Winter Energy-Saving Tips That Actually Work

Minnesota winters are brutal—and so are the heating bills that come with them. But you don't have to choose between staying warm and staying within budget. With a few strategic tweaks, you can cut your energy costs by 10% or more without sacrificing comfort. Here's what actually works:

Lower Your Thermostat When You're Sleeping or Away. Set your thermostat to 68-72°F when you're home and awake, then drop it 8-10 degrees when you're sleeping or away. This single adjustment can save about 10% on your winter heating bills. If you're worried about coming home to a freezing house, invest in a smart thermostat that automatically adjusts temperatures based on your schedule and location.

Use Humidity to Your Advantage. Running a humidifier makes your home feel warmer without raising the thermostat because moist air holds heat better than dry air. Keep humidity levels between 30-50% for maximum comfort and efficiency. Bonus: proper humidity also prevents static electricity, protects wood floors and furniture, and improves indoor air quality during Minnesota's dry winter months.

Seal Drafts Around Windows and Doors. Drafty windows and doors are money flying straight outside. Add weatherstripping or caulk around leaky frames—it's inexpensive and available at any hardware store. For extra insulation, apply clear plastic film to the inside of your windows. Those kits cost under $20 and can make a noticeable difference in how warm your home feels.

Open South-Facing Curtains During the Day. Free heat from the sun is one of the best deals in town. Open curtains on south-facing windows during daylight hours to let sunlight naturally warm your home, then close them at night to trap heat inside and reduce the chill from cold glass.

Change Your Furnace Filter Monthly. A dirty filter forces your furnace to work harder and can increase costs by 5-15%. Check your filter once a month during winter and replace it when it looks dirty. Filters can be purchased at a hardware store and take less than five minutes to swap out.

Adjust Ceiling Fans to Clockwise. Most people forget about ceiling fans in winter, but running them clockwise on low speed pushes warm air down from the ceiling back into your living space. It's a simple fix that redistributes heat more evenly throughout the room.

Lower Your Water Heater Temperature. Dropping your water heater temperature by 10 degrees can save 3-5% on energy costs. Set it to 120°F—hot enough for showers and dishes, but not so hot that you're wasting energy overheating water you'll never use.

Close Vents in Unused Rooms. If you have rooms you rarely use, close the heat vents and shut the doors. This redirects warm air to the spaces you actually occupy. Just don't close off too many vents, as it can strain your furnace.

The best part? Most of these tips cost little to nothing and take just a few minutes to implement. Start with two or three this weekend, and you'll notice the difference on your next energy bill. Your wallet—and the planet—will thank you.

Thinking about listing this spring? Let's meet in January or February to map out your timeline and get your home ready before the rush.