How to Lower Heating Bills in Denver Without Sacrificing Comfort

September in Denver is that sweet spot between summer and snow. It’s cool enough to start thinking about heating, but not so cold that you’re ready to start blasting the furnace. This makes it the ideal time to take a few smart steps that can significantly reduce your heating bills in the coming months. Here’s what you need to know to start saving this season!

Seal Windows and Doors & Upgrade Your Insulation

Cold drafts are one of the biggest culprits of heat loss in Denver homes. Common sources include windows, doors, attic hatches, and electrical outlets.

Easy Fixes:

Install weatherstripping around windows and doors
Use caulk to seal gaps
Add insulation to attics and basements

By making these simple changes, you’ll not only notice lower bills, but you’ll also experience more consistent comfort throughout your home.

Lower the Thermostat Just a Few Degrees

Lowering your thermostat by just 1–2 degrees can make a noticeable difference in your energy bill, without making your home feel cold. For instance, if you normally set your heat at 72°F, try dropping it to 69–70°F and layer up a bit.

Fun Fact: According to the U.S. Department of Energy, lowering your thermostat 7–10°F for 8 hours a day can save up to 10% annually.

Change Your Ceiling Fan Direction

When cold weather starts to settle in, another easy way to make your house feel warmer without having to crank up the thermostat is to simply change the direction of your ceiling fan! Warm air rises, so when your fan spins in a clockwise direction, it forces that air back down into your living space.

Use the Sun to Your Advantage

Even in the coldest months, Denver gets a generous dose of sunshine. Open south and west-facing curtains during the day to let natural warmth in and then close them at night to keep the heat from escaping.

Pro Tip: Thermal curtains can boost this effect and add an extra layer of insulation to your home.

Schedule a Professional HVAC Tune-Up

Just like your car, your furnace needs regular maintenance to perform efficiently. A professional tune-up with one of DALCO’s certified technicians can ensure that your system is running at peak performance and allow you to catch issues before they become expensive problems. A well-maintained furnace can reduce energy use by up to 15%, in turn, drastically reducing your electric bill!

Pro Tip: Schedule your tune-up in early fall to avoid the winter rush.

Install a Smart Thermostat

Smart thermostats learn your schedule and adjust temperatures automatically to save energy when you’re not home. Denver homeowners can save significantly on heating costs by reducing energy waste during the day or while sleeping.This can also give you remote access to your system, allowing you to adjust the temperature when you’re unexpectedly away for longer periods.

Consider a High-Efficiency Furnace Upgrade

If your furnace is over 15 years old, making strange noises, or heating your home unevenly, it may be time to consider a high-efficiency upgrade. Today’s ENERGY STAR-rated furnaces are designed to use less energy while providing superior comfort and when you install approved equipment, you can benefit from 2025 rebates that will save you money on the initial install.

Stay Warm & Save More with DALCO

At DALCO Heating & Air Conditioning, we’ve been keeping Denver families comfortable for over 35 years. Our team is here to help you optimize your heating system and lower your energy bills, all without sacrificing the comfort you deserve. If you’re looking to schedule maintenance or have more questions, give us a call at 303.979.7541.