How to Save on Heating Costs in Maine This Winter

To lower your heating costs, start by sealing drafts, adjusting your thermostat for your heating system, keeping up with maintenance and making the most of sunlight. For longer-term savings, consider insulation and energy-efficient equipment. Maine homeowners and renters can also explore rebates and heating assistance to help manage winter expenses.

Keeping your home comfortable through a Maine winter can take a sizable bite out of your budget. Fortunately, you don’t have to tackle a major renovation to start saving. A few affordable changes can help reduce wasted energy, while thoughtful upgrades can make your home more comfortable for winters to come.

What Are the Easiest Ways to Lower Your Heating Bill?

Start with improvements that help your home hold onto the heat you’re already paying for.

Seal Drafty Windows and Doors

If you feel cold air around windows or exterior doors, your heating system may be working harder than necessary. Weatherstripping, caulk and door sweeps can help close those gaps.

Use weatherstripping around movable window and door components, and caulk small cracks around stationary frames. Removable window insulation film can also help with drafty windows. If you rent, ask your landlord before making permanent changes.

Put Sunshine to Work

Open curtains on sunny windows during the day to let warmth in, then close them at night. Keep curtains and furniture clear of heating equipment so warmth can circulate throughout the room.

Keep Heat Moving

Check that furniture, rugs and curtains aren’t blocking vents, baseboard heaters or radiators. Clean or replace heating-system filters according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

If your ceiling fan has a winter setting, run it clockwise at low speed to help circulate warm air that collects near the ceiling.

What Temperature Should You Set Your Thermostat in Winter?

For many homes with a furnace or boiler, around 68°F while you’re home and awake is a useful starting point, depending on comfort and household needs. A lower setting while sleeping or away can reduce energy use.

However, heat pumps often work best at a steady temperature. Large thermostat setbacks can reduce efficiency or trigger backup electric heat on some systems. Follow your manufacturer’s or installer’s guidance rather than applying the same schedule to every heating system.

A compatible programmable or smart thermostat can make temperature management easier, but savings depend on your equipment and how you use it.

Which Home Improvements Can Reduce Heating Costs?

Once you’ve addressed the basics, consider improvements that reduce heat loss and help your equipment work efficiently.

Schedule Heating-System Maintenance

Have your furnace or boiler serviced according to the manufacturer’s recommended schedule. A professional can identify maintenance needs and potential problems before the coldest weather arrives.

Improve Insulation and Air Sealing

If your home feels drafty or some rooms are difficult to heat, a home energy assessment can help identify where improvements would make the biggest difference.

Attics, basement areas and crawlspaces may offer opportunities for better insulation and air sealing. Visit Efficiency Maine to explore weatherization resources and available incentives.

Consider a Cold-Climate Heat Pump

Do heat pumps work in Maine winters? Yes—properly selected and installed cold-climate heat pumps can provide efficient heating throughout Maine’s heating season. They also provide cooling in summer. Your potential savings depend on your current heating system, energy prices, insulation and the equipment installed.

Before committing, get installation estimates and review Efficiency Maine’s residential rebates. Confirm eligibility requirements before purchasing equipment or starting work.

How Can You Make Winter Heating Bills More Manageable?

Reducing energy use is one part of the picture. Planning for seasonal expenses can also ease pressure on your monthly budget.

• Ask about budget billing. Your fuel supplier or utility may offer a payment plan that spreads costs over more months.
• Compare fuel purchasing options. Review prices, fees and contract terms before choosing a price-lock or pre-buy plan. Predictable pricing doesn’t always mean the lowest total cost.
• Monitor your fuel supply. Ask whether automatic delivery makes sense for your household, and understand your responsibility for checking tank levels.
• Save throughout the year. Setting aside a small amount each payday can help build a cushion for winter bills.

Where Can You Get Help Paying for Heat in Maine?

If heating bills are becoming difficult to manage, explore assistance early.

MaineHousing’s Home Energy Assistance Program, commonly called HEAP, helps eligible homeowners and renters pay heating costs. The Energy Crisis Intervention Program, or ECIP, provides crisis assistance for qualifying households when available. Contact your local Community Action Agency for current eligibility, application details and program availability.

Start with MaineHousing’s energy assistance resources to learn about available support.

Let’s Talk About Your Winter Budget

At Town & Country Federal Credit Union, we’re here to help you work through seasonal expenses. A Personal Loan may be an option for covering heating costs, with repayment spread over time. Consider the interest and total borrowing cost when deciding what fits your budget.

Contact us at info@tcfcu.com or 800.649.3495 to schedule time with a loan officer and explore your options.