23 Oct 10 Ways to Save on Winter Heating Bills

Energy companies are warning customers that heating bills will be higher this winter. We Energies says heating bills are predicted to be the highest ever in the last 10 years due to a nationwide spike in natural gas prices. “Heating bills are going to be high this year right now we’re estimating about $25 more a month from November through March.”

Luckily there are some easy steps you can take to reduce your heating bills: 

1. Change your furnace filter now and at least every three months. Changing the filter regularly helps your furnace run at the highest efficiency which reduces costs.

2. Turn the thermostat down a few degrees before bedtime and before you leave for work. Making small changes on your thermostat can make a big difference on your heating bill.

3. Make sure doors and windows are sealed tightly. If you feel any air seeping in, contact your property manager!

4. Let the sun in. Open your blinds or curtains on sunny days. Close them at night to provide extra insulation. 

5. Reverse the direction of ceiling fans to help distribute warm air. There should be a small switch at the base of the fan. The clockwise direction of the blades will pull air upward, so that warm air that’s trapped up near the ceiling travels down the walls and around the room.

6. Move furniture away from vents. If you have a couch, bed, or dresser in front of heating vents, they might be blocking the airflow. 

7. Use space heaters. If you spend a lot of time in one room, you could use a space heater there instead of heating the whole house. 

8. Get a humidifier. Humid air feels warmer even if it’s the same temperature as dry air.

9. Add rugs. They aren’t just for aesthetics – rugs provide insulation for your floors. 

10. Shut doors in unused rooms. With the door shut, the heat will stay in the room so your HVAC won’t have to keep pumping out warm air. 

We hope these tips help you score some savings this winter. There’s also financial assistance available for low-income households in Wisconsin. Learn more here.