NYSEG Advised New Yorkers on Lower Heating Costs

The utility provider issued recommendations to help residents manage winter heating demand and reduce energy consumption.

Updated on Oct. 3, 2026 in Home Repair

Bold vector illustration of window insulation film and a metal tool on a wooden sill, representing home winterization tips. — New York State Electric & Gas is urging residents to winterize their homes by sealing drafts and adjusting thermostats to manage heating costs. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Is adjusting your thermostat to 65 degrees a practical way for you to lower heating costs?

New York State Electric & Gas has advised residents to adjust thermostat settings to lower home heating demand this winter. The utility suggests that simple efficiency measures can help households avoid significant seasonal utility bill spikes.

Why it matters

Managing heating demand is essential for households looking to keep costs predictable during the colder months. Adjusting home temperatures and sealing leaks can reduce system strain and overall energy usage.

Maintaining a 65-degree thermostat setting during the day may lower heating demand by 15%. Residents are encouraged to use a 65 to 70-degree range while home and drop to 58 degrees when sleeping or away.

The players

New York State Electric & Gas

This utility company provides electricity and natural gas services to customers across New York state.

The details

Homeowners can improve efficiency by replacing air filters every one to three months and scheduling annual furnace inspections. To prevent heat loss, the utility recommends sealing drafts around doors and windows and applying plastic shrink-film insulation to windows.

Winter: Heating bills typically increase during this season.

Culture Shift

This guidance reflects a long-term movement toward proactive residential energy management in response to fluctuating utility costs. It highlights a societal shift where homeowners increasingly adopt DIY weatherization practices to mitigate the environmental and financial impact of winter heating.

By sealing drafts and adjusting thermostats, New York residents can directly reduce the amount of electricity and gas consumed by their heating systems. Implementing these recommendations may lead to more manageable monthly utility bills throughout the winter.

The takeaway

Wrapping exposed pipes is a simple preventative step that reduces the risk of expensive burst pipe repairs during freezing weather. Consistently replacing air filters and sealing windows will help your heating system run more efficiently all season long.