When temperatures plummet and winter storms sweep across the region, staying comfortable can feel like a delicate balancing act. You want to protect your family’s health and shield your home from costly damage – all without letting your energy bills spiral out of control. So what temperature is truly safe and efficient during the big freeze we’re experiencing right now, and how can you winter-proof your home to withstand the cold?

HVAC experts say there’s a 'Goldilocks' zone – not too hot, not too cold – that balances comfort, safety, and energy efficiency. Staying within this range protects vulnerable parts of your home, like pipes and unheated spaces, while reducing the risk of hidden damage to your heating system. It’s not just about comfort; it’s about keeping your home warm and protected during extreme cold.

The ‘Goldilocks’ Temperature for Health and Safety

For most homes, maintaining a steady temperature between 68 and 70°F is ideal. Kevin Goude, HVAC expert and owner of First Choice Heating & Air, explains that while 68°F is standard, poorly insulated areas or drafty windows often feel more comfortable at 70°F. This extra warmth helps protect basements and exterior-facing pipes from freezing. When preparing your home for a freeze, he also recommends prioritizing rooms with plumbing, such as kitchens and bathrooms, especially if your home has a zoned heating system.

Robert Hamerly, CEO of GreenSavers, agrees that steady warmth is key. He notes that while lower temperatures can save energy, keeping your home within 68 to 72 degrees actually reduces overall energy use. For unoccupied homes, he suggests setting the thermostat to around 50°F – cool enough to save on bills, but warm enough to protect pipes and plants.

Maintaining the best temperature for a thermostat in winter isn’t just about comfort. A 2018 WHO study found that maintaining minimum indoor temperatures is crucial for protecting elderly people, children, and individuals with chronic conditions during cold seasons.

Steady warmth also protects hidden systems, such as water heaters and HVAC ductwork, that run through unheated spaces.

Goude explains that if temperatures drop too low, condensation can form inside ducts, which can lead to ice blockages, mold growth, or reduced airflow when the freeze thaws.

How to Keep Your Home Warm on a Budget

Keeping a home above 68°F doesn’t mean cranking the heat. Simple strategies can make a big difference. Sealing gaps around windows and doors with weather stripping (Duck Brand Heavy-Duty Weatherstrip Seal at Walmart) and using thermal curtains helps trap warm air inside. Closing doors to rooms you’re not using focuses heat where you actually live. Regular ductwork maintenance ensures heat reaches every room efficiently, as blockages or missing insulation can lead to uneven heating and energy loss.

Other practical adjustments include removing vent covers, servicing your HVAC system, and maintaining your water heater. Using a smart thermostat allows you to maintain the Goldilocks zone without over- or under-heating, helping to save both energy and money during a freeze.

Keep Your Home Safe and Comfortable This Winter

Maintaining your home between 68 and 70°F during a big freeze is about more than comfort – it protects your health, your home, and your energy bills. To keep your home in the Goldilocks zone, remember these key tips:

• Seal drafts and insulate – Use weather stripping on doors and windows and thermal curtains to keep warm air in.
• Focus heating on used spaces – Close doors to unused rooms so warmth stays where you need it most.
• Maintain ductwork – Check for blockages, missing insulation, or leaks to ensure heat is distributed efficiently.
• Service your heating system – Regular HVAC and water heater maintenance keeps your system working effectively.
• Use a smart thermostat – Maintain steady temperatures without over- or under-heating, saving energy and money.

‘Keeping your home at a steady, safe temperature isn’t just about comfort – it’s about protecting your family, preserving the house itself, and avoiding hidden costs or damage that often go unnoticed,’ says Kevin Goude, HVAC expert and owner of First Choice Heating & Air. ‘A reliable, consistent warmth creates peace of mind: you know your pipes are safe, your heating system isn’t overworking, and your home is ready to weather even the coldest days.’

FAQs

How Cold Is Too Cold for a House?

For a home that’s being lived in, temperatures below 62°F are generally considered too cold, as prolonged exposure can increase the risk of cardiovascular and circulation issues. From a structural standpoint, extended periods below 50°F put your home at higher risk for problems like frozen pipes, condensation, and mold growth.

Is It Safe to Leave the Heating On All Night During Freezing Weather?

When temperatures stay below freezing for an extended period, it can be beneficial to leave the heating on a low setting overnight or program it to come on intermittently. This helps maintain a consistent indoor temperature, protecting both your home and the people inside, especially vulnerable residents like the elderly and young children.

Last week, my boiler broke down on the coldest day of the year in my region so far. As temperatures plummeted, so did the heat on my radiators. I needed a solution – and fast.

