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Updated October 13, 2026 · 4-minute read

10 cheap ways to stay warm without turning up the heat

It costs a lot less to keep you warm than to heat every room. These tips cost little or nothing. If you can't afford your heating bill at all, start with winter heating bill help and apply for assistance now.

Warm yourself, not the house

  1. Dress in layers.A thin base layer, a sweater and warm socks keep in more heat than one heavy layer. Wear a hat indoors if it's cold.
  2. Use blankets and a heated throw.A heated throw or electric blanket warms one person directly. Use it as the maker says: don't use one that's worn or frayed, don't fold it while it's on, and pick one with auto shut-off.
  3. Warm the bed before you get in.A heated mattress pad, flannel sheets or a hot water bottle (not boiling water) lets you turn the heat down at night.
  4. Eat and drink something warm.Hot drinks and soup help, and cooking warms the kitchen. Never use the oven or stove to heat your home.

Keep the heat you already pay for

  1. Block drafts at doors.A door sweep or draft stopper, or a rolled towel, stops cold air at the bottom of outside doors.
  2. Seal windows.Weatherstripping and plastic window film kits are cheap and go on with tape and a hair dryer.
  3. Use your curtains.Close curtains and blinds at night. Open them on sunny days to let the sun warm the room. Thicker, insulated curtains help most.
  4. Close off rooms you don't use.Shut the doors and spend time in one or two warm rooms, unless your system's maker says not to close vents.

Use the thermostat wisely

  1. Turn it down at night and when you're out.The Department of Energy says turning the thermostat back 7–10°F for 8 hours a day can save up to about 10% a year on heating and cooling.
  2. Keep vents and radiators clear.Move furniture and curtains so heat can get into the room, and change a dirty furnace filter.

Where to find these cheaply

Check discount and big-box stores first, and look for auto shut-off on anything that heats. If you'd rather order online, these links open Amazon search results so you can compare prices:

Partner links: As an Amazon Associate, Bill Help Now earns from qualifying purchases. It costs you nothing extra and never changes our advice. How we make money.

Stay safe

The U.S. Fire Administration says heating is the second leading cause of home fires. If you use a space heater, keep anything that can burn at least 3 feet away, don't plug it into an extension cord, and turn it off when you leave the room or go to bed. Never heat your home with an oven, stove, grill or generator: they can cause fire or carbon monoxide poisoning. Make sure you have working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.

Need help paying for heat?

Apply for LIHEAP heating assistance early (call 1-866-674-6327 or dial 211), check your state's winter shutoff rules, and see programs for all 50 states and Washington, DC.

Want it all on paper?

The Hard Month Kit adds printable call scripts for your utility, a hardship letter and a 30-day cash plan.

The Hard Month Kit · $9Free Budget Starter

We sell these. They never change the advice above. How we make money.

Sources

Checked October 13, 2026. Programs change their rules. Confirm with the program before you rely on a date or amount. Found something wrong? Email help@billhelpnow.com.

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