How to Reduce Your Heating Bill This Winter: 7 Cost-Saving Tips

Winter is here, and with it comes the challenge of keeping your home warm without watching your energy bill skyrocket. If you're dreading the arrival of your next heating bill, you're not alone. Many homeowners see a significant increase in energy costs during the colder months, but the good news is that there are practical, low-cost ways to keep your home warm while lowering expenses. This article will walk you through seven proven strategies to help you cut heating costs, improve energy efficiency, and make your home more comfortable—all without sacrificing warmth.

1. Adjust Your Thermostat to Save Money Without Sacrificing Comfort

One of the easiest and most effective ways to lower your heating bill is by making smart adjustments to your thermostat. You don’t need to freeze to save money, but a few small changes can lead to big savings over time.

How to Set Your Thermostat for Maximum Efficiency

Keep it at 68°F while you're home. This is the recommended setting for balancing comfort and energy savings.
Lower it by 7-10°F when you're asleep or away. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, this can save you up to 10% per year on heating costs.
Invest in a smart thermostat that can automatically adjust the temperature based on your schedule. Some models even learn your habits and make changes for you.

By being mindful of your thermostat settings, you can stay comfortable while keeping more money in your pocket.

2. Seal Air Leaks and Improve Insulation

Even if you have a high-efficiency heating system, heat loss through leaks and poor insulation can drive up your energy costs. A drafty home means your furnace has to work harder to maintain the temperature, which leads to higher bills and unnecessary wear on your system.

Simple Ways to Reduce Heat Loss

Check for drafts around windows and doors. Use weather stripping or caulking to seal gaps.
Add insulation in the attic, basement, and crawl spaces. Heat rises, so if your attic is poorly insulated, you’re losing warm air.
Use thick curtains or thermal window coverings to block cold air from coming in and keep warm air inside.

By sealing leaks and adding insulation where needed, you can reduce heat loss by up to 20% and enjoy a warmer home with lower heating costs.

3. Get a Professional HVAC Tune-Up

Would you drive your car for years without changing the oil? Probably not. Your heating system needs regular maintenance too. A poorly maintained furnace or heat pump runs inefficiently, works harder than it should, and costs you more money.

Why HVAC Maintenance is Essential for Lower Heating Bills

Improves efficiency so your system uses less energy to heat your home.
Prevents unexpected breakdowns, saving you from costly emergency repairs.
Extends the lifespan of your furnace or heat pump, delaying the need for a costly replacement.

A professional HVAC technician will inspect, clean, and optimize your system to ensure it runs efficiently all winter. Contact ARCO Heating & Cooling to schedule your tune-up today.

4. Change Your Air Filters Regularly

A dirty air filter is one of the most common causes of high heating bills. When your filter is clogged with dust and debris, airflow is restricted, making your heating system work harder to push warm air through your home. This not only increases energy use but can also cause premature wear and tear on your furnace.

How Often Should You Change Your Air Filter?

Check it every month, especially during peak heating season.
Replace it at least every 90 days, or more often if you have pets or allergies.
Use high-efficiency filters (such as HEPA filters) for improved air quality and system performance.

Changing your air filter is a simple and inexpensive way to reduce heating costs while keeping your HVAC system in top shape.

5. Use Ceiling Fans to Circulate Warm Air

Most people associate ceiling fans with cooling, but they can also help circulate warm air during the winter.

How to Use Ceiling Fans in Winter

Set your fan to rotate clockwise at a low speed. This pushes warm air down from the ceiling, keeping your home warmer without increasing your thermostat setting.
Use ceiling fans in rooms with high ceilings to prevent heat from rising and getting trapped.

This small adjustment can help reduce heating costs by up to 10% while making your home feel warmer and more comfortable.

6. Maximize Free Heat from the Sun

Why not let nature help heat your home for free? Taking advantage of natural sunlight is an easy way to boost warmth without increasing your energy bill.

How to Use Sunlight for Free Heating

Open curtains and blinds during the day to let sunlight in, especially on south-facing windows.
Close window coverings at night to keep the heat from escaping.
Remove obstacles like furniture that block sunlight from reaching your floors and walls.

This simple, zero-cost strategy can help warm your home naturally, reducing how often your heating system needs to run.

7. Upgrade to an Energy-Efficient Heating System

If your furnace or heat pump is more than 15 years old, it may be time for an upgrade. Older heating systems are far less efficient than modern models, which means you could be spending more money than necessary on heating bills.

Signs You Might Need a New Heating System

Your furnace runs constantly but still struggles to heat your home.
Your energy bills have increased significantly despite no change in usage.
You’ve had multiple repairs in the past few years, and your system is becoming unreliable.

Upgrading to a high-efficiency HVAC system can reduce heating costs by up to 30% while improving home comfort. If you’re not sure whether it’s time to replace your system, ARCO Heating & Cooling can assess your current setup and recommend the best solution for your needs.

Save Money This Winter with ARCO Heating & Cooling

Heating your home efficiently doesn’t have to mean sacrificing comfort. By making a few simple changes—adjusting your thermostat, sealing air leaks, maintaining your HVAC system, and using natural heat sources—you can stay warm while keeping your energy bills under control.

If you want to ensure your heating system is running as efficiently as possible, schedule an HVAC tune-up with ARCO Heating & Cooling today. Our expert technicians will inspect, clean, and optimize your system to help you save money and stay comfortable all winter long.

