A milder-than-average winter could be on the horizon, but that doesn’t guarantee heating costs won’t pinch your finances. Heating oil prices remain elevated in 2023, which means your utility bills may still be steep even if temperatures aren’t as brutal.
We’ve gathered nine tips to help you trim your bill. With frigid weather looming, we’ll present these suggestions from the easiest to the most involved.
The projected average cost to heat a home this winter is expected to edge down slightly to $1,106 — a 1.1% decline from last winter, according to a recent NEADA report from the National Energy Assistance Directors Association.
Still, those levels remain above 2021 figures, only dipping marginally after a sharp rise that year. Households using natural gas will likely see the biggest decrease, at about 7.8%, while homes relying on heating oil face an 8.7% increase over last year. This information comes from NEADA, whose members are the state directors overseeing the federal Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, which aids low-income families with energy expenses.
So what’s driving the rise? Largely concern about supply shortages as Saudi Arabia and Russia plan to curtail petroleum output. NEADA also predicts an effect on homes that depend on petroleum for heat. Those residences can expect heating costs to climb roughly 4.2%.
What Can You Do About Rising Heating Costs?
Short term, with cold weather fast approaching, there are a few immediate steps you can take. Whether you rent or own, and whether you’re on a tight budget, there are relatively inexpensive tactics to lower your heating expenses.
Long term, if you own your home, the most effective way to cut heating costs is to boost insulation or invest in upgraded windows, though those options require upfront spending.
Below are practical approaches listed from the simplest fixes to the more complex improvements:
1. Close Off Rooms You Don’t Use
This is our most basic suggestion.
If you have a room used mainly for storage, exercise, or occasional guests, shut the door and close the vents when it’s unused. Otherwise, you’re wasting energy heating empty space.
2. Seal Door Drafts
The bottom of exterior doors is a common place for heat to escape in winter. If you can spot light under the door or feel a cold draft, take action.
One quick fix is to roll up a towel and press it against the base of the door.
For a more durable solution, use a draft stopper. Essentially it’s two pool noodles inside a pillowcase. Adding a bit of rice or dried corn makes it heavier and helps it seal better.
3. Cook at Home More Often
Dining in instead of eating out saves money on food, and during winter, baking and cooking can also help cut heating costs.
Using the oven and stove releases heat into your kitchen and nearby rooms. After turning the oven off, crack it open a bit so the residual warmth can circulate through your home.
4. Lower Your Thermostat
A straightforward way to shrink your heating bill is to set your thermostat lower.
Of course you must keep your home warm enough to prevent frozen pipes, but if you can tolerate it, set the temperature in the low to mid-60s. Layer up with sweatshirts, wool socks and blankets to stay comfortable — and remember to keep your pets cozy as well.
5. Use A.I. to Optimize Heating
Artificial intelligence is poised to transform HVAC systems, but you don’t need a whole system overhaul to benefit. A smart thermostat can be a useful addition to your smart-home setup — or a great starter device.
Smart thermostats employ AI to learn your heating habits and tweak settings automatically. While you can program schedules on many modern thermostats, a smart model simplifies the process and can reduce HVAC energy use by up to about 20%.
6. Try a Space Heater
If you’ve lowered the thermostat, shut off unused rooms and are still cold, a compact space heater can help — and you can find one for under $30 at many retailers.
Heating a small zone is generally cheaper than trying to warm the entire dwelling.
7. Install Weather Stripping
Weather stripping on doors and windows is essential for holding heat inside during winter (and keeping it out in summer). If your windows or doors are leaking warm air, replace the weather stripping.
It’s an inexpensive fix (you can pick it up for under $15) but it can yield significant savings on heating costs.
8. Add Temporary Window Insulation
Large single-pane windows let cold air in, but there are temporary measures to reduce heat loss. Hanging heavy curtains helps, and an even more effective option (or a complement to curtains) is a window insulation film kit. Kits are affordable — you can get one for about $25 that covers multiple windows.
If installed improperly, the film can make the window look like it’s wrapped in shrink wrap.
9. Improve Attic Insulation
Your attic may be allowing warm (or cool) air to escape, which drives up your energy bills. Inspect your attic and basement for darkened insulation, a sign air is moving through it.
Adding attic insulation can substantially reduce your energy costs over time. In many cases, the savings eventually offset the installation expense.
The Department of Energy provides detailed guidance for where and how to insulate your home, though hiring a professional is often the safer option.
Yes, heating your home will likely cost more this winter. But you aren’t powerless to respond. A bit of planning and some hands-on effort can help drive down your heating bill.
Samuel Donovan is a staff writer at Savinly. Contributor Jessica Morales assisted with research for this article.
