When the weather turns cold, heating often becomes one of the biggest household costs of the year. The good news is that small, steady habits can help you use energy more wisely. And if you’d like support with winter bills, there are programs and options worth knowing about. This post covers practical tips for your home and explains where to ask about assistance. Every home is different, so think of these as ideas to try, not promises about how much you’ll save.
Get ready before the first cold snap
Fall is a great time to prepare. A little work now can make your home more comfortable all winter.
Check for drafts
Cold air sneaks in around doors, windows, and outlets. To find drafts:
- Hold your hand near the edges of doors and windows on a windy day.
- Look for daylight around door frames.
- Watch for curtains that move when windows are closed.
Weatherstripping, door sweeps, and window insulation kits are usually inexpensive and easy to install. Rolled-up towels at the bottom of a door work in a pinch.
Service your heating system
A heating system that’s clean and working well tends to use energy more efficiently.
- Replace or clean your furnace filter. Many filters need changing every one to three months during heating season.
- Keep vents and radiators clear of furniture and curtains.
- Consider a professional check-up if it’s been a while. Some utilities offer this or can suggest local programs.
Test safety devices
Before heating season, test your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Replace batteries if needed. Never use an oven or outdoor grill to heat your home.
Everyday habits that help
Use your thermostat thoughtfully
Lowering your thermostat a few degrees while you sleep or are away can reduce the energy you use. A programmable or smart thermostat can do this automatically. Choose temperatures that keep everyone in your home safe and comfortable, especially babies, older adults, and anyone with health needs.
Let the sun help
On sunny days, open curtains on south-facing windows to let in warmth. Close them at night to help hold the heat inside.
Layer up
Warm socks, sweaters, and extra blankets help you feel comfortable at a slightly lower temperature. Flannel sheets and rugs on bare floors can also make a difference.
Mind your water heater
Heating water uses a lot of energy. Some simple steps:
- Take shorter showers.
- Wash clothes in cold water when you can.
- Fix dripping hot water faucets.
- Check your water heater setting. Many homes are comfortable at around 120°F.
Watch the small stuff
- Turn off lights in empty rooms.
- Switch to LED bulbs as old ones burn out.
- Unplug chargers and electronics you aren’t using.
- Run the dishwasher and washing machine with full loads.
Talk to your utility company
Your utility company can be a helpful partner. Many people don’t know what options they offer. Call the number on your bill or visit the company’s website and ask about:
Budget billing
Budget billing, sometimes called levelized billing, spreads your yearly energy costs into more even monthly payments. Your total for the year isn’t lower, but it can make winter bills more predictable.
Payment plans
If a bill feels hard to pay all at once, ask if you can set up a payment arrangement. It’s best to call early, before a due date passes.
Free energy check-ups
Many utilities offer home energy audits or online tools that show where your home uses the most energy.
Winter protections
Many states have rules that limit utility shutoffs during the coldest months. The rules vary widely. Ask your utility or your state’s public utility commission what applies where you live.
Energy assistance programs
If you’d like help paying for heating, programs exist in every state.
LIHEAP
The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is a federally funded program run by states, tribes, and territories. Depending on where you live, it may help with heating bills, cooling bills, energy-related emergencies, or small home energy repairs. Each state sets its own eligibility rules and application dates, and funds can be limited, so applying early in the season is a good idea. You can find your local LIHEAP office through acf.gov or by calling 211.
Weatherization Assistance Program
The Weatherization Assistance Program helps eligible households make their homes more energy efficient. Services might include insulation, sealing air leaks, or repairing heating systems. Your state energy office or local community action agency can share how it works where you live.
Local and utility programs
Many utilities, nonprofits, and faith groups run their own winter assistance funds. Calling 211 is one of the easiest ways to learn what’s available in your area.
For a deeper look at all of these options, see our guide to utility bill assistance basics. Our post on the year-round household calendar can also help you remember when to apply each season.
Gather documents ahead of time
Assistance applications usually ask for things like a recent utility bill, proof of income, and ID for household members. Collecting these early can make applying much easier. Our document checklist tool can help you keep track.
Plan for winter in your budget
Since heating costs often rise in winter, it can help to plan ahead. Look at last winter’s bills to get a sense of what to expect. Our budget snapshot tool can help you see how seasonal costs fit into your monthly plan.
The bottom line
Staying warm this winter can be easier with a bit of preparation. Seal drafts, care for your heating system, and build simple daily habits. Talk to your utility about budget billing and payment plans, and look into LIHEAP, weatherization, and local programs through acf.gov or 211. Start early, keep your documents handy, and always confirm details with official sources.
This article is for general information only. Program rules, amounts and deadlines change and vary by state, so always check the official source. EverydayBenefitGuide is not affiliated with any government agency.
