NIPSCO shares tips for the best winter energy use
- By: Claire Kenney
- Last Updated: December 26, 2025
When winter arrives, natural gas keeps your home safe and warm. However, as temperatures drop, your usage increases, which can impact your bill. That’s because the cost of heating is directly tied to how much energy you use.
The good news is that managing those costs is well within your control. By making a few simple, energy-efficient modifications around your home to prepare for the frigid winter months, you can stay comfortable and manage your heating bills more effectively throughout the season. Local energy provider NIPSCO offers easy tips to help you save energy and minimize costs this heating season.
“While factors like weather and market conditions can impact energy bills each month, utilities don’t profit from energy sales as fuel costs are passed directly to customers without markup,” said Jessica Cantarelli, NIPSCO Communications Manager. “In order to manage costs and ensure the delivery of natural gas to homes and businesses, NIPSCO will purchase natural gas from multiple sources year-round, storing gas in summer for winter use. This helps ensure we can deliver safe and reliable service and create long-term efficiencies for the benefit of customers.”
Consider the following energy efficiency tips this winter:
Take advantage of natural light
Leave your curtains open during the day to let sunlight warm your rooms. Natural light is a free source of heat many homes overlook.
Regulate your water heater temperature
Keep your water heater set no higher than 120°F to save energy and prevent scalding.
Be mindful of your thermostat setting.
The temperature you choose on your thermostat directly impacts your energy bill. Conserving heat not only lowers costs but can also extend the life of your furnace.
Avoid overworking your HVAC system
Higher heat settings during cold weather make your system work harder, which can increase bills and shorten its lifespan.
Seal air leaks
Spend a day caulking or weatherstripping windows and doors to prevent drafts. Air leaks can significantly drain energy.
Maintain your furnace
Schedule a tune-up with a licensed HVAC technician to ensure your furnace runs efficiently during the winter heating season. A poorly maintained furnace works harder, uses more energy and increases bills.
Consider ENERGY STAR® products
When buying a new furnace or other appliances, look for the ENERGY STAR label. These certified products use up to 65% less energy than non-certified alternatives.
Turning the thermostat down a few degrees throughout the day can save a lot of energy over the winter heating season, and, as a result, the cost. The U.S. Department of Energy found that fixing your home’s air leaks can reduce energy expenses by five to 30 percent. Applying caulk to draft-prone areas is an effective way to enhance insulation.
“Making small enhancements can boost your comfort and support better energy efficiency in your home throughout the winter heating season,” Cantarelli said.
Cantarelli said customers can manage their energy usage with NIPSCO’s tools and resources. NIPSCO’s online tools include a personalized dashboard that lets customers compare monthly trends, track their usage and view a detailed breakdown of charges, which are all designed to help customers understand their bill and make informed decisions.
“We also offer flexible billing options like payment plans and a budget plan, which can help customers avoid seasonal spikes,” Cantarelli said. “NIPSCO also offers bill payment assistance programs for eligible customers. We encourage customers to explore the energy assistance programs available, which are there to help our most vulnerable community members stay safe and warm throughout the season.”
While customers focus on their energy usage this season, NIPSCO emphasizes the importance of keeping homes safe as well as warm this winter. Space heaters and fireplaces can help keep homes warm, but they must be used with care. Certain tools and appliances may generate heat, but they should never be used as a primary source of home heating.
Following these simple precautions can help protect your home and family during the colder months. Have appliances checked annually, not just your furnace. All appliances should also be used according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
For more information on NIPSCO Energy Efficiency programs and tips, visit NIPSCO.com/SAVE. For more information on billing options and payment assistance, visit NIPSCO.com/assistance.
