What are the cheapest ways to prepare your home for the winter?

As the days grow shorter and the temperature drops, it’s time to start thinking about how to keep your home warm this winter. Now, some things can’t be negotiated or bartered, such as getting roof insulation (granted, it’s worth it, and every home needs it as it’s not a luxury). 

Yes, most homeowners can’t afford any upfront costs, and thankfully, not everything involves spray foam or forking over money for a contractor. So, what can you do to keep warm this winter without breaking the bank? Well, here’s what you need to know!

1. Maximise sunlight for free heat

While yes, this one is technically generic and overdone, it still deserves some attention! So, one of the easiest ways to warm up your home is to make the most of the sunlight. During the day, keep your curtains and blinds open to let in as much natural light as possible. 

Sunlight streaming through your windows can significantly warm up your rooms, so don’t let it go to waste. When the sun goes down, close the curtains to trap the heat inside, acting as an extra layer of insulation (but make sure it’s thick curtains).

2. Affordable draught-proofing

Now, you have to keep in mind that draughts are your enemy when it comes to keeping your home warm. So, the good news is that draught-proofing is one of the most cost-effective ways to save on energy bills. You barely ever need to spend money, or at least not much (depending on the situation). So, you’re going to want to check for gaps around windows, doors, and even letterboxes.

You can use inexpensive draught excluders, or for an even cheaper option, roll up old towels or blankets and place them against draughty areas. But basically, within a day, you’re going to notice a temperate change in your home, especially at night. But you can take it a step further by getting thick curtains and putting those over your windows and doors, too.

3. Layer up your floors

Cold floors can make your home feel much chillier than it actually is. Plus, your feet are going to freeze up pretty quickly, too! If you have wooden or tile floors, consider laying down rugs in high-traffic areas. Besides, rugs add an extra layer of insulation and help to keep the warmth where you need it—underfoot. While you don’t have to go full Russian to put them on your walls, the floor is a great start.

Plus, they add a cosy, inviting feel to any room. If you don’t already have rugs, look out for sales or second-hand options that won’t strain your budget. Basically, they’re not in high demand in the spring and summer months, so you can get them for a cheap price during that time.

4. Rearrange your furniture

Before winter sets in, take a look at how your furniture is arranged. Yes, you read that right! So, if large pieces like sofas or beds are blocking radiators, they could be absorbing much of the heat that should be warming your room. So, just by simply rearranging your furniture to allow for better airflow, you can ensure that warm air circulates more effectively, keeping your space warmer with no extra cost.