Luckily, one of my kindly neighbours let me borrow their Dyson Hot+Cool™ Jet Focus Heater and Fan, available from Dyson, and it's fair to say I was more than a little impressed.

It doesn't come cheap, but it kept my home warm all day, even with my boiler out of action, and was a saving grace during my heating emergency.

This Dyson Heater Kept Me Warm During Freezing Temperatures and a Heating Outage

All prices were correct at the time of publication.

Right now, where I live, heating is essential. But, during my heating outage last week, I found myself having to turn to alternative things to keep myself warm at home with a broken boiler.

Sure, layering up and putting on my slippers did make a difference, and a hot water bottle is always a welcome addition on a cold day. But, in my drafty home, I desperately needed something that could keep my house warm without turning up the heat.

And, if there was one stand-out star of the show that truly fit the bill, and made me toasty despite the heating being out, it was the Dyson Hot+Cool™ Jet Focus Heater and Fan, available at Dyson.

I've often dreamed of using and owning this particular product from Dyson, and, while I do have to return mine to my neighbour, I'm now fully sold on buying one as an investment, even with a price tag that's just shy of $500.

Almost instantly after turning it on, my open-plan living room-kitchen space was noticeably warmer. After half an hour, the whole space was evenly filled with warm air, which makes sense as the clever Air Multiplier technology amplifies airflow up to 15 times.

It also comes with a remote control to conveniently switch between 10 different settings, and you can even set a sleep timer to turn off at preset intervals, from 15 minutes to nine hours. It will also automatically switch off if it tips or gets knocked over.

Plus, the heater runs so quietly it was no distraction at all in my space, and it looks good, too, with a bladeless design that's effortlessly easy to clean.

Therefore, it's no surprise that our home tech editor, Dan Fauzi, is also enthusiastic about what I'm now deeming the best type of space heater that money can buy.

'I've tested heaters before, and one thing I absolutely love about Dyson's designs is that they understand airflow,' Dan explains. 'These heaters are expensive, but they manage to circulate air around large rooms so quickly and effectively that instantly it feels worth the spend. And as this model can also cool you down, you're investing in a stylish, high-quality device that's useful all year.'

Yes, that's right – this Dyson model will also help you to keep a home cool in summer, too, offering fast, powerful cooling and long-range projection in any room of your home, whether you need to keep a bed cool in summer, or keep a kitchen cool, for example.

So, to me, this investment is a no-brainer. I can't deny that it comes at a premium price, but as it performs as a premium product with year-round functionality, I can't argue with it either.

What to Shop

If you've experienced a broken boiler more than once, keep an eye out for these common signs that your boiler needs replacing, and the things that are working your heating system harder than necessary.

Outdated heating myths not only spike your bills for no good reason, but they won't keep your house warm or make you more comfortable this winter.

From cranking the thermostat when the temperature dips outside to closing vents in unused rooms and lowering the settings during the day, our HVAC and energy pros reveal the enduring heating rules that no longer serve modern homes and will only work against you.

Don't waste money this winter using old rules, and instead keep your house warm with wallet-friendly and planet-friendly tips from the experts.

The Outdated Heating Myths to Swap for Modern Rules, for Modern Homes

After saying goodbye to the 66° Fahrenheit rule in my home for two months, and seeing pesky window condensation disappear and my family's comfort rise without our bills spiking to match, it got me thinking about the other heating 'rules' we've inherited, which don't serve our modern homes or needs.

This is especially relevant when intensely cold weather systems, such as the Arctic air outbreak, sweep across the US.

HVAC technician and founder of Air Conditioner Lab, Josh Mitchell, says, 'A lot of old heating advice still floats around because it made sense decades ago, when homes had poor insulation, single-pane windows, and inefficient furnaces.

'But newer homes are tighter, systems are smarter, and energy use doesn’t behave the same way. Here are a few heating habits that don’t hold up anymore, and what to do instead.'

1. Setting the Thermostat and Leaving It All Day

In bygone decades, boilers coped better with steady temperature settings rather than dynamic heating. Now, modern homes across the US are largely equipped with better heating systems, as well as advanced insulation, windows, and building materials that keep heat indoors.

Josh explains, 'This heating myth came from the idea that keeping a steady temperature avoids wasting energy. It made sense with older boilers that took forever to ramp up.

'But modern systems heat faster and cycle efficiently. Leaving it at 72°F all day means you’re heating empty rooms. Use a smart thermostat and set it to lower temps when you’re sleeping or out.'

'Dropping the temperature 7-10 degrees for eight hours saves around 10 percent on your bills a year.'

