Low-Cost Tips to Save Energy This Winter

Lowering your winter heating bill in southern New Hampshire does not always require a new furnace or a major retrofit. A handful of free habits and low-cost home improvements, most of which take an afternoon or less, can meaningfully reduce what you spend keeping your home warm from November through March.

Below are the steps that consistently make the biggest difference for the homes we service across Manchester, Bedford, Concord, Nashua, Salem, and Auburn.

Use free solar heat during the day

• Open curtains and blinds on south-facing windows during daylight hours to let sunlight warm your living spaces.
• Close them at sunset to slow the heat loss back out through the glass.
• Insulated or thermal-lined curtains amplify the effect at night.

Cover drafty windows

• Apply clear shrink-film window insulator kits to the inside of older single-pane or leaky windows. A sealed film layer can noticeably cut drafts and condensation.
• Use heavy thermal drapes on windows that still feel cold after sealing.
• If a window frame leaks air noticeably, add weatherstripping or rope caulk along the sash. Both are inexpensive and removable in spring.

Use the thermostat strategically

• Set the thermostat as low as is comfortable when you are home and awake. Many households are comfortable at 68°F with a sweater.
• When you are asleep or away, a setback of 4 to 6 degrees for eight hours can trim roughly 10 percent off seasonal heating costs.
• During extreme cold snaps in New Hampshire, avoid large setbacks. Keeping the home at a steady temperature reduces the risk of frozen pipes and prevents the heating system from working overtime to recover.
• A smart or programmable thermostat makes this consistent without manual adjustments.

Find and seal air leaks

Air leakage is one of the largest, easiest-to-fix sources of wasted heat. Common leak points in NH homes:

• Around pipes, wires, and ducts that pass through exterior walls or into the attic
• Behind kneewalls in finished attics and along the rim joist in basements
• Around recessed lights in insulated ceilings (use IC-rated airtight covers)
• Gaps around chimneys and flues (seal with high-temperature caulk or sheet metal flashing)
• Bottom plates and electrical outlets on exterior walls

Caulk handles small gaps. Spray foam handles larger ones. Weatherstripping handles doors and operable windows.

Service your heating system before the season

A dirty filter and a system that has not been tuned in years can add measurably to your heating bill. An annual cleaning typically includes burner adjustment, combustion analysis, heat exchanger inspection, and filter replacement. Most homeowners see efficiency and reliability gains that pay for the visit.

Insulate where it pays back fastest

• Attic insulation is usually the first place to invest. NH-area homes built before the 1990s frequently have less than R-30 in the attic. Current recommendations are R-49 to R-60.
• Wrap hot-water and heating pipes in unconditioned basements and crawlspaces.
• Insulate the basement rim joist, a common cold-air pathway in older NH homes.

Take advantage of NHSaves programs

Many of the larger weatherization improvements, including air sealing, attic insulation, and in some cases heating system upgrades, are eligible for rebates and low- or no-interest financing through NHSaves. Income-eligible households may qualify for significantly higher incentives. Start with an energy assessment to see what your home qualifies for.

Need help getting your home winter-ready?

If your heating system is overdue for service, your home has cold spots you cannot seem to fix, or you are considering an efficiency upgrade, contact A.J. LeBlanc Heating. Serving New Hampshire families since 1928.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the ideal winter thermostat setting for a New Hampshire home?

Most households are comfortable between 66°F and 70°F when home, with a 4 to 6 degree setback overnight or when away. Do not drop below 60°F during cold snaps. The savings are not worth the frozen pipe risk.

Do programmable thermostats really save money?

Yes, when used consistently. The savings come from running the heat less during predictable empty or sleeping hours. The key is to set a realistic schedule and let it run.

Are window insulator film kits effective?

For drafty, single-pane, or aging windows, yes. They create a still-air pocket that significantly reduces convective heat loss. They do not replace the value of new windows, but for under $20 per window they are hard to beat.

How do I know if my house is leaking air?

A blower-door test during a home energy assessment is the most accurate way. Many NH homes qualify for a subsidized assessment through NHSaves.

When should I schedule heating system maintenance?

Late summer through early fall, September and October, before the first cold snap. Demand is lighter, scheduling is easier, and you head into the heating season knowing the system is ready.