Skip to main content

Easy ways to save energy in the winter

November 28, 2022

Published November 28, 2022

As temperatures continue to drop and fall festivities wrap up, it’s time to start preparing for winter. While it was nice to have the sun out again for a short holiday weekend to bring warmth to family gatherings, the snow and cold we saw earlier this month are indicators of the winter months ahead. The end of the year has its own festivities and you can prepare well by making sure your home is ready for the cold – especially with projections showing the cost of winter heating is expected to increase. Check out these tips below for ways to help you save on energy and stay comfortable this upcoming winter.

  1. Adjust your thermostat. The Department of Energy recommends setting the temperature at 68 degrees when you are awake and turning it down (up to 10 degrees) while you are away or asleep. Be sure to never lower the temperature below 55 degrees to prevent frozen pipes.
  2. Use the sun. Open window treatments to let the sun in during the day to heat your home naturally. At night, close them to trap the heat inside.  
  3. Cover up air leaks. Use plastic film on windows if they are leaking. Use door draft stoppers to keep cold air out – a rolled-up towel works.
  4. Cook and bake efficiently. Use lids on pots and pans to reduce cooking time. Bake multiple things at once. Use crockpots, toaster ovens, and microwaves to save energy.  
  5. Celebrate the holidays with LED lights. If you decorate with lights, purchase LED lights.
  6. Have your furnace/boiler serviced each year, and change furnace filters regularly. This will ensure the unit is running safely and efficiently.
  7. Use space heaters safely and efficiently. Space heaters can be expensive to run. Only have space heaters on when you are in the room, and keep items around them at a safe distance. 
  8. Bundle Up. Warm clothes, blankets, and socks are key in the winter. Rugs are another great way to help your home feel warmer.
  9. Inspect and clean your fireplace. Make sure your fireplace is safe. Close fireplace dampers when you are not using them to prevent heat from escaping.
  10. Redirect ceiling fans. Switch the rotation of ceiling fans to clockwise and operate them at a slow rate to circulate warm air down from the ceiling.

If you have any questions about your energy bills and winter heating, please sign up for a consultation at one of our free energy bill clinics, or call us at 651-300-4701 ext. 2 to set up a bill consultation and get connected to resources such as our translated seasonal energy tips.