Winter brings cozy nights and festive vibes, but it also spikes your energy use.
Heating your home and lighting up those long, dark, cold evenings can send your bills soaring.
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, heating alone can make up 50% of your winter energy costs.
That’s a big chunk of your budget, and it’s not great for the planet either, since burning fossil fuels for heat and electricity pumps extra carbon emissions into the atmosphere.
With winter storms and cold snaps already straining resources, cutting back on energy use matters more than ever.
The best part is that you can save money and help the environment with a few simple energy changes during the winter.
We wanted to help you form a few easy, eco-friendly habits to keep your home warm and your wallet happy.
Ready to make winter a little greener?
The Environmental Impact of Winter Energy Use
Winter energy use hits the planet hard because most homes rely on fossil fuels like natural gas or coal-powered electricity for heating.
Burning these fuels releases greenhouse gases, which trap heat in the atmosphere and fuel climate change.
A single household’s winter heating can produce as much CO2 as driving a car for a month straight, and that adds up fast.
Cold weather also strains energy grids.
Winter storms and freezing temperatures push power plants to work overtime, often burning dirtier fuels to keep up. This creates a cycle of higher emissions and worsening weather patterns.
It’s a problem that feels big, but your actions really matter.
Small changes in your home can cut your energy use and lower your carbon footprint.
By adopting eco-friendly habits, you’re helping ease the strain on the planet. Plus, you’ll feel good knowing you’re part of the solution.
Top Eco-Friendly Habits to Save Energy in Winter
Ready to cut your energy use and keep your home cozy?
These six habits are practical, effective, and easy to start. Each one reduces your environmental impact while saving money.
Lower Your Thermostat
Heating eats up the most energy in winter.
Setting your thermostat to 68°F or lower when you’re home keeps things comfortable without overworking your system.
Dropping it to 55°F when you’re away or asleep saves even more.
A programmable thermostat makes this effortless by adjusting temperatures automatically.
Try a smart model like the Nest, which learns your routine and optimizes settings.
Lowering your thermostat by just 1°F can cut your heating bill by 1–3%. That adds up over a whole winter.
Bundle up a bit, and you won’t even notice the difference.
Seal Drafts from Windows
Cold air sneaking through windows and doors forces your heater to be on longer than it needs to.
Sealing those drafts with weatherstripping or caulk keeps warmth inside.
Check for gaps around window frames, door edges, and even electrical outlets on exterior walls.
A simple fix like adhesive weatherstripping, which is available at like any hardware store, can make a big difference.
For a budget-friendly option, roll up a towel and place it at the base of drafty doors.
It’s a bit of upfront effort, but sealing leaks can reduce heating costs by up to 20%.
Plus, your home will feel cozier without those chilly breezes, so
grab a friend, make it a weekend project, and enjoy a warmer, more efficient home.
Use Energy-Efficient Lighting
Winter’s short days and holiday decorations mean more lights are on.
Switching to LED bulbs and holiday lights saves a surprising amount of energy. They use 75% less electricity than traditional bulbs and last years longer.
For holiday displays, set a timer to turn lights off overnight. Brands like Philips offer affordable LED string lights that look festive and sip power. This habit can cut your lighting costs by half during the holidays.
It’s a low-effort change with a big impact, especially if you swap out bulbs in high-use areas like your living room.
Oh, and LEDs stay cool, reducing fire risks from holiday decorations.
Make the switch now, and you’ll save energy while keeping your home bright and cheerful.
Layer Up
Cranking the heat isn’t the only way to stay warm.
Wearing sweaters, thick socks, and cozy slippers lets you lower the thermostat without sacrificing comfort. Add a soft blanket for movie nights, and you’re set.
When looking to stock up on your layers,
look for natural fibers like wool or fleece for extra warmth.
This habit cuts energy use by reducing how often your heater kicks on. Remember, for every degree you lower your thermostat, you save 1–3% on your bill.
Your favorite hoodie becomes an eco-hero, you’ll stay toasty, save money, and feel good about using less energy.
It’s the simplest tip on this list, because it requires zero upfront cost, so encourage your family to join in, and make it a cozy winter tradition.
Maintain Your Heating System
A well-maintained heating system runs more efficiently, using less energy to keep you warm. Dirty furnace filters block airflow, forcing your system to work harder.
Clean or replace filters every 1–3 months during winter.
Scheduling a professional tune-up to make sure that your furnace or boiler is in top shape. Local HVAC services often offer affordable maintenance plans.
A clean, tuned-up system can improve efficiency by 5–15%, lowering your energy bills. It also extends the life of your equipment, saving on costly repairs.
Check your filter today, and book a service if it’s been a while. Your wallet and the planet will thank you for keeping your system running smoothly.
Maximize Natural Heat
The sun is a free heat source, even in winter.
Open curtains and blinds during the day to let sunlight warm your rooms.
At night, close them to trap heat and block cold air. Heavy, insulated curtains work best for this. Brands like IKEA sell affordable options that look stylish and insulate well.
This habit reduces your reliance on your heater, cutting energy use because it doesn’t have to come on as much. It can save up to 10% on heating costs, depending on your home’s windows.
Just pull back those curtains when the sun’s out, and close them up at dusk. Your home will feel warmer, and you’ll use less energy without lifting a finger.
What Challenges Could You Face?
Starting eco-friendly habits can feel tough. Winter is busy, and costs or renting situations might hold you back.
We get it, time and money are tight. But these barriers don’t have to stop you.
Try low-cost fixes. Roll up an old towel to block drafts under doors instead of buying weatherstripping.
Renters can face restrictions, but space heaters can work if your landlord allows it. Ask your landlord about small upgrades like outlet insulators.
If you’re short on time, you could batch tasks like checking filters or sealing windows into one weekend afternoon.
You don’t need to do everything at once. Pick one habit, and build from there.
Final Thoughts
Ready to go green this winter? Start with your favorite habit, like lowering your thermostat for a week, and track your savings. Small steps lead to big results.
Don’t forget to grab our free guide with 135
ways to help the environment. You can find it below.
Every action counts. By starting small and spreading the word, you’re helping build a greener community. Let’s make this winter kinder to the planet together.
