The Cheapest Ways to Heat Your House

A Practical Guide to Staying Warm Without Breaking the Bank

Heating your home is essential during the cold months, but it can quickly become one of the most significant expenses on your utility bill. For many households, especially during winter or in colder climates, heating costs can skyrocket. Fortunately, there are numerous low-cost and energy-efficient methods you can use to keep your home warm without spending a fortune.

In this guide, we’ll explore the cheapest ways to heat your house—from simple lifestyle tweaks and smart tech to alternative heating systems and insulation hacks. Whether you rent a small apartment or own a large home, there’s something here to help you save money while staying cozy.

1. Seal the Leaks: Stop Heat From Escaping

One of the most cost-effective ways to reduce heating costs is to stop heat from escaping your home. Heat loss through windows, doors, and other openings can significantly increase your energy bill.
DIY Fixes:

Weatherstripping: Apply weatherstrips around windows and doors to seal gaps. It’s cheap, easy to install, and effective.

Caulking: Use caulk to seal cracks and gaps in walls, baseboards, and exterior seams.

Door Draft Stoppers: Draft snakes or door sweeps can stop cold air from sneaking in under doors.

Cost: $10–$50

Potential Savings: Up to 20% on heating bills

2. Optimize Your Thermostat Settings

If you have a programmable thermostat—or are considering getting one—using it wisely can dramatically cut your heating costs.

Best Practices:

Lower your thermostat by 7–10°F while sleeping or away from home.

Keep it at 68°F when you’re home and awake. Every degree lower can save about 1% on your heating bill.

Smart thermostats like the Nest or Ecobee can learn your patterns and optimize heating efficiency.

Cost: $0 for manual use; $100–$250 for smart thermostats

Potential Savings: $100–$180 per year

3. Use Space Heaters Strategically

If you spend most of your time in one or two rooms, using a space heater instead of central heat can be much cheaper.

Tips for Efficient Use:

Use an energy-efficient ceramic or oil-filled heater.

Choose models with thermostats and timers.

Never leave them unattended or use them while sleeping.

Cost: $30–$100

Potential Savings: Up to 50% of heating cost if you only heat a small zone

4. Leverage Sunlight: Nature’s Free Heater

Natural sunlight can provide a surprising amount of heat, even during winter.

How to Maximize Solar Gain:

Open curtains on south-facing windows during the day.

Close them at night to trap heat inside.

Consider using thermal or insulated curtains to retain heat.

Cost: Free (or $20–$100 for insulated curtains)

Potential Savings: Modest but cumulative—up to 10% energy savings

5. Layer Up and Embrace Warm Clothing

This might seem obvious, but it’s often overlooked. Wearing warm clothes indoors allows you to keep your thermostat lower.

Essentials:

Fleece jackets, wool socks, thermal underwear, and hoodies

Heated blankets or mattress pads for sleeping

Slippers and rugs to reduce cold floors

Cost: $0–$100 depending on what you already own

Potential Savings: Significant—lowering your thermostat by just 1–2 degrees

6. Use Your Ceiling Fan (In Reverse)

Most ceiling fans have a switch to reverse the direction of the blades. In winter, setting it to rotate clockwise helps push warm air down from the ceiling.

Why It Works:

Warm air naturally rises. By reversing the fan direction, you recirculate that warm air throughout the room.

Cost: Free (assuming you have a ceiling fan)

Potential Savings: 10% on heating costs

7. Block Unused Rooms

Why pay to heat spaces you rarely use? Shut doors to unused rooms and close the vents (if safe to do so) to redirect heat where it’s needed.

How to Do It Right:

Use door draft stoppers to seal off rooms

Close blinds and curtains in those spaces to further trap cold air

Make sure your HVAC system can handle closed vents without overpressuring

Cost: Free–$20

Potential Savings: Up to 15% on heating bills

8. Insulate Your Home Better

Insulation is key for maintaining a comfortable temperature. While some insulation projects are major undertakings, many DIY-friendly, low-cost options exist.

Inexpensive Insulation Ideas:

Install foam outlet and switch gaskets

Add insulation to your attic door

Use thermal curtains or window film kits

Lay rugs over hardwood or tile floors

Cost: $50–$300 depending on the project

Potential Savings: Up to 30% on heating costs over time

9. Install a Pellet Stove or Wood Stove

If you live in a rural area or have access to inexpensive wood or pellets, these stoves can be an efficient and cost-effective heating method.

Why They’re Cheap:

Wood and pellets are often cheaper than electricity or gas

Modern stoves are highly efficient

You can heat large areas with a single unit

Initial Cost: $500–$3,000 (higher up-front but lower operating cost)

Potential Savings: Substantial over time, especially in colder climates

10. Make Use of Oven Residual Heat

After cooking, leave your oven door open to allow the residual heat to warm the kitchen (as long as it’s safe to do so).

Caution:

Do not use your oven as a heater. It’s unsafe and inefficient.

Only use residual heat after turning it off

Cost: Free

Potential Savings: Minor, but helpful as a supplemental heat source

11. Switch Energy Providers (Where Applicable)

If you live in a deregulated energy market, you may be able to shop around for cheaper electricity or gas rates.

What to Do:

Use comparison tools to find lower-cost providers

Look for fixed-rate plans to avoid price spikes

Ask about renewable energy options (which can sometimes be cheaper)

Cost: Free

Potential Savings: Varies widely—anywhere from 5% to 25%

12. Consider Radiant Floor Heating for the Long Term

While not the cheapest upfront, radiant floor heating can be extremely efficient, especially in well-insulated homes.

Pros:

Comfortable, even heat distribution

Lower long-term operating cost

No air movement = better for allergies

Initial Cost: $5–$15 per square foot (can be done room by room)

Potential Savings: Lower monthly bills compared to forced air systems

13. Heat Pumps: Modern Efficiency

Heat pumps have come a long way. Air-source heat pumps are now efficient even in cold climates and use less energy than traditional heating systems.

Benefits:

Dual-purpose (heating and cooling)

Long-term savings on electricity

May qualify for tax credits or rebates

Cost: $2,000–$8,000 (initial install, with government incentives)

Potential Savings: Up to 50% compared to baseboard or furnace heating

Bonus: Community Resources and Assistance

If heating costs are a major burden, don’t hesitate to look into community programs for help.

Where to Look:

LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program)

Local nonprofit energy assistance programs

Utility company payment plans or rebates

Cost: Free

Potential Savings: Potentially thousands in aid or free upgrades

Conclusion: Combine and Conquer

There’s no one-size-fits-all solution to heating your home cheaply. The best strategy is a combination of methods that suit your living situation, climate, and budget.

Here’s a quick action plan:

Seal leaks and insulate your home.

Lower your thermostat and use smart controls.

Wear warm clothing and use space heaters in occupied rooms.

Leverage sunlight, ceiling fans, and residual heat.

Explore upgrades like pellet stoves or heat pumps if you can afford the investment.

With a thoughtful approach and a few strategic changes, you can drastically cut your heating costs—and still stay toasty warm all winter long.