How to Lower Your Heating Bill without Sacrificing Comfort

You can lower your heating bill without giving up comfort by combining

smart energy habits,
simple maintenance,
regular professional tune-ups and
low-cost upgrades.

Here’s how:

1. Adjust your thermostat wisely.

Lower it by 7–10°F for 8 hours/day (like while sleeping or away).
A smart thermostat can automate your settings and help you save 10% per year on heating.

A smart thermostat is a Wi-Fi enabled device that automatically adjusts temperature settings. Common features include:

Many learn your preferences and establish a schedule that automatically adjusts to energy-saving levels when you are asleep or away. Geofencing allows your smart thermostat to know when you’re on the way home and automatically adjusts the temperature to your liking.
Wi-Fi enabled thermostats allow remote control. ENERGY STAR certified smart thermostats quickly enter a low-power standby mode when inactive.
Smart thermostats provide equipment use and temperature data you can track and manage. Periodic software updates ensure your thermostat is using the latest algorithms and energy-saving features.

2. Seal air leaks.

Check for gaps around windows, doors, attic hatches and plumbing vents.
Use weatherstripping or caulk to stop warm air from escaping.

Weatherstripping can help you save 5-30% off your energy bills.

3. Add or improve insulation.

Focus on your attic, walls, basement and crawl spaces.
Proper insulation keeps heat inside, so your system runs less.

Insulation can help you cut 15-30% from your energy bills. Factors affecting savings include the age of your home (older homes have less insulation), your existing level of insulation, the type you use (different types have varying R-values—the resistance to heat flow), and how much air sealing you do.

4. Open and close your curtains for free solar heat and to hold heat in.

Open south-facing curtains and blinds during the day for free solar heat.
Close them at night to reduce heat loss through your windows.

5. Change your furnace filter every 1-3 months.

A dirty filter makes your system work harder, costing more.
Check it monthly, replacing every 1–3 months.

This is easiest way to cut your utility bills. A clogged filter can raise your energy usage a whopping 15%!

6. Close off unused rooms.

Shut the vents and doors in rarely used spaces (like guest rooms or storage areas).
This will focus heating on the living areas you use most.

7. Switch ceiling fans to the winter setting.

Set fans to spin clockwise on low — it pushes warm air down from the ceiling.

8. Schedule your annual HVAC maintenance.

A tune-up keeps your system running efficiently, saving fuel.
Fixing small issues early avoids expensive breakdowns.
With regular maintenance, your equipment will last longer, saving thousands of dollars in the long run.

Every Cincinnati HVAC contractor stresses this tip. It’s not just so we can make money providing furnace tune-ups. The best Cincinnati furnace repair companies want to keep their customers for the long-term, and that means providing advice that leads to longer heating and cooling equipment life.

9. Lower your water heater temperature.

Set it to 120°F (not 140°F, as most people do). This will deliver warm enough hot water for less money.
Add an insulating blanket to an older tank-style water heater so the heater doesn’t lose heat.

10. Use zoned heating or space heaters.

Heat only the rooms you’re using instead of the whole house.
This will particularly save money if you spend most of your time in 1-2 rooms.

11. Upgrade to a high-efficiency furnace or heat pump.

Older units can be 60–70% efficient — modern models reach 95–98% AFUE.
Heat pumps are ideal for mild winters like Cincinnati’s.

Jansen Heating & Cooling, known for having some of the best furnace installers in Cincinnati, can help with many of the above actions. Give us a call any time.