Save Energy, Save Money: Simple Sustainability Tips for a Smarter Winter

Winter in Minnesota brings beauty—snowy mornings, frosty windows, and cozy nights inside. But it also brings higher energy use and rising utility bills. The good news? A few simple, sustainable habits can keep your home warm, your energy use low, and more money in your pocket.

Here are smart, practical ways to stay comfortable and reduce your environmental impact this winter:

1. Seal Out Drafts

Even small air leaks can have a big effect on heating costs.

• Use weatherstripping around doors and windows.

• Add caulk to gaps around trim and outlets.

• Close fireplace flues when not in use.

Why it matters: Air sealing can reduce energy use by up to 20%—one of the most cost-effective home upgrades.

2. Embrace the Power of Your Thermostat

Lowering your thermostat by 7–10°F for eight hours a day can save up to 10% annually on heating. Small adjustments mean big savings. Try:

• Setting it lower when you’re asleep or away.

• Using a programmable or smart thermostat to automate the schedule.

3. Switch to LED Lighting

Winter means darker days, which means more lights on. LEDs use at least 75% less energy and last far longer than incandescent bulbs. If you’re pulling out holiday lights, choose LEDs there too—they’re safer, brighter, and cheaper to run.

4. Reverse Ceiling Fans

A little-known trick: switch your ceiling fan to rotate clockwise at low speed in winter. This gently pushes warm air down from the ceiling, making rooms feel warmer without raising the thermostat.

5. Let the Sun Do the Work

Open blinds and curtains on sunny days to naturally warm your home. Close them at night to help insulate against cold air. Thermal curtains provide an extra layer of protection.

6. Keep Filters Clean

A dirty furnace filter forces your system to work harder. Change or clean filters every 1–3 months through winter for maximum efficiency and better indoor air quality.

7. Choose Efficient Space Heating

Using them strategically can reduce whole-home heating load. If you rely on electric space heaters:

• Only heat the rooms you use.

• Look for ENERGY STAR models.

• Keep heaters at least 3 feet from anything flammable.

8. Unplug and Power Down

Even in winter, standby power wastes electricity. Unplug chargers and small electronics when not in use, or use a smart power strip to cut phantom energy use.

9. Consider a Home Energy Audit

Xcel Energy offers free or low-cost home energy audits. An audit helps you see exactly where energy is being wasted and what upgrades would save you the most.

10. Think Long-Term: Invest in Efficiency

If you're planning improvements, consider:

• Adding insulation

• Installing a heat pump

• Upgrading windows

• Switching to an ENERGY STAR furnace

Many efficiency upgrades qualify for rebates or tax credits.

A More Sustainable Winter Starts Right Here

Small choices add up. By adopting even a few of these tips, you’ll reduce your energy footprint, lower your bills, and keep your home more comfortable all season long. Every step toward conservation supports a healthier, more sustainable Stillwater—and it starts with our own homes.

If you’d like help connecting with local energy-saving programs or resources, Sustainable Stillwater MN is here to support you.

Which of these tips do you already do?

• Seal Out Drafts
• Embrace the Power of Your Thermostat
• Switch to LED Lighting
• Reverse Ceiling Fans

See All Options

You can vote for more than one answer.