Before we get into the tips, let's be clear: we're not going to tell you to put on three sweaters and suffer through winter. These are real, practical changes that save money without sacrificing comfort.
Lower Your Thermostat (Just a Little)
Every degree you lower your thermostat saves about 3% on heating costs. You probably won't notice a 2-degree drop, but you will notice the savings.
Try this: Set it to 68°F when you're home and awake, 65°F when you're asleep, and 60°F when you're away. A programmable thermostat makes this automatic.
Change Your Furnace Filter
A clogged filter makes your furnace work harder, using more energy. It's also the #1 cause of heating problems we see.
Try this: Check your filter monthly during heating season. Replace it when it looks gray and dirty—usually every 1-3 months for standard filters.
Seal Air Leaks
That cold draft you feel isn't just uncomfortable—it's money leaving your house. Common leak spots include windows, doors, electrical outlets, and where pipes enter your home.
Try this: On a cold day, hold your hand near window edges and door frames. Feel a draft? Apply weatherstripping or caulk. A $10 tube of caulk can save hundreds over a winter.
💡 Quick Draft Test
Light a candle and hold it near windows, doors, and outlets. If the flame flickers, you've found a leak. Mark it with painter's tape and seal it later.
Use Your Ceiling Fans (Yes, in Winter)
Heat rises, which means the warmest air in your room is up near the ceiling where you can't feel it. Running ceiling fans on low, in reverse (clockwise), pushes that warm air back down.
Try this: Look for a small switch on the side of your fan motor to change direction. Run it on the lowest setting.
Let the Sun Work for You
South-facing windows can provide free heating during the day. Take advantage of it.
Try this: Open curtains and blinds on south-facing windows during sunny days. Close them at night to reduce heat loss. This simple habit costs nothing and can meaningfully reduce your heating needs.
Don't Heat Unused Rooms
If you have rooms you rarely use—a guest bedroom, formal dining room, or basement—why heat them to the same temperature as your living areas?
Try this: Close vents in rarely-used rooms (but don't close more than 20% of your vents total—this can create pressure problems). Keep doors closed to prevent heat from migrating there.
Schedule a Furnace Tune-Up
A furnace that's running inefficiently is burning more fuel than necessary. Annual maintenance improves efficiency, catches problems early, and extends your system's life.
Try this: If you haven't had a tune-up in over a year, schedule one. The typical cost ($100-150) often pays for itself in energy savings and avoided repairs.
Bonus: Long-Term Investments
The tips above are quick wins. If you're looking at bigger projects that pay off over time, consider:
- Adding insulation — Especially in the attic. Heat rises, and poor attic insulation is like leaving a hole in the roof.
- Upgrading to a high-efficiency furnace — Modern furnaces (95%+ AFUE) use significantly less fuel than older models (80% or less). If your furnace is 15+ years old, the upgrade often pays for itself in 5-7 years.
- Installing a smart thermostat — These learn your habits and optimize heating automatically. They typically pay for themselves within a year.
- Considering a heat pump — In our Pacific Northwest climate, heat pumps can be more efficient than furnaces for much of the heating season, plus they provide cooling in summer.
The Bottom Line
You don't need to freeze to save money on heating. Small changes add up—and they're a lot cheaper than being surprised by a huge utility bill in January.
Start with the easy wins: change your filter, seal obvious drafts, and adjust your thermostat a couple degrees. Then tackle the bigger items as time and budget allow.
And if your furnace is struggling to keep up, making strange noises, or costing more than it should—give us a call. Sometimes the most expensive thing you can do is keep running an inefficient system.