Money Smarts Blog

The first time my winter energy bill made me do a double take, I seriously wondered whether my furnace had picked up an expensive side hobby.

I love a cozy home, but I am less enthusiastic about the not-so-cozy bill that comes with it.

Luckily, I have learned I don’t need to hibernate under three blankets or wear a parka in my living room to save a few bucks. A handful of simple changes can help my home use less energy and keep more money in my pocket.

Here are six easy things I am doing this winter:

1. Keep it clear: I moved furniture, rugs, and curtains away from my vents and radiators so the heat can actually reach the room instead of warming the back of my couch.

I also give them a quick dusting or vacuuming. Translation: I let the heat breathe.

2. Give your windows a little winter armor: My windows can be sneaky heat thieves, especially in an older home. An inexpensive insulation kit adds a barrier between my warm rooms and the winter weather outside.

3. Give your furnace a fresh start: I check my furnace filter regularly and replace it according to the manufacturer's recommendations. A dirty filter makes the system work harder, and I would rather not pay my furnace overtime.

4. Put your ceiling fan to work: I use my ceiling fan's reverse setting  by running it clockwise on low. That gently pushes warm air near the ceiling back into the room.

Low speed is key. I am redistributing warm air, not creating an indoor wind tunnel.

5. Let the sunshine in: On sunny days, I open the curtains, shades, and blinds on windows that get direct light. When the sun goes down, I close them again for an extra layer against the cold.

Free heat? We'll take it.

6. Set your thermostat strategically: I turn my thermostat down when I am sleeping or away from home. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, lowering it 7 to 10 degrees for eight hours a day can save up to about 10% a year on heating and cooling, depending on the home and system.

A programmable or smart thermostat makes those changes automatically, which is helpful because remembering at bedtime is not always my strongest skill.

If you are in Iowa or Illinois, it is also worth checking with your energy provider for a possible smart thermostat rebate.

Pro Tip: Make your monthly bill more predictable

I also looked into budget billing through my energy provider. It averages estimated annual costs into more predictable monthly payments, which can make winter bills easier to plan for.

It is not a discount, and I still pay for the energy I use. It simply takes some of the month-to-month surprises out of my budget.

Because nobody likes opening the utility bill and wondering if the furnace secretly bought a vacation home.

One more thing: Don't forget the drafts

I check around doors and windows for drafts and seal small gaps with weatherstripping or caulk. I also look at exposed ductwork in the basement, attic, or crawl space, because I would rather heat my rooms than an empty corner of the house.

I have learned that a warmer home does not have to leave my wallet feeling the chill. A few small changes can make my home more efficient, and my winter bills a little easier to live with.