Division of Energy fact sheet
Division of Energy Director: Emily Wilbur
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The Missouri Department of Natural Resources' Division of Energy is working to educate the public on ways to increase energy efficiency in residential and commercial buildings. The following information can help the public save energy and money in their residential and commercial buildings while supporting our economy and protecting our energy security. Information for services and benefits for eligible households is also provided. 

Winter Heating Tips

Cover art for the Energy Savers publication. The cover art features a house with attached garage in a fenced in yard.

Many of the following tips for saving energy at home are adapted from the U.S. Department of Energy's Energy Savers booklet.

Use Furnaces and Heaters Wisely

If your furnace is old, the new energy efficient models can help you save on heating bills. Your contractor should be able to give you energy fact sheets for different types, models and designs to help you compare energy usage. Look for the ENERGY STAR®.

  • Set your thermostat as low as it is comfortable. Each degree you lower your thermostat can cut your heating costs between one and three percent. A common strategy is to lower thermostat settings to 68 degrees Fahrenheit. The lower you set it, the more you'll save.
  • Use a programmable thermostat to adjust the settings.
  • Clean or replace furnace filters once a month, or as needed.
  • Clean warm-air registers, baseboard heaters and radiators as needed. Make sure they are not blocked by furniture, carpeting or drapes.
  • Place heat-resistant radiator reflectors between exterior walls and the radiators.
  • Bleed trapped air from hot-water radiators once or twice a season. If in doubt about how to perform this task, call a professional.

Weatherize – Stop Air Leaks

A person uses a caulking gun to apply caulk to a window.

Adding insulation and sealing air leaks helps your energy performance in the wintertime by keeping the warm air inside.

  • Caulking and weatherstripping keeps warm air in during the winter.
  • Add insulation around heat ducts when they are located in unconditioned spaces such as attics, crawl spaces and garages.
  • If you see holes or separated joints in your ducts, hire a professional to repair them.
  • Check that your fireplace damper is tightly closed when it is not in use.
  • During the heating season, keep draperies and shades on south-facing windows open during the day to allow sunlight to enter your home. Close them at night to reduce the chill from cold windows.

Home Heating Costs

Natural Gas and Propane Prices

State Assistance Programs

Federal Programs

Nothing in this document may be used to implement any enforcement action or levy any penalty unless promulgated by rule under chapter 536 or authorized by statute.

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