Grateful for a Mild Colorado Winter (And the Savings It Brings)
If you live in Colorado, you know how unpredictable winters can be. Some years we’re buried under snow for months, other years it’s chilly but sunny, with the snow melting within days. This year has been one of those warm, mild winters, and I have to say — I’m grateful.
Remembering the Brutal Winters
It wasn’t that long ago that a Colorado winter felt endless. A few years back, I remember a winter where snow stuck around for months, and temperatures stayed below freezing for weeks on end. Those were the winters that tested furnaces, pipes, and patience alike. Every call felt like déjà vu: frozen pipes, struggling furnaces, and homeowners shivering in their living rooms while we tried to get everything running safely.
This year? Not even close. Temperatures have been well above average, snow hasn’t lingered, and furnaces haven’t had to work nearly as hard.
Rough Heating Cost Savings
To put it in numbers:
Let’s say a typical 1,500 sq ft home in Denver has an 80,000 BTU furnace. During a normal “brutal” winter, Denver averages about 5,800 heating degree days (HDDs). A milder winter like this year has been closer to 4,700 HDDs.
That’s roughly 1,100 fewer heating degree days — about 19% less heating demand.
If the home’s gas furnace is 90% efficient and gas costs $1.30 per therm, here’s a rough calculation:
- Normal winter: ~$800 in fuel
- Mild winter: ~$650 in fuel
- Savings this year: around $150
For homes with electric heat, the savings might even be higher, depending on the system and electricity rates. And if your house is larger or less insulated, that number climbs even more.
Make the Most of It
So if your furnace has barely run this winter, congratulations. You’re likely seeing the benefits on your utility bill. Hopefully, that extra cash is being put to good use — maybe for a spring project, a fun night out, or just some peace of mind knowing your winter heating bill didn’t break the bank.
Winters like this are a reminder that sometimes, comfort doesn’t just come from a well-functioning furnace — it comes from Mother Nature cutting you a break.