The fastest way to lower your heating bill in a Michigan winter is to turn your thermostat back 7 to 10 degrees for about 8 hours a day, change your furnace filter, and seal the drafts around your doors and windows. Those three moves cost little or nothing, and the U.S. Department of Energy says the thermostat change alone can save as much as 10% a year on heating. Below are 9 ways to bring your bill down, starting with the easiest.
It’s November, which means the heat is officially on across Jackson County and that first big bill is on its way. The good news is you don’t have to sit in a parka to save money. Most of these tips take under an hour, and a few of them are things we check on every service call.
1. Turn the Thermostat Back While You’re Asleep or Away
This is the biggest easy win. The Department of Energy recommends setting your thermostat 7 to 10 degrees lower for 8 hours a day while you’re away or asleep, which can shave as much as 10% per year off your heating bills.
Here’s the part most people don’t know. In winter, the lower the temperature inside your home, the slower it loses heat. So your furnace isn’t “working harder” to catch up later. A lot of folks skip this because they think it backfires, and it doesn’t.
If 7 degrees feels like too big a jump, start small. Your body adjusts to changes of 2 to 5 degrees faster than you’d think, and even those smaller changes add up over a whole season.
2. Swap Out a Dirty Furnace Filter
A clogged filter makes your furnace fight for air, which wastes energy and can even cause it to overheat and shut down. For standard 1 inch filters, we recommend changing them every one to three months. If you have pets or anyone in the house with allergies, lean toward every month.
If you can’t remember the last time you changed yours, check it today. It takes about two minutes.
3. Get Your Furnace Tuned Up
A furnace that hasn’t been maintained burns more fuel to do the same job, and it’s more likely to quit on the coldest night of the year. A tune up lets a technician clean, test, and catch small problems before they turn into expensive ones.
If you haven’t had one yet this season, it’s not too late. Our Comfort Clubhouse maintenance plan includes an annual tune up, 15% off services, no standard diagnostic fees, and priority scheduling, with plans starting as low as $20 per month.
4. Seal Drafts Around Doors and Windows
Heat that leaks out is money you already paid for. The Department of Energy points to weatherstripping, caulking, and added insulation as low cost ways to cut air leaks around your home.
A quick way to find the culprits is to hold a lit stick of incense or a feather near the edges of doors, windows, and where pipes or wires enter the house. If the smoke or feather wiggles sideways, you’ve found a leak. Pay special attention to the front door, the basement door, and any older windows.
5. Let the Sun Do Some of the Work
Open the curtains and blinds on south facing windows during the day, even on a cloudy November afternoon. Then close them at sundown to hold the heat in. It’s free, and it takes about ten seconds.
6. Keep Vents and Registers Clear
Furniture, rugs, and curtains parked in front of a vent block warm air from reaching the room. Walk through the house and make sure every supply vent and return is open and unblocked. The same goes for the space around your furnace, which should stay clear of clutter and anything flammable.
7. Flip Your Ceiling Fans
Warm air rises, and a lot of it ends up stuck near your ceiling. Most ceiling fans have a small switch on the base that reverses the blades. In winter, run the fan clockwise on low so it pushes warm air back down without creating a breeze.
8. Layer Up Before You Reach for the Thermostat
It’s not glamorous, but it works. The Department of Energy notes that warm clothes, layers, and blankets help you hold onto body heat so you can keep the thermostat lower. A sweater and a good pair of socks cost a lot less than a few extra degrees on the dial all winter.
9. Know When an Older Furnace Is Costing You More Than It’s Saving
Sometimes the bill is high because the furnace is simply tired. If yours is over 15 to 20 years old, needs frequent repairs, or your bills keep climbing for no obvious reason, it may be time to talk about a replacement. Older furnaces get less efficient and more breakdown prone every year.
Replacing a furnace doesn’t have to be a budget buster either. We offer free estimates on new installations and financing options that include low interest plans and 0% interest for up to 12 months, subject to credit approval. You can apply online and get approved in minutes.
Not Sure Where Your Heat Is Going? Call Us
If your bill still feels too high after trying these tips, give us a call at (517) 879-2049, or contact us online by filling out our form. We’re family owned and have been serving Jackson since 1981, and we’re available 24/7 if your furnace gives out. We’ll look at your system, tell you what’s actually going on, and give you an honest answer on what’s worth fixing.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much can I save by lowering my thermostat? The Department of Energy says you can save as much as 10% a year on heating by turning your thermostat back 7 to 10 degrees for 8 hours a day. Your exact savings depend on your home and your heating system.
Does it cost more to reheat a house after turning the heat down? No. A house loses heat more slowly when it’s cooler inside, so setting the temperature back saves energy overall. A programmable or smart thermostat can warm things back up before you wake up or get home.
How often should I change my furnace filter in winter? For a standard 1 inch filter, every one to three months is the general rule. Change it more often if you have pets or allergies.
Is a furnace tune up really worth it for saving money? It can be. A tuned furnace runs more efficiently and a technician can catch small issues before they become midwinter breakdowns. Members of our Comfort Clubhouse get an annual tune up as part of their plan.
When is it cheaper to replace my furnace than keep repairing it? If your furnace is 15 to 20 years old and needs frequent repairs, or your energy bills keep rising, replacement often makes more sense than another repair. We offer free estimates so you can compare. If you would like more information on the signs of furnace replacement, check out our blog: How to Know It’s Time to Replace Your Furnace.
Does Aspen offer financing for a new furnace? Yes. We offer low interest financing and 0% interest for up to 12 months, subject to credit approval. You can apply online and get approved in minutes.
Aspen One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning delivers HVAC services to homeowners in Jackson County and the surrounding areas. including Ypsilanti, Mason, and Eaton Rapids. If you have any questions about our services or want to see if we service your area, give us a call at (517) 879-2049.
