Updated October 2026
When the temperatures drop, it’s tempting to crank up the thermostat and let the warmth wrap around you. But that cozy feeling can show up later as a sky-high utility bill. The good news? A handful of thrifty habits can keep your home warm and your bills lower, and most of them cost little or nothing. Here’s Professor Ima B. Cheap’s winter lesson plan.
Quick answer: the fastest ways to save on utilities
- Turn the thermostat down 7 to 10 degrees while you sleep or are away.
- Seal drafts around doors and windows.
- Set your water heater to 120°F.
- Wash clothes in cold water and air-dry when you can.
- Call your utility and ask about discount programs, budget billing, and free energy check-ups.
Heating: stay warm for less
- Turn the thermostat down at night and when you’re out. The U.S. Department of Energy estimates you can save up to 10% a year on heating and cooling by turning your thermostat back 7 to 10 degrees for about 8 hours a day. A programmable or smart thermostat does it for you automatically.
- Let the sun in. Open curtains and blinds on sunny days to soak up free heat, then close them at dusk to hold the warmth in. Heavier curtains help even more.
- Seal the drafts. Drafts are sneaky thieves. Weatherstripping, caulk, and draft stoppers keep warm air in and cold air out. See our step-by-step guide to weatherstripping doors and windows.
- Layer up. Sweaters, thick socks, slippers, and a throw blanket on the couch let you stay comfy a few degrees cooler. Flannel sheets and an extra blanket make a cooler bedroom feel snug.
- Reverse your ceiling fans. Set them to spin clockwise on low in winter. This gently pushes the warm air that collects near the ceiling back down where you are.
- Change your furnace filter. A clean filter helps your system run efficiently. Check it monthly in winter.
- Keep vents and radiators clear. Furniture and drapes in front of vents block heat from reaching the room.
- Use space heaters wisely. Warming just the room you’re in can cost less than heating the whole house. Choose one with automatic shut-off, plug it directly into the wall (never an extension cord), keep it three feet from anything that can burn, and turn it off when you leave the room or go to sleep.
- Bake on chilly evenings. Oven meals warm the kitchen while they cook. Never use a gas stove or oven to heat your home, though; it isn’t safe.
Hot water and laundry
- Set your water heater to 120°F. Many come set higher from the factory. 120°F is hot enough for most homes and costs less to maintain.
- Wash in cold water. Most of the energy a washer uses goes to heating water, and today’s detergents clean well in cold.
- Dry smarter. Run full loads, clean the lint screen every time, and try wool dryer balls to shorten drying time. Air-drying on a rack adds a little welcome humidity to dry winter air, too.
Lights and electronics
- Switch to LED bulbs. Winter means more hours with the lights on, and LEDs use far less electricity than old bulbs. See how to lower your lighting bill.
- Tame the energy vampires. TVs, game consoles, and chargers can draw power even when they’re off. Plug them into a power strip and switch it off at night.
Call your utility company
- Ask what they offer. Many utilities have budget billing (an even monthly amount instead of big winter spikes), free or low-cost home energy check-ups, rebates on efficient products, and freebies like LED bulbs and weatherstripping. Some areas even give away free energy-saving kits; see free utility freebies.
Struggling to pay your bill? Help is available through LIHEAP heating assistance, utility discount programs, free weatherization, and shutoff protections. See Help Paying Utility Bills for how to apply.
Frequently asked questions
What temperature should I set my thermostat to save money in winter?
Many people are comfortable around 68°F while they’re home and awake, with the thermostat turned lower while sleeping or away. Every degree lower helps your bill. If anyone in your home is elderly, very young, or has health concerns, keep it warm enough to stay safe.
Is it cheaper to leave the heat on all day or turn it down?
Turning it down while you’re asleep or away is usually cheaper. Your home loses heat more slowly when it’s cooler inside, so you use less energy overall, even counting the warm-up afterward.
What uses the most energy in a home?
Heating and cooling are usually the biggest share of a home’s energy bill, followed by water heating. That’s why the thermostat and water heater tips above tend to save the most.
What is budget billing?
Budget billing spreads your yearly utility costs into equal monthly payments, so a cold January doesn’t bring a shock. You still pay for what you use, but it’s much easier to plan for. Call your utility to ask if it’s offered.
With these thrifty tips, you can stay warm, cozy, and content without dreading the mail. Every small step adds up. Cheers to staying toasty on a budget!
Professor Ima B. Cheap