Quick Look: Your December Savings Plan
The Big Problem:
Winter gas bills can jump by hundreds of dollars across Texas.
Your Savings Goal:
Save up to 10% on heating costs just by turning down your thermostat when you’re sleeping or away from home.
Best Temperature:
Set your thermostat to 68°F when you’re home and awake for the best balance of comfort and savings.
Why Bills Stay High:
High bills may indicate that your HVAC system needs a new filter, a repair, or a seasonal tune-up.
Hello, North Tarrant Neighbors!
Are you ready for the December bill blues?
If you live in Fort Worth, Keller, Southlake, or North Richland Hills, you probably know the feeling, that shock when you open your first winter gas bill and see a big jump in cost. Heating bills are one of the biggest household expenses in the Texas winter, but the good news is that there are real ways to reduce these costs.
We’ve put together the ultimate homeowner’s guide to saving on winter energy costs. These three simple steps can help you stay warm, cut down your bills, and protect your home from winter surprises.
Step 1: Master Your Thermostat (The Magic Number)
When your home feels chilly, it’s tempting to crank up the heat, but that’s the quickest way to send your energy bill soaring.
The smarter solution is to find the “sweet spot” on your thermostat. According to energy experts, 68°F is the ideal setting for comfort and savings when you’re awake and at home.
Here’s how to make the most of it:
When You’re Awake:
Keep it set around 68°F. If you feel a bit cold, layer up with a sweater or blanket instead of raising the heat.
When You’re Sleeping or Away:
Turn the thermostat down a few degrees. You can save up to 10% a year on heating costs just by lowering the temperature while you sleep or when no one’s home. You’ll barely notice the difference, especially when you’re cozy in bed!
Use Smart Tools:
If you don’t already have a programmable or smart thermostat, December is the perfect time to get one. These thermostats automatically adjust your home’s temperature according to your schedule, ensuring you never forget to conserve energy.
Step 2: Simple, Free Tricks to Stop the Chill
Not all energy savings require fancy upgrades — some of the best tricks are completely free!
A. Use the Sun to Your Advantage
Even in North Texas, winter sunlight can help warm your home naturally. On sunny days, open your south-facing curtains or blinds to let the sunshine in. When the sun sets, close them tightly to keep warm air from escaping. Heavy curtains serve as an extra layer of protection for your windows.
B. Stop Sneaky Drafts
Cold drafts are one of the biggest reasons homes feel chilly and inefficient. Take a few minutes to check around windows, doors, and plumbing openings for air leaks.
You can seal small gaps with weatherstripping or clear plastic window film. Also, check spots where pipes and cables enter the house; sealing these can dramatically reduce heat loss.
C. Protect Your Pipes (Especially in Fort Worth)
When temperatures drop below freezing, frozen or burst pipes can cause thousands of dollars in damage. Here’s how to protect your home:
- Use the Drip Trick: Let your indoor faucets drip slightly during freezing weather to keep water moving and prevent pipe bursts.
- Insulate Exposed Pipes: Wrap pipes in the garage, attic, or crawl space with insulation sleeves. This prevents freezing and helps your hot water system run more efficiently.
These small, preventive steps are some of the simplest ways to save energy and avoid costly repairs.
👉 Related Page:HVAC Maintenance Plans
Step 3: When High Bills Mean You Need a Pro
If you’ve followed every tip above, adjusted your thermostat, sealed drafts, and used the sun’s warmth — but your energy bill still seems too high, your furnace may be the problem.
A furnace that’s struggling to keep up can waste massive amounts of energy. Here are the most common signs:
Dirty Filters
A clogged filter restricts airflow, causing your furnace to work much harder than it should. It’s like trying to breathe through a paper bag. Replace filters every 1–3 months for best performance.
Faulty Ignitors or Sensors
If your furnace turns on briefly and shuts off, it may have a problem with the ignitor or flame sensor. When this happens, your furnace cycles on and off repeatedly, wasting gas and driving up bills.
Lack of Maintenance
Many heating issues start small — a weak blower motor, a dirty burner, or thermostat miscalibration — and worsen over time. Regular professional maintenance can catch these issues early and keep your system efficient throughout the season.
The best way to avoid breakdowns and save money is to schedule a professional furnace tune-up each fall. It ensures your system is safe, efficient, and ready to handle cold weather without draining your wallet.
👉 Related Page:Furnace Repair & Tune-Up Services
Ready to Stop Worrying About Your December Bill?
Don’t let high energy bills steal your holiday cheer! Contact North Tarrant Heat & Air today to schedule your furnace tune-up or repair. We’ll make sure your system runs efficiently through the rest of winter — and help you keep more money in your pocket.
Serving Fort Worth, Keller, Southlake, North Richland Hills, Roanoke, Westlake, and Colleyville, North Tarrant Heat & Air is your trusted local HVAC expert for repairs, maintenance, and installation across North Tarrant County.
📞 Call today or schedule your service online to start saving on your December energy bill!
