Looking for ways to stay warm and cozy at home? For many of us, winter is a time when we discover a few more cracks and crannies for the cold air to find its way inside. Not only does that make it harder to keep your house warm, it sends money out the door as the electric or gas bill climbs.
So, what can you do to lower your heating costs? Don’t stay home shivering. Take advantage of these easy and inexpensive ways to stay warm in the winter.
As the chill of winter sets in, keeping cozy shouldn’t mean breaking the bank. Our guide, “30 Ways to Stay Warm, Save Money This Winter,” is here to help you strike the perfect balance between comfort and savings.
With the weather getting colder, your energy bills don’t need to go sky-high! If you’re looking for tips on how to save money during winter, you’re in the right place.
What raises the electric bill the most?
The biggest contributors to high electric bills typically include:
Heating and Cooling Systems: HVAC systems consume a significant amount of energy, especially if they are old or inefficient.
Water Heaters: Heating water for showers, laundry, and dishwashing can be a major energy drain.
Appliances: Large appliances like refrigerators, washers, dryers, and dishwashers can use a lot of electricity, particularly if they are not energy-efficient.
Lighting: Traditional incandescent bulbs use more electricity than LED or CFL bulbs.
Electronics: Devices like computers, TVs, and gaming consoles can add up, especially if left on or in standby mode.
Poor Insulation: Homes that are not well-insulated require more energy to maintain comfortable temperatures.
Improving energy efficiency in these areas can help reduce your electric bill significantly.
Why am I using so much electricity in the winter?
During the winter, electricity usage often increases due to several factors:
Heating: Electric heating can significantly increase electricity consumption. Heating systems work harder to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature as the outside temperature drops.
Shorter Days: With fewer daylight hours, you might use more lighting in the evenings and mornings.
Holiday Decorations: If you use electric holiday lights or decorations, they can add to your electricity usage.
Increased Indoor Activity: People tend to spend more time indoors during the winter, which can lead to increased use of electronics, appliances, and lighting.
Water Heating: Colder temperatures can lead to increased use of hot water for showers and other activities, which can raise electricity usage if you have an electric water heater.
Poor Insulation: If your home is not well-insulated, your heating system will need to work harder to maintain warmth, leading to higher electricity consumption.
Improving insulation, using energy-efficient appliances, and being mindful of heating usage can help manage electricity consumption during the winter months.
30 ways to stay warm, save money this winter
Discover smart strategies to keep your home snug while trimming down your energy bills, ensuring your winter is both warm and wallet-friendly. Dive in and explore how simple changes can lead to a more enjoyable and economical season.
Keep the cold air out
The number one thing you can do to stay warm this winter without cranking up the heat is to block the cold from getting in. Insulate your house from freezing temps outside with these tips:
1. Seal gaps. Gaps around windows and doors are the most common places for air to find its way inside. Use caulking or repair those gaps to avoid the loss of heat and eliminate cold wind blowing in. The U.S. Department of Energy says that between 10% and 20% of energy use is due to drafty doors and windows.
If an actual repair is impossible, you can purchase draft stoppers for doors very inexpensively on Amazon.
- Easy to install: Adjustable size for most homes; Please measure the gap and width of the door before purchasing and keep the door clean to ensure our draft stopper works as intended
- Block light and windshield: it can block light, cold/hot wind, smoke, dust, pests, making the indoor more comfortable
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- SAVE MONEY AND ENERGY - In winter and summer, draft stopper is good home improvement item which can prevent the leakage of air conditioning and heating, make your room more efficient in cooling or heating, save electricity and money.
2. Add weatherstripping. If you have gaps in doors and windows, consider purchasing weatherstripping. It’s available in local home improvement stores so you can do it yourself and save even more. The Department of Energy helps you determine what kind of weatherstripping you need.
3. Insulate windows with clear film. This window insulation kit at Amazon, made by 3M, covers two 3-foot x 5-foot windows with clear film. Other sizes are available. The clear film helps keep cold out and heat in without blocking light. You can use it over blinds as well. Be sure to watch the instructional video on that page.
- 【9 in 1 Window Tint Tools】: Package included 9 pcs window tint tools, blue rubber squeegee, blue squeegee with soft cloth, white card squeegee, yellow corner squeegee, black fish-shape squeegee, mini pink squeegee, tint removal blade, 500ml spray bottle, carving knife.
- 【Install Any Places Easily】: Blue rubber squeegee with stainless steel handle suit for smooth large area window film, blue scratches with soft felt suit for smooth small area, and the black fish-shape squeegee, yellow corn squeegee, and mini pink squeegee could install any flat, curved surfaces, corners. A carving knife is used to cut the film or the wallpaper with the shape you want.
- 【500ml Spray Bottle】: Vehicle glass protective film installing tool kits include a 500ml spray bottle, large enough capacity to hold water or detergent to help you clean the mounting surface, more convenient than others.