I tested this myself after having a smart thermostat installed, similar to the Nest, available at Amazon last winter, and the clever technology constantly checked my indoor temperature and switched the heating on and off to maintain steady temperatures 24/7. The result was a saving of 100s of dollars over the course of winter and constant comfort.

2. Turning the Thermostat Way Up to Heat Faster

I remember watching my mother crank up the heating whenever we had a particularly cold day in our 1920s home, but I also remember my father loathing the enormous bills that came with heating that drafty old house.

Josh says nowadays, turning the heating all the way up does nothing but stress the system and waste energy.

'This one’s pure psychology,' Josh explains. 'Furnaces and heat pumps don’t blow hotter air just because you set the thermostat to 80°F. They run at the same output until the target is reached. You’ll just overshoot and waste energy. Set it to the temp you actually want and let it run.'

Blocking drafts under doors with washable stoppers and filling gaps with crackproof and weatherproof silicone, both available from Amazon, around your windows to stop drafts will actually make you feel warmer by curbing chilly air sneaking in, and hot air leaking out.

I did this myself with a doubley-drafty entryway that led straight into my open-plan living room and immediately felt the benefits. It also stopped my smart thermostat from needlessly cycling on because of the cold air near the front door, which was causing cold spots and uneven heating upstairs.

3. Closing Vents In Unused Rooms Will Save Money

This outdated heating rule only puts pressure on heating systems and creates hot and cold spots.

Josh says, 'This myth came from thinking you could “redirect” airflow where it’s needed. But closing vents increases static pressure and throws off system balance. It can even cause short cycling or duct leaks.

'A better fix is zoned heating or installing dampers to control flow properly. At the very least, leave doors open and let air circulate freely.'

Closing vents only puts extra stress on your system, leading to unnecessary repairs.

Dean Mahmoud, CEO of EcoGen America, adds, 'Many homeowners assume closing the vents of unused rooms in a house will lower their heating bills by reducing the amount of heated space. This concept came from older houses with gravity-fed furnaces or window unit heaters that could be physically isolated to save fuel.

'But modern central forced air systems use a balanced loop system and require a certain amount of airflow to function properly. Closing all of your register vents increases the static pressure in the duct system and makes the blower work extremely hard to overcome this increased resistance.

'Excess pressure will most likely cause duct leaks to increase in size or rupture, causing the paid-for heat to be blown into attics and walls instead of the living space that was intended.'

Dean reveals that his team often sees early failures in customers' blower motors and increased energy bills due to this outdated practice, rather than the intended savings they hoped for.

'For your ventilation system to breathe as intended by the manufacturer,' Dean adds, 'you need to allow all of the vents to stay open.'

4. Using Fireplaces Without Adjusting Your Heat

I recall the thrill of lighting our fireplace in our childhood home, and it was the perfect way to make our large living room feel cozy. But I also recall the absolute chill I felt, stepping out to the rest of the home, as often, the thermostat was lowered to conserve energy when it was lit.

Misusing your heating when your fireplace is in use will not help in a modern home.

Josh explains, 'People assume running a fire saves money. But traditional fireplaces often suck warm air out of your house through the chimney, especially if the central heat is on. That pulls cold air in from outside to replace it.

Ethan Heine, who has worked in the energy industry for decades and leads Sun Trek Solar, a solar power company, adds, 'Turning off the central heater while you are enjoying the fire will probably reduce how much electricity your central heater uses, but, conversely, the drawback is that fireplaces pull the warm air inside your home and dump it outside via the chimney, so any rooms opposite the one with a lit fireplace will probably see very little to no warm-up effect from the fire.'

He advises thinking of your fireplace as a means to add some extra warmth and ambiance to your home, and let your central heating system do its job to maintain a consistent temperature in all areas of your home.

Ethan adds, 'Make sure to close the damper completely after each fire to prevent the loss of warm air through the chimney.'

There are ways to get more heat from your fireplace, but always clean it regularly, as well as your chimney, to avoid a buildup of flammable natural materials that can become a fire risk.

Adding a creosote cleaning log, available from Amazon, to one in every forty fires you light in your fireplace will help break down and remove the flammable buildup.

5. Ignoring Airflow and Filter Changes

Sometimes, it's the lack of heating upkeep that can hinder your family's comfort at home over winter and in extreme cold weather snaps. Ignoring vital winter home maintenance tasks, such as cleaning your HVAC system and its components, can lead to costly damage over time.

HVAC tech Josh explains, 'Some people treat airflow like a non-issue. But blocked returns, dirty filters, and blocked radiators all reduce efficiency. If your filter is dirty, your furnace runs longer and wastes energy.

