Stop Losing Heat: 6 Winter Mistakes That Could Be Costing You Big
When the temperature drops, your home should be warm, cozy, and efficient. But for many homeowners, winter is the season of drafty rooms, cold floors, and rising utility bills — often because of simple, preventable mistakes.
Whether your heating system is struggling to keep up or your bills are higher than they should be, now is the time to take action. Here are six common winter mistakes and how to fix them before the next cold snap hits.
- Letting Warm Air Leak Out
One of the biggest reasons homes on Long Island lose heat is because of air leaks around windows, doors, attics, and even electrical outlets. Cold air gets in, warm air escapes, and your furnace works harder to keep up.
What to do:
- Add weatherstripping around windows and exterior doors
- Use caulk or spray foam to seal gaps in baseboards and around pipes
- Install outlet gaskets on exterior walls
Pro tip: Book a home assessment and let our team identify exactly where your home is leaking with blower door testing and thermal imaging.
- Skipping Attic Insulation
Hot air rises — and without enough attic insulation, it escapes through your roof. Your furnace runs constantly, but your home still feels cold.
What to do:
- Check your attic’s insulation depth (should be at least 10–14 inches, depending on material)
- Upgrade with blown-in or batt insulation if needed
- Insulate and air-seal attic hatches and access panels
You could qualify for significant rebates on insulation upgrades. We’ll help you access them.
- Ignoring Leaky Ducts
Leaky ducts can lose up to 30% of your heated air, sending it into the attic or crawlspace instead of your living space. That’s wasted energy and higher bills.
What to do:
- Have ducts tested and professionally sealed
- Insulate ducts in unconditioned areas like attics and basements
We offer full duct sealing services to improve comfort and efficiency — and it may qualify for rebates.
- Cranking Up the Thermostat
Turning up the thermostat doesn’t heat your home faster — it just makes your system run longer. Every extra degree adds to your energy use and costs.
What to do:
- Keep your thermostat between 68–70°F during the day
- Lower it by 7–10°F at night or when you’re not home
- Use a smart or programmable thermostat to make temperature control automatic
This small habit change can lead to major winter savings.
- Neglecting Your Heating System
A dirty or poorly maintained heating system struggles to keep up and could wear out sooner than expected. Regular maintenance helps your system run smoothly and safely.
What to do:
- Change filters every 1–3 months
- Schedule a professional tune-up every heating season
- Consider upgrading older systems for greater efficiency
Our team checks your system as part of a whole-home performance approach — not just quick fixes.
- Putting Off a Home Energy Assessment
If your home still feels cold no matter how high the heat is — or your energy bills are rising every winter — it’s time for more than guesswork.
What to do:
Schedule a free home energy assessment with Home Efficiency Experts.
- Blower door test to find air leaks
- Thermal imaging to spot missing insulation
- Duct inspection
- Personalized energy report with upgrade recommendations
- Help accessing rebates and tax credits
The assessment is 100% free, takes about 90 minutes, and gives you clear answers and a smart path forward.
Stay Warm and Save This Winter
Winter shouldn’t mean discomfort or wasted energy. With the right upgrades and expert guidance, you can enjoy a warmer home, lower bills, and peace of mind all season long.
Book your free home energy assessment today and get your home ready for winter — the efficient way.
👉 Ready to Save Thousands on Home Upgrades?
📞 Call us or schedule your free home energy assessment today at HomeEfficiencyExperts.com
Let’s uncover what rebates you qualify for, how to boost your comfort, and how much we can help you save—starting now.