Our Tips for How to Save Money on Heating Bills This Winter

Temperatures go down and heating bills increase. That’s what those of us living in northern climates experience every year. The cost of heating oil and natural gas fluctuates, but we rarely pay less than the previous year. And then there’s electricity. Those kilowatt hours seem to get more expensive every month. Thankfully, there are ways to cut down your costs.

Saving on heating bills in winter begins with making changes in the off-season to make your home more energy-efficient. Adding insulation, servicing your heating system, and sealing windows and doors can lower your fossil fuel and electricity costs. This article will cover the steps you can take to be more energy-efficient. These include:

• How to evaluate your current heating system.
• Simple habits to save money on your heating bill.
• Effective, cost-efficient upgrades for your home.
• The benefits of scheduling a home energy audit.

Perform a self-evaluation of your heating system

The age of your heating system is a key factor in its efficiency. Older systems aren’t designed to burn less oil or natural gas. Newer heating systems have technology to reduce usage. They include more sophisticated thermostats, multiple zones, and shut-off switches that prevent your boiler from running when you don’t need it. Check your heating system for these features.

Another way to assess your heating system is to look back at your fuel costs for the past ten years. Heating bills may spike at a specific point indicating your boiler is no longer working at peak efficiency. Don’t rely on that “gut feeling” that you’re spending more than you should. The numbers tell the real story. Look for the point when your costs significantly increase.

Programming your thermostat to lower the temperature at night or when you’re away can save you some money. Adopting more energy-efficient habits like shutting off lights and not leaving the TV on can also help. Unused electronics may not seem like a big deal, but they could be causing a small power draw from the outlet. Unplug them.

Seal drafts and insulate your home

Drafts can cool down your home and increase your heating bills. Drafts force your heating system to start and stop more often because the home’s temperature can’t level off. Draft-free homes heat up to a certain temperature and stay there for a while, especially if they’re well-insulated. Drafty homes cost significantly more to heat.

You can seal drafts with plastic or sealant on the windows, install replacement windows, or put weather stripping on exterior doors. Insulation in your walls is also a big deal. Insufficient or inferior insulation will allow warm air to exit and cold air from outside to enter your home. This exchange will make your heating system work harder, thereby increasing your costs.

Vents are another area to address. Electric heating systems with forced hot air or mini-splits are notorious for having poor sealing and insulation. It’s typically an easy fix. You can use caulking or specialized sealant tape to eliminate the drafts. Tightening the screws holding the vent cover can’t hurt either, as they may loosen over time.

Upgrade to a more efficient heating system

Look into upgrading to high-efficiency furnaces or heat pumps. These systems often provide more heat per unit of energy. They can also be set up in zones so you can shut down specific areas of the house when they’re not being used. Older units don’t do that; they heat the entire house, regardless of occupancy and use. That increases your heating costs.

Efficiency matters. Upgrading can be costly, but it should be viewed as an investment. Do the math on the long-term savings. The cost is typically worthwhile. The savings can be even greater if you add new insulation and weather-stripping. Think of this as a holistic solution, not a single project that will solve all your financial problems.

Ask your installer about rebates and discounts. Homeowners might also get tax incentives for doing the work. The IRS and state revenue departments allow deductions for home improvement projects. You can speak with your accountant about those. One of them to ask about is the Energy Efficient Home Home Improvement Credit.

Use programmable thermostats and smart technology

A programmable thermostat can lower your heating bill by automatically adjusting temperatures based on your schedule. It learns your habits and adjusts accordingly, ensuring optimal energy use without sacrificing comfort. There are several models from which to choose, so you’re not locked in to one specific design. Choose a smart thermostat that matches your decor.

A smart thermostat works best when you follow a few simple rules. Set the thermostat lower when you're asleep or away from home to save on heating costs. Try to maintain a consistent temperature throughout the day instead of drastic fluctuations, which can strain your heating system. Homes with multiple heating zones can use several thermostats.

Hire a professional if you’re replacing a thermostat manufactured before 2006 because older units might contain mercury. If you do it yourself, wear insulated gloves and be careful not to crack the glass. Check with your local city or town hall about disposal rules. Ask for help if you need to. Home improvement contractors are well-versed in these regulations.

Schedule a home energy audit

An energy audit helps you identify areas where your home is losing energy and provides specific energy-efficiency recommendations. A professional energy auditor will evaluate insulation, check for air leaks, and inspect your heating system. For best results, do this before and after any improvements you make so you can measure the differences.

The audit report will detail low-cost and high-impact improvements to make your home more energy-efficient. Following these recommendations can lead to significant savings on your heating bill during winter. It can also help with cooling costs during the warmer months. Air conditioning and heat often run through the same system.

Homeowners who can’t afford a professional energy audit can estimate appliance and home electronics energy use with electricity usage monitors sold at your local hardware store. They’re effective on 120 volt wiring, but cannot be used for larger appliances that need a 220 volt plug. There are several online appliance and energy use calculators you can use for those.

Adopt energy-saving habits in your daily routine

Installing a new heating system and sealing your house with insulation won’t be beneficial if you don’t change certain habits. For example, if you’re spending all your time in one room, turn down the thermostat and use a space heater. You could also put on warm socks or a sweater instead of turning up the heat. It’s an effective and free way to be comfortable.

Regularly clean your vents and filters. A clean heating system reduces energy consumption and operates more efficiently. If you have unused rooms, keep the doors closed and the vents shut to prevent wasted heat from entering those spaces. Start thinking about your house as a component system and you’ll find it easier to reduce your energy costs.

Conclusion

It’s important for homeowners to be proactive about energy efficiency during the winter months to avoid excessive heating costs. The upgrades you make and habits you change could also make your summer months more affordable. We encourage you to evaluate your heating system and schedule a home energy audit as soon as possible.

Final thought: Saving money on heating bills doesn't mean sacrificing comfort. With a few key changes and upgrades, you can stay warm this winter while keeping your heating bill manageable. If you're looking for additional financial advice, check out Money Management Tips and Spending Strategies to better manage your budget during the colder months.