The holidays are a time for celebration, family, and warmth—but they can also mean higher heating bills. With more time spent indoors, more cooking, and more guests, it’s easy for your energy costs to spike. Fortunately, there are simple ways to save on heating without compromising comfort.
Here are seven practical HVAC tipsto help you stay cozy, lower your bills, and keep your home safe during the holiday season—plus a bonus reason why scheduling a checkup with Hunt’s Services before the festivities begin can save you stress (and money).
7 Energy-Saving Tips
1. Use a Smart Thermostat
A smart thermostat can help you reduce energy usage without lifting a finger. Program your system to lower temperatures automatically at night or when you’re away from home. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, smart thermostats in Tacoma homes can lower heating bills by up to 10% annually.
If you don’t have one yet, it’s a smart investment—especially with available rebates for smart thermostats in Washington.
Learn about thermostat upgrades
2. Cook & Heat Smarter
Your oven and stovetop produce a lot of heat—take advantage of that! Lower your thermostat a few degrees to save energy without noticing the difference when preparing meals. If you’re baking holiday treats, your kitchen alone can provide enough warmth for several hours.
Also, avoid using exhaust fans for too long after cooking or showering. They pull out warm air, making your furnace work harder to replace it.
3. Close Unused Rooms
Are you hosting fewer guests this season? Shut the doors and vents in rarely used rooms to redirect warm air to occupied areas. This reduces your HVAC system strain and makes your main living spaces comfortable.
4. Use Curtains Strategically
Let the sun do some of the work. Open curtains on south-facing windows during the day to bring natural warmth, and close them at night to keep heat from escaping. This simple tactic adds passive solar gainwithout spending a dime.
5. Change Air Filters Regularly
Dirty filters restrict airflow and make your HVAC system less efficient. Replace filters monthly during the winter to maintain proper circulation and indoor air quality. It’s one of the easiest—and most overlooked—steps to winter energy savings.
Schedule a furnace tune-up in Tacoma
6. Check Doors and Windows for Drafts
Cold drafts can force your HVAC system to work overtime. Seal gaps with weatherstripping, door sweeps, or even temporary plastic film. The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that sealing air leaks can save 10–20% on annual heating costs.
7. Reverse Your Ceiling Fans
Most ceiling fans have a small switch that reverses blade direction. Setting them to spin clockwise pushes warm air down from the ceiling, improving comfort and reducing the need for constant furnace use.
Bonus Tip: Schedule a Holiday HVAC Checkup
Prevent Breakdowns During Gatherings
No one wants their furnace to fail during dinner with guests. Preventive maintenance is your best defense. A professional checkup ensures everything’s working correctly before your system is pushed to its limits.
During a Hunt’s Services tune-up, technicians inspect your heating components, clean dirty parts, and verify safety systems to prevent last-minute surprises.
Hunt’s Care Club Members Save More
Members of the Hunt’s Care Clubenjoy seasonal HVAC tune-ups, priority service, and discounted repairs. It’s a great way to reduce stress and avoid expensive emergencies during the holiday rush.
Learn about the Hunt’s Care Club
What Customers Are Saying
At Hunt’s Services, customer satisfaction is our top priority. Here’s what verified customers have shared:
“The tech who came to our home was amazing! He was very professional and showed us exactly what was going on with our unit. We’re so happy with our service!” – Samantha R.
“The crew from Hunt’s Services arrived promptly, were courteous, and got the job done right the first time. I felt like my concerns were truly heard.” – Matt H.
“Very efficient service with no hassle. I appreciated the quick scheduling, especially around the holidays!” – Crystal D.
Read more customer reviewsand see why homeowners across Pierce and King County trust Hunt’s Services to keep their homes running efficiently.
Enjoy the Holidays Without High Bills
Saving energy this season doesn’t require sacrifice. With a few smart adjustments and regular maintenance, you can stay warm, host with confidence, and enjoy lower utility bills all winter long.
Let Hunt’s Services help you take control of your holiday HVAC savings today.
Schedule Your Holiday HVAC Checkup
See Why Homeowners Trust Hunt’s
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FAQs
1. How low can I set my thermostat at night in winter?
Most experts recommend setting your thermostat to 60–65°F at nightfor energy savings without sacrificing comfort. Use extra blankets or a programmable thermostat to adjust automatically.
2. How often should I change my furnace filter in winter?
Check your filter every 30 daysduring the heating season. Replace it if it looks dirty or clogged to maintain airflow and system efficiency.
3. What temperature should I keep my house during the holidays?
Aim for 68°F when you’re homeand awake, and lower it by 5–10 degrees when asleep or away. Smart thermostats help automate this for maximum comfort and savings.
4. How can I reduce drafts around windows and doors?
Apply weatherstripping, use thermal curtains, and check for gaps around window frames. Even small leaks can significantly affect heating efficiency.
5. What’s the best time to schedule an HVAC tune-up?
Ideally, schedule maintenance in late fall or early winterbefore temperatures drop. This ensures your system is in top shape before the busy holiday season.
