8 Ways To Save Money On Your Heating Bill

For many of us, heating our homes in the winter can become very expensive. Here are 8 ways to save money on your heating bill and save that money for something else!

8 Ways To Save Money On Your Heating Bill

We’ve all heard the usual 5-10 standard tips to save money on heat: “Make sure your windows are caulked,” or “Turn down the thermostat.” But let’s be honest—deciding to crank the heat way down often lasts about an hour before the cold wins, and the thermostat creeps back up.

This winter, take a deep breath, and try some of these practical, creative tips to keep your home warm and lower your heating bill. Some of the tips may seem a bit extreme, but even small adjustments can make a big difference!

Dress appropriately for the season. So many people wear short sleeve t-shirts around their homes in the dead of winter. Swap your short sleeves for warm, layered clothing. A flannel shirt, a sweater, or even 2–3 layers (think tank top, long-sleeve t-shirt, flannel, and sweater) can make a world of difference.

At night, ditch the summer pajamas for flannel ones (your husband will love you anyway), or layer up with a long-sleeve t-shirt underneath. Feeling extra chilly? Wear a stocking hat to bed—it helps retain body heat.
If you have babies or elderly family members you may have to set the heat a little higher but you might not need it as high as you think.

If you have babies or small children, dress them in layers, too. Start with a onesie or t-shirt, add thick pajamas, socks, and booties, and finish with a fleece sleeper or a wearable blanket. A warm cap can also help keep them cozy through the night.
Wear socks and slippers. Cold floors can make you feel colder overall. Double up on socks and wear warm slippers to keep your feet toasty.
This may seem obvious but use throws and shawls. Sitting in the evening, I can get chilly. Just laying a throw over my lap and feet can instantly warm me up. This works better than using snuggies. For added warmth, keep a zip-up hoodie nearby for anyone in the family who might resist the idea of shawls (we’re looking at you, teenage sons!).
I love wearing mittens without the fingers. When I first started doing this, I was surprised how something so small could warm me up so much. Mittens without fingers may look quirky, but they’re surprisingly effective at keeping your hands warm while leaving your fingers free for tasks like typing, sewing, or reading.
Drink a warm drink. Holding a hot cup of tea, coffee, or cocoa does wonders for warming your hands—and your core. Sip something warm when the evening chill sets in, and you’ll feel more comfortable without touching the thermostat.

Close off rooms. If there are rooms that you really aren’t using, you can close off those rooms so you use less heat. Be careful about closing off bathrooms, or other rooms where there is plumbing on an outside wall because if your house isn’t well insulated the pipes in that room could freeze.

Also, if you have forced air heat, where the warm air blows out of air ducts, it is best not to close off too many rooms. At one house, our heater stopped working. The repair man said that closing off too many rooms caused the system to overload and blow a breaker. We re-opened some of the vents and re-set the breaker and then it worked fine.
Decorate for Warmth. Adding cozy, heavier fabrics like fleece or wool to your décor can make your home feel warmer. Use fuzzy throw pillows, thick curtains, and warm-colored accents to create a snug environment. While these changes don’t raise the temperature, they have a psychological effect that can help you feel warmer.

By experimenting with these strategies, you can lower your heating bill and stay comfortable all winter long. Start small, adjust as needed, and watch the savings add up—without the misery of shivering through the season!

What Not To Do: Beware of Small Electric Heaters

Using small electric heaters to warm specific areas may seem like a money-saving trick, but it can backfire depending on your circumstances. The cost-effectiveness of this approach depends on several factors: the price of electricity versus gas in your area, the efficiency of your heater, and how often you use it.

For example, when I lived in Idaho, electricity was relatively cheap, and I could heat my entire house affordably with a small electric heater. However, when I moved back to Kansas and tried the same strategy, I was shocked when my first electric bill arrived—it cost me significantly more than using my gas furnace to heat the whole house.

Before relying on electric heaters, do a little research. Compare your local utility rates and calculate the potential costs. In some cases, what seems like a simple way to save money could end up costing you more in the long run.

Besides the cost and energy savings, there are a few added bonuses when lowering your heat:

Reduced Static Electricity: Lower temperatures mean less annoying static in your clothes and hair.
Less Need for a Humidifier: A cooler house often retains more natural humidity, eliminating the need for extra appliances.
Better for Your Nose and Throat: Cooler air that’s not so dry helps prevent dryness in your nasal passages and throat, potentially reducing the risk of sinus infections and respiratory issues.
Healthier Skin and Lips: Lower heat reduces the drying effect on your skin and lips.
Happier Eyes: Dry, heated air can wreak havoc on your eyes. During one family visit, my eyes became so red and irritated that I thought I needed to see a doctor—until I realized they were simply dried out from the warm, dry air.

While humidity and dryness vary by region, I’ve found that wherever I live, keeping the heat lower has helped me avoid these issues compared to friends and family in the same area who set their thermostats higher.

-Jill