As cooler weather arrives in the Pacific Northwest, heating costs can quickly add up. Whether you’re trying to keep your monthly energy bill in check or simply want a more efficient home, there are smart, simple ways to stay warm without breaking the bank.
In this guide, we’ll walk through five expert-approved strategies to help you lower your heating bill this fall, plus additional insights and resources that make a real impact. These aren’t just suggestions—they’re proven steps Hunt’s Services recommends for families across Tacoma, Federal Way, and the surrounding areas every fall.
1. Optimize Thermostat Settings
Adjusting your thermostat may seem minor, but it’s one of the most effective ways to save energy without sacrificing comfort.
Why It Matters:
Heating and cooling account for nearly half the energy a typical home uses. Minor changes to your thermostat routine can add up to big savings over time. According to the Department of Energy, you can save up to 10% per yearon heating by turning your thermostat back 7° to 10°Ffor 8 hours a day.
Smart Tips:
- Use a Programmable Thermostat:Set it to lower the heat when you’re not home or asleep.
- Install a Smart Thermostat:These adapt to your behavior and can be controlled via app, allowing more precise temperature control.
- Avoid Overcorrection:Don’t crank the heat to warm up faster—it doesn’t work that way and wastes energy.
Want help installing a smart thermostat? Hunt’s Services can recommend and install one that suits your HVAC system and lifestyle.
2. Seal Ductwork and Home Air Leaks
Your home’s ductwork is like a circulatory system for heated air. If there are leaks, it’s like trying to heat your home with the windows open.
Common Energy Wasters:
- Disconnected ducts in crawlspaces
- Unsealed joints in attics or basements
- Gaps around windows and doors
What You Can Do:
- DIY Seal Gapsusing weatherstripping and caulk around doors and windows.
- Seal Ducts with Mastic or Foil Tapein accessible areas.
- Schedule Professional Duct Sealingto ensure optimal airflow and insulation.
At Hunt’s Services, ourair duct cleaning and sealing serviceshelp prevent heat loss and improve indoor air quality.
3. Replace or Clean Furnace Filters Regularly
One of the simplest and most overlooked energy-saving steps is replacing your furnace filter. A dirty filter restricts airflow, making your system work harder.
Furnace Filter FAQs:
- How often should I replace it?Every 1–3 months, or more often if you have pets or allergies.
- What happens if I don’t?You’ll likely see higher bills, more wear on the system, and poor indoor air quality.
- Is it easy to do?Yes—most filters slide out from the furnace intake. Just match the size and MERV rating.
If you’d rather leave it to the pros, ourCare Club maintenance programincludes filter replacements and seasonal system checks.
4. Upgrade Your Home’s Insulation
Insulation acts as a barrier to slow heat loss. Inadequate insulation means your furnace has to work harder and longer to maintain a comfortable temperature.
Where to Focus:
- Attics:Older homes often have under-insulated attics.
- Walls:Especially in homes built before modern codes.
- Floors/Crawlspaces:A big heat loss point in the Northwest.
Benefits:
- Less cycling = longer HVAC lifespan
- Better comfort, even in extreme weather
- Potential tax credits for energy upgrades
Ask about an insulation audit when we perform a system tune-up or duct inspection—our team can pinpoint where you’re losing heat.
5. Schedule a Professional Furnace Tune-Up
Routine maintenance is like a wellness check for your heating system. A tune-up ensures your system runs efficiently, safely, and reliably when you need it most.
A Typical Furnace Tune-Up Includes:
- Full inspection of burners, heat exchanger, and blower
- Cleaning and calibrating components
- Checking thermostat and safety controls
- Testing carbon monoxide output
You shouldschedule your furnace tune-upin early fall—before freezing temperatures arrive and HVAC companies are booked solid.
Bonus: Regular maintenance can extend your system’s life by several years.
Bonus Tips for Even More Savings
Heating efficiency goes beyond HVAC settings. Here are a few smart habits that can drive your energy bills down even further:
- Use Ceiling Fans in Reverse:Set them to clockwise to push warm air down.
- Let the Sun In:Keep curtains open during the day to take advantage of passive solar heating.
- Close Doors to Unused Rooms:This reduces the square footage you’re heating.
- Rug Up:Carpets and rugs help insulate floors and trap warmth.
- Use Draft Stoppers:Simple, low-cost tools that block cold air from creeping in under doors.
These adjustments are easy, affordable, and effective.
When to Call Hunt’s Services
If you’re unsure where your energy is going—or want professional help implementing these tips—we’re here to help. Hunt’s Services offers:
- Expert HVAC system diagnostics
- Professional duct sealing and air balancing
- Insulation upgrades and indoor air quality solutions
- Smart thermostat recommendations and installations
We’ve helped thousands of Western Washington homeowners reduce their energy bills while keeping their homes comfortable and safe.
Cut Your Heating Costs Today
Implementing these five core strategies and additional pro tips can dramatically reduce your heating expenses this fall and winter. Whether optimizing your thermostat, sealing your ducts, or scheduling a professional tune-up, small steps lead to big savings.
Don’t wait until the next high bill or sudden breakdown. Take action now and make your home more energy-efficient for the season ahead.
Need help getting started?
Read more about our heating solutions, or call us directly at (253) 533-7500to book a home heating efficiency evaluation.
Hunt’s Services – Helping Families Stay Warm & Save Money Since 2013
Serving Tacoma, Federal Way, Kent, Puyallup, and greater Puget Sound.
