{"id":19072,"date":"2025-12-18T04:00:13","date_gmt":"2025-12-18T12:00:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/?p=19072"},"modified":"2025-12-26T16:00:55","modified_gmt":"2025-12-27T00:00:55","slug":"winter-energy-saving-tips","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/winter-energy-saving-tips\/","title":{"rendered":"13 Winter Energy Saving Tips to Reduce Your Bills"},"content":{"rendered":"

Searching for some winter energy saving tips? You\u2019re smart to think ahead. For homeowners who live in multi-season climates, there\u2019s plenty to love about fall. But just a few weeks beyond all of that fiery foliage and crisp autumn air, the cold winter months are looming \u2014 along with some not-so-enjoyable elements.<\/p>\n

You know the culprits: high heating bills, drafty windows, and a water tank that\u2019s tough to keep warm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n

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These winter energy saving tips can help<\/h2>\n

Top real estate agent Laura Snyder<\/a> sells homes in Harford County, Maryland, where winter brings cold, snowy weather with low temperatures in the 20-degree range. She\u2019s fielding more questions about energy efficiency these days, as buyers tighten budgets<\/a> and look to reduce their monthly bills. In many cases, homeowners even hand over their pared-down utility bills for their agents to use as a selling point.<\/p>\n

While you can\u2019t control Mother Nature, you can take action to get your house ready for her wrath and make the home as comfortable and efficient as possible with these 13 winter energy saving tips, including free and low-cost efficiency and maintenance improvements. Here\u2019s where you should focus your efforts, according to experts we spoke with in the energy industry.<\/p>\n

Start with an energy audit<\/h2>\n

A home energy assessment<\/a>, or home energy audit, is a method to systematically analyze all aspects of your home\u2019s energy use. While a professional<\/a> audit will give you the most accurate idea of where your home could use some efficiency improvements, you can also perform a DIY version<\/a> yourself. A professional auditor will use technology including infrared cameras, furnace efficiency meters, and surface thermometers to give you a room-by-room accounting of where your home is losing heat. The Residential Energy Services Network has a directory<\/a> to help you find a professional auditor in your area.<\/p>\n

While your home\u2019s areas of improvement will be specific to your house, here are the top actions homeowners can take for winter energy saving:

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1. Upgrade to energy-efficient windows<\/h2>\n

Windows<\/a> are one of the most critical drivers of a home\u2019s energy efficiency (or lack thereof). According to the Department of Energy, heat escaping and coming in through windows is responsible for up to 30%<\/a> of residential heating and cooling usage.<\/p>\n

Energy-efficient, dual-pane windows are designed to keep cool air inside during hot summer months and trap heat inside during the winter. Most are made from synthetic materials like vinyl, with two panes of glass and Argon gas<\/a> to boost efficiency.<\/p>\n

When shopping for windows, look at the U-factor rating<\/a>, which is a measure of how well a window insulates. The U-factor for windows typically ranges from 0.20 to 1.20, with the lower numbers indicating better insulation.<\/p>\n

Michael DiMartino, senior vice president of installations at Power Home Remodeling<\/a>, recommends a rating of .30 or lower. Another factor to consider is whether the glass is coated with low-E, an invisible metallic layer that reflects UV rays and further increases insulation.<\/p>\n

Also check to make sure the windows are ENERGY-STAR-certified<\/a> (which indicates the product\u2019s energy efficiency) and that they have an NFRC label<\/a> (which allows you to compare the energy performance ratings of different windows across four different categories).<\/p>\n

Top energy-efficient windows<\/h3>\n

Each year, ENERGY STAR<\/a> selects the windows with the best energy-efficiency ratings. Below are some of this year\u2019s best options with U-factor ratings of .20 or less:<\/p>\n