to 10% on your annual energy bill. 6 Also, turn the heating down to the lowest bearable level at night, while you're out at work, or when you're on vacation.
What is the best way to save money on heating? ›
Find the lowest comfortable temperature
You'll usually find that a temperature between 18°C and 21°C is comfortable. Try setting your thermostat 1 degree lower to see if you still find the temperature comfortable. Every degree you turn your thermostat down can save around 10% on your energy bill.
What is cheapest way to heat home? ›
Natural gas is likely the cheapest way to heat your home, provided you have natural gas in your area. A natural gas furnace costs $30 to $60 per month to run, which makes it 30% to 85% cheaper to run than an oil, electric, or propane furnace.
How to cut a heating bill in half? ›
Lower the heat.
So lowering the heating temperature for mere few degrees will cut your electricity cost without you even noticing. Arm with cozy sweaters, learn to layer clothes properly (quite a fashion trend nowadays!), get some thermal underwear, a nice blanket, and you are ready to go even more degree down.
How do I keep my heating low? ›
Set your room thermostat
A room thermostat prevents your heating system from using more fuel than it needs to. It will turn the heating on until the room reaches the temperature you have set and then off until the temperature drops below your programmed temperature.
What is the cheapest setting for heating? ›
Setting your heating to between 18 – 21 degrees Celcius is seen as the optimal temperature to stop your pipes from freezing while keeping your home warm. However, it depends on your personal preferences and factors like how cold or hot it is outside. Warmer outdoor temperatures mean lower heating bills.
How to save the most money on heat? ›
Cut costs and save money on your apartment heating bills with these expert-approved tips.
- Clear the Way. ...
- Add Reflectors. ...
- Buy a Humidifier. ...
- Control Those Curtains. ...
- Consider a Programmable or Smart Thermostat. ...
- Weatherstrip Windows and Doors. ...
- Review Storm Windows. ...
- Shut Your Doors.
If you notice uneven home heating or higher heating costs, check the home insulation. Poor insulation in the attic or walls causes problems retaining precious (and expensive) heat in your home. If you notice that the heater is running all day, but your home isn't getting warmer, you're dealing with poor insulation.
How Low is Too Low to Set My Thermostat? If you're going to be leaving your home or traveling for the winter, it's best to keep your thermostat set no lower than 55 degrees. If you don't, you could risk having your pipes freeze over.
What to set a heater to save money? ›
You can easily save energy in the winter by setting the thermostat to around 68°F to 70°F while you're awake and setting it lower while you're asleep or away from home.
Is it cheaper to leave heating on all day? ›
The Energy Saving Trust , an independent organisation that provides advice on energy use, is unequivocal on this point. It says that keeping your heating on all day uses more fuel and so is more costly.
Does turning off heat at night save money? ›
The average savings for homeowners who do this is 1% to 3% per degree that they lower the thermostat. For a homeowner who lowers the temperature 8 degrees for 8 hours per day, that savings translates to at least $180 per year.
Should you turn heating off overnight? ›
As the temperature drops during the winter, it can be tempting to turn off the heating overnight in order to save money on energy bills. However, this decision may result in costly home damage and higher bills in the long run.
What is the cheapest way to have your heating on? ›
In addition to heating your home in off-peak hours, you can also save money on your heating bills by setting your thermostat to a lower temperature when you're not at home or while you're sleeping. Even one degree lower makes a significant difference to your heating bills.
How can we save money on heating costs? ›
Heating the entire house can be costly. Shut the door to areas you aren't using (like bathrooms, or the bedrooms during the day). Only heat the rooms you're using and save on energy and cost. Remember to regularly clean your heaters including the filters, fan blades or vents so they perform at their best.
What is the most economical way to heat a house? ›
As gas is generally cheaper than electricity – and modern gas boilers are more energy-efficient than their older counterparts – gas central heating systems are often the most cost-effective solution for heating your home. This is especially true when compared to electric heaters alone (read our gas vs.
Is it cheaper to keep your heating on low all the time? ›
Unless your house is very well insulated, keeping your heating on low all day is usually unnecessary and will cause your heating bills to soar.
