Iowa winters are no joke. When temperatures plunge below zero, your furnace works overtime—and your energy bills can skyrocket. But staying warm doesn’t have to mean breaking the bank. Here are ten proven strategies to reduce your heating costs while keeping your home comfortable all winter long.
1. Optimize Your Thermostat Settings
The easiest way to save on heating is adjusting your thermostat strategically:
- Lower it at night: Drop the temperature 7-10 degrees while you sleep. Most people sleep better in cooler rooms anyway, and you’ll save about 10% on heating costs.
- Reduce when away: There’s no need to heat an empty house. Lower the temperature when everyone’s at work or school.
- Find your comfort floor: Every degree you lower your thermostat saves approximately 3% on your heating bill. Experiment to find the lowest comfortable setting for your family.
Pro tip: A programmable or smart thermostat automates these adjustments, ensuring you never forget.
2. Seal Air Leaks
Warm air escaping through gaps and cracks can account for 25-30% of heating energy loss. Check these common problem areas:
- Around windows and doors
- Where pipes and wires enter walls
- Electrical outlets on exterior walls
- Attic hatches and basement rim joists
- Fireplace dampers
Weatherstripping, caulk, and foam sealant are inexpensive solutions that pay for themselves quickly.
3. Use Your Ceiling Fans (Yes, Really!)
Most ceiling fans have a reverse switch that makes blades rotate clockwise. This pushes warm air that collects near the ceiling back down into the room. Run fans on low speed to gently redistribute heat without creating a draft.
4. Let the Sun Work for You
Take advantage of free solar heat:
- Open curtains on south-facing windows during sunny days
- Close all curtains and blinds at night to insulate against cold
- Consider thermal curtains for windows that get little sun
This simple habit can make a noticeable difference in rooms with good sun exposure.
5. Maintain Your Heating System
A well-maintained furnace runs more efficiently:
- Change filters monthly: A dirty filter forces your system to work harder
- Schedule annual tune-ups: Professional maintenance keeps your system running at peak efficiency
- Keep vents clear: Furniture, rugs, and curtains blocking vents waste energy and strain your system
Our Comfort Club members get two tune-ups per year included—one in fall for heating, one in spring for cooling.
6. Insulate Your Home
Proper insulation is one of the best investments you can make:
- Attic: Heat rises, making attic insulation critical. The Department of Energy recommends R-49 to R-60 for Iowa.
- Walls: Adding insulation to exterior walls can be done without major renovation.
- Basement: Insulating basement walls and rim joists prevents significant heat loss.
- Pipes: Insulating hot water pipes reduces heat loss and delivers hot water faster.
7. Use Space Heaters Wisely
Space heaters can save money when used strategically:
- Heat only occupied rooms while lowering the whole-house thermostat
- Choose energy-efficient models with thermostats and auto-shutoff
- Never leave space heaters unattended or near flammable materials
However, running multiple space heaters often costs more than central heating. Use them as supplements, not replacements.
8. Manage Your Water Heater
Water heating is typically your second-largest energy expense:
- Lower the temperature to 120°F (most are set higher than necessary)
- Insulate your water heater tank, especially if it’s in an unheated space
- Fix dripping faucets promptly—hot water drips waste both water and energy
- Consider a water heater blanket for older units
9. Close Off Unused Spaces
If you have rooms you rarely use:
- Close the doors to keep heat in living areas
- Close vents in unused rooms (but not more than 20% of total vents)
- Consider installing doors at the top of stairs to prevent heat from rising to unused upper floors
Just be careful not to let closed rooms get cold enough for pipes to freeze.
10. Upgrade Old Equipment
If your furnace is over 15 years old, it’s likely operating at 60-70% efficiency. Modern high-efficiency furnaces achieve 90-98% efficiency, meaning almost all the energy you pay for becomes heat for your home.
The investment in new equipment often pays for itself through:
- Lower monthly energy bills
- Fewer repair costs
- Better comfort and temperature control
- Potential utility rebates and tax credits
We offer financing options to make upgrades affordable, and we can calculate your potential savings.
Small Changes Add Up
You don’t have to implement all these strategies at once. Start with the free and low-cost options—thermostat adjustments, sealing air leaks, and better habits around curtains and vents. These alone can reduce your heating bills by 20% or more.
Need Help Improving Your Home’s Efficiency?
Our team can assess your current system and recommend the most cost-effective improvements for your specific situation. Whether you need better insulation, a furnace tune-up, or advice on upgrading equipment, we’re here to help.
Ready to start saving? Request a home energy consultation or call Kertels at (563) 744-3754. We’ll help you stay warm without the budget-busting bills.
Fix it quick, fix it right. For over 40 years, that’s been our promise to Farley and Dubuque County.