How to Stay Warm This Winter Without Overspending on Heating Bills

We understand this balance between comfort and cost. Here are proven strategies to help you stay warm while keeping your energy expenses under control.

Winter in the St. Louis area can be cold and unforgiving, but keeping your home warm doesn’t have to mean breaking the bank on heating costs.

At Thomas Hoffmann Air Conditioning & Heating, we specialize in helping families stay comfortable without overspending. Here are some practical, energy-saving tips to keep your heating bills in check this winter.

Optimize Your Heating System

The foundation of efficient winter heating starts with your HVAC system:

• Schedule a professional maintenance check before winter hits to ensure your system runs at peak efficiency
• Replace furnace filters monthly to maintain proper airflow
• Consider upgrading to a programmable or smart thermostat for better temperature control
• Have your ductwork inspected for leaks that could be wasting heated air

Smart Thermostat Settings

Your thermostat strategy can significantly impact your heating bills:

• Set the temperature to 68°F when home during the day
• Lower temperature by 7-10 degrees when sleeping or away
• Use programmable features to adjust temperatures throughout the day automatically
• Avoid frequent temperature adjustments, which can make your system work harder

Maximize Natural Heat

Take advantage of free heat sources:

• Open curtains and blinds during sunny days to let in natural warmth
• Close window coverings at night to retain heat
• Use ceiling fans on low speed in reverse (clockwise) to push warm air down
• Keep interior doors open to allow heat to circulate between rooms

Seal Your Home

Prevent heat loss through these simple measures:

• Weather-strip doors and windows
• Caulk gaps around windows and other openings
• Install door sweeps to prevent drafts
• Add insulation to your attic and walls if needed
• Use draft stoppers or door snakes for extra protection

Room-by-Room Strategies

Focus on heating the spaces you use most:

• Close vents and doors in unused rooms
• Use space heaters strategically in occupied rooms (while following safety guidelines)
• Add area rugs to bare floors for extra insulation
• Keep furniture away from vents and radiators

Lifestyle Adjustments

Small changes in daily habits can make a big difference:

• Dress in warm layers while indoors
• Use extra blankets while sleeping
• Cook at home more often (cooking adds heat and humidity to your home)
• Keep active to generate natural body heat

When to Call a Professional

While many of these tips can be implemented on your own, some situations require professional expertise:

• Annual furnace maintenance and safety checks
• Upgrading heating systems
• Adding or replacing insulation
• Installing programmable thermostats
• Addressing uneven heating issues

Long-Term Investments

Consider these energy-saving improvements:

• Install double-pane windows
• Add extra insulation to walls and attic
• Upgrade to a high-efficiency heating system
• Install a whole-house humidifier (moist air feels warmer)