Lower Heating Bill
How Can I Keep My Heating Bills Down? 10 Expert Tips for Lower Winter Energy Costs
When temperatures drop, heating bills can climb fast — but that doesn’t mean your winter budget has to. With a few smart home upgrades and simple daily habits, you can keep your home cozy without overworking your heating system or overspending on energy.
At GSM Services, we’ve helped homeowners across Gaston County and the Greater Charlotte area stay comfortable and efficient for nearly 100 years. Here are our top expert tips to lower your heating bills this winter.
1. Schedule a Heating System Tune-Up
A professional tune-up keeps your furnace or heat pump running efficiently, which means it uses less energy to heat your home. Regular maintenance also helps prevent unexpected breakdowns in the coldest months.
Pro Tip: A clean system can reduce energy use by up to 15%.
2. Change Your Air Filters Regularly
A dirty filter makes your heating system work harder and longer. Replace filters every 30–60 days during heavy use to improve airflow and efficiency.
3. Seal Air Leaks Around Your Home
Gaps around windows, doors, crawlspaces, and attic entrances allow warm air to escape and cold air to sneak in. Weatherstripping, caulking, and insulation upgrades can dramatically reduce wasted energy.
Biggest culprits: Attics & crawlspaces. These areas can account for 25–40% of heat loss if poorly insulated.
4. Improve Attic & Crawlspace Insulation
Insulation is one of the most cost-effective ways to lower heating bills. Proper insulation helps your home retain heat, meaning your system doesn’t have to work as hard.
If your home feels drafty, uneven, or your HVAC runs constantly, it's a sign you may benefit from an insulation check.
5. Adjust Your Thermostat Wisely
Small adjustments make a big difference. Lowering your thermostat 6–8 degrees at night or while you're away can save up to 10% on heating costs.
Smart thermostats make this incredibly easy and consistent.
6. Use Ceiling Fans to Your Advantage
Flip the switch on your ceiling fans to run clockwise on low. This gently pushes warm air (which rises) back down into the room, helping you feel warmer without turning up the heat.
7. Keep Vents & Registers Clear
Blocked vents restrict airflow and force your system to work harder. Make sure furniture, decor, and rugs aren’t covering your supply or return vents.
8. Avoid Space Heaters When Possible
Space heaters are energy-hungry and expensive to run long-term. If you rely on them often, it may be a sign your heating system needs a tune-up — or your home needs better insulation.
9. Check for Moisture & Air Quality Issues
Excess moisture in crawlspaces or ductwork increases humidity, which makes your home feel colder and forces your HVAC system to run more often. Addressing moisture problems can improve comfort and efficiency.
10. Consider Upgrading an Older System
If your system is over 12–15 years old, upgrading to a high-efficiency unit can significantly reduce your energy bills. Today’s systems use far less energy while providing stronger, more consistent comfort.
Plus, you can get instant online quotes for new systems right on our website.
Keep Your Home Warm for Less This Winter
Lowering your heating bills doesn’t have to be complicated. A combination of regular maintenance, smart settings, better insulation, and addressing moisture issues can make a huge difference.
If you want personalized recommendations, GSM Services offers:
- Heating System Tune-Ups
- Free Home Energy Audits
- Free Crawlspace Inspections
- Insulation & Ductwork Solutions
- Instant Online Quotes for New Systems
Your comfort is our priority — and we’re here to help you stay warm all winter long without the high utility bills.