8 Mistakes That Are Quietly Increasing Your Heating Bill During Winter

The cost of staying warm during winter can be surprisingly high, especially if you live in a cold climate. Luckily, there are steps you can take to ensure your house is well-heated and well-sealed, keeping the cold outside and allowing your furnace to operate efficiently.

We consulted with HVAC experts to learn what factors could be contributing to an increase in your winter energy bill. They cover the mistakes you might be making and how each one could raise your bill. Read on to learn how to be smart about energy in the coldest months of the year. 

Closing Air Vents

It's a common misconception that closing air vents in certain rooms helps save money, but it usually does the opposite. Heating and air conditioning systems are designed to move a certain amount of air throughout the home, says HVAC expert Matt Gorbacz. When vents are closed, pressure builds up in the ductwork, and the system has to work harder. As a result, systems run longer, and homeowners see higher energy bills. Gorbacz recommends keeping vents open and focusing on improving insulation and sealing any drafts. 

Setting the Thermostat Too High

Contrary to popular belief, turning the heat up doesn't heat your home faster; it just makes the system run longer, resulting in a higher heating bill. Gorbacz explains that cranking the thermostat up to 75 or 78 degrees Fahrenheit will cause the system to run nonstop.

Instead of setting the thermostat higher, our experts recommend putting on an extra layer. Turning the system down by even one degree can make a significant dent in your heating bill over the course of one season, and two- to three-degree drops in temperature overnight will help even more. 

Blocking Radiators and Vents

Furniture placed near radiators or vents can also increase your energy bill. "If you put heavy furniture or boxes in the corners of the room, it becomes a 'dead zone' where warm air just sits and doesn't circulate," says Keith Wortsmith, president of DASH Heating & Cooling. "Corners are where air naturally moves the least, and it’s crucial to keep them clear for efficient heating." Ensure that all supply and return vents are clear of furniture and radiators are given space to function properly.

Not Replacing Dirty Air Filters

It's easy to forget about HVAC air filters when servicing your system. They can be cumbersome to measure, order, and install. And they get dirty faster than one would imagine. But if you put off replacing your air filters, your winter energy bill may suffer.

"A clogged air filter restricts airflow, making your furnace or heat pump work harder to push air through the system," says Gorbacz. "This increases energy use and causes overheating or short cycling." He recommends that homeowners check their air filters monthly in winter and replace them as needed.

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Drafts and Unsealed Windows or Doors

It is common for houses to have an untold number of gaps around front doors, sliding doors, and windows, which allow cold air inside. "I see homes where the heat is running constantly, but the house still feels cold because of drafts around windows, doors, and attic access panels," says Gorbacz. He recommends using simple weatherstripping, caulking, and thermal curtains. "Draught-proofing strips, door brushes, and foam sealant are cheap and easy to fit, and they make a big impact," adds Michael Zohouri, HVAC expert and founder of Pyramid Eco.

And don't forget your doggy door. Even a single flap pet door can let air in and raise your energy bill by 20 percent, says Wortsmith. "Such pet doors have lots of gaps and are not airtight enough to stop cold air from sneaking into the house," he says. If you experience cold winters, Wortsmith recommends installing a pet door with a double flap and magnets built into the frame. Make sure it is properly sealed around the edges of the frame.

Not Lowering the Heat When No One is Home

If no one is home for long stretches, keeping the home fully heated wastes energy, says Gorbacz. While you should never turn your heat off completely during winter, he suggests using a programmable or smart thermostat, which will automatically lower the temperature when you’re away and bring it back up before you return.

A programmable thermostat gives you ultimate control over your temperature settings and energy use. "Set it to warm the house just before you wake up or get home, and turn it down at night or while you’re out," says Zouhari. "You stay comfortable when you need it and avoid paying to heat an empty house."

Skipping Annual Boiler Maintenance

Regular boiler maintenance is key to keeping your energy costs low over the winter. "A boiler that hasn’t been serviced is more likely to waste energy and break down when you need it most," says Zohouri. He recommends annual service to keep everything running safely and smoothly. "It also gives you a chance to catch problems early before they turn into expensive repairs," he says.

Not Using Your Curtains Properly

Close your curtains overnight to trap the heat inside, says Zohouri, adding that your windows are one of the biggest sources of heat loss in the winter. That said, if you have radiators under windows, make sure that the curtains don’t hang over them, as that pushes the warm air behind the fabric instead of into the room, he says. This simple act could raise your bill by 10 percent, Wortsmith adds.

And remember to let sunlight do some of the heavy lifting. "Even in winter, daylight can provide a small heat boost," says Zohouri. He recommends opening curtains on the sunny sides of the house during the day to collect the daytime heat and closing them before evening.