Energy savings  - heating, furnaces and boilers​

Home heating is the biggest source of energy for Minnesota homes. Small habit changes and efficiency improvements can quickly add up to save you hundreds of dollars every year.

General heating tips:

  • Stop drafts and air leaks with caulking and weather stripping; you could save 40 percent from your energy bill!
  • Add insulation to attics and basements if they don't meet recommended levels.
  • Use air humidifiers for added comfort, health and energy savings.  Learn more about the benefits of home humidifiers.
  • Open drapes and blinds on sunny days. Close them at night to insulate.
  • Install storm windows (if your house has them) for the heating season.
  • Cover drafty windows with clear plastic sheet or film and seal it to your interior window frame.
  • Use registers to direct warm air across the room, maximizing your comfort. Ensure they are not blocked and remain free of dust.
  • Avoid relying on electric space heaters to heat your home – they're much less efficient than furnaces or boilers. If you want a secondary heating source, natural gas fireplaces and stand-alone gas stoves are efficient supplemental heating options.
  • Fireplaces should be serviced annually to ensure safe efficiency. At HSP, we offer a comprehensive gas fireplace tune-up and safety check.

Furnace and boiler tips:

  • Schedule a furnace or boiler tune-up so your heating system will run efficiently and safely.
  • Change or clean furnace filters once a month during heating season. 
  • Set the thermostat to 68 degrees (58 degrees when you are away).
  • Use programmable thermostats & smart thermostats to increase energy efficiency.
  • Replace old equipment with an energy efficient furnace or boiler. At HSP, we offer free in-home consultations to homeowners interested in buying a furnace or boiler.
  • Almost half of all HVAC systems are improperly installed (Department of Energy).Incorrect installations can increase heating and cooling bills by as much as 30 percent! Even worse, a botched furnace installation could expose your family to carbon monoxide – a colorless and odorless gas that kills about 430 people each year.

For additional info, check out this amazing Home Heating Infographic and Fall and Winter Energy-Saving Tips from the U.S. Department of Energy.