January and February are typically the most expensive months for heating in the Philadelphia area. Cold snaps push heating systems to work overtime, and monthly gas and electric bills can easily spike $150–$300 above summer levels. Here are five strategies that genuinely move the needle — not minor tweaks, but real approaches that reduce heating costs meaningfully.
1. Lower the Thermostat Setback Aggressively (But Smartly)
The single most impactful thing you can do for your heating bill is lower the thermostat when it doesn't need to be high. The Department of Energy estimates you can save about 1% on your heating bill for every degree you lower the thermostat for 8 hours. Set the heat to 65°F while sleeping and 60–62°F while the house is empty during the day — and use a programmable or smart thermostat to automate this schedule so you don't have to think about it.
The most common mistake: people keep the heat at 70°F around the clock because they're "not sure" when they'll be home. A smart thermostat with remote access lets you override the schedule from your phone when plans change — eliminating this excuse entirely.
2. Address Air Sealing Before Adding Insulation
Many homeowners jump straight to adding attic insulation when they want to reduce heat loss — but in most older Philadelphia homes, air leakage is a bigger problem than inadequate insulation. Air sealing (using caulk, spray foam, and weatherstripping to seal gaps) is typically more cost-effective per dollar spent. Common culprits:
- Gaps around recessed lighting in ceilings below attics
- Unsealed attic hatches
- Gaps where plumbing, wiring, and ductwork penetrate exterior walls and top plates
- Fireplace dampers left open when not in use
- Basement rim joists (the wood framing at the top of your foundation wall)
3. Have Your Ductwork Inspected for Leaks
The EPA estimates that the average American home loses 20–30% of its conditioned air through leaks in the duct system. In older Philadelphia homes, this figure can be even higher. If some rooms are always colder than others, if your system runs constantly without reaching set temperature, or if your heating bills seem disproportionately high, leaky ducts may be the reason. Duct sealing is a job for a professional and can dramatically improve both comfort and efficiency.
4. Service Your Heating System Mid-Winter If You Haven't Already
If you skipped your fall tune-up, it's not too late. A dirty or poorly calibrated furnace or heat pump works harder to achieve the same result — using more energy and causing more wear in the process. A mid-winter service call can clean and calibrate the system, potentially recovering 10–15% efficiency that's been lost to a dirty burner or low refrigerant charge (for heat pumps). It's also the time when a technician can identify parts that are likely to fail before the heating season ends.
The Space Heater Trap
Many homeowners use portable electric space heaters to warm a specific room while lowering the central system temperature — and this can make sense if you're heating one room you're always in. But electric resistance heat costs 2–3x more per BTU than gas heating, so using multiple space heaters throughout the day can easily cost more than the central system would have. Use them strategically, not habitually.
5. Leverage Passive Solar Gain During the Day
This one is completely free. On sunny winter days, open blinds and curtains on south-facing windows to let sunlight warm your home naturally. The winter sun angle is low enough to penetrate well into living spaces. A clear, sunny January day in Philadelphia can add meaningful free heat through south-facing windows — enough to keep the furnace off for several hours. Close the curtains again before sunset to insulate against nighttime cold.
Bonus: Check Your Radiator System (If You Have One)
Many older Philadelphia rowhouses and twin homes have hot water radiator systems rather than forced air. If you have radiators and some rooms heat poorly, the cause is often trapped air in the system. Bleeding radiators (releasing the trapped air through the bleed valve) is a DIY-friendly task that can dramatically improve heat distribution. If you're unfamiliar with the process, GenServ Pro's plumbers — most of whom have extensive experience with these older systems common in the area — can walk you through it or handle it for you.
Ready to Lower Your Heating Bills?
GenServ Pro provides heating system tune-ups, duct sealing, and efficiency upgrades throughout Philadelphia and the Main Line. Schedule today.