Budget-Friendly Heating and Cooling Tips
Emily Low | Feb 04 2026 15:00
Keeping your home comfortable through Monroe County winters doesn’t have to mean sky‑high energy bills. With a few simple habits and small adjustments, you can stay warm without stretching your budget. Here are some friendly, practical tips to help you save while keeping your home cozy all season long.
Set Your Thermostat Smartly
A well‑set thermostat can make a big difference. In the winter, aim for around 68°F when you're home
and awake. When you're asleep or away, lowering it by 7–10 degrees can help cut heating costs by up to 10% a year. If you have a programmable or smart thermostat, let it make these adjustments automatically to get the most savings with the least effort.
Keep Your System Clean and Maintained
Regular maintenance goes a long way. Changing your furnace filter every 1–3 months helps your system run efficiently and keeps warm air moving freely. A dirty filter makes your furnace work harder, which means higher energy use and more wear on the system.
If it's been a while since your last tune‑up, a professional inspection can catch small issues before they turn into expensive problems—and help improve overall efficiency.
Seal Up Drafts and Leaks
Cold air loves finding its way inside through gaps around windows, doors, and vents. Weatherstripping or using a little caulk can help keep warm air where it belongs. Even small leaks can add up, so it’s worth taking a quick walk around your home to find trouble spots.
Let the Sunshine In
Mother Nature can help heat your home for free! On sunny days, open the curtains to let in natural warmth. When the sun goes down, close them to help insulate your windows and keep the chill out.
Use Ceiling Fans Wisely
It might sound surprising, but ceiling fans can help during the winter. Set them to spin clockwise at a low speed—this pushes the warm air collecting near the ceiling back down into the room, helping you feel warmer without touching the thermostat.
Keep Vents and Registers Clear
Blocked vents make your HVAC system work harder than it needs to. Make sure furniture, rugs, or curtains aren’t covering the airflow so warm air can circulate through your home easily and efficiently.
Saving on heating bills doesn’t require big changes—just a handful of practical, budget‑friendly steps that make your home more efficient and comfortable. If you're looking for expert help or want to explore energy‑saving upgrades, our team at Complete Home Comfort is always here to lend a hand.
