When winter hits in Indiana, most of us brace for two things: frigid mornings and higher utility bills. But if your electric bill suddenly feels out of control — even when your thermostat settings haven’t changed much — your furnace might be part of the reason.
The good news? With a few smart habits and some professional maintenance, you can cut those high winter bills without sacrificing comfort. Here’s how.
1. Know Why Your Electric Bill Spikes in Winter
Even if your furnace runs on gas, it still uses electricity to power essential components like the blower motor, ignition system, and thermostat.
When temperatures drop, your system runs longer to maintain indoor comfort. Add in holiday lighting, space heaters, and shorter daylight hours — and suddenly your electric bill looks double what it was in the fall.
Understanding where that power goes helps you focus on the biggest savings opportunities.
2. Replace or Clean Your Furnace Filter
A clogged filter is one of the top causes of high heating costs. When airflow is restricted, your blower motor works harder to push warm air through your home — which draws more electricity.
✅ Tip: Check your filter every 30 days during heating season. Most homes should replace it every 60–90 days.
Not only will this lower your energy use, but it also improves indoor air quality and helps your furnace last longer.
3. Schedule a Professional Furnace Tune-Up
If you really want to keep bills down, furnace maintenance is key. A professional tune-up ensures your system is clean, efficient, and running safely before the coldest months hit.
During a Mowery tune-up, our certified HVAC pros:
- Inspect and clean burners and ignition systems
- Lubricate motors and bearings
- Check for air leaks and ensure proper gas pressure
- Test airflow and temperature rise
- Verify electrical connections and safety controls
All of that adds up to better performance and lower monthly energy usage. A tuned system doesn’t have to work as hard — saving you money with every cycle.
4. Use a Smart or Programmable Thermostat (the Right Way)
According to ENERGY STAR, installing and using a programmable or smart thermostat properly can save up to 8–10% a year on heating costs.
These devices automatically adjust temperatures based on your schedule — lowering heat when you’re away and bringing it back up before you return.
A few quick tips:
- Lower your setpoint at night: Dropping the temp by 3–5°F while you sleep can reduce costs by up to 5–10%.
- Avoid constant manual adjustments: Let the thermostat do its job — frequent changes can waste energy.
- Enable eco modes: Most modern thermostats “learn” your routine to maximize efficiency automatically.
If you’re not sure which smart thermostat works with your furnace, Mowery can help you choose and install one that’s compatible.
5. Don’t Overuse Space Heaters
Electric space heaters might seem like a cheap fix for a cold room, but they’re one of the worst culprits for high electric bills.
A single 1,500-watt space heater running eight hours a day can add $40–$50 per month to your bill — and that’s for just one room!
Instead, focus on:
- Closing vents in unused rooms
- Sealing window and door drafts
- Using ceiling fans in reverse (clockwise) to push warm air down
This helps your furnace heat more evenly without relying on energy-draining heaters.
6. Seal Air Leaks & Improve Insulation
Even the best furnace can’t overcome poor insulation or leaky ductwork. If warm air is escaping through gaps in your home, you’re literally paying to heat the outdoors.
Start with a simple home audit:
- Feel for drafts near windows, doors, and attic hatches
- Check your ductwork for visible leaks or disconnected joints
- Add weatherstripping, caulk, and door sweeps where needed
For older homes, consider attic insulation upgrades or duct sealing. These improvements not only lower bills but also make your entire HVAC system more effective.
7. Consider a High-Efficiency Furnace or Variable-Speed Upgrade
If your furnace is 15 years or older, technology has come a long way since it was installed. Modern high-efficiency furnaces (95%+ AFUE) and variable-speed blower motors can reduce energy use by 20–30% or more.
Variable-speed systems adjust automatically to your home’s exact heating demand — avoiding the constant “on-off” cycles that waste energy.
Plus, federal and Indiana energy efficiency rebates may help offset upgrade costs, making it a smart long-term investment.
8. Adopt Smart Heating Habits
Finally, small daily habits make a big difference.
Try these simple changes:
- Open blinds or curtains during the day to let sunlight warm your rooms naturally
- Close them at night to trap heat
- Keep furniture or rugs away from vents for better airflow
- Dress warmer indoors and reduce thermostat settings by 1–2°F
- Use a space-zoned approach — only heat the rooms you actually use
Consistency beats drastic adjustments when it comes to energy efficiency.
Cutting Bills Starts with a Conversation
You don’t have to sacrifice comfort to save money this winter. With the right combination of furnace maintenance, smart thermostat use, and small home adjustments, you can take control of your energy costs — and stay warm doing it.
At Mowery Heating, Cooling & Plumbing, our certified technicians are ready to help you heat smarter. From furnace tune-ups to smart thermostat installation and energy-efficient upgrades, we make it easy to reduce waste and lower bills.
💡 Ready to get started? Schedule your winter furnace maintenance today and enjoy a warmer, more efficient home all season long.
