When winter arrives in River Falls, WI, it brings consistently cold weather. The region experiences long stretches of winter conditions, with overnight temperatures frequently dropping well below freezing. That makes homes in the area heavily dependent on their heating systems. Unfortunately, heating a home during cold snaps can get expensive. In response, homeowners often look for ways to trim their heating costs, sometimes at the expense of comfort. Here are practical ways to lower your home’s heating bills while staying comfortable.

Schedule a Heating System Tune-up

One of the most effective ways to keep heating costs under control is to keep your system in good condition. Scheduling a heating tune-up before winter helps ensure efficient operation. A professional tune-up typically includes a system inspection, performance testing, cleaning key components, and addressing minor issues before they become costly repairs. Some systems may also require lubrication of specific moving parts, depending on design. Without regular maintenance, heating systems can gradually lose efficiency, leading to higher energy use and rising utility bills.

Open and Unblock Your Home's Vents

Even after a heating tune-up, homeowner habits play an important role in system performance. One simple step is to keep supply vents open and free from obstructions such as furniture, rugs, or drapes. Your ductwork is designed to distribute a specific amount of air through each vent. Blocking or closing vents can disrupt airflow balance and reduce overall efficiency. In some homes, keeping interior doors open helps airflow return to the system properly, though the ideal setup can vary depending on duct and return placement.

Use Your Ceiling Fans

Ceiling fans can help improve comfort during winter when used correctly. Set the fan to spin clockwise at a low speed. This creates gentle air circulation that pulls cooler air upward and helps redistribute warmer air that collects near the ceiling back into the living space. By improving heat distribution, ceiling fans can reduce temperature differences within a room and lessen the temptation to raise the thermostat, contributing to energy savings over time.

Consider a Heating Upgrade

If your heating system is expensive to operate, replacing it may significantly reduce heating costs. Older furnaces often operate at efficiencies of around 78% to 80%. Modern high-efficiency condensing furnaces can achieve efficiency ratings of up to 98%, resulting in noticeable savings over time. Upgrading also makes sense because efficiency standards continue to improve, making today’s systems far more effective than those installed decades ago.

You may also consider a cold-climate heat pump. These systems are designed to deliver reliable heating performance in colder regions. While efficiency decreases as outdoor temperatures drop, many modern cold-climate heat pumps continue operating effectively well below freezing and can significantly outperform traditional electric resistance heating. Performance varies by model and conditions, but ENERGY STAR–certified systems are engineered to maintain dependable heating during winter weather.

Invest in Air Sealing

Reducing unwanted air leakage is another effective way to lower heating costs. Air sealing focuses on closing gaps and cracks in your home’s exterior where cold air can enter. Common trouble spots include areas around windows, doors, hose bibs, and where pipes or wiring penetrate exterior walls. Sealing these gaps with caulk or expanding foam reduces heat loss. When combined with insulation upgrades, ENERGY STAR estimates that air sealing can help cut heating and cooling costs by up to 15%.

Install Weatherstripping

Doors and windows are common sources of heat loss, even when closed. Installing weatherstripping improves the seal and reduces drafts. Weatherstripping is a compressible material that limits air movement around doors and windows. It can be applied along window sashes and door jambs to improve sealing when closed. V-shaped weatherstripping can also be installed in window channels to reduce air infiltration along the sides.

Set Your Thermostat Correctly

Adjusting your thermostat settings is one of the simplest ways to reduce heating costs. Many homeowners find that setting the thermostat around 68°F during the day provides a good balance between comfort and efficiency. At night, lowering the temperature to around 65°F can reduce energy use while still keeping sleeping areas comfortable for most people. Personal comfort varies, so layering clothing or bedding can help maintain comfort without increasing thermostat settings.

Upgrade to a Smart Thermostat

Smart thermostats can help reduce heating costs by minimizing unnecessary system runtime. These devices use scheduling, occupancy sensing, and learning features to adjust temperatures automatically. ENERGY STAR estimates that certified smart thermostats save an average of about 8% on heating and cooling costs. Some manufacturers report higher savings depending on usage patterns. Many smart thermostats also provide energy reports, helping homeowners identify opportunities for further efficiency improvements.

Your Local Heating Efficiency Experts

If you want to improve the heating efficiency of your River Falls home this winter, One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning® can help. We service all makes and models of heating systems and offer installation of high-efficiency equipment from leading manufacturers. Our technicians receive ongoing training and understand the specific challenges River Falls homeowners face. As a local provider, we focus on long-term customer relationships, delivering reliable service at fair prices.

If you need a heating tune-up or system replacement to lower your River Falls home’s heating bills, contact One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning® today.