Michigan homeowners could cut heating bills up to 3% by lowering the thermostat just 1 degree

Buying new, more efficient HVAC equipment isn't the only option for Michigan homeowners facing steep winter heating bills. In fact, a small thermostat adjustment could save money.

Here's what to know

Consumers Energy spokeswoman Megan Kirk said lowering a thermostat by one degree could save customers 1% to 3% on their bill, according to WXYZ. The station gathered tips from homeowners and professionals about ways to keep heating costs under control.

For example, heated air can escape through gaps around windows and doors, letting cold air in. Homeowner Matthew Brown fixed drafts with weatherstripping and caulk around the windows. After plugging those drafts, a small change to a thermostat setting might not be such a big deal. 

More background

For homeowner Rich McHargue, cutting heating expenses involved a larger investment. When he moved into a new home with his wife, they upgraded the home's old equipment to more energy-efficient systems.

"We ended up replacing all of the mechanicals in the whole unit," McHargue told the outlet. "The hot water tank, the humidifier, the furnace, the central air, the whole 9 yards." 

Opening a heating bill became less stressful for McHargue as the replacements delivered savings over time.

"I am really happy opening those envelopes," he told WXYZ. 

What can be done?

A forced-air system's upkeep offers homeowners another way to keep heating expenses down.

Chris Downs, manager of Creeger Heating and Cooling, identified filter replacement as the system's most important maintenance task. A clogged filter can drive up heating expenses by forcing the system to work harder.

"We typically recommend you change those out every 30 days, especially during the height of the season, whether that's heating or whether that's cooling," Downs said. "We want to get those changed out as often as possible." 

Where can I learn more?

Keeping warm while managing heating bills is a concern well beyond Michigan. 

• HVAC experts recommended 68 degrees F by day and cooler nights to reduce fall heating costs.

• A New York utility said a 65-degree thermostat setting could trim heating use by 15%.

• A technician reset a heat pump backup to 45 degrees F after repairs, prompting concerns that it's high.

• In Toronto, a homeowner's new heat pump overshot its 23 degrees Celsius setting, reaching 25 degrees Celsius indoors.

• A homeowner seeking lower oil-heating costs received advice to heat the bed, not the air.

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