November 27, 2025
Winter in Northwest Ohio means beautiful snow, but it also means a guaranteed spike in your utility bills.
In Toledo, where average monthly electricity usage is around 819 kWh and we rely heavily on natural gas for heat, every dollar saved makes a difference.
The good news is that you don’t need a landlord’s permission to make major changes to cut heating costs. As your local partner, Buckeye Northwest Realty is here with seven simple, renter-friendly hacks that reduce energy waste, keep you cozy, and keep money in your pocket.
1. Fight the Draft: Sealing Windows and Doors
Drafts around windows and doors are responsible for a significant amount of heat loss. This is your number one priority for savings!
| Area | The Renter-Friendly Hack | Why It Works |
| Windows | Window Insulation Film Kits: These clear plastic kits use double-sided tape (included) and a hairdryer to create an airtight seal over the entire window frame. They are incredibly effective and easily removed in spring. | The air barrier between the film and the glass acts as insulation, preventing heat loss through older, single-pane windows. |
| Doors | Draft Stoppers (or “Draft Snakes”): Place foam or fabric cylinders at the base of exterior and unused interior doors. You can buy double-sided versions or easily DIY one with a rolled-up towel. | They physically block cold air infiltration without damaging the door or floor. |
| Electrical Outlets | Insulate Switch Covers: Small foam gaskets (found at any hardware store) fit under outlet and light switch covers to seal tiny air gaps in exterior walls. | These small holes are surprisingly common sources of air leaks. |
2. Master the Thermostat and Furnace Filter
These simple system checks save you money and protect your heating system.
- Filter Change Power: You can save 5% to 15% on heating costs just by replacing a dirty furnace filter. A clogged filter forces the system to work harder, increasing energy use and risking premature wear on the HVAC unit.
- Action: If your lease requires it, check and replace your filter monthly during the heavy heating season (Nov-Feb).
- Programmable Strategy: If your rental has a programmable or smart thermostat, take advantage of it! Lowering the temperature by 7 to 10 degrees when you are asleep or away for eight hours a day can save you up to 10% on your energy bill.
- Unblock the Vents: Ensure no furniture, rugs, or drapes are blocking heating vents or baseboard heaters. Blocked vents force the system to work harder, wasting energy.
3. Low-Cost DIY Hacks and Home Optimization
These final tips use things you already own to help circulate warm air and trap heat.
- Reverse Your Ceiling Fan: Switch your ceiling fan to run in the clockwise direction at a low speed. This pulls cool air up and gently pushes warm air (which naturally rises) back down into the living space, making the room feel warmer.
- Utilize Curtains: Open curtains and blinds on the sunny side of the home during the day to capture free solar heat. As soon as the sun goes down, close those heavy drapes and blinds to create an insulating barrier that traps the heat inside.
- The Oven Method: During long winter days, use your oven for baking or roasting dinner. Once your meal is cooked, turn the oven off and leave the oven door ajar (safely!) to let the residual heat circulate out and warm your apartment.
4. Understanding Your Toledo Utility Bill
Toledo Edison (FirstEnergy) and Columbia Gas of Ohio are the main utility providers for Northwest Ohio. Comparing rates can save you money before you even implement these hacks.
- Average Cost: The average residential electricity bill in Toledo is around $117.89 per month, and the average rate is lower than the national average.
- Shop Your Rate: In Ohio, you can choose your electricity supplier (who generates the power) while Toledo Edison (the utility) continues to deliver it. You may find significant savings by shopping for a cheaper rate.
Welcome Home: Start Your Toledo Adventure with Confidence
Making smart choices about energy consumption is key to enjoying your home without financial stress. With these simple, non-damaging hacks, you can keep warm and save money all winter long.
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