- All-in-One Window Tint Kit: Everything you need to apply window films like a pro! rabbitgoo window film application tools set includes an empty spray bottle, a utility knife, plus a squeegee with anti-pilling suede. Design for an effortless and precise installation experience
- Scratch-Free Suede Window Squeegee: Perfect for smoothing out car window tint and eliminating all air bubbles without leaving scratches.The soft suede edge ensures a streak-free application. Moreover, the wider hanging hole makes it easier to collect
- 120ml Spray Bottle: Ergonomically designed with three adjustable modes—spray, stream, and off—this bottle ensures even distribution of water for smooth wallpaper and privacy film application. NOTE: Solution NOT included
4. Insulate your attic. Check to see if your attic has proper insulation. If it’s not insulated, you’ll want to add some. If your home is older, inspect the insulation since it can settle over time, compromising efficiency. Bringing your attic insulation to recommended levels will save you money and keep heat from escaping. Find out if you have enough insulation.
5. Install drapes. Heavy or insulated draperies can help keep heat inside your house in very cold climates. Consider using blinds to help keep cold out and heat in at night.
- READY MADE: Set includes 2 BLACKOUT CURTAINS PANELS of 42" wide x 63" length with 6 grommets top each. Quality fabric without liner feels soft and heavy.
- SERVE WELL: Curtains impede 85%-99% light and UV rays(Dark color curtains work well). Noise-reducing, better TV viewing thanks to the innovative triple weave technology.
- ENERGY SMART: Triple weave blackout fabric balances room temperature by insulating against summer heat and winter chill. Protect your furniture, floors, and artwork from the ravages of the sun, the drapes will pay for themselves off over time.
- 100% Blackout Curtains: Our Blackout Curtains ensure a completely dark room, isolate noise and protect privacy. These room darkening curtains can block 100% sunlight.Heavy duty curtains keep heat indoors in winter and discharge heat in summer, thereby reducing cooling and heating costs , While protecting your furniture, floors and artwork from the sun damage
- Curtains can be styled in muliple ways: Back Tab, Hook Belt, Rod pocket, Clip Ring(Hooks and Rings are NOT Included) and Track System. 8 back loops per panel, 3" rod pocket top fits rod with a diameter not exceeding 1.6" and makes the maximum coverage of windows, the belt sewn on the back for your own hooks allows for quick and easy installation
- Linen Look Fabric: These curtains&drapes are crafted from soft and draped textured linen look fabric with 100% blackout coating. Linen blackout curtains will bring more vintage and classic visual look, Softness and drape blackout curtains create a relaxed and fashionable home environment
6. Insulate your outlets. Put draft stoppers behind outlets to keep air out.
7. Close the fireplace damper. If you aren’t using it to warm the house, make sure the damper is closed on your fireplace. (Remember to open it again before lighting a fire.)
Keep the warm air where you want it
Once you’ve stopped the cold from getting in, you have to find ways to avoid letting the warm air escape. You’ll see what we mean with these next few tips:
8. Turn off the bathroom fan. An exhaust fan is nice for pulling out steam from a shower in summer, but it also pulls warm air out of the room in winter. Use it only when needed and don’t leave it running when you leave the room. Better idea? If possible, leave the door open when you shower.
9. Minimize use of the stove vent. Like the bathroom fan, the vent over your stove also lets warm air out of your home. Use it as needed but don’t leave it running unnecessarily because it pulls warm air out.
10. Optimize your ceiling fans. Reverse ceiling fans to the clockwise direction. This helps push hot air down and is especially useful if you use a fireplace or other source of wood heat.
11. Rearrange the furniture. Move larger sofas and chairs away from drafty windows if possible to stay warm. To make your living areas even warmer and cozier, pile a stack of soft, comfortable blankets on a chair or in a basket in your living room, or even on the floor. They will be inviting for friends and family, offer warmth and make the winter season a little bit brighter.
12. Don’t close vents in unused rooms. Closing vents is a common piece of advice, but experts say it can actually cost you money.
13. Let ambient heat go where you need it. On the other hand, if there’s a room near the kitchen where the family hangs out, be sure to keep kitchen doors and passages open so the warmth from the oven or running dishwasher can permeate the spaces around it.
14. Prep your radiators. If you use radiator heating, use tin foil behind the radiators to reflect heat back into the room rather than allowing it to flow into the walls.
Don’t skimp on home maintenance
You can improve the heating efficiency of your house if you keep up with routine maintenance.
15. Replace furnace filters once a month. In order to keep your furnace working more efficiently and effectively, it’s important to change your furnace filters often in winter, probably once a month. A furnace filter traps dust, dirt, pet hair and dander, but if it gets too clogged, your furnace has to work harder. That can reduce the efficiency of your furnace, not to mention its lifespan. Change the filters frequently for a warmer house.
