When winter settles in across Delaware, many families notice their utility bills climbing fast. Cold air, shorter days and constant heating can strain both comfort and budget, but the good news is that real, science-backed solutions can make a measurable difference. While small habits like closing blinds at night or lowering the thermostat help, the way a home is built plays the biggest role in long-term energy savings. That is why we take a high-performance approach to every home we design. As the only builder in Delaware to earn multiple awards from the U.S. Department of Energy, we understand how to craft homes that feel warmer, operate more efficiently and cost less to run year after year. As experts in high-performance home building, we recognize that these practical habits can further enhance winter efficiency.
Let the Sun Do the Work
One of the simplest ways to save energy in winter is to make use of natural sunlight. Opening curtains on south-facing windows during the day allows the sun’s warmth to enter and heat interior rooms without relying solely on your HVAC system. When the sun sets, closing those same curtains helps trap heat inside and reduce overnight heat loss. Consistent use of this technique can support a more comfortable and balanced indoor temperature.
Seal Up the Leaks You Can’t See
Warm air escapes easily through small gaps around doors, windows, attic access points and areas where plumbing or wiring enters the home. Even tiny openings create drafts and make your heating system work harder than necessary. Sealing these spaces with caulk, weatherstripping, or insulation reduces heat loss and helps maintain a steady indoor temperature. It is a low-cost improvement that often delivers noticeable savings.
Don’t Let Your Fireplace Steal Heat
A fireplace adds charm on cold days, but when it is not in use, it can act like an open window. Warm air rises and escapes through the chimney, pulling heated air from the rest of the home along with it. Closing the damper tightly and using a fireplace plug or glass doors helps prevent unnecessary heat loss. These simple steps keep conditioned air inside and improve overall comfort.
Rugs Aren’t Just for Style
Rugs provide more than visual appeal. On hard flooring surfaces, they create a layer of insulation that slows the transfer of heat through the floor. That means warmer rooms and fewer cold spots on the floor. In winter, this added insulation can help stabilize temperatures and reduce the need to increase the thermostat setting.
Unplug What You’re Not Using
Many electronics consume electricity even when switched off. This standby usage, often called phantom load, adds up over time and increases your monthly bill. Unplugging unused devices or connecting them to a smart power strip helps prevent this waste. It is a small habit that leads to long-term savings.
Only Run Full Loads of Laundry
Washers and dryers use a significant amount of energy each cycle, especially during colder months when hot water needs increase. Running these appliances only when you have a full load reduces energy use, water consumption and wear on the machines. Over time, this routine helps lower household energy costs.
Build with a Zero Energy Ready Home Builder Like Insight Homes
The biggest energy savings begin long before winter arrives. Homes built to the U.S. Department of Energy’s Zero Energy Ready Home standard perform at a level far beyond typical construction. We design every home to meet or exceed this benchmark, which means tighter air sealing, advanced insulation, high-performance HVAC systems and continuous fresh air ventilation. These features work together to create a home that uses significantly less energy and maintains a consistent, comfortable temperature throughout the year. Families living in our homes often experience up to 50 percent lower energy use compared to code-built homes. It is one of the most effective ways to achieve lasting winter savings.
Don’t Block Your Vents
Heating systems rely on unblocked vents to distribute warm air evenly. When furniture, curtains, or rugs cover floor or wall vents, the system must work harder to push air through the home. Keeping vents freely accessible helps maintain efficient airflow and reduces unnecessary strain on your HVAC system.
Lower the Water Heater Temperature
Water heating accounts for a large portion of winter energy use. Setting your water heater to 120 degrees provides comfortable hot water without excessive energy consumption. It also helps extend the unit's life and reduces the risk of scalding, making it a practical adjustment for both efficiency and safety.
Keep Your Heating System in Top Shape
A well-maintained HVAC system operates more efficiently and keeps energy costs under control. Replacing dirty filters improves airflow and reduces stress on the unit. Scheduling routine maintenance and checking for duct leaks ensures that warm air reaches each room as intended. These simple steps help your system perform at its best during peak winter months.
Insulate Your Pipes to Retain Heat
Insulating exposed hot water pipes helps retain heat as water travels through your home. This reduces the time it takes for hot water to reach faucets and lowers the amount of energy required to maintain your desired temperature. It also provides added protection during extreme cold.
Choose Energy-Efficient Holiday Lighting
Holiday lights brighten the season, but traditional strands use more electricity than you might expect. LED lights consume far less energy and last longer, making them a smart switch for winter. Putting them on a timer adds another layer of efficiency by preventing unnecessary overnight use.
Adjust Your Thermostat Wisely
Lowering your thermostat by a few degrees when you are away or asleep can reduce annual heating costs by up to 10 percent. A smart thermostat helps automate these adjustments, ensuring consistent savings without sacrificing comfort. Small changes in temperature settings often lead to significant long-term results.
Your Path to a More Efficient Winter
Small winter habits can help, but the most meaningful energy savings start with a home designed to perform in every season. At Insight Homes, we combine award-winning design with building science that exceeds DOE Zero Energy Ready Home standards, so your home naturally stays warmer, healthier and more efficient without extra effort. If you want a home where comfort, beauty and performance work together, our team is here to guide you. Let us show you how an Insight home can give you a winter and a lifetime with fewer worries and lower energy costs built right in.
FAQ
What runs your electric bill up the most in winter?
Heating systems are usually the biggest source of winter energy costs, especially in older or poorly insulated homes. Water heating, laundry and portable space heaters can also increase usage.
Does unplugging devices actually save energy?
Yes. Many devices draw standby power even when switched off. Unplugging them or using a smart power strip reduces this waste and helps lower your bill.
How much should you turn down your thermostat in winter to save energy?
Lowering your thermostat by 7 to 10 degrees for about 8 hours a day can reduce heating costs by up to 10 percent. Smart thermostats make it easier to maintain these adjustments consistently.
What is the 20-degree rule on a thermostat?
The 20-degree rule suggests that your heating system should not be set to raise the indoor temperature more than 20 degrees at once. Trying to exceed this can waste energy and strain the system.
How long does it take to heat a house from 50 to 70 degrees?
Most heating systems increase indoor temperature by 1 to 2 degrees per hour. Homes with better insulation and tighter construction, like ours, warm up more quickly and retain heat longer.
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