Weatherize your home: 7 inexpensive ways to reduce your home heating and energy bills this winter
The last thing you want is high heating and energy bills this winter. Luckily, there are several things you can do to prepare your home for the colder months that can save you money. We're talking insulating and other more surprising upgrades.
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Below, find the best low-cost items to weatherize your home and reduce your heating and energy bills this winter from brands from Vitruvi to Gorilla. Find reviewer-loved smart thermostats, insulation materials, rugs and more.
4 must-have items to weatherize your home for winter
Adding extra insulation to your home is quick and easy. And the best part is that you don't need to spend a lot of money to save money -- the following items are all $20 or less (though for larger homes, you'll want to buy more than one of each).
Thermwell pipe insulation
Insulating your pipes and exposed ductwork helps prevent heat loss, thus potentially lowering your energy bills. This insulation tape should get the job done.
This tape is especially useful for short pipes or joints where there's not enough room for tubular insulation.
"A heating company wanted $1,000 to cover my heating ducts," an Amazon reviewer says. "I used this product and the total cost was under $150."
Why we like this insulation:
This insulation helps with tough-to-insulate spots.
Pipe insulation foam tube
Get the job done faster and easier with insulation foam tubes for your pipes. This tubing is fire-resistant, flame-retardant and high-temperature resistant. It comes in a bunch of size options.
"I cut a 2-foot section of the foam insulation and slit it lengthwise down one side, slipped it over the [pipe] and used several zip ties to hold it closed and in place," an Amazon reviewer says.
This option is currently $10, reduced from $11.
Why we like this pipe insulation:
These tubes offer a quick and easy way to insulate your pipes.
Duck indoor 5-window shrink film insulator kit
Try insulating your drafty windows to help with your heating bill. This clear film shrinks to seal out cold air. This kit can insulate five 3-foot by 5-foot windows.
"Our region had uncharacteristically cold weather last year around Christmas -- -10 degrees Fahrenheit in the Southern states!" an Amazon reviewer says. "My back room, where I keep my plants, has no heat. I would have lost all my plants except for having put this film up. I will definitely be repurchasing this year. It was easy to use and easy to take down in the spring. It had good transparency as well, once warmed up with the hair dryer, and did not affect the beautiful views from my windows."
Why we like this window insulator kit:
You can still see through your windows while keeping out cold air with this kit.
Gorilla waterproof silicone sealant
Use this waterproof silicone caulk to seal any openings around windows and doors. You don't want cold air to seep in.
You can use this white sealant indoors and outdoors -- it's mold and mildew resistant. It promises it won't yellow, shrink or crack.
This Gorilla silicone sealant is currently $10, reduced from $11.
Why we like this sealant:
This sealant promises to look good and work well over time.
More items to help reduce your home heating and energy bills
There's more you can do to save money this winter besides insulating your home. These items from Amazon, Wayfair and more can help you reduce your need for heating. Many are relatively inexpensive. You might also want to consider warm winter bedding and an electric blanket so you can lower the thermostat in your home at night to save cash.
Vitruvi Cloud Cool Mist humidifier
Humidity in the air can make your room feel warmer, thus allowing you to turn down your thermostat. Turn on a humidifier to help lower your heating bill.
This stunning portable humidifier from Vitruvi, designed to fit on a nightstand, is super quiet. It can run for up to 24 hours and has a light-free night mode. It can add humidity to up to 600 square feet and has a 360-degree rotating mist spout. It can also help with dry skin.
The Vitruvi Cloud Cool Mist humidifier is available in three neutral colors.
Why we like this humidifier:
This humidifier not only looks nice, but also can help lower your heating bill.
Google Nest Learning Thermostat
Consider investing in a smart thermostat. The Google Nest Learning Thermostat is an energy saver. When you're out of the house, the thermostat turns itself down. It can also be controlled remotely via an app.
Unlike some other smart thermostats, and even some other Google Nest devices, the Google Nest Learning Thermostat doesn't just process the numbers you feed it daily, it also uses them to adjust the temperature to your preferences. If you allow it, the thermostat will, say, warm the house to 69 degrees by 7 a.m. because it knows you like the house that way when you wake up.
The battery-powered Google Nest Learning Thermostat is said to be compatible with 95% of home heating and air-conditioning systems.
This thermostat is currently $210, reduced from $250.
Why we like this thermostat:
Long gone are the days of forgetting to turn down the heat when you leave the house thanks to a smart thermostat.
Almus handmade flatweave wool rug (4' x 6')
Odds are if your feet are warm, you'll feel warmer. So enter a wool rug. Wool rugs can also retain heat and offer some insulation.
Check out this neutral, beige one from Wayfair that's available in 23 sizes.
It's on sale currently, with percentages off varying by size. This 4-foot by 6-foot option is currently $133, reduced from $152.
Why we like this rug:
This rug is a neutral addition to your space that can make it feel warmer.
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