Winter is coming, and so is a bigger heating bill. The latest US government figures show heating costs are set to rise for a lot of homes this year, so now is the right time to act, not January.
Quick answer: You can lower your heating bill before winter by sealing drafts, setting your thermostat 7-10°F lower while you sleep or are away, servicing your furnace, and lowering your water heater temperature. These simple steps can cut your winter energy bill by up to 20%, with no big spending needed.
This guide walks you through easy, low-cost fixes that work in almost any US home, plus where to find real help if your bill still feels too high.
Why Are Heating Bills Going Up This Winter?
Quick answer: It depends on how you heat your home. The US Energy Information Administration (EIA) says gas and propane bills should drop slightly this winter, but electric and oil heat are set to cost more.
The EIA’s 2026-27 Winter Fuels Outlook, released in October 2026, gives a clear picture of average household spending from November through March:
| Heating fuel | Avg winter cost (Nov-Mar) | Change vs last winter |
| Natural gas | $640 | Down 9% |
| Electricity | $1,196 | Up 4% |
| Propane | $1,246 | Down 3% |
| Heating oil | $2,115 | Up 21% |
Heating oil users face the steepest jump, mostly because global oil prices have climbed. If you heat with oil, this is the year to act early.
Source: US Energy Information Administration, Winter Fuels Outlook (eia.gov)
Set Your Thermostat the Smart Way
Quick answer:Set the temperature to 68oF when you’re at home and awake and lower it by between 7-10oF for 8 hours when you’re asleep or out. This can save you around 10% per annum on heating/cooling.
As well as being the biggest factor you can change, the US Department of Energy supports this by saying that lowering your heating whilst you are asleep or away can add up quickly over the course of the winter.
If you don’t want to have to remember this every night, an easy option is to invest in a programmable or smart thermostat. Some energy companies will offer a rebate for installing a thermostat so its worth asking your provider.
Seal the Drafts That Are Costing You Money
Quick answer: Check windows, doors, and your attic hatch for cold air leaking in. Sealing these gaps can cut your heating bill by 10-20%.
Think of your house like a winter coat with holes in it. No matter how high you turn the heat, warm air keeps escaping through small cracks around windows, doors, and pipes.
Easy, cheap fixes:
- Add weatherstripping around doors and windows ($20-50, no tools needed for most kits)
- Use caulk to seal small gaps near pipes and wiring
- Roll up a draft stopper or towel against the bottom of outside doors
- Close your chimney flue when you’re not using the fireplace
A simple test: hold a lit candle or a tissue near window edges on a windy day. If the flame flickers or the tissue moves, you’ve found a draft.
Let the Sun Help You Heat Your Home for Free
Quick answer: Open curtains on sunny days to let heat in, and close them at night to keep heat from escaping through the glass.
Sunlight is free heating. During the day, open any curtains or blinds on windows that get direct sun, especially south-facing ones. At night, close them again, since windows lose heat fast once it’s dark outside.
Heavy, lined curtains work even better, acting like an extra layer of insulation against cold glass.
Get Your Heating System Serviced
Quick answer: A dirty filter or an unserviced furnace makes your system work harder and use more fuel. A yearly check-up keeps it running efficiently.
A furnace or heat pump working overtime because of a clogged filter burns through more energy to do the same job. Before winter really sets in:
- Replace or clean your furnace filter (do this every 1-3 months during winter)
- Book a yearly furnace or boiler service with a licensed technician
- Clear snow or debris away from outdoor heat pump units
This small step often pays for itself within one winter through lower bills, plus it helps your system last longer.
Turn Down Your Water Heater
Quick answer: Set your water heater to 120°F. Most are set higher than needed, wasting energy and money every single day.
Water heating is one of the biggest energy users in a typical home, right after space heating. Many water heaters come set at 140°F by default, which is hotter than most households actually need.
Lowering it to 120°F is usually still plenty hot for showers and dishes, and it can cut your water heating costs by 6-10% with no real drop in comfort.
Heat the Room You’re In, Not the Whole House
Quick answer: Use a safe space heater in the room you’re actually using, and keep your central thermostat a little lower.
This is called zone heating. If you spend most evenings in the living room, heating that one room with a small space heater while lowering the rest of the house can be cheaper than heating every room equally.
Safety first: always keep space heaters away from curtains, bedding, and furniture, and never leave one running unattended or overnight.
Ask for Help If You Need It
Quick answer: If your heating bill is still a struggle, programs like LIHEAP and the Weatherization Assistance Program offer free or low-cost help for eligible households.
You’re not alone if winter heating costs feel overwhelming. Two US federal programs exist specifically for this:
LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program). Helps you with heating bills and emergencies. You can apply through your State LIHEAP office.
Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) provides improvements to your home at no cost such as insulation and air sealing, for income eligible households. The program is run by the US Department of Energy.
Many local utility companies provide budget billing plans. This means that your annual energy costs are split evenly across your monthly bills so you don’t get a large shock when you get your bill for winter.
Your Quick Pre-Winter Checklist
- Set thermostat to 68°F when home, lower 7-10°F when asleep or away
- Seal drafts around windows, doors, and pipes
- Open curtains in the day, close them at night
- Replace furnace filter and book a service check
- Lower water heater to 120°F
- Use space heaters safely for zone heating
- Look into LIHEAP or WAP if you need extra help
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What’s the best thermostat temperature to save money in winter?
A: 68°F while you’re home and awake, and 7-10°F lower while you sleep or are out.
Q: Will my heating bill really go up this winter?
A: It depends on your fuel type. The EIA expects natural gas and propane bills to fall slightly, while electric and heating oil bills are expected to rise.
Q: What’s the cheapest way to lower a heating bill fast?
A: Sealing drafts and adjusting your thermostat cost little or nothing and give results within days.
Q: Does turning the heat off completely save more money?
A: No. Letting a home get too cold means your system has to work much harder to warm it back up, which can use more energy, not less.
Q: Who can I contact if I can’t afford my heating bill this winter?
A: Contact your state’s LIHEAP office or your local utility company to ask about payment plans and assistance programs.
