How to Keep Your House Warm in Winter: 13 Genius Cold Weather Hacks
Let’s be honest—winter’s cozy until you wake up to freezing floors and a drafty house that makes you feel like you’re living in a snow globe. Every year, I’m on a mission to find clever, budget-friendly ways to keep my house warm during winter without cranking up the heat.
If you’ve ever cursed your cold sheets or wished your floor wasn’t as frigid as an iceberg, I’ve got you covered with these super fun (and super easy) cold weather hacks that will save your toes and your wallet!
Tools and Materials:
- Rice or beans
- Heavy-duty aluminum foil
- Bubble wrap
- Blow dryer
- Pebbles
- Tray
- Lighter
- Thermal curtains
Hometalk may receive a small affiliate commission from purchases made via Amazon links in this article but at no cost to you.
1. DIY Heated Rice Packs for Cold Nights
If your bed feels like a block of ice when you climb in, a DIY heated rice pack is your new best friend.
Simply fill a clean sock with rice (uncooked, of course!), tie off the end, and microwave it for 15–20 seconds. Tuck it into your bed a few minutes before you hop in for toasty, warm sheets that’ll make winter nights way more bearable.
2. Reverse Your Ceiling Fan’s Direction
Did you know that your ceiling fan can actually keep you warmer in the winter? Flip the switch on your fan to reverse the blade direction.
This little-known trick pulls the warm air near the ceiling back down, keeping your room warmer for less.
3. Blow-Dry Your Sheets Before Bed
If the thought of cold sheets gives you chills, here’s a quick hack: use a blow dryer to warm them up. A few minutes of warm air on your fitted and flat sheets will make your bed feel like you’ve been snuggling in it all day.
4. Line Your Fireplace with Aluminum Foil
Cleaning your fireplace doesn’t have to be a messy job. Before lighting up the logs, line the bottom of your fireplace with heavy-duty aluminum foil.
After the fire dies down, simply fold up the foil with the ashes inside for an easy cleanup.
5. Heat Your Key to Thaw Frozen Locks
When temperatures drop, frozen locks can be a real headache.
Warm your metal key with a lighter for a few seconds, then gently insert it into the frozen lock. The heated metal will melt the ice and get your door open in no time.
6. Bake and Heat
Who knew that baking cookies could double as a heating strategy?
Use your oven as a bonus heat source. After you finish baking, leave the oven door open to let all that residual warmth seep into your kitchen and nearby rooms.
7. Tray of Pebbles for Snowy Boots
Stop wet floors in their tracks by placing a tray filled with pebbles near your front door. When the kids come in from the snow, their shoes will drain through the rocks, keeping puddles off your floor.
Plus, it looks pretty cool!
8. Layer Rugs for Extra Warmth
If you have hard flooring, consider layering area rugs to create extra insulation. Not only does it keep your feet warmer, but it also adds a cozy aesthetic to your home.
The extra layers trap heat and reduce the chill from cold floors.
9. Warm Your Pet's Bed with a Hot Water Bottle
If your furry friend shivers at night, slip a hot water bottle under their bed cushion. It’s a simple way to keep them warm without having to turn up the heat.
Just make sure the water bottle isn’t too hot and is securely wrapped in a towel.
Photo Suggestion:Â A hot water bottle tucked under a pet bed
Caption:Â Keep your pets warm by placing a hot water bottle under their bed cushion.
10. Hang Quilts on Your Walls
If you’ve got an old quilt or tapestry lying around, consider hanging it on your wall for extra insulation.
Walls can be a major source of heat loss, and hanging thick fabric creates a cozy barrier that also adds a touch of personality to your space.
11. Move Furniture Away from Vents
It might seem obvious, but sometimes furniture placement can prevent proper airflow.
Make sure your vents aren’t blocked by heavy furniture or clutter, so the heat can circulate more freely around your home.
12. Let Faucets Drip to Prevent Frozen Pipes
Letting your faucets drip overnight is an easy way to prevent your pipes from freezing. A slow, steady drip keeps water moving, making it less likely to freeze.
You don’t need much—just a small trickle is enough to protect exposed or uninsulated pipes. Focus on faucets near exterior walls or in unheated spaces when temperatures drop below freezing.
13. Use Door Draft Stoppers
Place draft stoppers or rolled-up towels at the base of exterior doors to block cold air from coming in.
Even well-sealed doors can let cold air slip through small gaps at the bottom. Draft stoppers are an easy fix to keep your home warm without cranking up the heat.
Looking for more ways to prepare your home for the cold?
How to Keep House Warm in Winter: Clever Ideas for a Cozy Home
Who says you need to hibernate all winter? These cold weather hacks will help you breeze through the season in comfort and style.
With just a few clever tricks and some DIY spirit, you can keep your home warm without going broke.
Got any brilliant tips I haven’t tried yet? Drop them in the comments!
Stay warm, friends, and remember, winter doesn’t stand a chance against some clever thinking and a little DIY magic.
Comments
Join the conversation
-
We use bubble wrap on windows and patio doors.
For the bed we have a heated lower pad underneath the sheet. Turn it on low 5 min before getting into bed. No messing with a hairdryer.
-
Not a problem I have in Punta Gorda Florida! I have to hope for cool weather so I can wear a cute sweatshirt!
Frequently asked questions
Have a question about this project?