How To Cut Your Heating Bills this Winter
Posts about the cost of living are already a major topic of discussion in American households, and for good reason. The average U.S. household energy bill is likely to be a staggering $976 for the winter of 2025-26, with a large chunk of that going toward keeping the heating on. Compared to previous years, the average household can expect to cough up a lot more cash.
Unfortunately, it seems like no end is in sight to this heating bill nightmare, and it's looking like it may well get worse. Heating costs are expected to rise a whopping 7.6% on average, and in some areas, that can increase to a whopping 15.4%, which is going to make a big dent in the household budget
Unfortunately, this leaves many homeowners staring at their bank statements and wondering how on earth they are going to keep the heating on this winter without breaking the bank. Everyone's talking about switching to sustainable energy—but that option is a major investment for a lot of people at the moment. Instead, Americans are looking for practical, wallet-friendly improvement options to stay warm at home.
Check the furnace first
When heating bills climb, the furnace is one of the first places homeowners should look. Even small mechanical issues can reduce performance over time without being immediately obvious.
In many cases, the issue is not that the furnace cannot heat your home at all, but that it is doing so in a way that wastes energy.
Furnaces are the workhorse of home heating across Champaign County. If you notice specific issues—like the furnace blowing only cold air, frequent short-cycling, or strange metallic scraping noises—it's a signal that professional help is needed fast. Addressing these problems early can restore proper function, improve heat output, and prevent energy bills from creeping higher each month.
Check the windows
Windows are one of the most common sources of winter heat loss. Even small gaps can force your heating system to work overtime.
A simple way to spot window issues is to pay attention to how rooms feel after the heat is on. Windows are the invisible actor of a comfortable home interior in winter. If you notice that despite heating the room still feels cool—like the heated air doesn't linger or is quickly replaced by cold air—it's a sign that your windows may let the air through. Drafts, condensation, or cold spots near window frames are all signs that efficiency may be compromised.
Short-term fixes such as sealing gaps or adding thermal curtains can help, but long-term savings often come from upgrading to more energy-efficient windows. Improving window performance helps your home retain heat longer.
Check the insulation
Everybody knows the role of insulation inside your home. But it can be tough to tell whether your insulation is the reason for high heating costs.
Here’s a tip: If the walls (or the under-roof ceiling) are cold to the touch, this is a sign that your insulation is letting some of the cold air through. This means that your heating is working harder than necessary. More often than not, upgrading your insulation—with blown-in solutions, or even spray foam for hard-to-reach areas—can be a game-changer.
Hopefully, these few easy tips will help keep your heating bills down this winter.
