Practical Ways to Lower Your Home Energy Costs This Winter

Practical ways to lower your home energy costs this winter

Winter heating typically represents the largest seasonal jump in home energy costs. There are practical, low-cost steps that meaningfully reduce how much energy your home wastes.

Seal obvious air leaks first

Check for drafts around windows, doors, and electrical outlets on exterior walls. Weatherstripping and draft stoppers are inexpensive and effective.

Use a programmable or smart thermostat

Lowering your thermostat a couple of degrees while asleep or away adds up meaningfully over a winter.

Maintain your furnace

A dirty filter forces your system to work harder. Checking and replacing filters monthly during winter is one of the cheapest maintenance steps.

Take advantage of natural heat gain

Open curtains on south-facing windows during sunny days and close them at night to reduce heat loss.

Check your hot water heater settings

Lowering the temperature setting slightly, within safe ranges, can reduce energy use without a noticeable usability difference.

Review your rate plan before winter usage spikes

If you're on a variable rate, winter is when this is most noticeable. Consider whether a fixed-rate plan gives more predictable winter bills.