10 Simple Winter Habits That Quietly Shrink Your Energy Bill

Winter has a way of sneaking into the utility bill. The furnace hums, the thermostat creeps up, and by the time the statement arrives, the number is hard to ignore.

A cozy living room with a fireplace and large windows.

The good news is that the U.S. Department of Energy has plenty of down-to-earth habits that do not cost a thing. This article draws on three Department of Energy articles on saving energy in winter (2021 and 2022) for 10 simple ones. The department’s own numbers are attributed below, and your own home and rates will vary.

Start with the habits that take a few minutes. Then work your way down the list over a weekend.

None of these needs a contractor, and most need nothing more than a tube of caulk, a few minutes and a little follow-through. Pick two or three today and add the rest as the cold settles in.

Seal The Gaps That Let Warm Air Leak Out

The Department of Energy says to keep heat in and cold out with weatherstripping, caulking and added insulation. Its 2021 guidance adds that drafts, air leaks around openings and outdated heating and cooling systems waste roughly 10% to 20% of the average annual U.S. energy cost.

Walk around your house on a windy day. Feel for cold air near doors, windows and outlets, and make a list of the trouble spots as you go.

Caulk Small Window Gaps And Add Weatherstripping

In its 2022 tips, the department suggests caulking small gaps and adding weatherstripping to movable parts of windows. It notes that windows not insulated for cold weather can be a major source of lost heat.

A tube of caulk is a small purchase. The job is simple and can be done in an afternoon.

Open The Shades By Day And Close Them At Night

The Department of Energy says about 30% of heating energy is lost through windows. It recommends opening shades during the day for sunlight and closing them at night to hold heat in.

It is a free habit. Make it part of your morning and evening routine, and soon you will do it without thinking.

Turn The Thermostat Down While You Sleep Or Are Away

According to the department, setting your thermostat 7 to 10 degrees lower for 8 hours a day while you are away or asleep can cut heating bills by up to 10% per year. The department also says to heat your home only when people are present, and suggests a programmable thermostat.

The savings are the department’s “up to” estimate, so your results will depend on your home. Try it for a few weeks and watch your bill.

Bundle Up Inside Before You Reach For The Dial

The department suggests wearing warm layers and using blankets so you can lower your thermostat, and points out this costs nothing. A cozy sweater and a pair of thick socks can be your first line of defense.

Keep a throw on the couch. Grandma was onto something.

Run The Ceiling Fan Clockwise At Low Speed

The Department of Energy says to reverse the ceiling fan motor so it turns clockwise at a low speed, pushing warm air near the ceiling down into the room. The department notes the fan will not change the room’s temperature but can make you feel warmer.

It also says to turn the fan off when the room is empty. Look for the small switch on the fan’s motor housing.

Check The Furnace Filter Every Month

The department’s 2022 article says dirty filters restrict airflow and force the system to work harder, and warns that a dirty filter can drive up costs. It says to check the filter monthly, change it if it is dirty, and replace it at least once every three months.

Put a reminder on the calendar, or tape a note to the furnace. It takes a minute and helps the system run the way it should.

Keep Heating Systems On A Maintenance Schedule

The Department of Energy’s 2022 “Six Simple Steps” article says to keep heating systems and appliances on a regular maintenance schedule. It also suggests checking whether your furnace filters can be cleaned and reused, and keeping chimneys clean if you heat with fire.

A routine checkup helps your system run the way it should. Schedule it before the coldest weeks.

Switch To LED Bulbs For The Long Winter Nights

According to the department, lighting accounts for about 15% of a home’s electricity use. It says to replace incandescent bulbs with LEDs, preferably ENERGY STAR certified, which it says use up to 90% less energy than standard bulbs.

Short days mean lights burn longer. Start with the lamps you use most, and swap the rest as old bulbs burn out.

Unplug What You Are Not Using And Know Where Your Home Leaks

The department’s article suggests setting computers to sleep when idle and unplugging devices you are not using, citing a study from the Natural Resources Defense Council estimating that idle loads make up almost 25% of household power use. It also recommends a home energy assessment to find problem areas.

The department says households that meet income requirements may qualify for free weatherization through its Weatherization Assistance Program. A professional home energy audit can point out specific fixes.

Willow and Hearth