Short answer: find where cold air gets in (usually under doors and around windows), block those gaps, then keep the warm air in with rugs, curtains and warm layers close to you.
Step 1: Find the draft
On a windy day, hold your hand or a lit incense stick near door edges, window frames and outlets on outside walls. If you feel cold air or the smoke moves sideways, you found a gap.
7 cheap fixes
- Block the gap under the door. A draft stopper (or a rolled-up towel) along the bottom of the door stops cold air at floor level.
- Seal window and door edges. Self-adhesive foam seal tape from any hardware store fills small gaps around frames. Clean and dry the surface first so it sticks.
- Hang heavier curtains. Close them at night and open them on sunny days to let the sun warm the room.
- Add a rug. Bare floors feel cold. A rug adds a warm layer underfoot.
- Keep warm close to you. A warm throw or a heated foot warmer on the sofa or under the desk can make you feel cozy without heating the whole house.
- Don't block vents or radiators. Move furniture and curtains so warm air can flow.
- Check outlets on outside walls. Foam outlet gaskets are a very cheap fix for a hidden draft.
Safety tips
- Keep heaters and heated products away from curtains and bedding, and follow each product's instructions.
- Don't seal over gas appliance vents or block fresh air your home needs.
FAQ
What is the cheapest fix?
A draft stopper under the door and seal tape around the windows usually make the biggest difference for the least money.
Do renters have options?
Yes. Draft stoppers, curtains and rugs need no tools, and most seal tapes peel off at the end of winter (test a small spot first).
Shop our winter essentials.