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9 Low-Cost Ways to Beat Winter Heating Blues and Save on Energy Costs, According to the Experts

Writer: Metal Roofing Alliance
Metal Roofing Alliance
8 minutes ago
3 min read

Key takeaways:

  • Energy and heating costs are rising this winter, causing homeowners to seek better ways to stay comfortable without breaking the bank.

  • Smart home improvement options can boost home energy efficiency and help homeowners save all year long.

  • There are easy, low-cost ways homeowners can increase the efficiency of their home this winter to help reduce energy bills, according to home improvement experts.

Smart home improvement options like metal roofs can boost home efficiency
Cold weather can mean big utility bills but there are ways homeowners can take steps to increase their home's efficiency. Image courtesy of MRA member Drexel Metals

Wintertime can cause homeowners to tremble in their boots, and not just because of cold weather. Freezing temperatures often bring big jumps in home energy costs and heating bills.


Whether it’s due to inflation or increased demand, it is getting more expensive to heat homes. The average U.S. home will spend nearly $1,030 on heating this winter which equals an 8.7 percent uptick from last year, according to a report from the National Energy Assistance Directors Association. So, what can homeowners do to stay comfortable without breaking the bank?


MRA experts say part of the solution to combat wildly fluctuating and unpredictable costs is to determine whether any of your planned home improvements project can help you save energy and lower your utility bills overall. While some improvements cost a little more upfront, they can pay off not only in this season, but year in and year out. That’s because, while homeowners are experiencing the pain of higher energy costs this winter, there’s little indication the situation will be any better this summer.


If you are already planning to invest in home improvement projects this year, ask yourself whether choosing certain options or products might also help you save energy long-term. For example, when it comes to roofing, quality metal roofs can make a major difference in controlling energy costs while making homes more comfortable and resilient. And since quality metal roofs can last 50-plus years, those saving will continue to add up over time.


MRA also reminds homeowners that adding or replacing attic insulation and ensuring proper roof venting will keep your home comfortable and protected in any season. Have a professional roofer conduct an energy audit in your attic and make sure it includes proper venting. Other low-cost tips to save energy this winter include:

 

  1. Sealing drafts around windows and doors, including closing the chimney flue when fireplaces are not in use to prevent cold outside air from seeping in.

  2. Installing a programmable thermostat and setting it a few degrees lower, especially at night.

  3. If possible, direct heat only to those rooms being occupied by closing vents or using customizable room thermostats.

  4. Using ceiling fans to help circulate warm air and keep it from collecting near ceilings.

  5. Changing furnace filters.

  6. Using drapes effectively, including closing them at night and opening in the day to allow sunlight in.

  7. Lowering hot water heater temperatures by a few degrees.

  8. Consider additional efficiency tips offered by the Department of Energy at https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/energy-saver.

  9. Keep in mind that limited income households also may be able to seek assistance to improve their home’s energy efficiency through Weatherization Assistance Programs (WAP). WAP provides funding to all 50 states to deliver weatherization services at no cost to participants. To qualify, you must meet strict income limits. Your state also may have additional eligibility requirements. Households with someone 60 or older, children or a member with a disability are given priority. You can apply through your local WAP agency.

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