New Year, Lower Energy Bills: 7 Winter Heating Habits That Work

If your New Year’s resolutions this year include saving more money, your heating habits are a strong place to start. During the winter, your furnace is often working overtime to keep your home cozy. However, you have ways to prevent your energy bills from skyrocketing. 

From simple daily adjustments to smarter thermostat settings, these proven heating habits can make a noticeable difference without sacrificing comfort, especially in Colorado winters. (Even painfully warm ones like this year’s!)  

1. Build a Smart Thermostat Schedule You’ll Stick To

A set-it-and-forget-it smart thermostat schedule can help you stay comfortable while using less energy throughout the day. During the winter, the U.S. Department of Energy recommends keeping your home at a comfortable temperature when you’re awake and lowering it slightly when you’re asleep or away.

With Colorado’s variable temps, smart thermostats allow for precision control — even from your phone. Ultimate Heating & Cooling installs a variety of options, and we can even help you program the ideal schedule for your household.

2. Don’t Block the Flow of Warm Air

It may sound obvious, but many homeowners unknowingly block their heat supply. Check that furniture, rugs, and long curtains aren’t obstructing vents or baseboards. Clean vents regularly to remove dust buildup, and use a vacuum attachment to get inside registers where pet hair and lint can gather.

If your home has radiators, avoid placing any objects directly on top of them — they’re meant to radiate heat freely into the room.

3. Reverse Your Ceiling Fans (Really)

Ceiling fans aren’t just for summer. Most have a small switch near the motor that lets you reverse their spin. In winter, set them to rotate clockwise on a low setting — this gently pushes rising warm air back down to where you need it most.

This trick works especially well in rooms with high ceilings, helping you feel warmer without constantly cranking the thermostat.

4. Seal the Leaks and Drafts

A warm home starts with a tight seal. If you can feel a chilly breeze near your windows or doors, your heated air is slipping outside, making your bills higher. Weather stripping, caulking, and even basic door sweeps can make a major difference.

For a bigger boost in comfort and efficiency, consider improving your home’s indoor air quality. Dry air, dust buildup, and poor ventilation can make your system work harder, and feel less effective. Ultimate Heating & Cooling offers a range of indoor air quality solutions, including air purifiers, filtration upgrades, and whole-home humidifiers to help your home breathe better all season long.

5. Keep Air Filters Fresh

Dirty filters restrict airflow and force your furnace to work harder than it should. That means more energy use and added strain on your system. Replace filters at least every three months during the heating season; you’ll need to do it more often if you have pets or allergies.

Need help remembering when to replace your filters? Set a recurring reminder in your phone and visit our filter store. 

6. Add Moisture to the Air for Better Comfort

Dry winter air makes your home feel colder than it really is. By keeping indoor humidity levels between 30 to 50%, you can retain more warmth and feel more comfortable even at lower thermostat settings.

Cold, dry Colorado winters can wreak havoc on your home, and your sinuses. If you’re dealing with cracked skin, creaky wood floors, or waking up feeling like you’ve been breathing desert air all night, it might be time to consider a whole-home humidifier. At Ultimate Heating & Cooling, we install high-quality humidifiers that integrate seamlessly with your HVAC system, delivering moisture evenly throughout your home. Right now, you can save 10% on your humidifier installation — our licensed technicians are even available for same-day service. Schedule today and breathe easier tomorrow.

7. Schedule a Winter Tune-Up or Join a Maintenance Plan

A professional tune-up ensures your furnace runs safely and efficiently all winter long. At Ultimate Heating & Cooling, our Comfort Club makes this easy. As our seasonal maintenance plan, it includes routine inspections, exclusive discounts, priority service, and expert help catching small issues before they become expensive repairs.

Even if your system seems fine, regular tune-ups extend its lifespan and improve overall performance, especially during Denver’s coldest months.

Make This Winter Warmer and More Affordable

Small changes in your routine can lead to big savings. And if your furnace is due for an upgrade, there’s no better time — we’re currently offering $500 off new A/C or furnace installations, plus a free estimate. Let’s make this your most efficient year yet.

About Ultimate Heating & Cooling

Serving the Denver metro area since 1999, Ultimate Heating & Cooling is your trusted partner for HVAC installation, repair, indoor air quality, and seasonal comfort. We’re locally owned, community-focused, and committed to helping Colorado homeowners get the most out of every season.