12 Simple Ways to Winterize Your Home and Save on Heating Bills

1. Maximize Your Daylight Warmth

Tip: Keep blinds and curtains open during the day to let natural sunlight warm your space.

Why it works: Sunlight is free, so why not take full advantage? Even on cold days, those sun rays can help boost the indoor temperature without any extra cost. At night, close your curtains to keep the cold air out.

2. Reflect Heat with Radiator Foil

Tip: Place a sheet of reflective radiator foil behind radiators or space heaters.

Why it works: This nifty trick reflects heat back into your living spaces instead of letting it escape through your walls. It’s an easy and affordable way to increase your home’s heating efficiency.

3. Use Bubble Wrap for Insulation

Tip: If you have drafty windows, you can easily insulate them with bubble wrap. Just spritz the glass with water and press the bubble side of the wrap onto the window.

Why it works: The air bubbles create a barrier, helping to keep the cold air out and the warm air in.

4. Keep Your Bed Warm with Hot Water Bottles

Tip: Fill a hot water bottle and place it in your bed before you turn in for the night.

Why it works: There’s nothing worse than climbing into a cold bed. Slip in a couple of hot water bottles to make your bed toasty and welcoming.

5. Prevent Frozen Pipes

Tip: Open cabinet doors or drawers under your sinks to let warm air circulate around pipes.

Why it works: This can prevent your pipes from freezing during extreme cold. If the temperature really drops, you can even let a small trickle of water run to avoid the pipes freezing up.

6. Turn Down the Thermostat

Tip: Lower your thermostat by a couple of degrees and wear a sweater indoors.

Why it works: This is a super simple way to save on heating costs. A small adjustment won’t sacrifice your comfort, but it can lead to noticeable savings on your energy bills.

7. Adjust Your Hot Water Heater

Tip: Lower the temperature setting on your hot water heater.

Why it works: You can still enjoy warm showers while reducing energy consumption. Many water heaters are set higher than necessary, so adjusting the temperature can make a big difference in your utility bill.

8. Stop Drafts in Their Tracks

Tip: Use caulk and weatherstripping to seal drafts around windows and doors.

Why it works: You can lose a significant amount of heat through tiny gaps around windows and doors. By sealing them up, you keep the warm air in and the cold air out. Plus, this is a simple and affordable fix you can do in an afternoon.

9. Use Door Draft Stoppers

Tip: Place draft stoppers or rolled-up towels at the base of exterior doors to block cold air from coming in.

Why it works: 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.

10. Use Heavy Curtains

Tip: Swap out light curtains for thermal or heavy drapes during the winter months.

Why it works: Thicker curtains provide an extra layer of insulation for windows, keeping warm air in and blocking out drafts. They’re especially useful at night when temperatures drop and the sun isn’t around to provide warmth.