Nov 17, 2025

The Ultimate Winter Home Prep Checklist: Stay Cozy and Help Lower Natural Gas Bills

As the winter chill starts to settle in, we’re all looking for ways to stay cozy — pulling out your favorite sweaters, lighting the fireplace, and turning up the heat just a little. But before that first real cold snap hits, a little preparation can go a long way.

With just a few simple steps, you can help your home stay warm and comfortable while keeping your natural gas use (and your bills) in check. From quick, free fixes to low-cost upgrades, here’s your go-to checklist for a comfortable, energy-efficient winter.

Take Control of Your Comfort: Thermostat & Temperature Tips

Your thermostat is at the center of your home’s comfort — and one of the easiest places to make a difference when it comes to cost savings. A few thoughtful adjustments can help you stay warm while managing your energy use.

Lower Your Thermostat: Each degree matters! Lowering your thermostat by just one or two degrees, health allowing, can help reduce your energy use over time. Try keeping it a few degrees cooler during the day and turn it down even further at night or when you’re away.

Install a Smart Thermostat: Give your home a smart upgrade. Smart thermostats allow you to adjust your home’s temperature anytime from anywhere using your phone, and it can automatically adjust as needed.

Find a Deal: Summit Utilities customers can access special discounts on select smart thermostats! It’s an easy way to save and give your home an upgrade.

Shop Smart Thermostats

Seal the Deal on Warmth: Insulation & Draft Defense

Even the smallest gaps in doors and windows can invite a draft. Sealing and insulating your home helps keep that precious heat inside where it belongs.

Inspect Doors and Windows: Walk around your home and feel for cold air sneaking in through cracks around doors and windows. A bit of caulk or weatherstripping can seal those leaks in minutes.

Assess Your Insulation: Are you still feeling cold? It might be your insulation. Adding or upgrading insulation in your walls, attic, and floors can help provide a significant return in comfort and energy savings.

Use Thermal Curtains: Thick, heavy, or thermal curtains are like a cozy blanket for your windows. They can help trap warmth indoors and keep the chill away.

Let the Sunshine In: Using Natural Heat

Even on the coldest days, sunlight is your home’s best natural heater.

Open Blinds on Sunny Days: Pull those curtains wide and let the sunshine pour in. It’s a super easy and free way to warm your space naturally.

Close Them at Night: As the sun sets, close your blinds and heavy drapes to lock in the warmth from the sun and prevent the cold from creeping in.

Keep Your Air Moving: Heating & Flow Fixes

Proper airflow helps your heating system run efficiently and ensures your safety.

Clear Vents and Returns: Make sure supply and return vents, registers, and radiators are not blocked. Move rugs, curtains, and furniture so warm air can flow freely. These small changes can improve comfort and reduce runtime.

Replace/Clean Filters: Check your furnace filter monthly and replace or clean it as recommended. A clogged filter restricts airflow and can increase energy use and wear on your system.

Use Space Heaters With Care: If you’re spending time in a single room, a portable electric space heater can add spot warmth, but use it sparingly and safely. Keep it on a flat, nonflammable surface, at least 3 feet from anything that can burn, plug it directly into a wall outlet (no extension cords), never leave it unattended, and turn it off when sleeping. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and local fire department guidance.

Smart Home Habits to Help Energy Savings

A few simple household habits can make your home warmer and your heating system happier.

Close Off Unused Rooms: If you’re not using a room, shut the door and close the vents to direct heat where you need it.

Keep Doors and Windows Closed: Make sure all external doors and windows are fully shut and closed tightly — even a small gap can allow warmth to escape.

Maintain Your Equipment: Schedule an annual check-up with a licensed HVAC professional to help keep your system in tip-top shape.

Turn Down the Heat, Not the Comfort: Hot Water & Laundry Tips

Heating water uses energy too — but with a few tweaks, you can stay warm and help save.

Adjust Your Water Heater: A setting of 120°F is just right for most households. It’s plenty warm for showers and dishes, and can help lower your energy use.

Wash Full Loads: Wait for a full load before running your washer or dishwasher to make the most of each cycle.

Use the “Cool” Setting: Modern detergents work well in cool or cold water, which means you can wash efficiently without the extra energy cost of heating.

Cozy by Choice: Everyday Habits for a Warmer Winter

Small changes in how you live can make a big impact on how warm you feel.

Layer Up: Cozy sweaters, thick socks, and warm slippers make it easy to feel comfortable even with the thermostat set a bit lower.

Use Warm Bedding: Flannel sheets, plush comforters, and extra blankets make bedtime feel extra cozy.

Mind the Drafts: Make it a habit to close doors quickly and check for small leaks around windows — keeping warmth in and the cold out.

Winter Wise Upgrades: Energy-Efficient Appliances & Rebates

When the time comes to choose or replace an appliance, high efficiency equipment can make a smart home improvement.

Choose High-Efficiency Models: Research ENERGY STAR®-rated furnaces, water heaters, and fireplaces that use less energy to deliver the same comfort.

Find Rebates: Summit Utilities offers rebates on select energy-efficient models, making upgrades more affordable while helping you save over time.

See Rebates

Smooth Out the Season: Average Monthly Billing

Winter bills don’t have to bring surprises. Our Average Monthly Billing plan spreads your natural gas costs across the year, helping you better predict your monthly bill with only small fluctuations. It’s a simple way to make budgeting easier — and your winter a little more peaceful.

Preparing your home for winter doesn’t have to be complicated. A few thoughtful steps now can keep you cozy, comfortable, and confident all season long. Whether it’s sealing up drafts, upgrading to a smart thermostat, or taking advantage of the sun to naturally heat your home, Summit Utilities is here to help you stay warm and make the most of your natural gas service this winter.

Your Winter Prep Mini-Checklist

Lower thermostat, health allowing, especially when away or asleep.
Seal gaps around windows and doors with caulk or weatherstripping.
Open curtains on sunny days and close them at night.
Reverse ceiling fan direction to clockwise.
Replace your air filters.
Set your water heater to 120°F.