How to lower your heating and cooling costs
Heating and cooling are usually the biggest part of a utility bill — these low-cost steps keep you comfortable while paying less.
Key takeaways
- Heating and cooling are the biggest bill driver, so small changes here save most.
- A smart thermostat, sealed drafts, and clean filters are cheap high-impact fixes.
- Ask about free weatherization programs for income-qualified households.
Because heating and cooling dominate most energy bills, this is where the biggest savings live. You don't need a renovation — mostly small adjustments and cheap fixes.
Steps that lower heating and cooling costs:
- Set your thermostat a few degrees lower in winter and higher in summer, and use a programmable or smart thermostat to adjust while you sleep or are out
- Seal drafts around doors, windows, and outlets with weatherstripping and caulk
- Use curtains: open them for winter sun, close them against summer heat
- Change or clean HVAC filters regularly so the system runs efficiently
- Use fans to feel cooler without lowering the thermostat as much
- Add insulation where it's easy and affordable, like the attic
Also ask your utility about a free or low-cost 'weatherization' program. Many help income-qualified households seal, insulate, and upgrade for free, which can permanently lower bills. LIHEAP and similar programs may help with both bills and weatherization.
Small, consistent adjustments — a smart thermostat, sealed drafts, and clean filters — typically deliver the most savings for the least money.
What this is
Why it matters
What you can do next
Related FAQs
Common questions about this topic, answered simply.
How much can adjusting the thermostat save?
Nudging your thermostat a few degrees — cooler in winter, warmer in summer — can noticeably cut energy use, especially with a programmable or smart thermostat that eases back while you sleep or are away.
What is weatherization?
Weatherization means sealing drafts, adding insulation, and improving efficiency so your home holds temperature better. Many utilities and programs like LIHEAP offer it free to income-qualified households, permanently lowering bills.
Do air filters really matter?
Yes. A dirty HVAC filter forces the system to work harder and use more energy. Cleaning or replacing filters regularly keeps it efficient and can lower your heating and cooling costs.
Keep reading
How to read your utility bill and spot overcharges
Utility bills are confusing on purpose — learning to read yours helps you catch errors, understand charges, and find ways to pay less.
Read Handling your billsFree energy-saving programs from your utility
Your own utility company often offers free upgrades and rebates that permanently lower your bill — most people just never ask.
Read Handling your billsBudget billing vs actual billing: which saves you money
Budget billing smooths your utility payments into an even monthly amount — helpful for planning, but here's when it actually saves money and when it doesn't.
Read Handling your billsHow to cut your electric bill
Small changes around the house can noticeably lower your electric bill — here are the ones that actually move the needle.
ReadTest what you learned & earn points
Take a quick 3-question quiz on this article to earn MoneyFAQ points, build your streak, and unlock badges. Free account required.
Want answers personalized to your situation?
Tell us your #1 money goal and we'll tailor MoneyFAQ to you — free, takes 10 seconds.
When you're ready, here are some options
These are ads from partners — always optional. Looking is free and never affects your credit score. Reading the guide above is completely free either way.