Besides freezing temperatures, there's something else you're probably dreading this winter...
Your utility bill.
If you've noticed that keeping your home comfortable is getting pricier, you're not imagining things...
According to a Bank of America report from last month, the average household utility payment rose 5% this past summer, compared with a year earlier.
And in some cities – like Baltimore and Washington, D.C. – bills for the period between June and August jumped more than 10% year over year.
That was just the summer. But winter could bring another unwelcome surprise...
For households that heat their homes with electricity, the U.S. Energy Information Administration is expecting a 4% increase in costs this winter. And those relying on heating oil could see their bills rise a whopping 21%.
So it's a good time to anticipate ways to save – before winter sets in...
None of us can control what the utility companies charge. But there's plenty you can do to keep those bills from eating into your hard-earned savings.
And the good news is, you don't need to spend thousands of dollars on new appliances or renovations...
Six Tips to Keep Your Utility Bill Down
Here are six simple ways to save money this winter:
1. Give your thermostat a new schedule.
This is one of the best places to start...
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, heating and cooling account for more than half of the energy used in a typical home. But dialing down your thermostat by 7 to 10 degrees Fahrenheit can save you as much as 10% a year on heating and cooling bills. And you don't have to make that kind of adjustment for the whole day... Just doing it for eight hours a day could net you some extra savings.
So whenever you're about to leave the house, turn down the heat before you go.
Just don't sacrifice your health to save a few bucks... Older adults should keep their homes at least 68 degrees Fahrenheit, according to the National Institute on Aging. And remember to keep your pets comfortable, too.
Finally, if you're worried about your pipes freezing during winter, keep your indoor temperature at least above 55 degrees.
2. Don't let heat – and your money – slip away.
Feel a bit of a draft near the door or window? If so, you might as well be paying to heat the outdoor air.
Thankfully, there are a few cheap fixes...
First, you can pick up some weatherstripping kits for doors and windows – like the peel-and-stick foam kind. Or you can buy some clear plastic window-insulation kits... You'll just need a hair dryer to heat-shrink the film onto your windows. Got some caulk? Even better – use it to seal any gaps around that window frame.
For a practically free solution, grab an old bath towel, roll it up, and tie each end off with a rubber band or elastic hair tie... Voila, you've got a homemade draft stopper you can place along the bottom of your front door.
If you've got some extra cash, it might also be worth getting a home energy audit. That's where a professional goes through your house and checks for energy wasters like poor insulation and hidden air leaks.
3. Try this free trick with your curtains.
Let Mother Nature help foot some of that heating bill...
On bright winter days, open your curtains or blinds to let the sun naturally warm your rooms. Then, when the sun sets, draw those shades to help keep that warmth inside. If your windows get especially cold, consider investing in some insulated or thermal curtains to reduce some heat loss.
4. Show your HVAC system some TLC.
If you can't remember the last time you checked your air filters, it's probably time to take a look...
A dirty filter can restrict airflow, which forces your heating system to work harder. According to the government's Energy Star conservation program, you might even want to check that filter every month during "heavy use" periods like winter and summer.
While you're at it, check that none of your furniture or rugs are blocking heating vents. And you might also want to consider scheduling a professional tune-up for your HVAC system to catch any problems before they turn into expensive repairs.
5. Warm yourself instead of the whole room.
Wrap yourself up in a warm blanket or put on a pair of thick socks. Or throw on a heated blanket...
A typical 100-watt heated throw blanket uses far less electricity than a 1,500-watt space heater. Just make sure to choose a safety-certified model with an auto-shutoff feature and follow the manufacturer's directions.
6. Stop wasting money with each wash.
According to Energy Star, heating up water for that hot-water-wash setting accounts for roughly 90% of the energy used by a typical washing machine. So I recommend just using cold water for everyday laundry (while saving the hot-water setting for loads that really need it).
Also, wait to wash till you have a full load's worth of clothing... and don't use the dryer for longer than necessary.
Little habits like these can save you money all year long... Start with one or two easy changes this week and then build on them as winter approaches.
What are your favorite tips for taming your energy bill? Share them with us at feedback@healthandwealthbulletin.com.
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Here's to our health, wealth, and a great retirement,
Dr. David Eifrig and the Health & Wealth Bulletin Research Team
October 13, 2026