Winter in St. Louis can be chilly — but that doesn’t mean your heating bills have to burn a hole in your wallet.
As winter temperatures drop across the St. Louis area, many homeowners face the same dilemma: how to stay warm without sending their utility bills through the roof. Heating costs can spike quickly during long, chilly winters — especially if your system is outdated or your home isn’t properly sealed.
At Thomas Hoffmann Air Conditioning & Heating, we believe you can stay cozy without compromising your budget. As a locally owned HVAC company serving communities across the St. Louis metro area, we know how to balance comfort, efficiency, and affordability.
Practical and effective ways to lower your heating costs without freezing this winter:
1. Schedule a Heating System Tune-Up
Before the cold settles in, have your furnace or heat pump professionally inspected. A seasonal tune-up ensures your system runs efficiently, uses less energy, and catches small issues before they become costly repairs.
Bonus Tip: Our expert technicians offer affordable furnace maintenance packages tailored for homes in Ballwin, Kirkwood, Chesterfield, and beyond.
2. Change Your Air Filters Regularly
A dirty filter restricts airflow, forcing your furnace to work harder and use more energy. Replacing your filter every 1–3 months can improve efficiency and reduce strain on your HVAC system — saving you money in the long run.
3. Seal Drafts and Insulate
Heat loss is one of the biggest culprits behind high heating bills. Check for drafts around doors, windows, and attic hatches. Use weather stripping or caulking where needed, and make sure your home is well-insulated.
Pro Tip: If you notice cold spots in your home, ask us about zoning solutions and duct inspections — we serve homes across St. Charles, Maryland Heights, and Wildwood.
4. Upgrade to a Smart Thermostat
Smart thermostats learn your habits and adjust the temperature automatically, ensuring comfort when you’re home and savings when you’re away. Some models can cut heating costs by up to 10–12%.
💡 Need help choosing or installing one? Our team is happy to help!
5. Lower the Thermostat Slightly
You don’t have to turn your home into an icebox — just lowering your thermostat by 1–2 degrees can lead to noticeable savings over the season. Layer up with cozy clothes, and you’ll barely notice the difference.
6. Let the Sun Help You Out
Open curtains during the day to let sunlight naturally warm your home, especially in south-facing rooms. Close them at night to retain that heat. It’s simple, free, and effective.
7. Consider a More Efficient System
If your furnace is 15–20 years old, it could be operating at 60–70% efficiency — meaning a big chunk of your heating dollars are wasted. Upgrading to a high-efficiency furnace or heat pump can drastically reduce your energy bills.
We specialize in energy-efficient HVAC upgrades for homeowners in Affton, Fenton, and across the greater St. Louis area. Financing options and rebates may be available.
8. Use Ceiling Fans to Circulate Warm Air
In winter, reverse the direction of your ceiling fans to push warm air down from the ceiling. This helps maintain an even temperature and reduces the need for extra heat.
9. Get a Home Energy Audit
A professional energy audit can identify hidden inefficiencies in your home. Our team offers cost-effective, tailored solutions for local homes — not generic advice from a national call center.
Why Choose Thomas Hoffmann Air Conditioning & Heating?
Unlike the big-name HVAC companies owned by out-of-state investors, we’re locally owned and operated right here in St. Louis. We care about our community and treat every customer like a neighbor — because you are.
✅ Honest pricing
✅ No high-pressure sales
✅ Experienced, licensed technicians
✅ Friendly service in towns like Webster Groves, Des Peres, and University City