20 Ways to Keep Your House Warm Without Breaking the Bank
If you're not ready, winter may make your house an icebox, yet staying warm doesn't have to drain your cash. Your property will remain cozy without burning a hole in your pocket with a bit of imagination and some clever design adjustments.
- Tricia Quitales
- 5 min read
Homeowners often struggle with excessive heating costs as the winter months are set to keep them comfortable. Luckily, there are several ways to keep your house warm without going broke. From clever insulating methods to the best use of your space, several reasonably priced alternatives abound without requiring a significant outlay. This article offers 20 valuable ideas, many of which might surprise you, to make your house comfortable and reasonably affordable in winter.
1. Seal Drafts with Weather stripping
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Put weather stripping around windows and doors to stop heat from leaving. Up to 25% of heating loss might come from little leaks; closing them will reduce the loss. This elemental remedy takes a few hours and costs little.
2. Use Thermal Curtains
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Thermal curtains reduce heat loss at night and help trap warm air inside. When drawn, they form an insulating layer that separates your house from the cold outside air. For most excellent efficiency, choose drapes with thick, layered fabric.
3. Reverse Ceiling Fan Rotation
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Reversing their rotation allows ceiling fans to move warm air. Set your fan to run clockwise slowly in winter to force the warm air from the ceiling toward the floor. This preserves even heat distribution all around your house.
4. Layer Rugs on Cold Floors
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Cold flooring can make a room seem colder than it should. Underfoot, layering rugs on your floors—especially in high-traffic areas like living rooms and hallways—adds warmth and comfort. Choose thick, woolen carpets with excellent insulating qualities.
5. Cook More at Home
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Not only does using your oven or stovetop feed your family, but it also warms your kitchen and adjacent rooms. Cook bigger, warm meals instead of depending on your heater. Baked dishes, casseroles, and stew may make your house a comfortable haven.
6. Add Reflective Foil Behind Radiators
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Reflective foil behind radiators will bounce heat back into the room. This little tip maximizes the warmth your heating system generates. To prevent upsetting airflow, ensure the foil is smooth and flat on the wall.
7. Opt for Thick Blankets Over Heaters
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You should not turn on your thermostat while wearing blankets and throws. Wool and fleece blankets trap warmth near your body, maintaining your comfort without requiring much heating. Thus, you will feel comfy and save energy.
8. Install a Programmable Thermostat
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Setting schedules for when the heating starts allows a programmable thermostat to control the temperature of your house. While away, you can lower the temperature and schedule it to warm before you return. This automation guarantees constant warmth as needed and helps to reduce energy waste.
9. Close Off Unused Rooms
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Seal rooms that are not used to focus heat in the most critical places. Close doors and, if possible, cover drafts with a towel at the bottom of the door. This maximizes the heating of necessary areas.
10. Do It Yourself Insulate Your Windows
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Improving insulation doesn’t involve pricey double glazing. To provide extra cold resistance, cover windows with window-insulating film. The film is easy to install and may be removed in spring without breaking the windows.
11. Create a DIY Draft Stopper
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You can make cheap draft stoppers for windows and doors from rice, sand, or cloth. These essential tools stop drafts that find their way through gaps. Place them along the bottoms of doors to trap warmth in and cold out.
12. Let the Sun In during the Day
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Open your curtains to let sunlight enter your area and use natural heat. Closing curtains as soon as the sun sets will help trap the warmth within your house, as the sun’s rays naturally heat it during the day.
13. Use a Space Heater in Targeted Areas
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Instead of heating the whole house, choose a space heater for the room you spend most of your time in. Turning up the central heating system is far less efficient than this concentrated heating method. To prevent overheating, choose an energy-efficient model with a thermostat.
14. Warm Your House Using Candles
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Candles can add warmth to places you spend time, but they are not a substitute for appropriate heating. For a cozy environment, choose several small candles or invest in a bigger candle in a draft-free area. Just make sure you’re safe; never leave candles unattended.
15. Maintaining Clear Vents
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Blocked vents might reduce the efficiency of the heating system. In rooms needing heating, ensure drapes or furnishings aren’t blocking vents. Clear vents guarantee the free circulation of warm air and prevent waste.
16. Install Door Sweeps
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Door sweepers are another great way to prevent cold air from seeping through cracks under your doors. Their low cost and simplicity help prevent heat from escaping, enhancing the general comfort of your house. Make sure the sweep is made of sturdy materials to withstand the winter.
17. Use Insulating Door Covers
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Try insulating door covers for doors leading to the outside or chilly spaces like garages. These are reasonably priced and quickly installed in the winter months to stop drafts and maintain the warmth of your house. They also beautifully complement heavy curtains.
18. Maintain Your Heating System
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Maintaining your heating system can help guarantee its efficiency. Clogged filters or unclean ducts might lower the system’s efficiency, resulting in higher energy costs. Regular maintenance guarantees that your system uses less energy to heat your house adequately.
19. Use an Electric Blanket
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An electric blanket gives direct warmth without heating the room as temperatures drop. This is a low-energy consumption approach to keep cozy lounging or sleeping. Just be careful to switch it off after you’re done to cut unneeded energy use.
20. Switch to Energy-Efficient Light Bulbs
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Though inefficient, incandescent light bulbs create heat. To reduce this, change them to LED or CFL bulbs, which generate little heat and consume significantly less energy. Over time, this will help you cut heating and power costs.