Have you ever cranked up the heat in your home, only to still feel cold? Or maybe you’ve noticed your energy bill shooting up even though you’re not doing anything different. The truth is, a lot of people waste money on heating without realizing it.
Keeping your home warm doesn’t have to be expensive, but if you’re making some of these common mistakes, you might be throwing money away every single month. The good news? Most of these problems are easy to fix once you know about them.
Relying Too Much on Your Heater
One of the biggest mistakes people make is thinking the heater should do all the work. If your home isn’t well-insulated or if heat is escaping, your heating system has to work extra hard—which costs you more.
Good insulation keeps heat inside your home, so your heater doesn’t have to run as often. If your ceiling, walls, or floors aren’t insulated properly, warm air escapes and cold air sneaks in. That means your heating system never stops running because the heat it’s producing keeps disappearing. One of the best ways to fix this is by installing ceiling insulation batts to trap heat where it belongs.
Letting Heat Escape Through Gaps and Cracks
Even if your home is insulated, heat can still escape through small gaps around doors, windows, and vents. These little openings might not seem like a big deal, but they let in cold drafts and force your heater to work harder.
A simple way to fix this is by sealing cracks and gaps with weather stripping or caulk. Check around doors, windows, and even electrical outlets to make sure no heat is sneaking out. It’s a small job that can make a huge difference in how warm your home feels.
Heating Empty Rooms
Do you ever turn on the heat for the whole house, even when you’re only using one or two rooms? That’s an easy way to waste money fast.
If you have rooms that no one is using—like a guest room or storage space—close the vents and doors to those areas. That way, you’re not wasting heat on spaces that don’t need it. Instead, focus on keeping the areas you actually use warm.
Cranking Up the Thermostat Too High
It’s tempting to blast the heat when you’re cold, but turning the thermostat way up won’t heat your home faster. Your heater works at the same speed no matter what—so all you’re doing is making it run longer, which means higher energy bills.
A better approach is to keep the thermostat at a steady, comfortable temperature. Experts say 18–20°C (64–68°F) is the sweet spot for staying warm without wasting energy. If you’re still cold, try wearing an extra layer or using a warm blanket instead of pushing the thermostat higher.
Leaving the Heat on When You’re Not Home
There’s no point in keeping your house warm if no one is there. If you leave the heat running while you’re at work or school, you’re just paying for warmth no one is using.
A smart solution is to use a programmable thermostat. This lets you set the heat to turn down while you’re gone and warm back up before you get home. That way, you save money without ever coming home to a freezing house.
Blocking Heat with Furniture
Your heater works by blowing warm air into the room—but if you have a couch, curtains, or furniture blocking the vents, that heat gets trapped and never spreads properly.
Check your vents and radiators to make sure nothing is blocking them. Moving a couch a few inches or adjusting a curtain might be all it takes to let the heat circulate better and make your home feel warmer.
Ignoring Your Heating System
Just like a car, your heater needs regular maintenance to work efficiently. If you never clean the filters or check the system, it has to work harder—which costs more money and can lead to expensive repairs later.
At least once a year, clean or replace the air filters in your heater. If you have a ducted heating system, make sure the ducts aren’t leaking or clogged with dust. Regular maintenance keeps your system running smoothly and efficiently, so you’re not paying extra for poor performance.
Not Using Curtains to Trap Heat
Windows let in a lot of cold air, especially at night. If you don’t have proper window coverings, heat escapes through the glass, making your heater work overtime.
A simple fix is to close your curtains or blinds at night. This helps trap heat inside and keeps cold air out. If you have thin curtains, consider upgrading to thicker, insulated ones for even better warmth.
Relying on Space Heaters Too Much
Space heaters can be useful, but they’re not always the best solution. They use a lot of electricity, and if you rely on them too much, your power bill can skyrocket.
Instead of using space heaters all the time, try fixing the real problem—whether it’s poor insulation, drafts, or blocked vents. That way, your main heating system can do its job properly, and you won’t need to waste money on extra heaters.
Simple Fixes Can Save You Big Money
Most people don’t think about how much money they waste on heating until they see their energy bill. The good news is that small changes can make a huge difference.
Sealing gaps, using insulation, keeping the thermostat steady, and making sure heat can flow properly are all easy fixes that don’t take much effort. Over time, they add up to big savings—and a home that actually feels warm without breaking the bank.
