5 Ways to Reduce Your Energy Bills This Winter

With energy costs continuing to rise, many Texas homeowners are looking for ways to reduce their heating bills without turning their homes into iceboxes. The good news? You don't need to sacrifice comfort to see significant savings on your winter energy bills.

These five proven strategies can help you reduce heating costs by 15-30% while maintaining a comfortable home environment throughout Texas's winter months.

Your thermostat setting has the biggest impact on your heating costs. Small adjustments can lead to substantial savings:

Smart Scheduling: Use a programmable or smart thermostat to automatically lower temperatures when you're asleep or away from home. Program it to:

• 68°F when you're home and awake
• 65°F when you're sleeping
• 62°F when you're away for more than 4 hours

Avoid Temperature Yo-Yoing: Don't constantly adjust your thermostat up and down. Your system works most efficiently when maintaining consistent temperatures.

Air leaks are like leaving money fly out of your home. Even small gaps can significantly impact your heating costs:

Common Air Leak Locations:

• Around windows and doors
• Electrical outlets on exterior walls
• Baseboards and crown molding
• Around pipes and ductwork penetrations
• Attic access points

DIY Solutions: Caulk around windows and doors, add weatherstripping, and use foam gaskets behind outlet covers. For larger gaps, use expanding foam sealant.

Professional Assessment: Consider a professional energy audit to identify hidden air leaks using thermal imaging and blower door tests.

A well-maintained HVAC system runs more efficiently, uses less energy, and provides better comfort:

Regular Filter Changes: Replace your HVAC filter every 1-3 months. A dirty filter forces your system to work harder, increasing energy consumption by up to 15%.

Professional Maintenance: Annual HVAC tune-ups ensure your system operates at peak efficiency. During maintenance, technicians:

• Clean and inspect system components
• Check refrigerant levels and pressure
• Test safety controls and electrical connections
• Calibrate thermostat settings
• Clean evaporator and condenser coils

Take advantage of free heat sources to reduce the workload on your heating system:

Solar Heat Gain: Open curtains and blinds on south-facing windows during sunny days to let natural heat warm your home. Close them at night to provide insulation against cold windows.

Body Heat and Appliances: When cooking or baking, leave the oven door open after use (only if it's electric) to let residual heat warm your kitchen. Gathering family in one room can also create natural warmth.

Ceiling Fan Strategy: Reverse your ceiling fans to rotate clockwise at low speed. This pushes warm air down from the ceiling, making rooms feel warmer without raising the thermostat.

Some investments provide immediate and long-term energy savings:

Smart Thermostat: Modern smart thermostats learn your schedule and preferences, automatically adjusting temperatures for optimal efficiency. Many models offer:

• Remote control via smartphone
• Energy usage reports
• Automatic scheduling
• Integration with utility demand response programs

Window Treatments: Thermal curtains or cellular shades can reduce heat loss through windows by up to 25%. Look for treatments with high R-values for maximum insulation.

High-Efficiency Equipment: If your heating system is over 15 years old, upgrading to a high-efficiency heat pump or furnace can reduce energy usage by 20-40%. Look for ENERGY STAR certified equipment with high AFUE ratings.

Additional Money-Saving Tips

Dress for the Weather: Wear layers indoors and use blankets while relaxing. This allows you to feel comfortable at lower thermostat settings.

Hot Water Heating: Lower your water heater temperature to 120°F and insulate the tank and pipes. Water heating accounts for about 18% of your energy bill.

Humidity Management: Proper humidity levels (30-40% in winter) make you feel warmer at lower temperatures. Consider a whole-house humidifier for both comfort and energy savings.

Zone Heating: Close vents and doors in unused rooms to concentrate heating in occupied areas. However, don't close more than 20% of your home's vents, as this can strain your HVAC system.

When to Call the Professionals

While many energy-saving strategies are DIY-friendly, some situations require professional attention:

• Uneven heating throughout your home
• Excessive energy bills despite conservation efforts
• Frequent system cycling on and off
• Age-related equipment inefficiency
• Ductwork problems or air leaks

Start Saving Today

You don't need to implement all these strategies at once. Start with the easiest and most cost-effective options—adjusting your thermostat settings, changing filters, and sealing obvious air leaks—then gradually add other improvements.

Even small changes can add up to significant savings over the course of a winter season. With energy costs continuing to rise, investing in efficiency improvements now will pay dividends for years to come.

Remember, the most expensive energy is the energy you waste. By following these five strategies, you can keep your family comfortable while keeping more money in your pocket this winter.