When the cold weather creeps in, most of us instinctively crank up the heat and brace ourselves for higher utility bills, but keeping your home warm doesn’t have to raise your energy costs. A few practical adjustments can make a big difference for your home’s overall efficiency—and your wallet! 

Even in winter, the sun can give your home a boost of warmth. And the best part? It doesn’t cost a thing! Leave curtains or blinds open on south-facing windows during the day to allow natural sunlight to warm up your living spaces. Once the sun goes down, close everything to keep that heat from escaping.

It’s common to accidentally block heating vents with furniture, rugs, or curtains. However, when airflow is obstructed, your heating system must work overtime to do its job, which means wasted energy and higher bills.

While you may have heard that closing vents in unused rooms saves energy, this is actually a misconception. Restricting airflow—whether by blocking a vent or closing it entirely—creates pressure imbalances that strain your HVAC system. The best approach is to keep all vents open and clear so your system can circulate air as it was designed to.

Even the smallest openings around windows and doors can dramatically impact energy usage. According to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), about 30% of a home's heating energy is lost through windows. Simple fixes like weatherstripping, caulk, and draft stoppers can make a big difference, and they’re typically inexpensive and DIY-friendly. The DOE also suggests installing “tight-fitting, insulating drapes or shades on windows that feel drafty after weatherizing.”

Your heating system needs proper airflow to run efficiently, and a clean filter is key to making that happen. When filters get clogged with dust, pet hair, and debris, your system will work harder, using more energy and putting extra wear on the components. During the next few months, it’s a good idea to check your filters regularly, replacing or cleaning them as needed.

The DOE says you can easily save energy in the winter by setting your thermostat to around 68°F to 70°F while you're awake and lowering it a bit more while you're asleep or away from home. 

To make this easier, consider installing a smart thermostat. It can automatically schedule temperature changes based on your routine, helping you heat your home more efficiently. If you only need to keep a small area warm, using a space heater can be more efficient than increasing the heat to the entire house. Just be sure to follow all safety guidelines when using one!

More time spent indoors during the winter often means more electronics running—TVs, gaming systems, space heaters, and computers. While each device might not use much energy on its own, the combined effect can cause your utility bill to slowly creep up. 

To help, be sure to unplug devices when they’re not in use, turn off electronics instead of leaving them on standby, and consider using smart power strips to cut power automatically. If you work from home, check that your computer, monitors, and office equipment are set to “low-power” or “power-saving” modes.

If you haven’t done so already, it’s wise to make sure the systems responsible for heating your home are in good working order. A professional HVAC inspection can catch issues like worn components, low airflow, or inefficient operation before they turn into bigger problems or waste energy all season long. 

If you frequently use a fireplace or wood-burning stove, don’t forget the chimney. Over time, soot and creosote can build up, creating efficiency problems and serious safety hazards. An annual chimney inspection and cleaning ensure proper ventilation and reduces the risk of fires.

Heating water is a big chunk of the average homeowner’s energy use. In fact, the DOE says, “water heating is responsible for roughly 13% of both annual residential energy use and consumer utility costs,” so anything you can do to save in this area is helpful. 

While most water heaters are automatically set at 140 degrees, dropping that to a perfectly comfortable 120 degrees could significantly impact costs with little to no effect on your overall shower experience!

If you’re not sure where your home is losing energy, an audit can provide some valuable insight. The DOE says that “while a professional home energy assessment is the best way to determine where your home is losing energy and where you can save,” you can conduct your own Do-It-Yourself Energy Home Energy Assessment.

With a little planning and a few adjustments, winter doesn’t have to mean sky high utility bills. Use a few of these strategies this season, and you’ll be sure to stay warm, save energy, and keep more money in your wallet!