'I always tell people to check filters monthly and replace them every one to three months. Make sure vents aren’t blocked by furniture or rugs either.'

Air vents can gather dust and be prone to mold, so make sure they're on your schedule to check and clean.

Allowing moisture channels – space around furniture and between it and the walls – will reduce the risk of mold in your house by improving ventilation and reducing the spots in which mold can settle and thrive.

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Meet the Experts

Outdated heating habits cost people comfort and money, with modern HVAC systems responding better to smart schedules, balanced airflow, good ventilation, and minor adjustments that match how you live day to day.

These tweaks don’t take much effort, but they stop a lot of waste and help you be more sustainable at home, whilst cutting your energy usage and costs.

As I write this, I am wearing the thickest pants I own, wool slippers, a thermal vest, and I have a heating pad across my lap.

These are just some of the emergency comforts I am swearing by right now, as we await a heating engineer to come and fix our broken boiler. It broke down over the weekend, on one of the coldest days of the year in my region.

That means no hot water or working radiators in my house. But I am not alone, as January is the peak month for boiler breakdowns due to the frigid temperatures and heightened system usage.

But there are still ways to stay warm at home all day, and in a pinch, it’ll carry you and your household through shiver-inducing conditions until your boiler is back working.

Why Do Boilers and HVAC Systems Break In January?

The extra usage of our boilers and HVAC systems over the colder months wears components faster, and can cause some to contract in extreme cold. This puts extra strain on an already-busy system, leading to faults and breakages and leaving homeowners with an emergency heating repair issue to fix.

This winter breakdown risk increases with the age of your boiler, according the the Orange County Chamber of Commerce.

Tom Orr, CEO at Northwest Exteriors, a home maintenance company, explains, 'January tests heating systems to their core, day and night, in the coldest part of the year. Continual operation exposes weak points, such as worn igniters and leaking blowers.'

Since technician demand is always highest during the coldest months, there may also be a significant delay in how quickly an engineer can come to you and fix the problem.

Tom adds, 'Calls for service are heightened during cold snaps, as marginal systems buckle around-the-clock use and demand spikes during cold waves.

'Crews respond to no-heat calls, frozen pipes, and emergency repairs. Appointment schedules are more difficult to get, and response times are higher due to the high number of urgent calls. It’s not that January is "bad" by itself; it’s simply when the stress test becomes unavoidable.'

I have indeed found this to be true with my boiler breakdown, as we have been running it constantly since November. We found that there is a four-day delay until a suitable technician can come out to us. As I am disabled and have chronic health conditions that are adversely impacted by the cold, and a sick child at home, we have been prioritized; otherwise, it would have been a five-day wait at best.

So if you are finding yourself in a similar situation, here’s what you can do to keep your house warm during the day without heating, and at night, so you can sleep well until your technician is on hand to fix what is likely a common heating problem.

1. Layer Up Your Clothing and Bedding

Putting one layer of clothing or bedding on top of another traps air in between. This will create a natural insulation space from your body heat and help you feel warmer and more comfortable.

I am currently wearing four layers of clothing on my upper body and a long hooded blanket hoody, available for fast delivery from Amazon, which is incredibly warm and comfortable without making you sweat.

Mark Carter, home maintenance expert with Homevisary, adds, 'This is the right instinct, and most people underdo it. The key is layers, not bulk. Multiple thin layers trap air between them, and that's what actually insulates you.

'Wool and fleece are better than cotton because they retain warmth even when damp from body moisture. For bedding, add blankets underneath you, not just on top. You lose a lot of heat to the mattress. And here's one people forget – cover your head. You lose significant heat through your head, and while a wool cap indoors may feel silly, it works.'

Adding a bubble faux fur throw from Wayfair, or an electric blanket and fleece bedding set (both available from Amazon Prime with fast delivery), will really help increase your comfort overnight.

2. Use Electric Heaters to Raise Ambient Temperature

An energy-saving portable electric heater, such as the Dreo Ceramic Compact Heater from Lowe's, will use electricity to pump warm air into a room. It’s not a whole-house fix, but it’s very good for raising the temperature of the area immediately around you, and won't cost too much to run. This particular one also has eight layers of safety features built in to help curb the risks of use that can arise.

Mark explains, 'Electric heaters work, but you need to be careful. Space heaters are involved in about 1,600 house fires a year, according to Consumer Product Safety Commission data.

'Never use extension cords with them and plug directly into wall outlets. Keep them three feet from anything that can burn, including curtains, bedding, and furniture. Never leave them running when you leave the room or go to sleep. Look for models with tip-over shutoff and overheat protection.'

