Heating Empty Spaces in Winter: Energy-Efficient Tips for Minnesota Homeowners

Best Practices for Heating Empty Spaces in Winter
Minnesota winters can be brutal, and homeowners often wonder how to handle heating unoccupied spaces like guest rooms, basements, or rarely used areas. While it’s tempting to completely close off these spaces to save energy, doing so can lead to issues like frozen pipes, structural damage, or uneven heating in your home. Here are some best practices for heating empty spaces efficiently and effectively during the winter.

1. Don’t Completely Shut Off Heating
While you may not need to keep empty spaces as warm as the rest of your home, completely shutting off heating to these areas can create problems like:

• Frozen pipes in areas with plumbing.
• Condensation and mold growth from trapped moisture.
• Uneven heating, which forces your HVAC system to work harder.

Set the thermostat in these spaces to a lower, but still safe, temperature—around 55°F to 60°F is ideal.

2. Use Zone Heating
Zone heating allows you to heat specific areas of your home without wasting energy on unused spaces. If your HVAC system has zoning capabilities:

• Program it to maintain lower temperatures in empty rooms.
• Use smart thermostats to control individual zones efficiently.

For homes without a zoned system, consider space heaters for targeted heating (used safely and sparingly).

3. Seal and Insulate Empty Spaces
Proper insulation ensures that even unused areas stay warm enough without requiring extra energy.

• Seal windows and doors with weatherstripping or caulk to prevent drafts.
• Add insulation to attics, crawl spaces, and walls where heat may escape.
• Close vents in rooms you’re not actively using, but avoid sealing them entirely as it can strain your HVAC system.

4. Keep Interior Doors Open
Leaving doors open to empty spaces helps circulate warm air throughout your home. This minimizes temperature disparities and reduces the risk of cold spots that can lead to issues like condensation or freezing.

5. Use Ceiling Fans to Circulate Heat
Ceiling fans aren’t just for summer—they can help circulate warm air in winter too. Set the fan to rotate clockwise at a low speed to push warm air from the ceiling down into the room, even in unused areas.

6. Monitor Humidity Levels
Empty spaces can become overly dry or humid in winter, leading to potential structural problems.

• Use a humidifier to maintain a balanced humidity level between 30-50%.
• If the area feels damp, use a dehumidifier to prevent mold or mildew growth.

7. Protect Plumbing in Unused Areas
If your empty space contains plumbing, it’s especially important to maintain adequate heating to prevent frozen pipes. Additional tips:

• Let faucets drip slightly to keep water moving.
• Open cabinet doors under sinks to allow warm air to reach pipes.
• Insulate exposed pipes for extra protection.

8. Use Rugs or Carpets for Extra Insulation
If you have hardwood or tile floors in unused areas, consider adding rugs or carpets. These can help insulate the space, retain heat, and make it more comfortable if you need to use the room.

9. Check for Air Leaks Regularly
Even if a space is unoccupied, air leaks can increase heating demands. Regularly inspect for drafts around windows, doors, and exterior walls in these areas, and address them promptly.

10. Schedule Regular HVAC Maintenance
​Keeping your heating system in peak condition ensures it operates efficiently, even when heating unused spaces. Regular maintenance includes:

• Inspecting ductwork for leaks.
• Cleaning and replacing air filters.
• Testing thermostats and zone controls.

Why Heating Empty Spaces Matters
Heating empty spaces may seem unnecessary, but it protects your home’s structure, prevents costly damage, and ensures your HVAC system operates efficiently. By following these best practices, you can maintain a safe, comfortable home while keeping energy costs in check.