Keeping your house warm in winter can get expensive, especially when temperatures drop and your heating system runs nonstop. But turning up the thermostat isn’t the only way to make your home more comfortable.
Plenty of inexpensive ways can keep cold air out, hold on to the heat you already have, and keep you warm without spending more on utilities. Here are 15 cheap and practical ways to keep your house warm this winter without running up your heating bill.
1. Seal Drafts Around Windows and Doors
Even small gaps around windows and doors can let cold air into your home. If you feel a chilly breeze near a window or notice light coming through the bottom of an exterior door, it’s probably time to check the seals.
Use weatherstripping, caulk, or a door sweep to close those gaps. These are inexpensive fixes that can make a noticeable difference, especially in older homes.
2. Use Curtains to Keep Warmth Inside
Your curtains can do more than provide privacy. Opening them on sunny days allows natural sunlight to warm your home, while closing them at night helps reduce heat loss through the windows.
If your windows are particularly drafty, consider switching to thicker curtains or thermal-lined drapes during winter. You can often find affordable options at thrift stores or secondhand shops.
3. Cover Windows With Insulation Film
Replacing old windows can be expensive, but window insulation film offers a much cheaper way to get through the colder months.
These inexpensive kits use clear plastic film to create an additional insulating air space over your windows. They’re relatively easy to install and can be removed once warmer weather returns.
4. Keep Your Floors and Feet Warm
Tile, hardwood, and laminate floors can feel especially cold during winter. Adding an area rug to high-traffic areas can make walking around the house much more comfortable.
Thick socks or insulated slippers also help keep your feet warm. It’s a simple way to stay comfortable without adjusting the thermostat.
5. Layer Up With Warm Clothes and Blankets
Sometimes the easiest way to feel warmer is to put on another layer. A sweater, fleece jacket, or thermal shirt can make a big difference when you’re spending time indoors.
Keep a few blankets in the living room or bedroom so you can grab one easily when you feel chilly. Wool and fleece are especially useful for staying warm.
6. Use a Hot Water Bottle
Hot water bottles are an old-fashioned way to stay warm, and they still work well today. They’re inexpensive, reusable, and don’t require electricity to provide warmth.
Fill one with hot, not boiling, water as directed, wrap it in a cover, and place it near your feet while you relax. You can also use one to warm your bed before getting in. Avoid direct skin contact to prevent burns.
7. Enjoy Hot Meals and Drinks
A warm bowl of soup or a cup of hot tea can make a cold winter day a little more comfortable. It’s also a good excuse to prepare inexpensive meals using ingredients you already have.
Soups, stews, and chili are great options because you can make a large batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week.
8. Move Around Instead of Sitting Still
Sitting in one place for hours can leave you feeling colder, especially if you’re working from home or watching television.
Getting up to sweep the floors, fold laundry, or tackle a small household project helps your body generate heat. Even a few minutes of movement can make you feel more comfortable.
9. Use Your Ceiling Fan in Reverse
Ceiling fans aren’t just useful during summer. Many have a reverse setting that helps circulate warm air that collects near the ceiling.
In winter, set your fan to run clockwise at a low speed, if your model recommends that setting. This can help distribute warm air throughout the room without creating an uncomfortable breeze.
10. Remove Window Air Conditioners
If you still have a window air conditioner installed after summer, it could be letting cold air into your house.
Removing the unit allows the window to close properly and can help eliminate drafts. If removing it isn’t practical, check the surrounding seals and consider using an insulated cover designed for your unit.
11. Close the Fireplace Damper When It’s Not in Use
An open fireplace damper can allow heated indoor air to escape through the chimney, even when you’re not using the fireplace.
If you have a traditional wood-burning fireplace, close the damper once the fire is completely out and the ashes are cold. Never close it while a fire is burning or embers remain, and follow your fireplace manufacturer’s instructions.
12. Use Your Wood Stove Efficiently
If you have a wood stove, it can be a useful way to heat your home without relying entirely on your central heating system.
Burn dry, seasoned firewood and keep the stove and chimney properly maintained. A well-maintained wood stove can provide supplemental heat, especially if you already have access to affordable firewood.
Follow proper fire safety practices and keep smoke and carbon monoxide alarms working.
13. Keep Heating Vents and Radiators Clear
Furniture, rugs, and curtains can block warm air from circulating through your home. If a couch sits directly in front of a heating vent, some of that heat may not reach the rest of the room.
Take a few minutes to check that your vents and radiators have enough clearance. It’s a free fix that can help your heating system work more effectively.
14. Adjust Your Thermostat Schedule
You don’t necessarily need to keep your house at the same temperature all day, especially when nobody is home.
A programmable thermostat lets you lower the temperature while you’re away or sleeping and warm things up when you need to. Even small adjustments can help reduce unnecessary heating costs.
If you have a heat pump, check your system’s recommended settings, since large temperature setbacks aren’t always the most efficient option.
15. Check Your Attic Access and Other Hidden Drafts
Some of the places where your home loses heat are easy to overlook. Attic hatches, basement openings, and gaps around plumbing or utility lines can let warm air escape.
Check these areas for visible gaps and use appropriate weatherstripping or sealant where needed. You may also want to inspect the insulation around your attic access panel, a common source of heat loss.