To further avoid the risk of fires, put yours on a flat surface to avoid it tipping over, and do not leave it running whilst you’re out of the room or house. The National Fire Protection Association says most fires caused by heaters happen when they're left unattended.

The pros are that these appliances are usually lightweight and easy to carry from room to room, as your day and activities at home change, and most will have a thermostat and auto-shut off function, too.

It's better to pick a room or two to keep warm, Mark adds, so don't try to heat your whole house with them.

3. Use Electric Blankets for Zone Heating

Zone heating isn’t just about the room you’re in. You can use electric blankets to heat your body up. As someone in chronic pain, I use mine year-round to soothe my achy joints, but they’re brilliant for lying across your lap or legs, across your lower or upper back when seated, and for warming up chilled bedding before getting in at night.

I have tested many different ones, and my favorite is the Deepsoon heat pad from Amazon, which has six heat settings and can be set to run from 30-120 minutes at a time.

Mark adds a few tips for safe usage. He says, 'Electric blankets are more efficient than space heaters for keeping yourself warm because you're heating your body directly rather than heating air that then escapes.

'They're also great for sleeping, but inspect them before use and check for frayed cords, cracked plugs, or any damage. Don't fold them when they're on because that can cause overheating in the folded areas. And don't pile heavy blankets on top of an electric blanket, as that can trap heat and create a fire risk.'

4. Mind Your Internal Doors

It’s a heating myth that shutting internal doors will help keep the heat in. This was the case decades ago when inferior heating systems were used in US homes, but now, with the majority of heating systems able to work better to control overall house temperature, keeping internal doors open will help you avoid cold spots, even without your system running.

However, when your boiler is out, whether or not you should shut internal doors depends on your strategy. Mark explains, 'If you're trying to heat the whole house with whatever warmth you can generate, yes, keep doors open so air circulates.

'But if you're trying to keep one room warm with a space heater, close that door and keep the heat concentrated. Most people in a heating emergency should pick one or two rooms to live in, close those off from the rest of the house, and focus their heating efforts there.

'Any warmth generated from your body heat, cooking, and space heater will stay better in a smaller space. Think of it like camping in one room of your house.'

5. Keep Windows and Blinds Shut to Conserve Heat

Unless the sun is shining directly into a room, trap the ambient heat inside by drawing curtains and closing shutters.

I know the sensation of feeling claustrophobic if your window treatments are not open in the daytime, so in my small home office, where I am currently working, I have closed the shutters, but turned on all the lights and lamps here.

Mark adds, 'Yes, you should close everything. Windows are major heat loss points. Close your blinds, the curtains, and hang blankets over windows if you have drafty ones, as the cold will radiate right through the glass.'

He agrees on the exception to the rule, adding, 'If you have south-facing windows and it's a sunny day, you can let sunlight in during peak sun hours to get some passive solar heat, then close everything back up before the sun goes down.'

For instance, my primary bedroom is south-facing, giving me direct sunlight there till the early afternoon. You can keep north-facing rooms warm with the same principle, but usually in the late afternoon.

Finding what works for you is as important as fending off the cold when your heating has stopped working, especially if you're waiting a while for a technician. Mark Carter adds, 'If your boiler dies in January, you're competing with everyone else whose boiler also died that week. Wait times stretch out. Emergency call fees go up.

'It's just supply and demand. The technicians who are available are running from job to job all day, and they have to prioritize the most urgent cases, like elderly folks, families with infants, and houses where pipes are at risk. Everyone else waits.'

6. Plug Drafty Doors with Makeshift Blockers

Even if your HVAC repair technician is coming soon, it’s still worth investing in draft stoppers for doors, available at Amazon, and internal doors, as this will decrease your energy bills in the long run by stopping cold drafts from pushing into your home or hot air escaping out.

I have had great success stopping the cold drafts at my front door with a stick-on foam draft stopper from Amazon.

Until it arrives, you can use a makeshift draft-blocker by tucking items you already have in the gap. Mark suggests, 'Roll up towels, stuff them along the bottom of exterior doors. If you have gaps around door frames, tape over them with painter's tape or even newspaper and tape. The goal is to stop cold air infiltration. Every bit of cold air that sneaks in is heat you're losing.'

You can also use coats, throws, and blankets.

'Check around windows too, as old windows especially leak air around the frames,' Mark adds, 'Plastic sheeting taped over windows works if you have it. Some people use a shrink-wrap window insulation kit, but if you don't have one, garbage bags and tape will do in a pinch.'

