January brings some of the coldest weather Sherwood sees all year. Your heating system is working overtime right now, and those energy bills reflect it. Heating accounts for nearly 30% of your annual energy consumption, but in winter months, it can climb to 60% to 70% or more of your monthly bill. With heating costs up 8.7% this winter season, averaging $941 per household, now is the perfect time to take control of your energy usage.
Master Your Thermostat Strategy
Your thermostat is the single most powerful tool for cutting heating costs. Set it to 68 degrees during the day and 65 degrees at night to find the sweet spot between comfort and savings. Here’s the math that matters: for every 1 degree you lower your thermostat, you use 1% less energy. When you leave for work, drop it to 60 degrees.
A programmable thermostat handles this automatically and can save you up to 33% on energy bills. Energy Star estimates that proper use of programmable thermostats saves homeowners about $180 annually. That’s real money back in your pocket.
Make the Switch to LED Lighting
Old-fashioned light bulbs are burning through your budget. LED bulbs use up to 80% less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs and last 25 times longer. Replace the bulbs in your most frequently used rooms first, such as kitchens, living rooms, and bathrooms. Each LED bulb saves nearly $8 per year, and when you switch out your whole house, the savings multiply quickly.
Seal in Warmth With Better Insulation
Heat naturally rises, and if your attic isn’t properly insulated, all that expensive warmth floats right out through your roof. 90% of attics lack adequate insulation, costing homeowners up to $200 in wasted heating each year. Quality attic insulation and air sealing can cut your heating and cooling costs by up to 15%. That’s money you’re literally watching disappear into thin air without proper insulation.
As someone who helps families find their ideal home in Sherwood, I understand that comfort and efficiency matter just as much as location and layout. If you’re searching for properties with smart energy features or want guidance on homes that won’t break your budget each winter, I’d love to help you explore what’s available in our community.
Use Window Coverings Strategically
Your curtains and blinds are free temperature controllers when used correctly. Open them during sunny daylight hours to let natural solar heat warm your rooms, then close them at sunset to trap that warmth inside. Well-fitted window coverings reduce heat loss by 40%, which translates to about 10% savings on your heating bill. This zero-cost habit pays dividends every single day.
Give Your Water Heater Some Attention
Water heating is often forgotten, but it’s a major energy consumer. Flush your water heater once a year to clear sediment that forces it to work harder. If it’s safe for your household’s needs, lower the temperature setting to 120 degrees. You’ll still get hot showers while cutting the energy needed to maintain that heat. Regular maintenance keeps your system running efficiently and extends its lifespan.
Put Your Ceiling Fans to Work
Ceiling fans aren’t just for summer cooling. Reverse the blade direction to clockwise during the winter months. This pushes warm air that’s risen to your ceiling back down into your living space, where you actually feel it. You can keep your thermostat lower and still stay just as comfortable.
Stop Phantom Power Drain
Electronics pull power even when they’re switched off. Standby power mode adds 5% to 10% to your monthly electric bill. Unplug devices you’re not actively using, especially phone chargers, coffee makers, and gaming consoles. Smart power strips make this easier by automatically cutting power to multiple devices at once.
These changes don’t require thousands of dollars or weeks of construction. Pick two or three strategies to start this week, then build from there. With energy costs climbing this winter, every adjustment you make puts money back where it belongs. Your January bill might be high, but February doesn’t have to follow suit. Take action now, and you’ll see the difference before winter ends.
Sources: palmetto.com, wholecommunity.news, greenmountainenergy.com, evokepropertypartners.com, energytrust.org, bobsrepair.com
Header Image Source: Arthur Lambillotte on Unsplash
