January 23, 2026

Greetings!

With most of the country bracing for extreme cold and snow this weekend, staying warm is top of everyone's mind. When temps drop fast, it's tempting to crank up the thermostat and hope for the best, but that can lead to some shocking and expensive utility bills. The good news...there are plenty of thrifty way to stay comfortable without letting the cold drain your bank account.


Kris

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Handy Hint: Block Drafts For Pennies

Is cold air slipping in around doors and windows? Even small gaps let warm air escape and force your heater to work harder, driving up your energy bill. The good news here is that fixing drafts doesn't have to cost a fortune.

Rolled towels, old blankets, or DIY draft stoppers placed along the bottom of doors can make a HUGE difference.

Clear window insulation kits are cheap and effective. Tape them around the frame and use a hair dryer to tighten the plastic, it really keeps the cold air out without blocking the sunlight.

Heavy curtains and blankets also act like insulation for windows. If you don't have curtains, hanging a blanket or quilt over a rod (or even tacking it up temporarily) creates a barrier against the cold.

Cold air can rise right up through uninsulated floors, especially in rooms above basements and garages. Adding area rugs or runners help trap warmth.

Thrifty Tip: Cook Some Comfort Food

Using your oven or stovetop isn't just for cooking, it's an easy way to add extra heat to you home. Cooking soups, stews, casseroles, and baked goods naturally heats the kitchen. The warm air often spreads to nearby rooms, making it cozier without turning up the thermostat.

Thrifty Tip: Focus Heat Where You Actually Are

Stop heating rooms you aren't using. Close doors to guest rooms, basement, offices, and even storage areas so warm air stays concentrated where you actually are spending your time. Heating a empty room is like leaving a light on all day, it's wasted energy that quickly (and quietly) add up.

Try what we call 'zone heating', this is where you spend most of your day in one or two main rooms. Keep those areas comfortable with cozy blankets, soft lighting, and open the curtains to use the sun's ray to help heat the room. If you use a space heater, do it safely and only in the room you are in to add some warmth without cranking up the whole house.

Small little shifts in habits can really add up the savings during extreme cold spells.



Got a tip of your own, Handy or Thrifty? Reply back to me, I love reading your tips and ideas!