With winter temperatures well underway, you may be looking for ways to keep the warmth inside your home and the cold out. Not only will this make you more comfortable at home—but it will also save you money on heating bills in the long run. 

HVAC experts share their top tips and tricks guaranteed to keep you warm this winter. 

Seal Those Drafty Spots

Ever feel that annoying cold breeze sneaking in around your windows and doors? That’s not just cold coming in—it’s heat escaping. Sealing gaps throughout the home is a simple fix and can be done by simply adding weather stripping around your windows or a draft guard under your door. 

One overlooked spot can be your home’s ductwork. Ryan Camp, owner and founder of Harrington Air Conditioning, recommends looking there first to ensure your home is properly insulated. 

“Sealing and insulating the ducts not only improves heating efficiency but also ensures that the warm air reaches every corner of your home,” Camp says.

Exterior walls often have hidden drafts coming through electrical outlets and switch plates, so don’t forget check these spots as well. Adding foam gasket seals behind the covers can stop cold air from seeping in. 

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Smart Thermostat Equals Smart Heating

Why heat an empty house? A programmable thermostat lets you schedule your heating based on your routine. Set it to lower it while you’re asleep or away, and have it warm up your home for when you wake up or return.  

“Setting it back 7°F to 10°F for eight hours daily can save up to 10% on heating bills annually,” says Josh Mitchell, an HVAC technician and the owner of Air Conditioner Lab. 

Shut the Door on Unused Rooms

Got rooms you don’t use often? Close the doors and vents to them! This keeps the warm air circulating in the rooms you use most—like your living room or bedroom—without wasting energy on empty spaces.

“Just be careful not to do this if your HVAC system relies on balanced airflow, as it could affect efficiency,” Mitchell says.

Flip Your Ceiling Fan’s Direction

Ceiling fans aren’t just for summer. HVAC pros highly recommend setting your fans to spin clockwise during the winter so they push warm air down to you. 

“It’s a small change with a big impact on how cozy your room feels,” says Francis Kaspar, an HVAC technician at The Chill Brothers. 

Just make sure you keep it on a low speed so the effort isn’t counterproductive. The goal is to circulate the warm air that sits closest to your ceiling back into the room. 

“This simple adjustment can save you up to 10% on heating costs,” Mitchell says. 

Maintaining Your HVAC Is a Must

Your heating system works hard all winter, so give it a little TLC. Changing your air filters regularly, keeping your vents clear of dust and debris, and getting a professional tune-up every now and then can make all the difference in your HVAC system’s performance and overall home heating. 

“A healthy HVAC system heats more efficiently, and that’s a win for both your comfort and your wallet,” says Kaspar. 

Use Heavy Curtains and Thermal Liners

Curtains don’t have to just be decoration—they can also keep your home warm. Swap out lightweight summer curtains for heavier thermal drapes in the winter. Keeping them open during the day allows natural sunlight to warm up your home’s interior, then close them at night to lock in the heat.

“Properly insulating windows with curtains can reduce heat loss by up to 25%,” says Mitchell.

Utilize Zoned Heating 

If your home has multiple levels or rooms that aren’t always in use, consider installing a zoned heating system so you can put your home’s energy towards the rooms you occupy the most. 

This allows you to heat specific areas based on your needs, which can save energy and reduce heating costs,” says Camp