The first cold snap arrives, the heat kicks on, and a month later the bill shows up looking like a car payment. If you want to lower your heating bill this winter without walking around in a parka, the good news is that some of the most effective steps are free and the rest are cheap.
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Here are 12 ways, ranked roughly from free to small projects, with the numbers behind them.
How to lower your heating bill: the big two
First, set the thermostat back. The U.S. Department of Energy says lowering it 7 to 10 degrees for 8 hours a day while you’re away or asleep can save as much as 10 percent a year on heating. Second, stop the leaks. ENERGY STAR estimates that sealing air leaks and adding insulation in attics, crawl spaces and basements can save an average of 15 percent on heating and cooling costs.
12 easy ways to save
- Set back the thermostat at night and when you’re out. See the best winter setting.
- Open curtains on sunny days, close them at night. Free solar heat.
- Wear warm layers indoors. Socks and a sweater make a lower setting comfortable.
- Reverse ceiling fans to clockwise on low. Here’s why it works.
- Change the furnace filter. A clogged one makes the system work harder.
- Unblock vents and radiators. Move furniture and curtains away.
- Seal window drafts. Cheap fixes here.
- Add door sweeps and weatherstripping.
- Close off rarely used rooms (but not if it causes pipes to freeze).
- Lower the water heater to 120°F. The DOE’s Energy Saver Guide calls it safe for most people.
- Heat people, not rooms. An electric blanket costs pennies; see electric blanket vs space heater.
- Get a tune-up. A serviced system runs more efficiently.
Savings at a glance
| Step | Cost | Potential savings (source) |
|---|---|---|
| Thermostat setback 7 to 10°F for 8 hours | Free | Up to 10% a year on heating (DOE) |
| Seal and insulate | Low to medium | About 15% on heating and cooling (ENERGY STAR) |
| Certified smart thermostat | Medium | About 8% on heating and cooling on average (ENERGY STAR) |
| Curtains, layers, fans | Free | Varies |
Where most heat escapes
The DOE notes that about 30 percent of a home’s heating energy is lost through windows. Attics, basements, recessed lights, outlets on exterior walls and gaps around pipes are other big leakers. On a windy day, hold a stick of incense near these spots; if the smoke dances sideways, you’ve found a draft.
Ask for a free energy audit
Many utilities offer free or low-cost home energy audits. An auditor may use a blower door test and an infrared camera to show exactly where heat escapes, then hand you a priority list. It takes the guesswork out of where to spend money. Ask your provider about rebates while you’re at it; insulation, smart thermostats and heat pumps often qualify.
Avoid the expensive fixes
Running a space heater in every room usually costs more than central heat, not less. Cranking the thermostat to 80 doesn’t heat the house faster. And closing too many vents on a forced-air system can actually reduce efficiency. Focus on setbacks, sealing and heating the room you’re actually in. Thinking about a bigger upgrade? Read heat pump vs furnace.
Quick FAQ
What temperature saves the most money? The lowest you’re comfortable with, plus a 7 to 10°F setback while asleep or away.
Is it cheaper to use space heaters? Only when heating one small room instead of the whole house. Use them safely.
Do utilities offer help? Many offer free energy audits, rebates and budget billing. Check your provider’s website.
Lower your heating bill: a quick recap
- Free: setbacks, curtains, layers, fans, clear vents.
- Cheap: weatherstripping, door sweeps, filters.
- Bigger wins: sealing and insulation, about 15 percent.
- Avoid: space heaters in every room.
Final thoughts
You don’t need to shiver to lower your heating bill. Start with the free steps tonight, add weatherstripping this weekend and look into an energy audit before next winter.
Your turn: what’s the one trick that saves you the most on heating? Share it in the comments; your neighbors will thank you.
This guide uses U.S. Department of Energy and ENERGY STAR figures, not our own testing.
