Saving Energy in Winter Months
Keep your home warm and comfortable without breaking the bank. Learn practical insulation tips and calculate the cost of winter heating.
In this guide
- Use programmable thermostats effectively
- Identify and seal air leaks
- Understand the impact of space heaters
- Optimize ceiling fans for winter
- Compare heating fuel costs
The most effective ways to save energy in winter are scheduling thermostat setbacks while you sleep or are away, air-sealing drafts around windows and doors, and avoiding the overuse of expensive electric space heaters.
Thermostat setbacks
The single largest factor in your winter heating bill is the temperature difference between the inside and outside of your home. The warmer you keep the inside, the faster the heat escapes through your walls.
By lowering your thermostat by 7°F to 10°F for 8 hours a day (such as while you are at work or asleep), you can save up to 10% a year on your heating bills. A programmable or smart thermostat automates this process so you never have to wake up to a freezing house.
Air sealing and drafts
Even the most efficient furnace will run constantly if the heat is immediately escaping through gaps. Drafts around windows, doors, and electrical outlets act like small open windows.
- Apply weatherstripping to the moving parts of doors and windows.
- Use a caulking gun to seal fixed gaps around window frames.
- Ensure the damper in your fireplace is tightly closed when not in use, otherwise, it functions as an open chimney drawing warm air out of your house.
The truth about space heaters
A standard electric space heater uses 1,500 watts of power. Because electricity is generally a very expensive way to generate heat (compared to burning natural gas), running a space heater all day can drastically spike your bill.
Definitions
- Watts: Usually 1,500W for a standard heater.
Example
Running a 1,500W heater for 8 hours a day at $0.16/kWh costs about $57 a month.
Space heaters only save money if they allow you to aggressively lower your central thermostat (e.g., to 60°F) while heating only the single room you are currently occupying. If you leave your central heat at 68°F and plug in a space heater because one room feels drafty, your bill will increase significantly.
Reverse your ceiling fans
Hot air rises, meaning the warmest air in your room is trapped against the ceiling. Most ceiling fans have a small toggle switch on the motor housing that reverses the blade direction. Running the fan in reverse (clockwise) on its lowest speed gently pushes that warm air down the walls and back into the living space without creating a chilling breeze.
Limitations
For more information on our calculations, please read our Methodology and Disclaimer.