Fathers everywhere work tirelessly to keep family members away from home thermostats all year, especially during the winter when heating costs can really start climbing. Colder outdoor temperatures come with higher heating costs, but that doesn’t mean you have to waste your holidays worrying about utility bills or make your family members pack on three layers of clothing.

    Read on for eight great tips on saving on heating costs this winter, from sealing up cracks to making your water heater more efficient.


    Have Furnace Serviced

    Your heat source is the biggest energy user in your home during the winter, so your system should run as efficiently as possible. Having the heating system serviced and regularly changing the filter will ensure it operates as efficiently and inexpensively as possible. Schedule annual furnace inspections and tune-ups before winter to ensure your system works well. A technician can clean components, check for leaks, lubricate parts, and make any needed repairs. 

    You’ll want to change out furnace filters every one to three months (but always inspect monthly) during peak heating season for optimal performance. Dirty filters cause strain, reduce airflow, and make your system work harder. Vacuum furnace vents and registers regularly to remove dust buildup that can impede airflow. Check the seal of your furnace ductwork and use aluminum tape or mastic sealant to patch any loose connections or gaps. Leaky ducts can substantially reduce heating efficiency. Consider upgrading to a high-efficiency furnace if yours is over 15 years old. The energy savings could offset the up-front cost over time.


    Lower Temperature at Thermostat

    Every degree you lower the temperature in your home will save 2% to 3% on your total heating bill. You can manually adjust the temperature on your thermostat or install a programmable thermostat that will reduce heating costs automatically. 

    Lower your thermostat to around 68°F while awake and at home. Then, set it lower at night or when away. Get a smart thermostat to control temperatures remotely via phone, making it easy to set back temperatures as needed. Ensure your thermostat is not in direct sunlight or drafts, which can cause inaccurate readings and overheating.

    Consider a zoned heating system that allows you to heat only occupied rooms while lowering temperatures in unused areas of your home to maximize efficiency.


    Reverse Your Ceiling Fan

    Reverse ceiling fans to turn clockwise and run on them at low speed. Your fans turning clockwise circulates warmer air that rises to the upper areas of rooms. Recycling this air will make rooms more comfortable. Ensure fan blades pitch at 12 to 14 degrees to effectively push air down when running clockwise. Run fans at the lowest speed needed to circulate air without causing a draft. Consider a fan with reverse winter mode to adjust pitch for optimal air movement. 


    Lower Water Heater Temperature

    Your water heater provides hot water on demand 24/7, so making your water heater more energy efficient can lower utility costs. Lowering the temperature setting will make it run less, saving money. Set your water heater’s temperature to 120°F to prevent scalding but allow comfortable showers. 

    Drain a quart of water from the tank every three months to remove sediment that can reduce efficiency. Consider a tankless water heater that heats water on demand rather than maintaining a reservoir, but choose the right water heater for your home.


    Insulate Water Pipes

    Adding insulation to water pipes can prevent frozen pipes and provide other benefits. Uninsulated hot water pipes cause water to lose heat when it leaves the heater, so insulating lines with readily available foam pipe wrap can decrease water heating costs.  

    Insulating water pipes is typically a simple DIY project. Use pre-split foam tubing to insulate exposed pipes in basements, crawl spaces, and garages, and secure with tape. After shutting off the water supply, insulate pipes under sinks and behind appliances. Prioritize insulating pipes closest to the water heater since they see the highest temperatures — wrap valves, couplings, and elbow joints where heat loss is common. For copper pipes, ensure insulation is snug but not overly compressed, as this can reduce the insulation’s thermal performance.

    Today’s Homeowner Tips

    If your home is in a cold region, you should learn how to keep pipes from freezing and thaw frozen pipes.


    Add Insulation to the Attic

    Almost every attic could use more insulation at least 12 inches in warm climates and 16 inches in cold areas is best. Plastic-encapsulated fiberglass insulation batts are itch-free and safer for DIY installation. Most handy homeowners can learn how to install fiberglass insulation in the attic with minimal research.

