How Can I Lower My Winter Heating Bill?

Tips to Lower Your Winter Heating Bill

January 23, 2023

Energy bills tend to skyrocket in the winter due to the increased use of heating systems.

Fortunately, there are easy ways to lower your winter energy bill and still stay warm.

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Get rid of drafts and leaks

Seal air leaks and drafts around your home because they can account for a significant portion of your heating costs.

Use weather stripping and caulk to seal gaps around windows and doors and consider using window film over the winter. It is cheap and easy to use, and you can remove it in the spring.

Check for less obvious air leaks like around light fixtures, AC units, and electrical outlets and keep the damper on your fireplace closed. Do not forget to check your attic and basement for drafts. You may need to have your attic insulated by a professional.

Use a programmable thermostat

A programmable thermostat allows you to set the temperature in your home to adjust at different times of the day automatically. This can help reduce the energy used when you are sleeping or not at home.

Close vents and doors in unused rooms

If you have a storage room, guest room, or other room you do not use, close the vents and door to avoid heating unused space. Heating a few rooms a bit less over the winter will help lower your winter energy bill.

Wear layers and use blankets

Keeping your body warm is more cost-effective than keeping your home warm. Wearing a sweater and getting cozy under a warm blanket are easy ways to stay warm without turning up the heat.

Keep your thermostat low

Every degree you lower your thermostat can result in significant energy savings. Try lowering your thermostat by a few degrees or at least not increasing the temperature and see if you can still stay comfortable.

Keep the curtains open when it is sunny and closed at night

Heavy curtains or blinds can help keep the cold out and the warmth in. Close them at night and when the sun is not shining directly on your windows. Keep them open on sunny days so the sun can naturally heat your home.

Use a space heater

Electric space heaters can be a great way to heat small areas of your home without turning up the thermostat. Use them in rooms you spend the most time in, like the living room or bedroom. But make sure not to leave them on when you are sleeping or away.

Lower the temperature of your water heater

After heating systems, hot water tanks are the second highest source of energy consumption in your home in the winter. Heating water takes a lot of energy, so setting the water heater a few degrees lower adds up to a lower winter energy bill.

Reverse your ceiling fans

Ceiling fans keep you cool in the summer by rotating counterclockwise and pushing air down to create a windchill effect. You can set them to spin in reverse, creating an updraft that then pushes warm air back down.

Turn off appliances

Turn off appliances when you are not using them instead of leaving them on standby; this can save you around $50 a year. While that may seem like a small difference, combining it with other winter energy saving tips can save you money on your energy bill.

Use LED lights

Use LED lights for holiday decorating and lighting your home. They use 75% less energy and last about 25 times longer than incandescent lights. Switching to LED lights is a great tip for saving money on energy in winter and all year.

Look for rebates for energy-efficient upgrades

In some provinces, you can qualify for rebates when you make energy-efficient upgrades to your home. This can mean buying energy-efficient appliances, furnaces, windows or even a smart thermostat.

By following these winter energy saving tips, you can lower your winter energy bill and stay warm during the cold winter months.