16. Get your chimney cleaned. Make a small investment in having a professional clean your chimney this fall. This will help avoid a potential fire from creosote build-up in the chimney lining and will make your chimney more efficient.
17. Consider insulating your hot water heater. Before buying an insulating blanket, read this article on the Department of Energy site for important safety warnings and advice. Make sure your hot water heater is well insulated, especially if it’s located in a cold attic, garage or basement. Wrap it in a water heater blanket to keep the heat from escaping. The less work it needs to do the heat that water, the less you’ll pay and the warmer you’ll stay.
- WATER HEATER BLANKET - Is a unique system that creates a space between the blanket and the water heater tank to achieve better results. R8.9 Value, 6mm Thick
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- Vinyl backed fiberglass insulation blankets are designed for gas, oil or electric water heaters up to 60 gallon size
- Improves heater efficiency
- 3” thick x 48” x 75”, R10
18. Check the roof. Do a quick check of the roof and replace or repair any loose or missing shingles. Not only will this keep cold air out,but it will prevent a nasty water leak surprise this winter.
19. Repair air ducts. Check your air ducts for leaks that let hot air escape. The EPA does not recommend routine cleaning of air ducts, however.
Make smart choices to stay warm
Find ways to keep your body warm without turning up the thermostat, and you’ll feel cozier while saving on winter utility bills.
20. Dress in layers. Focus on keeping yourself warm rather than your house. Comfy socks, flannel pants, layered clothing, even fingerless gloves can keep you warm without turning up the heat.
21. Eat warming foods. Swap your soda for a steaming cup of tea, coffee or cocoa, and put on a pot of soup for lunch. Cook a hot, healthy meal for dinner and leave the oven door open to allow the heat to escape into the room as you enjoy your meal. There is a reason we want to eat more in the winter; your body craves fuel to heat itself. Listen to your body and eat to stay warm. Oatmeal, starchy vegetables and protein will help.
- Herbal: Our herbal tea collection brings together five of our most comforting teas: Chamomile, Lemon Zinger, Peppermint, Honey Vanilla Chamomile, and Sleepytime.
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- LIPTON BLACK TEA: Indulge in a Lipton black tea with a blend of orange pekoe, pekoe cut black tea leaves picked at the peak of freshness for iced tea or hot tea
- WHAT YOU'LL GET: Lipton Black Tea with caffeine, orange pekoe and pekoe cut black tea leaves for a smooth taste, 100 tea bags per pack
- WAKE UP WITH LIPTON: This Lipton black tea is caffeinated, so you can enjoy the cafe experience in the comfort of your own home first thing in the morning or anytime you need a boost
22. Switch to flannel sheets. Change your sheets and use flannel in winter. You won’t need the room as warm, so you save on heating costs.
- COZY AND WARM - This cotton sheets made from ultra-soft and warm cotton flannel, features a fun novelty print in soft colors offers a charming and cozy update to your bedroom
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- EASY CARE: Machine wash in cold water with like colors on a gentle cycle, and tumble dry low to preserve the softness and quality of the flannel fabric.
23. Layer on more coziness. Add extra blankets to the beds, so family and guests can pull up a layer of warmth at night instead of cranking up the thermostat.
- Thicker & Softer: We've upgraded our classic flannel fleece blanket to be softer and warmer than ever, now featuring enhanced premium microfiber. Perfect by itself or as an extra sheet on cold nights, its fluffy and ultra-cozy softness offers the utmost comfort all year round.
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- Luxurious Design - Our Flannel Fleece Blanket is thoughtfully crafted to enhance the elegance of any room. Available in a variety of sizes and colors, it effortlessly adds a touch of luxury and sophistication to your space.
- All Season Blanket – Made from soft microfiber, our plush blanket is a perfect balance of warmth and lightness making it ideal for year-round use.
- Designed for Durability – Thoughtfully crafted, this blanket features a two-sided pile, a 1-inch hem, and reinforced double needle stitching. These details ensure it remains a reliable addition to your home, providing both style and comfort over time.
24. Warm the bed ahead of time. Slip a hot water bottle or microwave a rice-filled heating pad to further warm up your bed before you get in. Pets are good for this too, if you don’t mind sharing your space with them! Just don’t use an electric heating pad, which can cause burns if used too long.
25. Keep floors warm with rugs. Put rugs on hardwood floors during winter, especially in bedrooms. This keeps floors warmer and your feet will be cozier, too.
Cheaper ways to warm up
Now that you’ve optimized your home for energy efficiency and you’ve cozied up to the idea of snuggling into warmer clothing and blankets, here are some ways to heat your home inexpensively.
26. Let the sunlight in. Open your curtains, shades or blinds during the day to let sunlight warm the rooms naturally. Close off unused rooms by closing doors, so you don’t waste money on heating empty spaces.
