The days are getting shorter, and winter will be here before you know it, so it’s a good time to prepare your home for the colder weather. Tempting though it is to crank up the central heating as soon as you feel a chill, you should give some thought to energy efficiency first.

Fortunately, you don’t have to choose between warmth and energy efficiency. If you combine smart habits and systems, it’s possible to have both. Take a look.

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1. Schedule a Home Energy Audit

Making energy efficiency upgrades identified in a home energy assessment can save 5-30 percent on your monthly energy bill while also ensuring the health and safety of your house. Households that install efficient heat pumps and improve building efficiency are expected to save up to $600, $1,200, or $3,100 per year, depending on the type of heating and cooling system being replaced.

The best way to know if and where your home is losing heat to drafts is to schedule a home energy audit with a professional in your area. Your local utility may offer free audits, and private contractors typically charge $212 and $698, according to Angie’s List.

What’s new for 2024: The home energy audit tax credit offers 30% of the cost for a home energy audit, up to $150 per year, making professional audits more affordable than ever. This federal tax credit is part of the Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit program.

” A home energy assessment should be your first step before making energy-saving home improvements, as well as before adding a renewable energy system to your home,” Energy.gov explains.

With your results in hand, you can prioritize repairs and upgrades, which may be as simple as installing weather-stripping in key locations or replacing an old furnace filter.

2. Tune Up Your Heating System

“HVAC systems are mechanical, so like all mechanical systems, they do need to be maintained,” home improvement expert Murray Anderson wrote. “A thorough professional tune-up will cost you $100 or more and is definitely something you should do every few years. However, you can do annual maintenance yourself and save some of that money.”

Anderson suggests the following steps for a DIY HVAC tune-up:

• Inspect your furnace for obvious issues like black soot or combustion residue around the burner. The flames on a gas furnace should be steady and blue, not yellow, orange, or flickering.
• Make sure your furnace isn’t filled with dust. Turn off the furnace and let it cool down, then open the side panels and vacuum out the dust. Use a damp rag to clean the blades of the blower fan and areas the vacuum can’t reach.
• You’ll also want to check the electric motor and fan belt for any cracks or tension problems. If you notice anything suspicious, call in a professional for a look.

A DIY inspection and tune-up can be satisfactory, but it’s a good idea to have a professional inspect your furnace every few years to make sure you don’t overlook anything.

3. Pay Attention to Window Treatments

Did you know that blinds and other window treatments play a key role in maintaining a comfortable temperature in an energy-efficient home? If you’re planning energy-efficient renovations, now’s a good time to consider your window treatments.

In spaces that have large windows, thermal drapes are often the best option. They reduce heat loss during the winter and keep cold drafts at bay.

Although any window covering provides more protection against heat loss than no covering, certain types of blinds and shades can provide both insulation and UV protection.

4. Upgrade to a Smart Thermostat

While programmable thermostats have been recommended for years, smart thermostats represent the next evolution in home temperature control. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, homeowners can save up to 10% annually on heating and cooling costs using a programmable thermostat, and smart thermostats often deliver even better results.

On average, the Nest Learning Thermostat saved 12% on heating bills and 15% on cooling bills, according to independent studies. The Ecobee Smart Thermostat claims to save homeowners up to 26% annually on heating and cooling costs.

Follow these tips from Energy.gov to manage your thermostat for maximum energy efficiency and comfort:

• When home and awake, keep the thermostat set as low as is comfortable.
• If you regularly dial the thermostat back 10 to 15 degrees for eight hours at a time, you’ll save roughly 10% a year on heating costs.
• Before you go to bed, lower the temperature on your thermostat, or invest in a smart thermostat that manages temperatures automatically.
• If you have a heat pump, always maintain a moderate setting or use a heat pump-compatible programmable thermostat.

New incentives for 2025: Many utility companies offer rebates for smart thermostat installations. Some utilities provide up to $100 in rebates on select ENERGY STAR® certified smart thermostat models.

5. Reduce Heat Loss From Fireplace

If you have a fireplace, keeping the damper closed when no fire is burning during the winter can prevent unnecessary heat loss. If you don’t use your fireplace at all, think about plugging and sealing the chimney flue. Close the flue when the fireplace is not in use.

6. Consider Heat Pump Technology 

Heat pumps have become increasingly popular and efficient in recent years. The average household can save $300 per year by switching to a heat pump, while homeowners replacing inefficient fuel oil, propane, or electric resistance systems can save closer to $1,500 per year, according to the Department of Energy. In certain regions, cold-climate heat pumps could save households $1,500 annually on average. Modern heat pumps work efficiently even in cold climates and can provide both heating and cooling.

The federal government offers significant tax credits for heat pump installations: $2,000 per year for qualified heat pumps through the Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit.

Be Willing To Compromise

Managing your home’s temperature so that everyone in the family is comfortable and your energy consumption stays low can be challenging. It requires a cooperative effort on the part of everyone in your home. Make sure everyone understands the reasoning behind the thermostat settings to minimize heat cheating. For those of us who tend to feel the cold more, add an extra layer of clothing, as well as cozy slippers and afghans, before you turn up the heat.

Editor’s Note: This article was originally published on September 14, 2018, and was updated with the latest statistics and incentives in September 2025.