Updated: Dec 26, 2024

As temperatures drop, heating costs can rise, but a few simple changes can help you stay cozy while keeping your energy bills low. Discover effective ways to winterize your home, conserve heat, and maximize energy efficiency throughout the season.

1. Seal Drafts and Gaps

Drafts can cause a significant amount of heat loss, making your heating system work harder to keep your home warm. Sealing gaps around doors, windows, and walls is a simple way to keep warm air inside and cold air out.

• How to Do It: Use weatherstripping tape around windows and doors, and add a door sweep to prevent drafts from entering under exterior doors. Caulk any gaps around window frames or baseboards.
• Pro Tip: For an extra layer of protection, use draft stoppers along door bottoms or roll up a towel to cover drafts on very cold days.

2. Use a Programmable Thermostat

A programmable thermostat can help regulate your home’s temperature automatically, so you’re not wasting heat when you don’t need it. Setting your thermostat to reduce heating at night or when you’re out can lead to significant savings.

• How to Do It: Set the thermostat to lower temperatures when you’re sleeping or away from home. Aim to keep it around 68°F when you’re home and active, and lower it by 7-10°F overnight or when you’re out.
• Pro Tip: If you’re often on the go, consider a smart thermostat that allows you to adjust the temperature from your phone.

3. Take Advantage of Natural Sunlight

Sunlight is a natural source of warmth, so make the most of it during the day to heat your home naturally. Allowing sunlight to enter through your windows can raise the indoor temperature, reducing the amount of energy needed to heat your space.

• How to Do It: Open curtains or blinds on south-facing windows during the day to let in sunlight. Close them at night to keep the warmth inside.
• Pro Tip: Consider installing thermal or insulated curtains, which help retain heat by blocking drafts from windows at night.

4. Maintain Your Heating System

A well-maintained heating system operates more efficiently and saves you money. Regular maintenance can also extend the lifespan of your system, which is a long-term cost saver.

• How to Do It: Schedule an annual inspection and cleaning for your furnace or heat pump. Change filters every one to three months, depending on the type and how often you use your heating.
• Pro Tip: If you have a central heating system, keep vents and radiators clear of furniture and other obstructions for maximum airflow.

5. Add Insulation in Key Areas

Insulation is essential for keeping your home warm in winter. Areas like attics, basements, and walls are common places where heat escapes, so adding insulation can make a noticeable difference.

• How to Do It: Check your attic and basement for insulation quality. If you notice thin or damaged insulation, consider adding more. Foam insulation or spray insulation can be especially effective for sealing smaller gaps in walls or around pipes.
• Pro Tip: Insulating your water heater and pipes can also save energy by keeping water warmer longer, reducing the need for constant heating.

6. Use Space Heaters Wisely

Space heaters can be a good option for heating small areas, but they can also use a lot of energy if left on too long. Use them strategically to heat specific areas without overworking your main heating system.

• How to Do It: Only use space heaters in rooms where you’re spending time, and turn them off when you leave the room. Look for energy-efficient models with automatic shut-off and timers.
• Pro Tip: Use a space heater to warm up rooms you use the most, like your living room or bedroom, and keep the central heating lower in unused areas.

7. Reverse Your Ceiling Fans

Ceiling fans aren’t just for summer—reversing their direction in winter can help distribute warm air more evenly. Warm air rises, so running fans clockwise at a low speed helps push it back down.

• How to Do It: Locate the switch on your ceiling fan to reverse its direction to clockwise. Run it on a low setting so it gently pushes warm air downward.
• Pro Tip: Reversing your fans can make rooms feel warmer without turning up the thermostat, reducing the strain on your heating system.

8. Keep Interior Doors Open for Better Air Circulation

Good airflow helps distribute warm air more evenly throughout your home. Keeping interior doors open allows heat to flow, helping maintain a consistent temperature across rooms.

• How to Do It: Leave doors open between heated rooms to let warm air circulate. For larger homes, using fans to move air from warm areas to cooler spots can help.
• Pro Tip: Use fans near heat sources, like space heaters or radiators, to circulate warm air through adjoining rooms without raising the thermostat.

9. Layer Up and Use Blankets

One of the easiest ways to stay warm without increasing energy use is to dress warmly and use blankets around the house. Layering up can make it easier to keep the thermostat lower, saving energy and money.

• How to Do It: Wear cozy layers like sweaters and socks around the house, and keep extra blankets nearby for added warmth.
• Pro Tip: Use warm, flannel or fleece sheets on your bed to trap body heat, reducing the need to raise the thermostat at night.

10. Use Energy-Efficient Holiday Lighting

If you enjoy decorating for the holidays, opt for energy-efficient lights like LED bulbs, which consume less electricity than traditional incandescent bulbs. Timers can also help ensure your lights only run when needed.

• How to Do It: Choose LED holiday lights, which use up to 75% less energy and last much longer than other bulbs. Set up a timer to automatically turn off lights after a set time.
• Pro Tip: Indoor and outdoor timers can help prevent accidental overnight use, saving you energy and lowering your utility bill.

Final Thoughts on Winter Energy Savings

Keeping your home warm and your energy bills low during winter doesn’t have to be complicated or costly. With a few small adjustments—like sealing drafts, using programmable thermostats, and wearing layers—you can create a cozy, energy-efficient home without overloading your budget. Remember, even minor changes add up over time, so try incorporating these habits gradually for a warm and affordable winter season.