Optimize your heating system’s performance and keep energy bills in check this winter

Keeping your home warm in the colder months doesn’t have to come with sky-high energy bills. While major upgrades like installing a new furnace or adding insulation can make a big difference, they can also be expensive. There are several low-cost and even no-cost ways to boost your heating efficiency and stay comfortable all winter long.

Here are 10 practical, budget-friendly tips to maximize heating system performance: 

  1. Seal Drafts and Air Leaks

One of the simplest and most cost-effective ways to improve heating efficiency is to stop warm air from escaping your home.

  • Weatherstripping can be added around doors and windows to prevent air leaks. Foam tape, V-seal, or rubber weatherstripping are all inexpensive and easy to install with minimal tools.
  • Caulking gaps around windows, baseboards, and plumbing penetrations can block cold air from sneaking in.
  • Door sweeps are another low-cost addition that can seal the gap at the bottom of exterior doors.

By sealing drafts, you reduce the workload on your heating system, which can translate into noticeable energy savings.

  1. Use a Programmable or Smart Thermostat

If you’re still using a manual thermostat, upgrading to a programmable or basic smart thermostat can offer a big return for a small investment, often under $100.

These devices allow you to set heating schedules based on your routine, automatically lowering the temperature when you're asleep or away from home. 

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, you can save up to 10% a year on heating by turning your thermostat back 7–10°F for 8 hours a day.

Even better: some utility companies offer rebates or free thermostats, so check your local energy provider.

  1. Maximize Natural Heat

Let the sun do some of the work.

  • Open curtains or blinds on south-facing windows during the day to let sunlight naturally warm your space.
  • Close them at night to trap the heat inside and block out cold drafts.

This no-cost tactic is a surprisingly effective way to supplement your heating system and make rooms feel more comfortable.

  1. Maintain Your Heating System

A well-maintained heating system runs more efficiently and lasts longer.

  • Change or clean air filters regularly (monthly during the heating season for most systems). Dirty filters restrict airflow, forcing your system to work harder.
  • Vacuum vents and radiators to remove dust and obstructions that can block heat flow.
  • Bleed radiators if you have a hot water system. Air bubbles can prevent them from heating evenly.
  • Schedule a low-cost tune-up with a local, skilled, and dependaworthy One Hour Heating and Air technician. Check out our website for seasonal promotions! 

Even a small amount of regular care can significantly improve performance.

  1. Use Space Heaters Strategically

If you spend most of your time in one or two rooms, using an energy-efficient space heater can allow you to turn down the thermostat in the rest of the house.

Look for models with:

  • Automatic shutoff
  • Adjustable thermostats
  • Ceramic or oil-filled heating elements (for better efficiency and safety)

Follow safety guidelines and never leave space heaters unattended.

  1. Reverse Your Ceiling Fans

Most people associate ceiling fans with summer, but they can be helpful in winter too if used correctly.

  • Reverse the direction of your ceiling fan (usually with a switch on the motor housing) so that it runs clockwise.
  • This creates an updraft that pushes warm air down from the ceiling and redistributes it throughout the room.

It's a simple trick that can make a noticeable difference in comfort levels, especially in rooms with high ceilings.

  1. Insulate Hot Water Pipes and Ductwork

Uninsulated ducts or pipes can lose a significant amount of heat before it ever reaches your living space.

  • Foam pipe insulation sleeves are inexpensive, easy to install, and can help hot water stay hotter as it moves through your home.
  • Duct sealing tape and duct insulation wrap can be used in accessible basements, attics, or crawl spaces to prevent heat loss from your HVAC system.

This can be a great DIY project with immediate payback in improved system efficiency.

  1. Close Off Unused Spaces

If you have rooms you rarely use (like guest rooms or storage areas), consider closing the vents or doors to those spaces. This allows warmer air to be directed to the areas you actually live in, reducing unnecessary heating.

Be cautious: in homes with central HVAC, which is most of them, make sure not to close off too many vents, as heavily restricted airflow can negatively affect system performance over time.

  1. Add Rugs to Bare Floors

Hardwood or tile floors can feel cold and allow heat to escape through the floorboards. Throwing down area rugs adds insulation and helps rooms retain heat, while also making your feet more comfortable on chilly mornings. Plus, it’s a decorative bonus.

  1. Layer Up (and Use Blankets!)

Lastly, don’t underestimate the old-school tricks: sweaters, thermal socks, and warm blankets. Lowering your thermostat by just 1 or 2 degrees and dressing warmer can lead to noticeable savings over the course of the heating season.

*** 3 BONUS tips that you may not often hear about! ***

  1. Utilize Thermal Mattress Toppers

Consider using a thermal mattress topper with heating and cooling technology. Think of it as a large electric blanket stretched across your mattress under your sheets. They’re carried by most major home goods retailers and come in a wide array of price points. Many operate using a remote, they’re machine washable, and offer a variety of thickness.

  1. Apply Insulation Film to Windows

Installing insulation film on windows can significantly reduce heat loss. Kits can be found at Walmart and other big box chains for as low as $10. The film is designed to cover windows and prevent drafts. The material is puncture-resistant, durable, and pet-friendly. Yet, it still maintains clear visibility, allowing natural light and outdoor views. 

Installation is simple:

  1. Cut an initial piece slightly larger than the window and all seams with exposure to the outdoors
  2. Trim away excess
  3. Use a hair dryer to seal the edges

This affordable alternative can save households up to 30% on heating costs by creating an insulating barrier that keeps the sun’s warmth inside.

  1. Install Radiator Reflector Foil

Radiator reflector foil is similar in theory to the insulating window film above, but made with a foil material and designed to sit behind a radiator or other in-room heating device. It, too, is available starting around $10 from most major retailers. The foil reduces energy use by reflecting warm air from radiators or other heating devices back into the room and away from external walls, where it can potentially draft outside.

 It’s also easy to install:

  1. Cut the needed shape slightly bigger than the size of the heating device
  2. Use included adhesive strips to hold the piece on the wall 

You don’t need a big budget to make a big difference in your home heating efficiency. With a few smart upgrades, some seasonal maintenance, and strategic use of what you already have, you can stay cozy and cut down on heating costs. 

It’s also important that you get your HVAC system inspected twice a year, in spring and fall, to ensure all systems are a go for the hottest and coldest months. In most cases, our One Hour Heating and Air experts catch potential problems before symptoms even start. Give us a call today! Our professionals are your go-to HVAC team in Charlotte and the surrounding area, including Indian Trail, Concord, and Mooresville. 

Visit https://www.onehourheatandair.com/charlotte/ for our weekly and monthly specials. Call our 24/7 customer service line today (704) 703-4220.