Are You Making These Winter Energy Mistakes? A Home Remodel Contractor in Utah Reveals What's Costing You Money

Winter's here in Utah, and if you're like most homeowners across the Salt Lake Valley, you're probably watching your energy bills climb higher each month. But what if I told you that many of those sky-high heating costs aren't just from Utah's brutal cold snaps: they're from simple mistakes that are totally fixable?

As a home remodel contractor in Utah who's been helping families winterize their homes for years, I see the same energy-wasting patterns over and over. The good news? Most of these mistakes are easy (and affordable) to fix once you know what to look for.

Let me walk you through the seven biggest winter energy mistakes I see Utah homeowners making: and how you can stop throwing money out the window this season.

Mistake #1: Skipping Your Annual Furnace Tune-Up

This one's huge, and I can't stress it enough. Your furnace is like your car: skip the maintenance, and you'll pay for it later. Way too many homeowners think their furnace is "running fine" just because it's producing heat.

But here's what's really happening: dust builds up, parts get loose, and airflow gets restricted. Your furnace starts working twice as hard to heat your home, burning through gas or electricity like there's no tomorrow.

A professional tune-up from one of our team's licensed HVAC technicians can reduce your winter energy bills by 10-15%. Plus, we catch small problems before they turn into expensive mid-winter breakdowns. Trust me: there's nothing worse than your furnace dying during a January cold snap.

Mistake #2: Setting Your Thermostat Like It's July

I get it: nobody wants to be cold in their own home. But keeping your thermostat cranked up to 75° all winter is costing you serious money.

The Department of Energy recommends 68° when you're home and awake, then lowering it while you sleep or leave the house. If you drop your thermostat by 7-10 degrees for 8 hours a day, you'll save up to 10% on your heating costs annually.

For a Salt Lake Valley home with a $200 monthly winter heating bill, that's $60 back in your pocket each winter season. Not bad for just grabbing an extra blanket, right?

Mistake #3: Ignoring Those Drafty Windows and Doors

Utah's dry air and temperature swings are brutal on window seals and door frames. Many homeowners can lose up to 30% of their heat through drafty windows alone.

Walk around your house on a windy day and feel for cold air sneaking in around windows, doors, and even electrical outlets on exterior walls. Those little drafts add up to big energy waste.

Simple weatherstripping and caulking jobs can make a massive difference. As your local handyman, I can knock out these quick fixes in an afternoon, and you'll feel the difference immediately.

Mistake #4: Forgetting About Your Furnace Filter

This one drives me crazy because it's so simple, yet so many homeowners in Sandy and Magna forget about it. A clogged furnace filter is like trying to breathe through a dirty sock: your system works twice as hard to push air through.

In Utah's dusty climate, I recommend checking your filter monthly and replacing it every 1-3 months during heating season. A $15 filter replacement can save you hundreds in energy costs and prevent expensive furnace repairs down the road.

Mistake #5: Missing Out on Free Solar Heat

Here's the thing about Utah winters: we actually get tons of sunshine, even when it's freezing outside. But some people keep their blinds and curtains closed all day long.

Open those south-facing window coverings during sunny winter days! It's free heating that can noticeably reduce how often your furnace kicks on. Then close them at night to add an extra layer of insulation.

This simple daily habit costs nothing and can make a real dent in your energy bills.

Mistake #6: Blocking Vents and Ignoring Ductwork

You'd be surprised how many homes I visit where furniture is pushed right up against heating vents, or where dust bunnies have taken over the ductwork. When heated air can't flow properly, your furnace runs longer trying to warm up those cold spots.

Make sure all your vents are clear and consider having your ducts professionally cleaned every few years. Clean, unobstructed ductwork can make a huge difference with heating efficiency.

Mistake #7: Cranking Up the Water Heater

Most water heaters come set at 140°, but you can drop that to 120° without noticing any difference in your shower. This simple adjustment can save you 3-4% annually on water heating costs.

While you're at it, check if your water heater tank and pipes need insulation. Heat loss from an uninsulated water heater is money literally going up in smoke (or steam, in this case).

And while you might want to save even more money by dropping that temperature down to 80° and dedicating yourself to a lifetime of cold showers, going below 120° can cause potential health concerns. Legionella bacteria ain't pretty.

The Smart Thermostat Game-Changer

If you're still using an old manual thermostat, you're missing out on serious savings. Smart thermostats learn your schedule and automatically adjust temperatures when you're away or asleep.

Clients can typically see 10-15% savings on their heating bills by investing in a smart thermostat. The thermostat pays for itself within a year or two, then keeps saving you money for years to come.

Don't Forget the Bigger Picture

While these quick fixes will definitely help your energy bills, sometimes the biggest savings come from larger improvements. Poor insulation in your attic or basement, old windows, or an aging furnace might be the real culprits behind those outrageous winter bills.

Your handyman team can do a quick energy audit to identify where your home is losing the most heat. Sometimes a small investment in insulation or window upgrades pays for itself in just a few winters.

Your Next Steps

Don't let another month go by throwing money away on preventable energy waste. Start with the simple fixes: change that furnace filter, adjust your thermostat, and seal up those drafts around windows and doors.

For the bigger jobs like ductwork cleaning, insulation upgrades, or smart thermostat installation, that's where Your Handyman Pros comes in. We've helped hundreds of Utah Valley families cut their winter energy costs while making their homes more comfortable.

The best part? Most of these energy-saving improvements qualify for utility rebates, so you save money upfront AND on your monthly bills.

Ready to stop overpaying for heat this winter? Let's talk about which energy-saving upgrades make the most sense for your home and budget. Because in Utah's unpredictable winter weather, every dollar you save on energy is a dollar you can spend on something more fun than utility bills.

Your furnace (and your wallet) will thank you.