Smart energy-saving ideas for the colder season

When the days get shorter, lights, heating and other household appliances tend to run more in the evening, which can raise energy use. This is a good moment to prepare your home so it stays warm while using less power. Intuit TurboTax offers several suggestions for staying comfortable without spending more than necessary.

Dress for the indoor temperature

One of the simplest ways to cut energy costs is to lower the thermostat. The U.S. Department of Energy recommends setting it to 68 degrees F when you are home and awake, then reducing it by 7 to 10 degrees for about eight hours while you sleep or are away. That adjustment can reduce annual energy bills by as much as 10%. A programmable thermostat can make the change for you automatically.

It may feel chilly at first, but warmer clothing can help you stay comfortable indoors. Sweatshirts, flannels and warm socks can make a big difference, especially since feet lose heat quickly.

Choose warm drinks and meals

Hot coffee is a morning staple for many people, but warm beverages can be helpful throughout the day in colder weather. Coffee, tea and hot chocolate can make a lower thermostat setting feel more bearable.

Preparing meals at home can also work in your favor:

• Hot food can help you feel warmer.
• Using the stove or oven gives off some heat to nearby rooms.
• A hot meal can leave you feeling warmer afterward.
• You will usually spend less than if you eat out.

Use focused heating at the right time

Heating an entire house when you only use one or two rooms can waste a lot of energy. A better approach is to lower the main thermostat and use a space heater in the room where you spend most of your time. At night, an electric blanket can be a more efficient option than running a space heater.

Both devices use far less energy than heating the whole house to 72 or 74 degrees, but they must be used carefully.

Pick a space heater with automatic tip-over protection and overheat shutoff, plug it directly into a wall outlet instead of an extension cord or power strip, keep it at least three feet from anything flammable and never leave it unattended or running while you sleep or are away. For electric blankets, avoid older models that are frayed or damaged, and follow the manufacturer's instructions.

Keep the fireplace from leaking heat

An open fireplace damper allows warm indoor air to escape up the chimney and lets cold air back in, which can undo much of your heating system's work.

Close the damper when the fireplace is not being used, and open it before lighting a fire. Make sure the fire is fully out before bedtime. If you are likely to forget, a note near the fireplace can help.

Routine maintenance can also improve efficiency. Have the chimney inspected and cleaned every year, and consider a chimney balloon or top-sealing damper if air leaks are an issue.

Block drafts around doors and windows

Cracks and gaps around doors and windows let heat escape, especially in homes with older windows. Check the seals and look for drafts by holding a lit incense stick or a feather near the edges. Even a half-inch gap under a door can create a noticeable draft, so seal it with weather stripping or a door sweep. Use caulk around window frames and window insulation film on drafty windows.

Curtains and ceiling fans can also help manage indoor temperatures. Open curtains on sunny south-facing windows during the day to let in free heat, then close them at night to trap it inside. If you have ceiling fans, set them to run clockwise on low speed to push warm air down from the ceiling.

Tax note before buying materials

Before heading to the hardware store, keep taxes in mind. The federal credit that once helped cover part of the cost of insulation, air sealing, windows and doors has ended, so upgrades made now generally will not qualify for a federal tax credit.

If you completed any of those projects in 2025, you may still be able to claim the credit when filing your 2025 return, if you have not already filed or if you amend that return, using IRS Form 5695. It may be worth locating those receipts.

For projects you are planning now, check whether your state, utility company or local government offers rebates. These programs vary by location and can change, so a quick online search or a call to your utility company is a sensible place to start. In any case, keep your receipts.