We can’t help but breathe a sigh of relief when the summer heat subsides and the A.C. is no longer putting stress on our electric bill. Unfortunately, it’s a pretty brief exhale, because after A.C. season comes the season for heating the home. The cost of heating and electricity has jumped in recent years and is expected to rise even higher, and plenty of homeowners are looking for ways to stay warm without turning their living rooms into saunas. The goal isn’t to freeze in the dark — it’s to use what you already have more efficiently, and maybe rethink what “comfortable” really means.
Here’s how people are saving on their heating bill in a realistic way, according to tips shared on Reddit.
Heat the Person, Not the House
One Reddit user summed it up perfectly: “Heat the person, not the house.” Instead of cranking the furnace, they rely on heated blankets, hot water bottles, and a heating pad on their back. The idea is simple — target warmth where you actually need it.
Layering cozy clothes, wearing thick socks, and keeping throws nearby all help, too. Most people find that dropping the thermostat just a few degrees can make a noticeable difference on their bill without making the house feel frigid.
Make Every Bit of Heat Count
Once you start paying attention, you’ll realize how much warmth slips away during daily routines. Simple tricks — like leaving the oven door open after baking — help keep that heat circulating longer.
Drafty windows and doors are another big culprit. Add weatherstripping, thicker curtains, or even roll up towels at the base of doors to keep the cold air out. And if you have hardwood floors, lay down a rug or two (because walking on a cold floor isn’t going to give you a warm and fuzzy feeling).
Heat in 30 Minute Increments
Many Redditors say they now heat in 30-minute increments instead of letting the system run nonstop. Setting the thermostat lower while you’re out or asleep is one of the easiest ways to cut costs.
Some homes have ceiling fans with a “winter mode” that reverses the blades to push warm air down — a simple switch that can make the room feel warmer without touching the thermostat. If you use a space heater, look for one with a fan to circulate air so warmth doesn’t stay trapped in one corner.
Cook (and Gather) for Warmth
Cooking at home is a good way to gently warm up the kitchen and nearby rooms. Baking during colder hours means you’re putting that heat to good use, and leaving the oven door open afterward lets it spread further. If you have a fireplace, use it when temperatures drop. Even better, plan family nights or hangouts in one room. More people together means more body heat, fewer lights on, and one cozy space to heat instead of several.
How An Energy Audit Can Save You Money
If you own your home, an energy audit might be the most effective way to save this winter. One homeowner on Reddit shared how a $75 audit on their 140-year-old Connecticut house uncovered major efficiency issues — from unsealed fireplaces to poorly insulated windows. The audit included free LED bulbs, caulking, and even access to a no-interest loan to insulate their attic.
An energy audit identifies where your home leaks heat or wastes energy, and most utility companies offer them at a discount or even for free. Once improvements are made, homeowners often save hundreds of dollars a year on heating and cooling costs.
More tips for saving money on utilities:
- 10 Cheap Ways to Stay Warm Without Turning up the Heat — Want to cut down on your heating bill? Here are 10 ways to do it.
- 15 Ways to Cut Heating Costs This Winter — Discover 15 energy-efficient tips that should make heating bills less burdensome.
- 21 Ways To Reduce Your Monthly Bills When Money Is Tight — We offer some tried-and-true strategies that’ll help you save money for a healthier financial outlook.
