Winter is when many households feel their energy bill the most. The Department of Energy’s home energy checklist says heating can account for almost half of the average family’s winter energy bill. That means small changes to how you heat your home can matter more than almost anything else. Here are seven simple steps, most of which cost little or nothing. Every figure below comes from a government source we checked on September 20, 2026, and your own savings will depend on your home, climate, and energy prices.
1. Turn the thermostat down when you are asleep or away
This is the easiest step. The Department of Energy says you can save around 10% a year on heating and cooling bills by turning your thermostat back for about eight hours a day, such as while you sleep or while you are at work. It also calls 68°F a good winter guideline for when you are home. A programmable or smart thermostat can do this automatically, but a manual thermostat works too if you remember to change it.
Only using one or two rooms? A space heater in the room you are in, with the furnace turned down, can cost less than heating the whole house. We ran the numbers in Space Heater vs. Furnace: Which Is Cheaper to Heat Your Home?
2. Let the winter sun in, then close the curtains at night
The checklist notes that the typical home loses more than 25% of its heat through windows. Open curtains on south-facing windows during winter days so the sun warms the room for free. Close them at night to hold heat in. This costs nothing.
3. Find and seal drafts
Hold your hand near door edges, window frames, and where pipes or wires enter a wall. If you feel cold air, that is a leak. Caulk and weatherstripping are inexpensive fixes you can do yourself. Sealing drafts is also the first half of a bigger project, which is the next step.
4. Add insulation where it counts
ENERGY STAR reports, based on EPA research, that homeowners can save an average of 15% on heating and cooling costs, or about 11% on total energy costs, by air sealing and adding insulation in attics, floors over crawl spaces, and basements. Those figures are averages for homes that do both jobs. A professional home energy assessment can tell you where your house is losing the most.
5. Check your water heater setting
The checklist suggests turning your water heater down to the warm setting, 120°F. Water heating is one of the three largest electricity uses in U.S. homes according to the EIA, so it is worth a look. If you are not sure how to change the setting, follow your manufacturer’s instructions or ask a professional. Never remove safety parts from a water heater.
6. Switch to LED bulbs
The Department of Energy says LEDs use up to 90% less energy and last up to 25 times longer than traditional incandescent bulbs. Winter also means more hours of lights on. Start with the bulbs you use the most, such as in the kitchen and living room.
7. Look at your own bill
Your utility bill shows how many units of energy you used each month. Compare this winter’s bill with the same month last year. If it went up, look at your thermostat schedule and check for new drafts first. If you are curious how much power your whole home uses and what solar involves, read our guide to home solar basics.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best thermostat temperature in winter?
The Department of Energy calls 68°F a good guideline for when you are home in winter, and suggests turning it back when you are asleep or away. The right setting for you also depends on your health and comfort.
What is the cheapest way to lower my heating bill?
Using your thermostat wisely, opening and closing curtains, and sealing small drafts cost little or nothing and can start helping right away.
Is insulation worth it?
ENERGY STAR reports average savings of 15% on heating and cooling costs from air sealing plus insulation. Your results depend on the home, so a home energy assessment is a good first step.
The bottom line
You do not need new equipment to cut your energy use this winter. Start with the thermostat, curtains, and drafts, then move on to insulation, the water heater, and LED bulbs. For more ideas for your house, see our fall and winter home essentials list, or browse the Home Zone.