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Fall brings cooler days, and winter isn’t far behind. Keeping your home warm can become expensive, especially as heating costs continue to rise. The good news is that staying comfortable doesn’t always require turning up the thermostat. A few simple habits and inexpensive changes can help you stay warm while keeping energy bills under control.
Here are 20 frugal ways to stay warm without cranking up the heat.
Dress in Layers
Wearing several lightweight layers traps warm air close to your body better than a single heavy sweater. Add a thermal shirt, sweatshirt, or fleece to stay comfortable indoors without reaching for the thermostat.
Seal Cracks and Gaps
Tiny gaps around windows, doors, and utility openings let cold air inside and warm air escape. Check your home for drafts and seal them with weatherstripping, caulk, or foam sealant. This inexpensive project can make a noticeable difference.
Install Door Sweeps
Cold air often slips through the space beneath exterior doors. Installing a door sweep is a quick and affordable way to block drafts and help keep warm air inside where it belongs.
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Wear Warm Socks or Slippers
Cold floors can make your whole body feel chilly. Thick socks, insulated slippers, or house shoes help keep your feet warm, especially if you have hardwood, tile, or laminate flooring.
Add Area Rugs
Bare floors lose heat quickly during colder months. Area rugs and runners create an extra layer of insulation while making rooms feel warmer and more comfortable underfoot.
Enjoy Hot Soups
A bowl of homemade soup can warm you from the inside out. Soups, stews, and broths are filling, comforting, and a great way to stay cozy on cold days.
Sip Warm Drinks
Hot tea, coffee, cider, or cocoa can help you feel warmer while giving you an excuse to slow down for a few minutes. Keeping a warm mug nearby is a simple way to stay comfortable throughout the day.
Stay Active
Moving around naturally raises your body temperature. Household chores, stretching, walking indoors, or tackling a few small projects can help you stay warm without relying entirely on your heating system.
Let the Sunshine In
Open curtains and blinds during sunny hours to allow natural sunlight to warm your living space. Once the sun goes down, close them to help keep that warmth inside.
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Switch to Insulated Curtains
Heavy curtains or thermal drapes help reduce heat loss through windows. They also block cold drafts, making rooms feel noticeably warmer during the winter months.
Use a Programmable Thermostat
If your home has a programmable or smart thermostat, set it to lower the temperature while you’re sleeping or away from home. This helps reduce heating costs without sacrificing comfort when you’re there.
Spend Time With Your Pets
If you have a dog or cat that enjoys cuddling, you’ll both benefit from sharing a blanket or relaxing together. Pets make surprisingly good little heaters on chilly evenings.
Use Your Fireplace or Wood Stove
If your home has a fireplace or wood stove, it can provide an excellent source of heat during cold weather. Follow proper safety practices, keep the chimney maintained, and never leave a fire unattended.
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Enjoy a Hot Bath or Hot Tub
A warm bath can raise your body temperature and help you stay comfortable long after you step out. If you have access to a hot tub, soaking for a while can provide lasting warmth on especially cold days.
Close the Fireplace Damper
An open chimney allows warm indoor air to escape even when there’s no fire burning. Closing the damper after the fireplace has completely cooled helps keep heated air inside your home.
Remove or Cover Window Air Conditioners
Window air-conditioning units can let cold air seep indoors during winter. If possible, remove them until spring. If removal isn’t practical, cover them with an insulated cover to reduce drafts.
Close Doors to Unused Rooms
If you spend most of your time in only a few rooms, close the doors to unused spaces. This helps keep warm air concentrated where you actually need it.
Adjust Vents Carefully
If your heating system allows it, partially closing vents in rooms you rarely use may help direct more warm air to frequently occupied spaces. Be sure to follow your HVAC manufacturer’s recommendations, since closing too many vents can reduce system efficiency.
Spend More Time Upstairs
Heat naturally rises. In multi-story homes, upper floors are often several degrees warmer than lower levels, making them a comfortable place to relax during the coldest parts of the day.
Keep Blankets Within Reach
A soft blanket draped over the couch or your favorite chair makes it easy to stay warm while reading, watching television, or working from home. Layering blankets at night can also help you sleep comfortably without raising the heat.
