Heating Costs Rising and What You Can Do

Winter Is Depressing Enough, Don’t Let Fuel Costs Depress You Further

You look outside and the skies are gray, snow is piled up and you just want to stay inside where it’s warm and cozy – but the cost of that comfort is rising! The U.S. Energy Information Administration, or EIA, has released their Winter Fuels Outlook 2025–26, and oofta – we cannot wait until Spring!

January and February 2026 Heating Outlook

Some days it will feel like spring, then the weather will suddenly dip to -9° outside, with wind chill making it feel even colder, meaning we raise our home’s indoor temps to try and counter the frigid weather outside. The EIA states, “According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration’s Winter Fuels Outlook, January and February are the most expensive months for household heating expenditures, with both natural gas and electricity costs rising mid-winter.”

What Does This Heating Fuels Outlook Mean For Me?

To put it plainly, this outlook tells us exactly what we already know – that winter is cold and our heating bills rise because of it. Especially those using electricity to heat their homes. Add on top of already high heating costs, systems that are running inefficiently, are clogged or dirty, not properly sized for your home or systems that aren’t sealed properly and you get even higher energy bills and an uncomfortable home.

What Minnesota Homeowners Can Do To Help With Heating Costs

1. Change Your Air Filters – REGULARLY

   We can’t stress this enough, but if you don’t change out your air filters every 1-3 months, your system can’t breath. It’s like putting a plastic bag over your home’s mouth and expecting it to run, it’s just not possible. Add in those with pets, allergies or experiencing breathing problems and replace that filter every 30 days to improve your heating systems efficiency.

2. Check Your Vents
   

   If your system is fully functioning, but your intake and outtake vents are smothered behind couches, beds and curtains – you will see your system working harder, rooms not heating up properly and your entire system failing you before you know it. Leave 6-12 inches from your supply and return air vents to ensure your system can fully inhale and exhale.

3. Seal Off Drafts

   Older windows and doors can allow for your home’s warm air to escape and like Grandpa Boldt used to say, “I’m not paying to heat the outdoors!” Use plastic wrap or weatherstrips to seal off drafts around windows and doors, close off rooms that are unused during the winter months and keep the curtains open during the day to allow warm sunlight in then close them at night to trap the heat.

4. Install A Smart Thermostat

   A smart thermostat allows you to schedule your home’s heating cycles, allowing for a warm house in the morning when you are getting ready to a cooler environment when you sleep. By utilizing smart scheduling you reduce the risk of wasted energy to heat your home when you aren’t there to enjoy it. Connecting your home’s heating system with a smart thermostat that ALSO talks directly with your Heating and Cooling company also removes those worrisome reminders or pesky checks as your HVAC company can look at your heating systems history to ensure everything is working as it should.

5. Schedule A Performance Analysis and Whole-System Service, or PAWSS

   At Bob Boldt HVAC we look into your entire heating system to ensure it’s clean and functioning, running smoothly at ALL times of the day (not just at slow times), as well as optimize the airflow and performance of your system to reduce energy waste and ensure the temperature you set is the temp you feel throughout your home. There’s a whole lot more to it, but the jest is our PAWSS keep you comfortable and with consistent heat throughout the winter while allowing you to keep more money in your pockets.

Why Trust Bob Boldt HVAC

We are locally owned and operated, having served Dakota County and the South Metro since 1988. We have experience with the unpredictable Minnesota winters and offer no gimmicks or sales pitches, just honest, straight forward answers and solutions to your home’s heating needs. We even offer FREE Second Opinions and “No Surprise” Pricing, to make sure you’re comfortable before every signing on the dotted line. Want to see what sets us apart?

Schedule Your Service Today!