With winter approaching, it’s time to ensure your home is primed for the chilly months. These DIY hacks will help you boost insulation, stay warm, and save on energy costs—all while maintaining style and comfort.

1. Weatherproof Outdoor Faucets and Furniture

Drain hoses and outdoor water sources, and cover with a foam cover to prevent freezing and damage. For a more robust solution, install a frost-proof hose bib or upgrade to an insulated system like Aquor’s Water System, which provides a freeze-proof solution that protects your pipes from winter damage.

While you’re outside, make sure to cover patio furniture with weather-resistant tarps or bring them indoors to extend their lifespan and avoid costly replacements come spring.

2. Seal Drafty Windows and Doors

Weatherstripping or foam tape around doors and windows is an easy way to keep cold air from sneaking in. For a simple DIY solution, add draft stoppers or even rolled-up towels at the base of doors to seal out the chill.

For more robust insulation, consider Duck Brand’s Window Insulation Kit, which provides a clear, extra layer that keeps warmth in while cutting down on heating bills.

3. Clean and Service Heating Systems

Dirty filters restrict airflow, making your system work harder and less efficiently. Change furnace filters regularly to keep your heating system running efficiently. This is essential for reducing energy costs and extending the life of your system.

Ensure vents and registers are clean and unobstructed by furniture or rugs to maintain even heating throughout your home.

4. Bring Some Heat…to Bed!

If you want extra warmth as temperatures dip, try adding a heated mattress pad like the Sleepme Chilipad, which lets you set your ideal bed temperature for a cozier night’s sleep. With adjustable settings, it’s perfect for a range of preferences—no need to crank up the entire house heat when your bed is this comfortable.

5. Add Cozy Layers with Rugs and Curtains

Rugs are more than just decor; they insulate floors and trap heat, making rooms feel instantly warmer. You can even consider layering rugs like we did at Pinhoti Peak!

We got these from Rugs.com and they have tons of options that add warmth, style, and comfort to any room.

Thicker curtains can also insulate windows and reduce heat loss. Opt for heavier materials like wool or thermal-lined fabrics to keep warmth in and cold out.

6. Insulate Your Water Heater and Pipes

Use foam pipe insulation to prevent freezing in colder areas, which reduces the risk of burst pipes and costly repairs. For water heaters in colder areas, adding an insulation blanket can help reduce heat loss and energy costs.

And if you’re already considering a new water heater, check out Rheem‘s reliable options designed with energy efficiency and performance in mind.

7. Check Your Roof and Gutters

Clearing gutters and removing any built-up debris can prevent water from backing up and freezing, which can lead to ice dams and potential damage.

Make this task a 2-for-1, and go ahead and install holiday lights or Govee permanent outdoor lights, so you’re ready for the season and avoid multiple trips up the ladder!

8. Add Insulation to Your Attic

Proper attic insulation is one of the most effective ways to retain warmth and lower heating costs. Adding or upgrading insulation can make a substantial difference, especially if your attic is under-insulated. If you’re in need of an upgrade, check out this quick video of Chip explaining how Owens Corning Pink Next Gen insulation makes it easy to keep the warmth in and the cold out with DIY-friendly options!

9. Prepare an Entryway Mudroom

A winter-ready entryway keeps snow and mud contained and helps keep the rest of the house clean.

Add boot trays, mats, and hooks for coats.

Consider DIYing a storage bench to hold gloves, scarves, and hats, ensuring that all your winter essentials are close at hand.

10. Optimize Lighting for Shorter Days

With winter’s shorter days, it’s time to brighten up the home. Swap out dim bulbs for bright, energy-efficient LEDs, which last longer and consume less energy.

For a cozy ambiance, add string lights or flameless candles to create warmth and style during winter evenings. We recently found these magical hanging candles on Amazon, and they’ve been a huge hit. Our kids (who happen to be Harry Potter fans) love the fact they come with a magical wand, and we love that it’s a fun install that works for Halloween and all the way to Christmas!

Worried about keeping your car running like a champ this winter? Don’t miss our ultimate guide to winterproofing your ride—read it now and hit the road with confidence! 🚗❄️

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*Housekeeping Note: The products featured above are compensated placements and this post may contain affiliate links. We may earn a small commission when you make a purchase through one of our links at no additional cost to you. We only recommend products we have personally used and while some of the pics and stats may come from the manufacturer, all of the tips and opinions are our own.