How to Reduce Your Energy Bills During Extreme Weather
Living in Minnesota means dealing with both bitterly cold winters and hot, humid summers. Unfortunately, extreme temperatures can lead to a dramatic increase in utility bills. Heating and cooling account for the majority of home energy use, and without the right strategies, it’s easy to overpay. The good news? You can take several simple steps to reduce your energy bills—without sacrificing comfort.
Here’s how to stay cozy in the winter and cool in the summer while keeping your energy costs in check.
1. Install a Programmable or Smart Thermostat
One of the most effective ways to reduce energy use is by upgrading your thermostat. Programmable and smart thermostats allow you to control your home’s temperature based on your daily schedule.
Set the temperature lower when you’re away in the winter or higher in the summer.
Automatically adjust settings at night when everyone is asleep.
Avoid running your HVAC system unnecessarily when no one is home.
Smart Tip: Lennox’s iComfort® smart thermostat goes a step further by learning your habits over time. It adjusts temperatures automatically for optimal energy savings and can even be controlled remotely using your smartphone.
2. Seal Air Leaks Around the Home
Air leaks are one of the most common reasons for energy loss, especially in older homes.
Use weatherstripping for doors and windows.
Apply caulk around window frames, attic hatches, plumbing penetrations, and electrical outlets.
Don’t forget to check the basement and garage, where drafts often go unnoticed.
By sealing these leaks, you’ll prevent cold air from creeping in during the winter and keep your air-conditioned air inside during the summer—both of which lighten the load on your HVAC system and reduce your energy usage.
3. Improve Insulation Where Necessary
Insulation is your home’s first line of defense against extreme temperatures.
Attic insulation is especially important—heat rises, and without proper insulation, it escapes quickly.
Insulating your basement and exterior walls helps maintain a consistent indoor temperature.
Use spray foam, fiberglass, or cellulose insulation to fill gaps and block heat transfer.
When your home is well-insulated, your heating and cooling system doesn’t have to work as hard to maintain the desired temperature—resulting in significant energy savings.
4. Schedule Regular HVAC Maintenance
Your HVAC system is like any other machine—it performs better when properly maintained.
Schedule professional tune-ups in spring and fall to prepare for the intense seasons.
Replace your air filters monthly or as recommended, especially during peak usage months.
Clean coils and check for issues like low refrigerant or leaky ducts that can cause energy waste.
Preventative maintenance not only extends the life of your equipment but also ensures that it’s operating at peak efficiency—helping you avoid unexpected breakdowns and higher energy bills.
5. Use Ceiling Fans Strategically
Ceiling fans don’t just add a breeze—they help circulate air more efficiently, which can reduce your reliance on your HVAC system.
In winter, set fans to rotate clockwise at a low speed. This pushes warm air down from the ceiling and helps maintain an even room temperature.
In summer, reverse the fan direction to counterclockwise for a cooling effect that allows you to raise the thermostat a few degrees without feeling a difference.
Just be sure to turn off fans when you leave the room—fans cool people, not spaces.
Let Marsh Heating & Air Conditioning Help Lower Your Bills
At Marsh Heating & Air Conditioning, we understand the challenges Minnesota homeowners face during extreme weather. That’s why we specialize in:
Installing smart thermostats that optimize comfort and efficiency
Performing thorough HVAC maintenance that extends system life and reduces energy waste
Recommending energy-efficient upgrades that can qualify you for rebates or tax incentives
With over 50 years of experience, our team is here to help you create a comfortable, cost-effective home environment year-round.
📞 Call Marsh Heating & Air Conditioning today at 763.536.0667 or visit MarshHeating.com to schedule your energy-saving HVAC service.
Let us help you take control of your comfort—and your energy bills
