5 Ways to Save on Heating Costs This Winter in Houston

When Houston’s temperatures drop, it’s usually brief—but enough to make your heating bill climb. The good news? You don’t need to sacrifice comfort to save money. With just a few smart adjustments, you can keep your home warm and your wallet happy.

Here are five proven ways to reduce heating costs while keeping your home cozy all winter long.

1. Seal Drafts and Improve Insulation

Why it works: Even small air leaks let warm air escape and force your heating system to work harder.

What to do:

• Use weather stripping or caulk around doors and windows.

• Add or replace insulation in your attic and walls.

• Aim for 12–18 inches of insulation in the attic for Houston’s climate.

This simple step can cut energy loss by up to 20%, keeping your home warmer and your furnace running more efficiently.

2. Adjust Your Thermostat

Why it works: Lowering your thermostat just a few degrees saves energy without sacrificing comfort.

What to do:

• Set your thermostat to 68°F when home and 60–62°F when away or asleep.

• Install a smart thermostat to automatically manage temperatures for you.

Bonus: Smart thermostats can learn your schedule and adjust accordingly—helping you save up to 10% annually on heating and cooling costs.

3. Use Ceiling Fans to Circulate Heat

Why it works: Heat rises, so ceiling fans help push it back down where you need it.

What to do:

• Switch your fan direction to clockwise and keep it on low speed.

• This gentle circulation helps distribute warm air evenly across the room.

It’s a small change that can make a big difference in comfort—especially in rooms with tall ceilings.

4. Maintain Your Heating System

Why it works: A clean, well-maintained furnace or heat pump runs more efficiently and lasts longer.

What to do:

• Replace air filters every month during peak heating season.

• Keep vents and registers unblocked.

• Schedule an annual HVAC tune-up before winter.

Professional maintenance helps identify worn parts or dirty components before they cause expensive repairs—and can improve system efficiency by up to 15%.

5. Take Advantage of Free Sunlight

Why it works: The sun provides free, natural warmth—especially through south-facing windows.

What to do:

• Open curtains and blinds during the day to let sunlight in.

• Close them at night to trap heat inside.

• Use thermal curtains for an added layer of insulation.

A little strategic sunlight goes a long way toward reducing your system’s workload.

Why It Matters

These small changes can add up to major savings. By improving efficiency, sealing leaks, and maintaining your system, you’ll reduce both your energy bills and your environmental impact—all while keeping your Houston home comfortable through every cold front.

Ready to Stay Warm and Save Money?

If you’d like help optimizing your HVAC system for energy efficiency, our team at Velocity Air A/C & Heating is here for you.

Final Thoughts

At Velocity Air A/C & Heating, if you are having trouble with your HVAC system, our team is here to help. Whether you need routine maintenance, quick repairs, or a full system replacement, we will keep your HVAC running efficiently and safely, so your home stays comfortable no matter the Texas weather. We provide expert Houston HVAC repair services, Houston HVAC installation services, and Houston HVAC preventive maintenance to keep your system running smoothly and efficiently all season long. Velocity Air A/C & Heating is proud to provide Houston HVAC services, including maintenance, emergency repair, and installation, to the Greater Houston Area.

– Your friends at Velocity Air A/C and Heating