As the temperatures drop in St. Louis, MO, heating costs often become a primary concern for homeowners. Keeping your home warm shouldn’t have to mean breaking the bank. By understanding how your system uses energy and making small adjustments, you can significantly lower your monthly bills.
What is the Energy Saving Temperature in Winter?
Finding the right balance between comfort and cost starts with your thermostat. According to the Department of Energy, the best energy-saving temperature in winter is 68°F while you are awake and at home.
Setting your thermostat to this level helps maintain a comfortable indoor environment while reducing overall energy consumption. When you are asleep or away from home, you can save even more, up to 10% a year, by turning the thermostat back 7 to 10 degrees for 8 hours a day.
7 Tips to Save Energy This Winter
Implementing these strategies can help you maintain a cozy home in areas like Ladue or Chesterfield without overworking your HVAC system.
1. Reverse Your Ceiling Fans
Most fans have a small switch on the motor housing that allows them to run clockwise. Because heat naturally rises, running the fan in reverse on a low setting pushes that warm air back down into the living space, making the room feel cozier without raising the thermostat.
2. Maximize Natural Sunlight
During the day, open your curtains and blinds, especially on south-facing windows, to let the sun naturally warm your home. Be sure to close them as soon as the sun goes down to add an extra layer of insulation and trap the heat inside.
3. Change Your Air Filters Monthly
A dirty air filter significantly reduces your HVAC system’s efficiency. In the winter, your system often runs more frequently, which can clog filters faster. Changing them every 1 to 3 months ensures proper airflow and prevents the system from overworking.
4. Seal Air Leaks and Drafts
Small gaps around doors and windows can account for up to 25-30% of heat loss in a home. Use weatherstripping or caulk to seal these leaks and keep the cold air out.
5. Lower Your Water Heater Temperature
Heating water is a major energy consumer. By lowering your water heater’s temperature to 120°F, you can save on energy costs while still enjoying a warm shower. This setting is also recommended to prevent accidental scalding.
6. Use a Smart or Programmable Thermostat
A smart thermostat can learn your schedule and automatically lower the temperature when you aren’t home. This eliminates the need for manual adjustments and ensures you aren’t paying to heat an empty house.
7. Schedule a Professional HVAC Tune-Up
A professional tune-up ensures your system is running at peak efficiency. This is especially important for gas-powered systems to ensure safety and prevent minor issues from becoming expensive repairs during a cold snap. Depending on your home’s setup, you should schedule a specialized inspection for your specific equipment:
- Furnace Maintenance: Crucial for gas-powered systems to check for leaks and ensure proper venting before the first cold snap.
- Heat Pump Maintenance: A well-maintained heat pump can be up to 25% more fuel-efficient.
- Boiler Maintenance: In the winter, you should check once a week that your boiler’s water level is half to three-quarters full.
Understanding Your Utility Bills
Why is my electric bill so high in the winter?
Electric bills often spike because heating systems must work much harder to combat frigid temperatures. In Missouri, electric heating can be more than twice as expensive as natural gas. Additionally, shorter daylight hours mean we use interior lighting more frequently.
Why is my gas bill so high in the winter?
If you have a gas furnace, your bill is directly tied to the seasonality of increased use and fluctuating supply rates. Inefficient insulation, an outdated furnace (older than 15 years), or air leaks around the home can force the unit to consume much more natural gas than necessary.
Ready to Lower Your Energy Costs?
Don’t wait for the next St. Louis freeze to ensure your home is efficient. Meyer Heating & Air serves a wide range of communities, including Ballwin, MO and St Louis. County.
Whether you need a professional system tune-up or are interested in installing a smart thermostat, our experts are here to help you save. Contact Meyer Heating & Air today to schedule your winter maintenance and keep your utility bills under control!
Winter Utility FAQs
What is the average winter utility bill in St. Louis?
In St. Louis, energy bills average around $190.37 per month. However, this can fluctuate based on the type of fuel used; Missouri households often pay two to three times more for electricity than for natural gas.
How can I keep my energy bill low in the winter?
The most effective way is to “layer up” with warm clothes and blankets before reaching for the thermostat. Combined with regular HVAC maintenance and sealing air leaks, these small changes can prevent large spikes in your usage.