How-to
How to Lower Your Heating Bill: 10 Steps That Actually Work
🇩🇪 Diesen Artikel auf Deutsch lesenThe fastest wins are free: set the thermostat back 7–10 °F while you sleep or are away, keep vents unblocked and use curtains wisely. Next come cheap fixes such as sealing drafts and changing the furnace filter. Together these can cut a typical heating bill by 10–20%.
Heating is the largest energy expense in most American homes, especially in the North. The good news: the most effective savings cost little or nothing. Work through these steps in order — the first ones are free, the later ones pay back within one or two winters.
Step by step
- Set the thermostat back at night and when you are away
The US Department of Energy estimates you can save up to 10% a year on heating by turning the thermostat back 7–10 °F for eight hours a day. A programmable or smart thermostat does it automatically.
- Find the right daytime temperature
Around 68 °F while you are awake and at home is a good starting point. Every degree lower saves energy; a sweater and slippers make it comfortable.
- Seal drafts around windows and doors
Hold a lit incense stick near window frames, door frames and outlets on exterior walls on a windy day. Where the smoke flutters, add weatherstripping, caulk or foam outlet gaskets.
- Replace the furnace filter
A clogged filter makes the blower work harder and reduces airflow. Check it monthly in winter and replace it at least every three months.
- Keep vents and radiators free
Furniture, curtains and rugs in front of vents or radiators block warm air. Move them a few inches away.
- Use your curtains as insulation
Open curtains on sunny south-facing windows during the day and close all curtains at night to reduce heat loss through the glass.
- Lower the water heater temperature
Setting the water heater to 120 °F instead of 140 °F saves energy and reduces scalding risk.
- Run ceiling fans in reverse
Set ceiling fans to turn clockwise at low speed. This pushes warm air that collects under the ceiling back down into the room.
- Insulate the attic
Warm air rises, so an underinsulated attic wastes a lot of heat. If you can see the tops of the floor joists, you probably need more insulation.
- Schedule a furnace tune-up
An annual service keeps burners clean and settings correct, which protects efficiency and catches safety problems such as a cracked heat exchanger early.
How much can you save?
| Measure | Typical cost | Typical saving |
|---|---|---|
| Thermostat setback | Free | Up to 10% of heating costs |
| Sealing air leaks | $20–$100 | 5–15% |
| New furnace filter | $10–$40 | Up to 5% |
| Attic insulation top-up | $1,000–$3,000 | 10–20% |
Want a number for your home? Estimate your annual heating cost first, then see what a 10% cut is worth.
Home Heating Cost CalculatorEstimate your yearly and monthly heating billTry the calculator →When it is time for bigger changes
If your furnace is more than 15 years old, or you heat with propane, oil or electric baseboards, the biggest saving may come from replacing the system. Compare a modern heat pump with a high-efficiency furnace using your local prices before you decide.
Frequently asked questions
Is it cheaper to leave the heat on all day?
No. A cooler home loses heat more slowly, so turning the temperature down while you are away saves energy overall. Heat pumps are an exception: avoid large setbacks with them.
Do space heaters save money?
Only if you heat one small room and lower the central thermostat a lot. Electric space heaters are an expensive way to heat a whole house.