Are you struggling to lower your utility bills in the colder months? Every year, as the temperatures drop, our thoughts turn to ways to counteract the sting of high heating costs.
The U.S. Energy Information Administration projects winter heating costs to be the same as last year in many parts of the country. However, if you live in the Midwest and use natural gas as your heating source, you could see an average increase of 11%.
No one likes to think of money melting away through that drafty window or poorly insulated attic. However, you can take steps before and during the cold months to keep costs under control.
From just $107.88 $24.99 for Kiplinger Personal Finance
Become a smarter, better informed investor. Subscribe from just $107.88 $24.99, plus get up to 4 Special Issues
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
Here are eight tips for living energy-smart.
1. Caulk and weather strip
Keep the warm air in your house and the cold air out by caulking your windows and by adding weather strips to your doors. This is an easy DIY job — a simple and low-cost way to stop drafts.
The U.S. Department of Energy notes about 30% of heat loss occurs from drafty doors and windows. Doing this simple touch up can save you up to 10% on your heating bills.
2. Insulate your attic
Obviously you have to have an attic to insulate it... But, if you have one it's a vital step in defense against heat loss. And, although it will cost you upfront it will help you save hundreds of dollars on your heating bill each year.
Plus, you can claim the Energy Efficient Home Improvement Tax Credit for 30% of the cost of the insulation. This credit also applies to other green home improvements covered under the Inflation Reduction Act.
3. Change your air filter
A dirty filter makes your heating and cooling system work harder. By keeping it clean, you can lower your energy bills by 5% or more, according to Atmos Energy.
As a rule of thumb, replace standard ones every three months. For ones with more advanced filtration, you might have to replace as often as once per month.
4. Get your heating system inspected
Booking in a service every year is an important thing for your winter house maintenance checklist. It is another task that has a (relatively small) upfront cost but that has long-term benefits. Getting your heating system inspected ensures it's in good condition for those cold, winter days and also that it's running efficiently — which will save you money in the long run.
5. Install a programmable thermostat
Getting the thermostat setting in your house just right in the colder months can cut your bills and keep you cozy. You should program the thermostat so the temperature in your home is 10-15% lower than normal while you're at work, asleep or on vacation.
And with smart options, you can control them on your phone through an app. That way, you can adjust temps before you arrive back home for a more comfy environment.
6. Set your thermostat at 70 degrees or lower.
Your heating costs rise 4-6% for every degree you set your thermostat above 70 in the winter, according to Atmos Energy. So keep your heating as low as possible and stock up instead on a pair of slippers and a thick sweater to keep you warm before boosting the heat.
7. Let the sun heat your house
Make sure you keep curtains, shades and blinds open during the day so the sun can heat your rooms. Every little helps when it comes to lifting the ambient temperature in your house, meaning that when you do turn on the heating it won't take as long to heat up your home.
8. Sign up for budget billing
Some gas companies let you spread out your payments more evenly over the year. You'll pay more in the warmer months but you won't be hit with bills that bust your budget in the cold months.
Related Content
-
IRS Says You Made a Tax Return Mistake? A New Law Could Help You Fight BackTax Law Updated taxpayer protections change what the IRS must explain on error notices and how long you have to respond.
-
What to expect from the global economy in 2026The Kiplinger Letter Economic growth across the globe will be highly uneven, with some major economies accelerating while others hit the brakes.
-
What You Need to Do With Your 401(k) Before 2025 Is OverBefore 2025 ends, check your 401(k) contributions, investments, and catch-up eligibility to lock in this year’s tax savings and employer match.
-
The Top 22 Gifts for Grandkids from Walmart in 2025From PlayStation to Labubu, you'll find the hottest gifts of 2025 for your grandkids at Walmart this year. Some of them are up to 78% off.
-
CD vs. Money Market: Where to Put Your Year-End Bonus NowFalling interest rates have savers wondering where to park cash. Here's how much $10,000 earns in today's best CDs versus leading money market accounts.
-
Meet the World's Unluckiest — Not to Mention Entitled — Porch PirateThis teen swiped a booby-trapped package that showered him with glitter, and then he hurt his wrist while fleeing. This is why no lawyer will represent him.
-
Smart Business: How Community Engagement Can Help Fuel GrowthAs a financial professional, you can strengthen your brand while making a difference in your community. See how these pros turned community spirit into growth.
-
Smart Money Moves Savers Should Make in 2026These steps will get you on the road to achieving your 2026 savings goals.
-
How Much Would a $50,000 HELOC Cost Per Month?Thinking about tapping your home’s equity? Here’s what a $50,000 HELOC might cost you each month based on current rates.
-
My First $1 Million: Self-Employed Trader, 50, San FranciscoEver wonder how someone who's made a million dollars or more did it? Kiplinger's My First $1 Million series uncovers the answers.
-
Waiting for Retirement to Give to Charity? Here Are 3 Reasons to Do It Now, From a Financial PlannerYou could wait until retirement, but making charitable giving part of your financial plan now could be far more beneficial for you and the causes you support.
