How to Lower Your Heating Bill This Winter

Turn the Thermostat Back

The U.S. Department of Energy says you can save as much as 10% a year on heating and cooling by turning your thermostat down 7 to 10 degrees F for 8 hours a day in fall and winter. If you have a heat pump, do not do this without a smart or programmable thermostat made for heat pumps. (DOE Energy Saver Guide (opens in a new tab))

Steps for Every Home

• Set a schedule on a programmable or smart thermostat, or turn it down by hand at night and when you leave.
• Seal drafts around doors and windows with weatherstripping and caulk. Our weatherize your home guide has a printable checklist.
• Ask about a free or low-cost energy audit and the Weatherization Assistance Program, also covered in weatherize your home.
• Replace or clean your furnace filter as the maker recommends and schedule a tune-up.
• Keep vents and radiators clear of furniture and curtains.
• Open curtains on sunny days and close them at night.
• Lower your water heater setting. Our weatherize guide covers water heater tips.
• Call your utility or fuel dealer about budget billing and payment plans before bills pile up.

Natural Gas Heat

Ask your gas utility about budget billing (an even monthly amount), payment plans and any energy efficiency rebates. Program names and terms vary by utility: Unknown for your area until you call.

If you get a disconnection notice, act before the date. See our winter utility shutoff help guide for state protections and a call script.

Propane Heat

Propane is usually bought from a dealer, not a regulated utility, so prices and contract terms vary. Ask each dealer for the price per gallon, delivery fees, minimum delivery size and tank rental fees, then compare.

Ask whether the dealer offers a pre-buy price, a fixed price or a budget plan. Whether these save money this winter: Unknown, because it depends on where prices go.

Heating Oil

Like propane, heating oil comes from dealers. Call more than one dealer for a price per gallon and ask about automatic delivery, will-call delivery and budget plans.

Check your tank gauge often so you can order before you run low. Emergency or small deliveries may cost more: ask your dealer what it charges.

Help Paying Heating Bills

LIHEAP is a federal program that can help with home heating bills, prevent energy shutoffs, reconnect service and make homes more energy efficient. (HHS: LIHEAP (opens in a new tab)) Whether LIHEAP in your state covers propane or heating oil deliveries: Unknown. Ask your state LIHEAP office.

You can also call 211 for local assistance programs. Already behind? Read behind on utility bills. Veterans can check veteran and military bill help.

Independent site, not a provider

ForLowerBills.com is run by a disabled U.S. Air Force wartime veteran and team.

ForLowerBills.com is an independent, free resource. We are not affiliated with or endorsed by any government agency or provider. Programs and prices change. Always confirm details with the official source or your provider.