27. Warm the air with a humidifier. Add moisture to the air with a humidifier to warm it up. It also helps to keep the bathroom door open after a hot shower or bath to allow moisture to infiltrate other rooms and provide warmth. (A kettle of water for warm tea puts moisture in the room, too).
- 𝙁𝙖𝙨𝙩 𝙃𝙪𝙢𝙞𝙙𝙞𝙛𝙞𝙘𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝘼𝙡𝙡 𝙉𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩: Runs for up to 25 hours on low thanks to its SUPER LARGE capacity of 2.5 liters. The soothing moisture helps quickly relief congestion and dry throat.
- 𝙀𝙖𝙨𝙮 𝙏𝙤𝙥-𝙁𝙞𝙡𝙡 𝘿𝙚𝙨𝙞𝙜𝙣: LEVOIT listened to feedback from humidifier customers and upgraded to a easy top-fill design. No need to turn the water tank over or spilling water all over the place. Just ONE-STEP to remove the cover and easily fill the tank.
- 𝙈𝙪𝙘𝙝 𝙀𝙖𝙨𝙞𝙚𝙧 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝘾𝙡𝙚𝙖𝙣𝙞𝙣𝙜: Easily clean the inside of the tank through its big opening. The detachable designs and simple construction of the base leaves no hard-to-reach corners when cleaning. Maintaining health has never been this easy.
- 𝑮𝒐𝒐𝒅𝒃𝒚𝒆 𝑫𝒓𝒚 𝑨𝒊𝒓, 𝑹𝒆𝒔𝒕𝒐𝒓𝒆 𝑪𝒐𝒎𝒇𝒐𝒓𝒕: 270 mL/h mist output, 432 ft² coverage, and 46.8-inch mist height* to powerfully humidify your room and relieve dryness fast. *The height includes the product height.
- 𝑬𝒂𝒔𝒚 𝑪𝒍𝒆𝒂𝒏𝒊𝒏𝒈: Specialized detachable sink design keeps the base dry for easy cleaning. A simple wipe of the base, the cover and detachable sink are dishwasher-safe, the water tank is hand-wash only.
- 𝑨𝒍𝒍-𝑫𝒂𝒚 𝑹𝒖𝒏𝒕𝒊𝒎𝒆: 4.2-L large tank capacity delivers up to 42 hours* of continuous runtime—no refills needed. *During Sleep Mode.
28. Turn down the water temperature. Hot water heaters are normally set at 140 degrees. Moving them down to 120 degrees can save as much as 5% to 10% on water heating costs without sacrificing warmth.
29. Lower the thermostat. You can save as much as 10% a year on heating and cooling by simply turning your thermostat back 7°-10°F for 8 hours a day from its normal setting, says the Department of Energy. The percentage of savings from setback is greater for buildings in milder climates than for those in more severe climates.
You can easily save energy in the winter by setting the thermostat to 68°F while you’re awake and setting it lower while you’re asleep or away from home.
30. Use a space heater. You can save money by lowering the thermostat in your house every day and using a space heater to heat only the rooms you use most. Use only heaters with safety features, and if you have animals or small children, make sure they are unable to get to the space heater. Also, make sure you have some way to remind yourself to turn it off when you leave the house or you’ll be wasting money on your electric bill. Some space heaters have timers, tip-over shut-off protection and remote controls to make your life easier.
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- Ultimate temperature control: The enhanced NTC chipset brings more precision to turn your space heater with thermostat into a smart heating powerhouse, allowing you to set heat on a wider range from 41-95℉ with 1℉ increments, saving you energy while keeping you comfortable.
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- Fast Indoor Ceramic Heater: Powerful 1500W PTC ceramic heating allows this space heater to heat up in seconds, suitable for warming up spaces in the home including bedrooms, basements, garages, living rooms, and can also be used in offices, dorms, hot yoga studios, etc. Heating Coverage:270 sq.ft.
- Quiet Heating: 34dB - almost as quiet as a library. The fan wheel uses oblique airflow technology, which effectively reduces wind noise and makes the room heater 12% quieter than traditional electric heaters. Calm airflow lets you sleep soundly and work undisturbed during the cold winter
More energy-saving articles from Living on the Cheap:
- Home improvements to help you save on your heating bill
- Save big on winter utilities with these tips
- Tips to reduce your energy costs
- Ways to save water and reduce your water bill
The home I used to own had an attic fan, which I used in the summer to reduce the heat. However, in the winter it caused heat to escape into the attic. So I made a covered box for it which I closed in the fall and re-opened in the spring. The box top also had some insulation batting covering it.
In the summer, I turned it on mid-afternoon when the heat in the attic got quite high, and started radiating down into the living area. (I put a thermometer in the attic with a read-out in the living area)