We have several expert guides on draft-proofing that you may find helpful in the short and long term, which will help improve the energy efficiency of your house:

• Draft-proofing doors without ugly strips.
• Draft-proofing a living room.
• Draft-proofing a garage.
• Draft-proofing a kitchen.
• Draft-proofing a basement.
• Draft-proofing a bathroom.
• Draft-proofing a sunroom in winter.
• Draft-proofing an entryway.
• Weather-proofing windows.
• Places sneaky drafts hide in homes.

7. Use Your Oven to Cook Meals

Ovens produce a lot of heat, but don’t keep it all inside the appliance. A lot of it moves out into the surrounding space, so you can enjoy a higher ambient temperature in your kitchen, or if you have an open plan space, multiple living areas at once.

Plus, eating well will keep your energy levels up in the cold; we burn more calories and run out of ‘fuel’ quicker. You can also cook multiple tray bakes in one go, so you make the most of the electricity used to heat the oven.

Energy expert of MD Energy Advisors, Christine Ciavardini, says, 'Make the most of dinner time if your boiler is broken. After you’ve cooked and turned off your oven, leave the door open and enjoy the residual heat. It’s a great way to take the chill out of the house.'

There is an important rule there: To only open up the oven door and enjoy that extra heat once your oven is off.

Mark explains, 'Never leave the oven door open with it running. Gas ovens, especially, can build up carbon monoxide, which can kill you. What you can do safely is cook a meal, and after you're done, and the oven is off, crack the oven door open a little to let the remaining heat escape into the room.'

Always make sure you have a carbon monoxide monitor to detect spikes in the odorless and dangerous gas. The Kidde one from Amazon has a low battery indicator as well for double safety.

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Meet the Experts

You can also quickly put your windows into winter mode and insulate your outlets to stop cold air from sneaking in. Apart from the discomfort of a cold house, there are other risks to keep in mind till your system is fixed.

Tom Orr, home maintenance pro, adds, 'Frozen, burst pipes are the biggest risk, especially in exterior walls or unheated areas. Colder temperatures for longer can further harm finishes, floors, and other long-term materials from material shrinkage as well as moisture in the air.'

If the temperature in your house remains low after the boiler fix as per the outdated heating standard, to keep energy costs low, bear in mind that the heat escaping from your property can cause moisture and condensation, which increases the risk of mold.

If you always find yourself waking up with a stuffy nose, sore throat, and dry mouth in winter, you are not alone. It isn't always seasonal germs; it is likely to be caused by dry air in your home, and especially your bedroom/

That trio of uncomfortable symptoms is why winter air can quietly sabotage your sleep. Too little moisture in the air can irritate airways and skin, which is why HVAC experts say maintaining the right humidity level is just as important as setting the correct thermostat temperature.

This is the best humidity level to sleep better and wake up feeling refreshed in winter.

The Best Humidity for Sleep in Winter

Cold air holds significantly less moisture than warm air, which is why your house feels so dry in winter. While heating your home can help to alleviate some of the symptoms throughout the day, many of us turn our heating off overnight or lower the thermostat to help cut energy bills or avoid waking up sweating. The result is dry air irritating our noses and throats for around eight hours, night after night.

For a comfortable night's sleep in winter, you want to aim for a relative humidity of between 40-50%, explains Josh Mitchell, HVAC technician and owner of Air Conditioner Lab, with the ideal humidity for a home generally being between 30-50%. Anything lower can irritate, while anything higher will make it more difficult to prevent mold.

Josh explains, 'Dry winter air pulls moisture from everything. Skin, bedding, and even hardwood floors shrink and creak. The biggest sleep issue I see is nasal drying. Once the sinuses dry out, people wake up congested or with mild nosebleeds. Some even snore more because of swollen nasal tissue.' This is most prevalent in humidity below 30%.

'With forced-air heating running most of the night, I’ve seen the humidity fall by 10 to 15 percent while we sleep,' he shares. 'My kids used to wake up with dry noses and mild congestion before I started tracking and balancing it better.'

Beyond mild discomfort, Dr. Chelsie Rohrscheib, head sleep expert and neuroscientist at Wesper, adds that poor sleep quality related to dry air can also 'increase sleep fragmentation, insomnia, and worsening symptoms of sleep disorders like sleep apnea.

'Additionally, dry airways increase the risk for viral and bacterial illnesses of the upper respiratory system, which can further impact sleep quality,' she adds.

How to Maintain the Best Nightime Bedroom Humidity in Winter

So, how do you balance the perfect thermostat setting for sleep with the right humidity without creating a breeding ground for mold?

