# 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.