This Late Winter Heating Mistake Could Crank Up Your Bill by 15%
Written by
Gabrielle Olya
Edited by
Molly Sullivan
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Warmer weather is on the horizon, which means a reprieve from sky-high heating bills. But getting over-eager about the upcoming higher temperatures and turning off your heat too soon could be a costly mistake.
“Late winter and early spring get everyone hyped for warmer weather and the promise of summer. But when those first sunny days hit, a lot of people make the same mistake — they shut off their heat completely, only to crank it up again when the cold inevitably comes back, sending their energy bills through the roof,” said Jamie Wall, a personal finance strategist at Gamblizard.
According to Wall, this mistake can spike up your heating bill by as much as 15%.
“Keeping your home at a steady temperature is actually way more efficient,” he said.
Instead of turning off your heat at the first signs of spring, Wall recommended these more effective measures to keep your home warm and your bills low.
Lower Your Thermostat Gradually
“Many people assume that turning the heat off on warm days will help them save, but it has the opposite effect — your heating system has to work harder to warm the room when it gets cold again,” Wall said.
Instead of shutting off the heat completely, Wall recommended lowering your thermostat gradually.
“Aim for 61-64°F at night and 64-68°F during the day to maintain a comfortable and energy-efficient temperature,” he said.
Make the Most of Natural Heating
Save on heating by letting nature do some of the work.
“Keep curtains open during the day to let in sunlight, then close them at night to trap heat,” Wall said. “Dark furniture, rugs and clothing absorb heat, so place them near windows to soak up sunlight during the day. When the sun sets, these items will help keep you cozy.”
Prevent Heat Loss
Stop heat from escaping by sealing gaps around doors and windows.
“Fixing air leaks can cut heating costs by 10%-20% per year,” Wall said. “And don’t forget to close the doors to unused rooms — this keeps the warmth where it’s needed most.”
Use Space Heaters Effectively
Instead of paying to heat your whole house, lower your thermostat setting to the lowest you can tolerate and use a space heater to heat the room you’re currently in — for example, your home office during the day or living room in the evening.
“Put your space heater away from walls and furniture for better airflow,” Wall said. “And make sure the space heater is the right size for the room to ensure it works efficiently.”
Cook More at Home
“This simple hack serves double duty — you can maximize the energy you’ve already used for cooking and reduce the need for additional heating,” Wall said. “Also, preparing meals at home instead of eating out will save you extra money.”
For optimal heating, plan meals that require longer cooking times during the coldest parts of the day. And after baking, leave the oven door open to let the residual heat circulate throughout your kitchen and nearby rooms.
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