The simplest answer is sleeping with a humidifier on, Josh says. 'I use a cool mist ultrasonic humidifier [such as the Dero Humidifier from Amazon] and a $12 digital hygrometer [available at Target] to keep track.

'I run it for about eight hours each night, filling the tank before bed. If the humidity climbs above 50 to 55 percent, I scale it back or shock-ventilate the room for five minutes in the morning. That helps prevent condensation on windows or mold near cold corners.'

In a pinch, you can also sleep with your bedroom door closed to help trap moisture overnight. Just be sure to ventilate the room and air out your bedding in the morning to help get rid of musty bedroom odors.

You can also invest in a Karcher window vacuum from QVC to beat window condensation caused by elevated heat loss on cold surfaces in winter. This can prevent pooling water from causing mold around your window frames.

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Meet the Experts

Does the cold winter air leave you shivering? There are plenty of ways to keep warm in bed in winter that won't have you waking up in a tangle of sheets.

Plus, turn up your thermostat to the new heating standard meant for modern homes and HVAC systems. It will banish window condensation, keep your household comfortable, and surprisingly, won't spike up your bills. We've tried it, and it really works.

As the bitter winter weather starts to bite and temperatures outside plummet further, it’s natural to want to crank your thermostat up even higher to keep up. In the past, this is exactly what I have done.

But HVAC pros warn this outdated heating myth is actually spiking your bills for no gain, and in fact, only wasting energy. That's why I've stopped adjusting my smart thermostat and letting my HVAC system work in tandem with it as it should. We've been exceptionally comfortable for the last six weeks as a result.

Here, experts debunk the idea that dialling the thermostat up when it suddenly gets even colder outside will better keep your house warm all day, and reveal what to do instead to balance comfort and energy costs.

Why You Shouldn’t Crank the Thermostat Up When It Gets Colder Outside

Caleb Caviness, manager of AryCo, provides HVAC, electrical, and plumbing services and often warns his clients about outdated heating rules, as they can potentially destroy parts or a whole system.

One myth, Caleb explains, is that you need to increase the thermostat setting at home because it’s suddenly colder. He says, ‘Most people will turn the heat up when it gets colder than it usually is outside. The reason why this might not be a good idea is that in some areas, such as North Texas, most homes use heat pumps, which are good for slow, sustained heating.

‘When you increase the thermostat by more than 2-3 degrees, the system triggers an auxiliary heat system, which usually consists of heat strips. These strips are essentially a giant toaster for your attic, and they use 3-4 times more electricity than the pump and cost you hundreds on your electricity bill.’

Instead, Caleb advises that you pick a temperature for your thermostat and leave it at that at all times. He adds, ‘Your HVAC system will adjust accordingly if the outside temperature drops below the usual outside.’

Avoiding unnecessary energy waste is better for the planet, too, and will help you be more sustainable at home.

Why Steady Temperatures Work, Even When Temperatures Drop Outside

Keeping your home at an ambient and comfortable temperature, such as the new heating standard of 68-70° Fahrenheit, around the clock uses less energy overall than a lower one. This is because modern homes with good insulation types are adept at keeping the heat in and drafts out, resulting in the JVAC system needing shorter run cycles.

I tested the new heating standard, which is recommended by the World Health Organisation to avoid respiratory illnesses in winter, in my home for the last six weeks and found that my bills have stayed the same, despite the temperatures plummeting outside over the last week.

Now it is snowing where I live, and my smart thermostat, which saves me money and my family’s comfort indoors, hasn’t budged. The only tweak we have had to make to sleep better since setting my smart thermostat up from the outdated 66°F heating rule is to dial down the radiators in our bedroom from a maximum setting of six, down to two.

This has stopped our upper floors from overheating and disrupting our sleep, whilst also limiting how much hot water our HVAC system needs to pump through the upstairs radiators.

This one change has offset any rise in bills we might have expected, even through a recent snowstorm that otherwise would have chilled us to the core.

Josh Mitchell, HVAC technician and founder of Air Conditioner Lab adds, ‘There are a lot of heating “rules” people still follow that made sense years ago but don’t really work for modern homes, especially with current energy costs.

'Turning the thermostat way up to heat the house faster is still very common, but it doesn’t warm the house any quicker and usually just wastes energy.'

In conclusion, keeping your home warm doesn’t have to cause your bills to spike, and you certainly don’t have to turn up the dial just because it is now colder outside in January than in most other months of the year.

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Staying warm in cold snaps is just one part of the bigger picture for winter fuel needs.

