Minnesota winters don’t mess around. When the snow piles up and the temperature drops, staying warm becomes priority number one—but that doesn’t mean your energy bills have to skyrocket. With a few smart strategies and some professional help, you can stay comfortable and efficient all season long, even during the most intense stretches of heating in Eveleth, MN.
Program Your Thermostat Like a Pro
Your thermostat is the command center of your comfort. Setting it wisely can make a noticeable difference in energy use. During winter, aim for a lower temperature when you’re asleep or away from home, and a comfortable—but not excessive—setting when you’re home and awake.
Even adjusting the thermostat down a few degrees for eight hours a day can reduce energy consumption without sacrificing comfort. If your thermostat has programmable settings, use them to automatically match your schedule so you’re never heating an empty house.
Put Ceiling Fans to Work in Winter
Ceiling fans aren’t just for summer. In winter, they can help you feel warmer by redistributing heat. Set your fan to rotate clockwise at a low speed. This gentle motion pushes warm air—naturally rising to the ceiling—back down into the living space. The result is more even temperatures and less strain on your heating system.
Seal the Sneaky Drafts
Cold air has a way of finding the smallest cracks. Drafts around windows, doors, and even outlets can quietly steal warmth from your home. Sealing these gaps with weatherstripping or caulk is a low-cost improvement that can deliver big energy savings. A tighter home means your heating system doesn’t have to work as hard to maintain a cozy temperature.
Let the Sunshine In
The winter sun may be shy, but it’s still a valuable heat source. During the day, open curtains or blinds on south-facing windows to let sunlight naturally warm your home. When the sun goes down, close them again to help trap heat inside. This simple habit maximizes free warmth while reducing the workload on your furnace.
Why Maintenance Matters More Than You Think
If you missed your heating maintenance appointment this year, now is the time to schedule one. Routine maintenance keeps your system running efficiently by cleaning components, checking airflow, and catching small issues before they turn into costly problems. A well-maintained system heats your home more evenly, uses less energy, and is less likely to break down when you need it most.
Upgrades That Deliver a Big Efficiency Boost
For even greater savings, consider upgrading your system. A smart thermostat takes efficiency to the next level by learning your habits, optimizing temperature settings automatically, and allowing remote control from your phone. Many models provide energy reports that help you fine-tune usage over time.
Another powerful upgrade is a heat recovery ventilator (HRV). An HRV brings in fresh outdoor air while capturing heat from the outgoing stale air, transferring that warmth to the incoming air. You get better indoor air quality without wasting energy.
With the right habits, smart technology, and expert support, you can stay warm all winter while keeping energy costs under control. We’re here to help you make it happen.
Reach out to Mesaba Heating & Air Conditioning today. Service to you is success to us!