By Jade Thornton OMAHA, Neb. – As temperatures drop and the wind picks up, homeowners across the region are finding new ways to stay warm without sending their heating bills through the roof. Experts say small steps, like sealing windows, checking furnace filters and cleaning air ducts, can make a big difference as Nebraska’s long winter sets in.
Longtime homeowner Brenda Hansen said experience has taught her that preparation pays off. “Getting your ducts cleaned out and making sure that you are using the right furnace filters,” Hansen said. “Keep draft stoppers next to the door, and we put plastic over the windows.”
The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that taking time to winterize can save homeowners between 10% and 20% on annual heating costs. Still, for many, the main goal is staying comfortable when temperatures dip below freezing.
Jack Burns, a new homeowner, said he’s already learning how to make his house more efficient. “There are things we’re definitely going to do, like blinds and towels up against the doors,” Burns said. “Just trying to bundle up, wear layers and keep the cold out.”
National data show that the cost of staying warm is on the rise. The National Energy Assistance Directors Association reports that household heating costs across the U.S. are expected to increase by around 8% this winter.
For Nebraska homeowners, that means getting creative, from quick DIY fixes to long-term upgrades, to keep the heat in and the cold out. With months of winter still ahead, residents are doing what they can to stay cozy, save money and keep that sharp Midwestern chill outside where it belongs.
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