Schedule Your Heating System Tune-Up Today

📞 Call us at 636) 259-3961

Stay warm, save money, and enjoy a more energy-efficient home this winter with ARCO Heating & Cooling.

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The Importance of Indoor Air Quality in Transitional Seasons

By ARCO HEATING AND COOLING • April 25, 2025

How Seasonal Shifts Impact the Air You Breathe When spring turns into summer or fall shifts into winter, your home’s indoor air quality (IAQ) can change dramatically. These transitional seasons bring fluctuating temperatures, increased allergens, and different HVAC usage patterns—all of which can affect the health and comfort of your indoor environment. At Arco Heating & Cooling , we’re here to help you understand these shifts and keep your home’s air clean and comfortable year-round. What Happens to Indoor Air Quality in Transitional Seasons? More Time Indoors, More Exposure As temperatures become unpredictable, people tend to spend more time inside. While this keeps you comfortable, it also means you’re breathing indoor air more frequently—and if that air is filled with dust, pollen, or other irritants, it can take a toll on your health. Allergens Are on the Move Spring and fall are peak seasons for pollen, mold spores, and other allergens. Without proper filtration and ventilation, these particles can easily find their way indoors and linger in your HVAC system. HVAC Systems Kick Into Gear Transitional seasons often involve switching between heating and cooling. This inconsistent use of your HVAC system can lead to dust buildup in filters and ducts, impacting air quality and system efficiency. Signs of Poor Indoor Air Quality Persistent allergy symptoms Dust buildup near vents Musty or stale indoor smells Dry skin or throat irritation Excess humidity or dryness If you're experiencing any of these, it may be time to improve your indoor air quality. Arco Heating & Cooling’s Indoor Air Quality Solutions Tailored to Missouri and Illinois Homes We offer a range of products and services designed to enhance IAQ throughout transitional seasons: Air purifiers : Capture and remove airborne particles including pollen, dust, and bacteria. Humidifiers and dehumidifiers : Balance humidity levels to prevent mold growth and dry air discomfort. HEPA filters : High-efficiency filters for cleaner, healthier air. Duct cleaning services : Eliminate built-up dust, mold, and debris in your ductwork. Smart HVAC controls : Automate air quality monitoring and adjustments for convenience and efficiency. Our expert team will assess your needs and recommend the right solution to improve your indoor air all year long. Breathe Better This Season—and Every Season Your home should be a safe, comfortable place, no matter the weather outside. By investing in indoor air quality solutions, you protect your health, enhance comfort, and improve HVAC efficiency. Let Arco Heating & Cooling help you transition smoothly into every new season. As a trusted heating and cooling contractor based in St. Charles, MO , we proudly serve the entire St. Louis metropolitan area, including both Missouri and Illinois. Call ARCO Heating & Cooling today at (636) 389-6471 to schedule your indoor air quality consultation. Breathe easier with expert solutions tailored to your home.

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How to Choose the Right HVAC System for Your Home Size

By ARCO HEATING AND COOLING • April 25, 2025

Find the Perfect HVAC Fit for Your Home's Comfort and Efficiency Selecting the right HVAC system isn’t just about brand or features—it’s about choosing a unit that fits your home’s size and layout. An improperly sized system can lead to high energy bills, uneven temperatures, and unnecessary wear and tear. At Arco Heating & Cooling , we help you choose the perfect system for optimal performance and year-round comfort. Why HVAC System Size Matters An HVAC system that’s too large or too small can cause a variety of issues: Oversized systems short-cycle, leading to inefficient operation and uneven temperature control. Undersized systems run constantly, struggle to maintain comfort, and lead to higher energy usage and faster wear. Correct sizing ensures maximum efficiency, lower utility bills, and a longer-lasting system. Key Factors in HVAC Sizing 1. Square Footage of Your Home The size of your home is the most critical factor. HVAC systems are rated in BTUs (British Thermal Units), and each square foot of living space typically requires a certain number of BTUs. 2. Climate Zone Homes in colder or hotter climates require more powerful systems to maintain comfort. Missouri’s four-season weather means your HVAC system needs to handle both heating and cooling efficiently. 3. Home Layout and Insulation High ceilings, window placement, and insulation quality can impact your home’s heating and cooling needs. A well-insulated home may require a smaller unit than a drafty one. 4. Number of Occupants and Appliances More people and heat-generating appliances (like ovens) can affect your home's internal temperature and should be factored into system sizing. Let Arco Heating & Cooling Help Choosing the right HVAC system doesn't have to be a guessing game. Arco Heating & Cooling offers expert consultation services to: Evaluate your home’s size, layout, and needs. Recommend HVAC systems based on BTU requirements and efficiency ratings. Provide professional installation and ongoing maintenance for peak performance. Get the Right System, the First Time Don’t risk investing in the wrong HVAC setup. Let the experts at Arco Heating & Cooling guide you toward a system that fits your home, budget, and comfort goals perfectly. As a trusted heating and cooling contractor based in St. Charles, MO , we proudly serve the entire St. Louis metropolitan area , including both Missouri and Illinois. Call ARCO Heating & Cooling today at (636) 389-6471 to schedule your HVAC consultation and make the smart choice for your home!