    Use a ruler to measure your insulation depth and determine how much to add. Wear protective gear, including gloves, goggles, masks, and coveralls when working with insulation. Add baffles between rafters to allow airflow from eave vents through the attic. If your attic entrance includes a staircase that opens into a conditioned space, consider insulating dropdown attic stairs to reduce heat gain and loss.


    Seal Gaps & Cracks

    Small cracks around windows, hose bibs, and doors allow cold air infiltration, making heating more expensive. Sealing with exterior caulk or foam will make your home easier and cheaper to heat. Also, ensure weatherstripping around windows and doors seals well and replace it if needed. DIY door and window weatherstripping replacement is simple and inexpensive.

    Inspect windows and doors for daylight through cracks. Also, check for drafts with your hand. Making draft dodgers for seasonal use may help if you have older doors or windows with large gaps. Use clear silicone caulk on windows and doors since it withstands outdoor elements well. Apply foam sealant, which fills in and seals irregular gaps that caulk can’t cover, on uneven cracks and openings. Replace loose, cracked, or missing weatherstripping around doors and windows to reduce infiltration.


    Insulate Your Windows

    If new insulated windows are unaffordable, consider using inexpensive window insulation kits. These contain plastic film that creates an air cushion to block cold air when installed on the interior window. Clean window frames thoroughly before applying insulation to ensure good adhesion. Once the plastic film is applied, use a hair dryer to tighten and shrink it.

    This process removes wrinkles and bubbles. Install the film vertically for larger panes, starting at one corner and working across. Apply double-sided tape along the entire window frame for a tight seal before adding film. Use a utility knife to trim any excess plastic film around the edges.


    So, Is Cutting Heating Costs Worthwhile?

    Taking time to improve your home’s energy efficiency is worth the potential savings. Simple upgrades like adding insulation, sealing leaks, and servicing your HVAC equipment can significantly reduce bills with little investment. Maintaining your thermal envelope helps decrease waste, so your heating system doesn’t have to work as hard. While new windows or equipment costs can be high, the long-term payoff makes it a wise investment. Overall, being proactive about efficiency is the best way to control heating expenses now and in the future.

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    FAQs About Reducing Home Heating Costs

    By how much can I realistically lower my heating bill?

    With DIY upgrades like sealing air leaks and adding attic insulation, expect to reduce your heating bill by 10% to 20%. More intensive improvements like new windows, doors, or furnaces can save 20% to 40%.


    Which heating cost reductions give the best return on investment?

    Upgrades like weatherstripping, insulation, and programmable thermostats have a shorter one- to three-year payback time. Costs for significant improvements like new windows or equipment may take five to ten years to recoup, but these improvements provide longer-term savings.


    How often should I have my furnace inspected?

    HVAC experts recommend a professional furnace inspection and tune-up before each heating season. Regular maintenance improves safety, efficiency, and longevity.


    Should I seal air leaks before adding more insulation?

    Yes. Seal first, as gaps allow warm air to escape, reducing insulation effectiveness. Caulk cracks and add weatherstripping before investing in more attic insulation.


    How difficult is DIY furnace maintenance?

    Basic tasks like changing filters and vacuuming vents are very accessible. However, having a licensed HVAC technician handle complex maintenance for safety and performance is best.


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    avatar for Elisabeth Beauchamp

    Elisabeth Beauchamp

    Senior Staff Writer

    Elisabeth Beauchamp is a content producer for Today’s Homeowner’s Lawn and Windows categories. She graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with degrees in Journalism and Linguistics. When Elisabeth isn’t writing about flowers, foliage, and fertilizer, she’s researching landscaping trends and current events in the agricultural space. Elisabeth aims to educate and equip readers with the tools they need to create a home they love.

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    Lee Ann Merrill

    Chicago-based Lee Ann Merrill has decades of experience writing and editing across a wide range of technical and scientific subjects. Her love of DIY, gardening, and making led her to the realm of creating and honing quality content for homeowners. When she's not working on her craft, you can find her exploring her city by bike and plotting international adventures.

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