Keep the Cold Out of Your Home & Your Heating Bill Reasonable With These Three Tricks

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We might’ve been singing it for years but—between the plummeting temperatures, frequent flurries, and slick spots—the weather outside really is frightful. And, though we’ve found clever ways to stay warm, there are only so many layers you can throw on and only so many cups of hot cocoa you can drink. Sometimes, you need to call in some reinforcements and crank up the thermostat. 

Problem is, turning up the heat can seriously increase your utility bill’s bottom line. Don’t worry, help is on the way. If you’re looking to stay warm—without breaking the bank—we found three clever (and budget-friendly!) ways to get the best of both worlds. These DIY hacks are sure to get the job done and make your winter more pleasant. Best part is, they’re all under $10 on Amazon!

So while the weather outside might be frightful, your home will be cozy and oh-so warm. Check out these winter must-have items for your home below. 

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Holikme Door Draft Blocker

Sometimes, warming up your home is as easy as adding some insulation to your home’s cracks and gaps. Fortunately, Holikme’s blocker can get the job done in style. This clever little strip can be easily added to the bottom of your door, thanks to its adhesive backing. Not only are these strips strong enough to block out a gust of cold air, but they’ll also make your room sound-proof.

Wondering how effective this draft stopper is? Just check out the over 21,500 five-star reviews. As one shopper wrote, “I did not realize how much this impacted our energy efficiency until summer. During the winter we definitely noticed that the kitchen (which is the room attached to the laundry room) was warmer when we kept the door shut. In previous summers we’d had to use a small window unit air conditioner. This summer, even though it was hotter, we didn’t need to put it in. This is a full on money saver!”

Another wrote, “I bought this because there was a lot of cold air coming in under the door which means this winter a lot of our heat would also be going outside under the door. The product was easy to install. The adhesive is strong enough to keep it in place. I am very pleased with this product.” 

CloudBuyer Weather Stripping for Doors & Windows

This 33-foot long seal can be used on your windows or doors to keep out the cold, as well as dust, sound and anything else you wouldn’t want getting into your home. There are four colors to choose from: white, black, brown, and gray. It has over 6,000 perfect five-star reviews on Amazon and shoppers say it worked better than expected. 

One shopper wrote, “I bought this because I needed something better than plastic to cover my windows and seal up door areas for the colder months. I was a bit skeptical but, it was worth a shot. So glad I did because these not only sealed up all areas, it made my home a bit soundproof. We live not too far from train tracks and always have to turn the volume up on the TV when a train goes by. We haven’t had to do that since installation.”

3M Interior Transparent Weather Sealing Tape

While you’re at it, you might want to pick up a few rolls of 3M’s sealing tape. Made with a durable adhesive that’s flexible enough to conform to your home’s curves and angles, this tape offers an easy and affordable way to seal off any cracks around your windows and doors. Though this 3M tape is designed for indoor use, it’s decked out with a generous, water-resistant finish. (That way, you won’t have to worry about your entire DIY project coming undone after the slightest exposure to moisture.) One roll offers a whopping 30 feet of tape, but if you’re working with an older home or apartment, you might want to order a few more. At $8 per roll, it offers plenty of bang for your buck.

Plus, like the product above, it comes highly recommended by shoppers with over 16,000 five-star reviews. One wrote it’s a “must” before winter hits. “I purchased this for the obvious reasons: to winter-proof my house, and to lower the cost of energy bills. The directions were clear-cut, and this stuff was simple to use. I have had this up for about two weeks now, and even my neighbors have commented how I don’t have any ‘cold spots’ in my house. Seriously y’all, you don’t realize how much heat you are losing until you put something like this up.”

Before you go, check out these chic cookware brands that give Le Creuset a run for its money: