There’s something magical about a snow day—until you realize everyone’s home, the heat’s cranking, and your furnace sounds like it’s working overtime. When winter weather keeps your family indoors, staying comfortable doesn’t have to mean pushing your heating system to its limits. A few smart adjustments can keep everyone cozy while protecting your equipment from unnecessary strain.
Use Smart Thermostat Strategy
Your furnace works hardest when you constantly adjust the temperature up and down. Instead of nudging the thermostat every time someone feels a chill, pick a comfortable setting and stick with it. Frequent changes force your system to work harder during the ramp-up phase, which uses more energy and creates more wear than maintaining a steady temperature throughout the day.
Take Advantage of Heat You’re Already Making
Snow days often mean hot cocoa, baking projects, and warm showers—all of which generate heat. Let that warmth work for you. After cooking or bathing, leave the oven door open (once it’s safely cooled) and bathroom doors ajar so the heat can circulate into the rest of your home. Keep interior doors open where possible to help warm air flow naturally rather than trapping it in individual rooms.
Close Off Unused Spaces Thoughtfully
If you have rooms that rarely see traffic, closing doors and adjusting vents can prevent heat loss to those areas. Just be careful not to close off too many rooms or shut the door to your basement if that’s where your furnace lives—your system needs proper airflow to function efficiently. The goal is balance, not blocking off half your house.
Use Ceiling Fans the Right Way
It sounds counterintuitive, but ceiling fans can actually help in winter. Set them to rotate clockwise on low speed, which pushes warm air that’s risen to the ceiling back down into your living space. This is especially helpful in rooms with vaulted or high ceilings where heat tends to collect far above where you need it.
Seal the Easy Drafts
You don’t need to re-caulk your entire home during a snowstorm, but quick fixes make a difference. Feel around doors and windows for cold air sneaking in, and use rolled towels or draft blockers at entryways. Close curtains and blinds once the sun goes down to add an extra layer of insulation and retain the heat you’ve built up during the day.
Maintain Healthy Indoor Humidity
Moist air feels warmer than dry air, which is why winter heating can leave your home feeling uncomfortable even when the thermostat reads fine. Proper humidity levels—around 30-40% in winter—improve comfort and respiratory health while reducing how hard your thermostat needs to work. If your home feels dry and cold despite steady heating, humidity might be the missing piece.
Keep Your Furnace Breathing Freely
Even small maintenance steps matter on high-demand days. Check your furnace filter and replace it if it’s clogged—dirty filters restrict airflow and force your system to work harder. Clear snow away from outdoor vents and intake pipes to prevent blockages. Inside, make sure return vents aren’t blocked by furniture, blankets, or piles of snow gear.
Know When Comfort Tips Aren’t Enough
Sometimes the problem isn’t your approach—it’s your system. If you’re noticing uneven heating, cold rooms despite steady thermostat settings, or a furnace that runs constantly without actually warming your home, these are signs something needs professional attention. Don’t ignore warning signs on a day when you need reliable heat most.
Stay Warm, Stay Smart
Snow days should feel cozy, not stressful. With a few thoughtful adjustments, you can keep your family comfortable without overworking your furnace or watching your energy bills climb. And if you do run into heating issues that won’t resolve with these tips, we’re here to help—because everyone deserves a warm home when the snow’s piling up outside.