02 Dec 2025 This winter, keep the warm in and the chill out

Posted at 6:01 PMh in Food & Home Entertaining by

By Beth Jimmerson

The holidays have snuck up on us again and so has the colder weather. As temperatures drop, Conway Corp wants to help you keep your home cozy without cranking up the heat – or your energy bill. 

Even though the U.S. Energy Information Administration expects heating costs to rise only slightly this year, a sudden cold snap can make bills climb even higher if your home isn’t ready. 

A little prep now can make a big difference later — saving you money and keeping your home comfortable all season long.

Conway Corp wants to ensure your home is prepared for the unexpected, helping you save a nice chunk of change while protecting your property for years to come. With these winterization tips, you’ll save energy while saving money at the same time.

Stop Drafts in Their Tracks

Drafts can waste up to 30 percent of your energy, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. Sealing them is one of the easiest ways to save. Pick up window insulation kits from the hardware store, add weather-stripping or caulking where needed, and for a quick DIY fix, fill an old sock with sand or kitty litter to make a “draft snake” for your door.

Check Your Furnace Filter

Replace your furnace filter once a month during heating season — it helps your system run efficiently and keeps your air cleaner. Permanent electrostatic filters cost more up front but trap up to 88 percent of debris, compared to just 40 percent with standard fiberglass filters. That’s less waste, fewer clogs and better air quality. If your furnace is older, upgrading to a modern unit could save you money every month.

Flip Your Ceiling Fans

Many ceiling fans come with a switch that reverses the direction of the blades. Counterclockwise rotation produces cooling breezes while switching to clockwise makes it warmer. Air pooled near the ceiling is circulated back into the living space cutting your heating costs as much as 10 percent.

Winterize Your AC and Water Lines

Before the first freeze, drain any hoses and air conditioner pipes making sure you don’t have excess water pooled in equipment. This will prevent damage. If your air conditioner has a water shutoff valve, go ahead and turn it off. Remove any window air conditioner units and store them so you don’t invite cold drafts all winter. Also, turn off exterior water spigots.

Turn Down Your Water Heater

Lowering your water heater temperature from 140°F to 120°F can save 10 percent on water heating costs — and you’ll still have plenty of hot water for showers. If you’re ready to invest, a tankless water heater can save even more energy long-term.

Add Storm Doors and Windows

Installing storm doors and windows can boost energy efficiency by up to 45 percent by reducing drafts and sealing in warmth. They also let you enjoy natural light without the chill.

Schedule a Heating Tune-Up

A little maintenance goes a long way. Keeping your furnace clean and well-tuned can trim up to 5 percent off your heating costs while helping your system last longer.

Be Thermostat Smart

Heating and cooling make up about 50 to 70 percent of your energy costs. For every degree you turn down the thermostat in winter, you can save three percent on your bill. A programmable thermostat makes it easy — most families save around $180 a year just by using one.

Boost Your Insulation

Proper insulation keeps heat where it belongs — inside your home. Adding insulation to your attic and walls can reduce your energy bills by up to 10 percent each year. You can even insulate hot water pipes with inexpensive foam sleeves to save more and prevent freezing.

Make it Easy with Conway Corp

Looking for more ways to save this winter? Conway Corp’s Energy Smart program offers free residential energy audits to help customers identify how much energy their homes consume and what measures may be taken to make their homes more energy-efficient. The analysis will show a homeowner any problems that may, when corrected, save significant amounts of money over time. A home energy audit is the first step to assess how much energy your home consumes while evaluating what measures you can take to make your home more energy-efficient.

During the audit process, a Conway Corp certified energy professional will perform a walk-through inspection of your home using a variety of techniques and equipment to determine its energy-efficiency level. The inspection will help you understand the efficiency level of your home’s heating and cooling systems, look at how your windows and doors seal, inspect insulation levels, show you ways to conserve electricity and help identify leaks in your home. 

Annually, homes that have received a free audit from Energy Smart save more than $2 million combined in utility costs. Over the lifetime of the program, these homes have saved more than $12 million.

Visit ConwayCorp.com/EnergySmart to learn more or call 501.450.6000 to schedule a free energy audit from a Conway Corp certified energy professional.

Beth Jimmerson
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