Every year, I play the same game with myself: how long can I avoid turning on the heat? Not because I enjoy shivering, but because I know what happens to my budget when I do. It feels like running the furnace is the same as lighting cash on fire. The good news is there are a few small habits and low-cost tweaks that can help keep your heating bill down, even during the coldest months. And, no, you don’t need fancy gadgets or a home renovation budget to make them happen.
Check Your Heating System Early
One easy way to cut unexpected heating expenses is to test your heating system before winter arrives. Think of it like budgeting insurance: a tiny bit of planning that saves you from the kind of emergency bill that wrecks an otherwise well-behaved family budget.
Even if you don’t run your heat in the early fall, it’s a good time to switch it on and look for possible problems such as strange noises, weak airflow, weird smells, or the dreaded “nothing happens.” If there is an issue, you can deal with it before the worst of the cold weather hits. Finding a problem early on saves you from having to call a repair company in the middle of a freeze when they are slammed, and prices spike.
From a budgeting perspective, checking the heating system early does three things:
- Prevents surprise expenses
- Spreads costs out
- Keeps your system efficient (which lowers heating costs all season)
Thinking ahead allows enough time to plan financially. If your furnace requires a small part or needs to be cleaned, these are manageable, low-cost tasks. When you have time to prepare, servicing your system is markedly cheaper than an emergency call-out at 10 p.m. on a frosty night.
Easy Daily Heat Saving Hacks
While checking that your furnace is in working order before the cold weather hits can save big money, creating a heat-saving day-to-day routine can do wonders to keep your heating bill lower.
Let the Sun Do Some Work
Even on icy days, sunlight is free heat. Open your curtains or blinds on south-facing windows during the day. It will naturally heat your room. At sunset, close everything to trap that warmth inside.
Turn the Thermostat Down
When temperatures drop outside, it’s tempting to crank up the heat. However, to balance comfort and energy efficiency, the U.S. Department of Energy recommends setting your thermostat to 68°F to 70°F when you’re home. If you’re leaving the house for a few hours, lowering the temperature by a few degrees (between 58°F and 61°F) can cut energy usage, because the cooler your home is, the slower it loses heat, which reduces the work your system has to do.
So, when asking what you should set your thermostat to in the winter, the short answer is: keep it at 68°F when you’re staying home and awake, and lower it a bit while you’re sleeping or away.
Even a small drop from 70° to 64° while you’re at work can save a noticeable amount. Programmable thermostats make this effortless.
Layer For Warmth
Instead of turning up the heat when you’re feeling chilly, layer clothing for extra warmth. You may not be making a fashion statement, but wearing thicker socks, a cozy hoodie, or a thermal base layer indoors allows you to set the thermostat a couple of degrees lower. Each degree adds up to savings over the month.
Use Space Heaters Strategically
If you spend most of your time in one or two rooms, it may be more cost-effective to warm those spaces with a space heater. Space heaters are cheaper for heating small areas for short periods, while central heating is generally more economical for heating an entire home. When choosing a space heater, look for an energy-efficient model, keep it away from fabrics, and never leave it running unattended. The key is using space heaters for targeted, supplemental warmth in occupied rooms while turning down the central thermostat, not replacing your main system entirely
Let Your Oven Pull Double Duty
On days you’re baking or roasting, leave the oven door cracked open after you turn it off to let that leftover heat drift into the room. (Skip this tip if you have young children or curious pets)
Warm Up Your Bed, Not the Whole House
Instead of heating the whole house late at night, using a heated blanket or even a hot water bottle can make your bed toasty for pennies.
DIY Fixes to Save Your Heat
These DIY fixes don’t cost much, but can make a difference in your heating bills.
Seal the Silent Leaks
Drafts are sneaky heat thieves. A $5 roll of weatherstripping or a few old towels rolled against the base of a door can stop a lot of heat from escaping. Don’t forget the weird spots too, like the mail slot, outlets on exterior walls, and the space under older windows.
Reverse Your Ceiling Fans
Most ceiling fans have a small switch. Flip it so the blades spin clockwise at a low speed. It pushes warm air down and helps even out the temperature so your heating system doesn’t have to work as hard.
Keep Vents and Radiators Clear
It’s surprising how commonplace it is to have a couch, a basket, or other décor blocking a vent. Move furniture and other items a few inches away from heat sources to allow air to circulate properly.
Humidity Helps
Winter air is bone-dry, making the cold feel even colder. A cheap humidifier, or even placing bowls of water near heat sources, adds moisture to the air, making it feel warmer and more comfortable.
Insulate What You Can, Even Temporarily
If full insulation isn’t in the budget, consider inexpensive fixes, such as thermal curtains, window insulation kits, or hanging a thick blanket over a drafty door. Old-school solutions still work.
Consistency Is Key
A handful of simple habits and smart adjustments can make a difference in your heating bill. The key is consistency, especially during the coldest month, when every bit of warmth counts.
