Winter in Framingham can be tough, and keeping your home warm without breaking the bank is a challenge many homeowners face. If your house isn’t energy-efficient, you might notice higher heating bills, uneven temperatures, and a system that struggles to keep up with the cold. The good news is that making a few smart changes can significantly improve your home’s energy efficiency. You don’t need a complete overhaul—just some simple upgrades and good habits.
Here’s how to keep your home warm and your energy bills low this winter.
1. Start with Your Heating System
Your heating system does most of the heavy lifting during winter. If it’s not running efficiently, you could be wasting energy and money. That’s why proper maintenance and care are so important.
Schedule an HVAC Tune-Up
Before winter hits full force, have a professional inspect and clean your heating system. A technician can check for wear and tear, clean dirty components, and make sure your system is running at peak efficiency. Regular maintenance helps prevent sudden breakdowns and improves overall performance.
Replace Air Filters
Clogged air filters make your heating system work harder than necessary. Dirty filters restrict airflow, forcing your system to use more energy to heat your home. Changing the filter every one to three months can help keep your system efficient.
Consider Oil Furnace Maintenance
If you rely on an oil furnace to heat your home, regular maintenance is essential. Over time, oil furnaces can develop soot buildup, clogged fuel lines, and inefficient burners. Without proper care, these issues can lead to higher energy costs and even safety hazards. Homeowners should schedule oil furnace maintenance in Framingham, MA, to ensure their system is running efficiently. A professional tune-up includes cleaning critical components, checking fuel lines, and making necessary adjustments to improve performance.
Upgrade If Necessary
If your heating system is more than 15–20 years old, it might be time for an upgrade. Newer systems are much more efficient and use less fuel to produce the same amount of heat. Investing in a high-efficiency furnace or heat pump can lower your energy costs significantly over time.
2. Seal Drafts and Insulate Your Home
A surprising amount of heat escapes through tiny gaps and cracks in your home. Sealing these leaks keeps warm air inside, reducing the amount of work your heating system has to do.
Check for Air Leaks
Cold air sneaks in through gaps around doors, windows, electrical outlets, and plumbing pipes. You can check for drafts by holding a candle near these areas—if the flame flickers, you have a leak.
Use Weather Stripping and Caulk
Weather stripping around doors and windows prevents drafts, while caulk seals small gaps and cracks. These are affordable fixes that can make a noticeable difference in comfort and energy efficiency.
Improve Insulation
If your attic, walls, or basement are poorly insulated, heat will escape quickly. Upgrading insulation, especially in your attic, can significantly reduce heat loss.
Close Fireplace Dampers
An open fireplace damper lets warm air escape straight up the chimney. Close it when the fireplace isn’t in use to prevent heat loss.
3. Optimize Your Thermostat Settings
Many homeowners set their thermostat higher than necessary, leading to wasted energy. Adjusting it strategically can help you save money without sacrificing comfort.
Set It to 68°F When You’re Home
The Department of Energy recommends keeping your thermostat at 68°F when you’re home. This provides a comfortable temperature while conserving energy.
Lower It at Night or When You’re Away
Dropping the temperature by a few degrees when you’re sleeping or out of the house can result in big savings. Lowering it by 7–10 degrees for eight hours a day can reduce heating costs by up to 10% per year.
Install a Smart Thermostat
A smart thermostat automatically adjusts the temperature based on your schedule. It can lower the heat when you’re away and raise it before you return, ensuring comfort without unnecessary energy use. Many smart thermostats also provide energy reports to help you track your usage.
4. Use Energy-Efficient Window Treatments
Windows are a major source of heat loss in winter. Even when closed, they can let in cold air and allow warmth to escape. The right window treatments can improve insulation.
Use Thermal Curtains
Heavy, insulated curtains can block drafts and trap heat inside. Keep them open during the day to let sunlight in and close them at night to retain warmth.
Apply Window Film
Window film adds an extra layer of insulation by reducing heat transfer. It’s an easy and cost-effective way to improve energy efficiency.
Consider Cellular Shades
These shades have a honeycomb design that traps air, creating a barrier between your window and the room. They’re especially effective in reducing heat loss.
5. Maximize Heat Circulation
Even if your heating system is working efficiently, poor circulation can make certain areas of your home feel colder. Improving airflow ensures even heat distribution.
Reverse Ceiling Fans
Most ceiling fans have a winter setting that rotates the blades clockwise. This pushes warm air down, helping to maintain a consistent temperature.
Move Furniture Away from Vents
Blocked vents can disrupt airflow and make your heating system work harder. Make sure furniture, rugs, and curtains aren’t covering vents.
Use Space Heaters Wisely
Space heaters can be helpful for heating small areas but should be used carefully. They should only be used in well-ventilated areas and turned off when you leave the room.
6. Reduce Energy Use from Appliances and Lighting
Heating isn’t the only factor affecting your winter energy bills. Other appliances and lighting can contribute to high electricity costs.
Switch to LED Bulbs
LED bulbs use 75% less energy than incandescent bulbs and last much longer. Replacing outdated bulbs can make a difference in your energy consumption.
Unplug Electronics When Not in Use
Many devices continue to draw power even when turned off. Unplugging chargers, TVs, and small appliances when they’re not in use can reduce wasted energy.
Use Energy-Efficient Appliances
If you’re upgrading appliances, look for models with an Energy Star rating. These appliances use less electricity while performing just as well as standard models.
Making your home more energy-efficient doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. By maintaining your heating system, sealing drafts, using smart thermostat settings, and upgrading insulation, you can stay warm without overspending on energy bills. Taking small steps now can lead to big savings over the winter months.
