6 Ways to Winterize Your Home on a Budget

As temperatures drop and the ice accumulates, you may find yourself or other members of your family inching up that thermostat. No one likes to be uncomfortable, but there are ways to battle the cold without cranking up the thermostat.

How To Winterize Your Home on a Budget

Keeping the cold out is the first step, and the good news is doing so doesn’t need to break the bank. Here are 6 ways to winterize your home on a budget:

Draft Snake

The Great Depression has taught us many things, including creative ways to keep out the cold. A draft snake is a towel our pouch filled with sand/kitty litter that you shove under a door to keep the cold air from rushing in or the warm air from rushing out. You can find a draft snake at the store or save even more by making one yourself.

Caulk

Start by checking the caulk outside your windows or doors to see if it needs to be repaired. You should also look for gaps inside your panes and fill any you find.

Storm Doors

Installing storm doors can reduce airflow by sealing the space outside your door. Believe it or not, a storm door can have a major impact on your home’s air efficiency, increasing by as much as 40%.

Add Insulation

Putting more insulation in your home is one of the most effective ways to prevent heat from going up and out. Don’t forget to bulk up your basement ceiling, attic floor, and walls to take full advantage of the efficiency insulation has to offer.

Ceiling Fans

You may be surprised to learn that ceiling fans aren’t just for cooling you off. Depending on the direction, they can actually produce warm air as well. For warm air, make sure your fans are turning clockwise.

Bubble Wrap

Avoid drafty windows by insulating them with bubble wrap. This is a great way to keep out the cold without breaking the bank. And besides … who doesn’t love bubble wrap? True, it may look a bit unusual, but it will allow for plenty light and help you winterize your home on a budget.