February is known for its chilly temperatures and high utility bills—but keeping your home warm doesn’t have to drain your budget. With a few smart strategies and some expert guidance from Lanz Furnace & Fireplace, you can stay cozy while keeping your heating costs under control.

Here are the best ways to reduce your winter heating bill without sacrificing comfort.

1. Improve Your Home’s Insulation

When warm air escapes and cold air seeps in, your furnace has to work much harder. Proper insulation keeps heat where it belongs—inside your home.

Where insulation matters most:

• Attics: One of the biggest sources of heat loss

• Basements & crawl spaces: Prevent cold air from rising into living spaces

• Interior & exterior walls: Reduce drafts and improve overall warmth

• Windows & doors: Use weatherstripping or caulking to eliminate leaks

Even small improvements can lower energy costs significantly during peak winter months.

2. Schedule Regular Furnace Maintenance

Your furnace works overtime in February, so proper maintenance is essential for efficiency.

A mid-winter tune-up can:

• Increase system efficiency

• Reduce unexpected breakdowns

• Improve airflow

• Extend the life of your furnace

• Lower monthly heating bills

At Lanz Furnace & Fireplace, our technicians inspect, clean, and optimize your system to ensure it runs at peak performance.

3. Optimize Thermostat Settings for Efficiency

Small thermostat adjustments can lead to big savings—without leaving your home feeling chilly.

The most energy-efficient settings:

• Set your thermostat to 68°F while awake

• Lower it by 7–10 degrees at night or when away

• Avoid drastic temperature swings; small changes are easier on your furnace

If you don’t already have one, a programmable or smart thermostat is one of the easiest ways to control energy use.

Benefits of upgrading your thermostat:

• Automated schedules

• Remote adjustments

• Learning features that adapt to your routines

• Improved comfort control

4. Make Use of Your Fireplace Wisely

Gas and electric fireplaces can add warmth and ambiance while taking pressure off your furnace—when used correctly.

Tips for energy-efficient fireplace use:

• Close the damper when not in use (for wood-burning units)

• Install a fireplace insert for better heat retention

• Use blowers or fans to distribute warmth

• Avoid overheating one room while the rest of the house cools

Lanz offers efficient fireplace inserts, gas log upgrades, and maintenance to keep things running safely and effectively.

5. Seal Air Leaks and Improve Ventilation

Drafty rooms make your furnace work overtime. A quick inspection can help eliminate hidden leaks.

Common areas to check:

• Window frames

• Door thresholds

• Electrical outlets on exterior walls

• Chimneys and flues

• Vents and ductwork

Proper ventilation also matters—clean ducts and unobstructed vents ensure your system delivers heat evenly throughout your home.

6. Consider High-Efficiency Furnace Upgrades

If your furnace is more than 15–20 years old, upgrading to a modern high-efficiency model can drastically reduce your monthly heating costs.

Benefits of a new furnace include:

• Higher AFUE efficiency ratings

• Quieter operation

• Better temperature control

• Lower carbon footprint

• Significant energy savings long-term

Many homeowners see immediate improvements—not just in comfort, but in their utility bills.

Lanz Furnace & Fireplace can assess your system and recommend options tailored to your home and budget.

7. Maximize Heat Flow Inside Your Home

Simple tweaks keep heat circulating efficiently:

• Keep interior doors open for airflow

• Move furniture away from vents

• Replace clogged air filters

• Use ceiling fans on low, clockwise settings to push warm air down

These adjustments cost nothing but can boost overall comfort.

Keep Warm — and Keep Costs Down

Lowering your heating bills doesn’t have to mean layering blankets or shivering through winter. With a combination of smart insulation, system maintenance, thermostat optimization, and strategic upgrades, you can enjoy a warm, comfortable home all February long.

If you’d like help improving your furnace’s efficiency or exploring upgrade options, Lanz Furnace & Fireplace is here to guide you every step of the way.

Contact us today to schedule maintenance, request an assessment, or learn more about energy-saving heating solutions.