10 Ways to Lower Your Heating Bill This Winter

1. Change Your Air Filter

This is the easiest and cheapest thing you can do. A dirty filter makes your furnace work harder, burning more gas for less heat. Replace it every 30 to 90 days during winter. A $5 filter can save you $50+ per month in wasted energy.

2. Lower Your Thermostat When You Sleep

Dropping your thermostat 7 to 10 degrees for 8 hours while you sleep can save up to 10% on your annual heating costs. That is not a guess. The U.S. Department of Energy published those numbers. Set it to 62 or 63 at night and pile on a blanket. Your furnace will thank you.

3. Get a Programmable or Smart Thermostat

If you are still manually adjusting your thermostat, a programmable model pays for itself within the first winter. Smart thermostats like Nest or Ecobee learn your schedule and adjust automatically. They can also detect when you leave the house and lower the temperature. Most homeowners save 10% to 15% on heating costs with a smart thermostat.

4. Seal Air Leaks Around Doors and Windows

Feel around your doors and windows on a cold day. If you feel cold air coming in, you are paying to heat the outdoors. Weatherstripping and caulk are cheap and easy to apply. Pay special attention to the bottom of exterior doors. A door sweep costs under $10 and can make a noticeable difference. In older Fort Collins and Loveland homes, air leaks can account for 25% to 30% of heat loss.

5. Use Ceiling Fans in Reverse

Most ceiling fans have a switch that reverses the blade direction. In winter, set the fan to run clockwise on low speed. This pushes warm air that rises to the ceiling back down into the room. It costs almost nothing to run and can make a room feel 2 to 4 degrees warmer.

6. Open Curtains During the Day, Close Them at Night

South-facing windows can provide free solar heat during the day. Open those curtains and let the sun warm your rooms. Once the sun goes down, close all curtains and blinds. They act as an extra layer of insulation against cold windows. Heavy, thermal curtains make the biggest difference.

7. Get Your Furnace Tuned Up

A professional furnace tune-up ensures your system is running at peak efficiency. A technician will clean the burners, check the heat exchanger, test safety controls, and calibrate the system. A well-maintained furnace runs more efficiently and is less likely to break down during a cold snap. Our Peak Plan maintenance program includes annual tune-ups that keep your system in top shape.

8. Insulate Your Attic

Heat rises. If your attic is not properly insulated, a significant portion of your heating energy is escaping through the roof. The Department of Energy recommends R-49 to R-60 insulation for Colorado attics. Adding insulation is one of the highest-return energy improvements you can make. Many Windsor and Greeley area homes built before 2000 are under-insulated.

9. Close the Fireplace Damper

If you have a fireplace and you are not using it, make sure the damper is closed. An open damper is like having a window open. It draws warm air out of your house and cold air in. If you never use your fireplace, consider having it permanently sealed.

10. Zone Heating for the Rooms You Use

If you spend most of your time in a few rooms, consider lowering the whole-house thermostat and using a space heater in the rooms you occupy. Modern ceramic space heaters are safe and efficient. Just make sure you are using them to supplement your furnace, not replace it, and never leave them unattended.

The Biggest Energy Saver of All

If your furnace is over 15 years old and has an AFUE rating below 90%, upgrading to a new high-efficiency model (95%+ AFUE) will lower your heating bills by 20% to 40% compared to your current system. That is hundreds of dollars per year in savings. Read our guide to choosing the best furnace for Colorado to learn what to look for.