December brings holiday magic, cozy nights in, and—unfortunately—some of the highest energy bills of the year. With colder temperatures, shorter days, and festive lighting, it’s no surprise that many households see their utility costs spike during the winter season. The good news? A few smart strategies can make a noticeable difference in your monthly bills without sacrificing comfort.
Here are practical, effective, and budget-friendly ways to reduce your energy costs this December:
- Lower Your Thermostat—But Only Slightly
You don’t need to turn your home into an icebox to save money. Lowering your thermostat by just 1–2 degrees can reduce heating costs by up to 5%, and you likely won’t feel the difference when you’re bundled up inside.
For even greater savings, consider a programmable or smart thermostat to automatically reduce heat at night or when you’re away.
- Use Your Curtains to Your Advantage
Sunlight is a powerful (and free!) heat source.
- Open curtains during sunny days to naturally warm the room.
- Close them tightly at night to keep drafts out and warmth in.
Thick, insulated curtains can help reduce heat loss even more.
- Seal Drafts and Heat Leaks
Heat escapes quickly through cracks around doors, windows, and baseboards. Adding simple, inexpensive materials can make a big impact:
- Weatherstripping
- Door sweeps
- Caulking around windows
- Foam insulation for switch plates and outlets
These quick fixes can improve comfort instantly while lowering energy waste.
- Switch to LED Holiday Lights
Holiday displays are beautiful—but they can also drain electricity.
LED lights use up to 80–90% less energy and last far longer than traditional bulbs. They also stay cooler, making them safer for trees, wreaths, and household décor.
Set them on a timer so you don’t accidentally leave them on overnight.
- Maximize Heat from Everyday Activities
You’re already heating certain appliances—why not let them help heat your home?
- Leave the oven door open after you bake (but not while it’s on, for safety).
- Run the dishwasher in the evening and open the door afterward to release steam.
- Air-dry some laundry indoors to add moisture and warmth (helps combat dry winter air too).
These small habits leverage heat you’re already producing.
- Reverse Ceiling Fans
Most people forget that ceiling fans have a winter mode.
Set the blades to rotate clockwise at a low speed. This pulls cool air up and pushes warm air down from the ceiling, improving heat distribution and reducing how often your furnace needs to run.
- Unplug Energy Vampires
Many devices draw power even when they’re not in use:
- Chargers
- Game consoles
- Computers
- Kitchen appliances
- Smart home devices
Using power strips with on/off switches makes it easy to shut everything down at once—especially before bed or when leaving home.
- Schedule a Furnace Tune-Up
A furnace that struggles to run efficiently costs you more.
A quick tune-up or filter replacement can:
- Improve performance
- Reduce energy consumption
- Prevent unexpected breakdowns in peak winter months
Professionals recommend replacing filters every 1–3 months in winter.
- Layer Up and Cozy Down
Sometimes the simplest changes make the biggest difference:
- Wear warm socks and sweaters
- Add blankets to living areas
- Use area rugs on tile or hardwood floors
A warmer personal environment means you can run your home slightly cooler without discomfort.
- Consider Upgrading for Long-Term Savings
If you’re planning renovations in the new year, consider improvements like:
- High-efficiency windows
- Heat pumps
- Better attic insulation
- Energy-efficient appliances
While these require upfront investment, the return in energy savings—and home comfort—is well worth it.
Final Thoughts
December energy bills don’t have to dampen your holiday spirit. With a few strategic adjustments, you can stay warm, comfortable, and energy-efficient throughout the season.
If you’re looking for ways to improve your home—including refinancing or financing upgrades like heat pumps, insulation, or window replacements—feel free to reach out. I’d be happy to help you explore your options and find the right solution for your needs.
By Annette Perry | AI assisted