Energy Efficiency Tips for Winter in Minnesota

If you’ve lived through a few Minnesota winters, you know how quickly temperatures can plummet. It’s tempting to reach for the thermostat as soon as you feel the first chill, but heating costs can spiral if you’re not careful. Luckily, a few simple adjustments can keep your home comfortable without sending your energy bills through the roof. The best part? Many of these energy efficiency tips are helpful year-round, not only in winter!

From insulating drafts to managing your thermostat wisely, here are some practical tips for staying warm and saving energy this winter in Minnesota.

Change Thermostat Settings When You Leave

Wondering what you should set your thermostat to in winter? When your family is awake and spending time at home during the day, a comfortable temperature in your home will most likely be 68-72 degrees. However, if your family is away from the home during the day, or going to sleep at night, it’s recommended to lower your thermostat by 8-10 degrees, depending on the temperature outside.

According to the Department of Energy, turning the thermostat back for 8 hours a day can save you significantly on HVAC-related utilities each year.

Some people do prefer cooler temperatures and keep their homes in the low to mid-60s during the winter. Whether you’re a person who likes to keep the home cool, or someone who prefers warmer temps, you might be wondering if it is unhealthy to keep your house cold. The Centre for Sustainable Energy in the UK says cold or damp homes in the winter can lead to colds and illnesses like pneumonia. However, your home’s temperature typically needs to be below 60°F before you are at risk for health concerns.

Get a Smart Thermostat

If you read the last tip and thought, “There’s no way I’m going to remember to do that,” then smart thermostats are the winter energy efficiency solution for you. Smart thermostats — like the Honeywell Prestige 2.0, Lennox iComfort or Nest Home — allow you to have control over your home’s temperature no matter where you are. Other tips for saving energy in winter (or any other time) using a smart thermostat include:

Set schedules. Program your thermostat to automatically lower the temperature when you’re away or sleeping and raise it just before you wake up or return home. This ensures you’re not heating an empty house. This tip is just as helpful when you’re using your thermostat to keep cool in the summer and don’t want to cool spaces no one is in.
Take advantage of remote access. Use your smartphone or device to adjust your thermostat settings when you’re not at home. Take a look at where things are at any time and adjust accordingly. This is especially helpful if your plans change, allowing you to optimize your energy use in real time.
Learn from your energy reports. Many smart thermostats provide detailed energy usage reports. These insights help you track when your heating system is working hardest and where you might cut back on energy consumption.
Enable geofencing. Some smart thermostats can detect when you’re near home and automatically adjust the temperature, ensuring the house is comfortable when you arrive without wasting energy while you’re away. The future is now — and it’s cozy.

Humidify Your Home

In the cold, dry Minnesota winters, running a humidifier can make your home feel warmer without having to raise the thermostat. Moist air holds heat better than dry air, making your home more comfortable. Plus, maintaining a healthy humidity level can reduce static electricity, prevent wood floors and furniture from cracking and improve indoor air quality. By keeping humidity between 30-50%, you can reduce your heating needs and make your home feel cozier all winter long.

Address Drafty Windows and Doors

Another energy efficiency tip for winter in Minnesota is to fix any drafty windows before the temperatures drop. Drafty windows or older doors can many times be the main reason a home may feel unnecessarily cold during the winter. To fix the problem, insulate drafty windows either with heavy-duty, clear plastic sheeting or by installing heavy thermal drapes or shades. You can also use weatherstripping around windows and door frames to seal gaps and prevent leakage. Old, poorly insulated doors can either be replaced or draft stoppers can be installed to block the space between the door and the floor.

Replace Your Furnace Filter

When it comes to top tips for saving energy in winter, replacing your furnace filter is one of the easiest things you can do. It’s recommended that you change your furnace filter monthly. By doing so, you can maintain proper airflow — something that’ll keep your HVAC system safe from working in overdrive, and save you money on your energy bills.

Remember: if your unit has started smelling weird or is making any kind of banging or buzzing noise, you should have it inspected by a professional.

Utilize Your Fireplace — if You Have One

If you have a wood-burning fireplace, you have a great way to save on energy. In the fall, have it checked and cleaned. Not only will this improve your home’s air quality, but it will also ensure that you don’t have any drafts coming in through your chimneystack. Your fireplace will add heat to the room it’s in, and the heat will disperse in other rooms, which means less work for your furnace! Create some family time and enjoy the natural heat from your fireplace. Just don’t forget to close the damper when the fireplace is not in use to prevent unwanted cold air from getting in!

Take Advantage of Natural Sunlight

Here’s a surprisingly easy winter energy efficiency tip: During the day, open your blinds or curtains on south-facing windows to let in sunlight. The natural heat from the sun can help warm your home, reducing the need to rely solely on your heating system. In the evening, you can close your curtains to create an extra layer of insulation that helps trap the warmth inside — right where you want it.

Insulate Your Attic and Basement

Heat naturally rises, so if you’re ever concerned about heat loss, it’s time to look up. On the flip side, your basement can also be a source of wasted energy if it isn’t properly insulated. Adding insulation in these two critical areas will help maintain a more consistent temperature throughout your home, reducing the strain on your heating system. If both are already insulated, take the time to look for gaps and seal any cracks or openings around pipes, wiring and vents to ensure they stay that way.

Reverse Ceiling Fans

Many people associate ceiling fans with cooling down in summer, but they can be just as useful in winter. Reverse the direction of your ceiling fans to a clockwise rotation by (turn it off first) getting on a step stool and reaching up to the base of the fan — there’ll be a switch up there and all you have to do is press it. This shift helps push warm air that’s risen to the ceiling back down into the room, allowing you to keep your thermostat lower without sacrificing comfort. This small step helps distribute heat more evenly, especially in homes with high ceilings.

Contact Sedgwick for More Energy Efficiency Tips for Winter in Minnesota

By embracing all of these preventative measures, you’re sure to save energy and cut down on your utility bills, while staying comfortable during the coldest days of winter. For more tips on saving energy in winter, contact the experts at Sedgwick today!