Prepping your home for an emergency, snowstorm, or power cut could prove to be a lifesaver in an emergency, as well as knowing how to heat your home in an outage.

With snow weather warnings sweeping across the US, it's estimated that over 22,000,000* people are currently under winter weather alerts. So, how do home experts prepare for snowy weather?

Here, they share their top tips on preparing your home for a snowstorm, from draining and disconnecting outdoor hoses to opening cabinets and attic doors.

The 3 Rules Home Experts Always Follow During Snow Weather Warnings

*According to the CNN Winter Weather Warnings Advisories Tracker.

1. Drain and Disconnect Any Outdoor Hoses

The one rule that Josh Mitchell, HVAC expert and founder of AirConditionerLab, always follows when snow is in the forecast has to do with maintaining a garden hose and stopping pipes from freezing.

'I drain and disconnect any outdoor hoses,' he shares. 'If you leave a garden hose attached, the water in the pipe can freeze right behind the spigot, causing it to burst.

'You won’t notice until it thaws, and by then, you might have water running down the inside of your wall. It takes less than a minute to do and avoids hundreds of dollars in drywall and plumbing repairs.'

To do so yourself, Josh recommends using a solid brass hose splitter with shutoff valves, such as a Garden Hose Splitter available at Amazon, which lets you turn off water easily, without having to crawl behind anything or reach through landscaping.

2. Open Cabinets and Attic Doors to Allow Pipes to Stay Warm

Next, Travis Hargrave from Hargrave's Plumbing says that the one rule he always follows during snow weather warnings is opening cabinets – a clever way to keep kitchens warm without heating – and attic doors.

'Letting warm air into cabinets and attics offers more thermal protection to at-risk plumbing piping,' he explains. 'To follow yourself, first we have homeowners open their cabinets to allow warm interior air to heat their pipes.

'Once completed, we suggest opening your attic access slightly. This helps to protect any piping in your attic.'

For further protection, you should also insulate pipes in your attic space. Using foam pipe covers, available at Amazon, is the quickest and easiest way to do so. It's also advisable to insulate any crawl spaces, too.

3. Check Vents for Obstructions

Finally, says Eli Zimmer, CEO of Luxaire HVAC Services, the one rule he always follows when there are snowy weather warnings is checking all of his vents, as neglecting to do so is a home maintenance mistake never to make in winter.

'I literally just go around to all of my vents in each room and check each one,' he advises. 'I want to make sure that every single vent in my home is open and not obstructed.

'Even if you don’t mean to, sometimes things like shoes, or blankets, or pillows can accidentally get pushed or somehow find their way over to the top of a floor vent, blocking that warm air flow.

'Making sure that every single vent is open and nothing is blocking the warm air coming out is crucial for not just keeping the home comfortable but also making sure your heating system doesn’t have to work extra hard to keep things at the temperature you’ve set since there’s an obstruction.'

Therefore, this simple task will also help to cut energy bills, by avoiding any heating system mistakes.

Shop Our Snow Weather Warning Insulating Essentials

All prices were correct at the time of publication.

Meet the Experts

'These are five-minute tasks that stop way bigger problems,' says Josh. 'People skip them because they don’t seem urgent, but they quickly become expensive when ignored.'

It's also vital to avoid these heating mistakes making your house colder, and know how often you should shovel during a snow storm.

Sleep experts often recommend a cooler bedroom for better sleep, but in the dead of winter, there is such a thing as too cool for comfort.

This begs the question: Should you leave your heating on overnight when it's very cold outside in January?

According to HVAC experts and health professionals, there are some key benefits to keeping a home warm all day and turning up the heat even when you're asleep.

Should You Leave Your Heating On Overnight in January?

The short answer is yes, you should leave your heating on overnight in freezing weather.

Eli Zimmer, CEO, Luxaire HVAC Services, explains, 'A rule you should never follow is turning your heating system off completely at night. The idea behind this is that when you are sleeping, you don’t need temperatures to be as warm, plus you can save money.

'Those things are true, and you can accomplish them – but you shouldn’t turn off your heater completely at night to do so. This was more common back in the early-mid 20th century because central heating wasn’t as efficient as heating systems are today.'

While the perfect thermostat setting for better sleep is usually on the cooler end, Josh Mitchell, HVAC technician and owner of Air Conditioner Lab, explains, 'When it drops below 20° Fahrenheit outside, I tell people to leave the heat on overnight. Not just for comfort, but to avoid damage and stress on the system.'

Even if you are tucked up snug in bed using the hotel method to stay warm, allowing your property to become too cold can result in frozen pipes, dampness, and mold.

'Even if you're used to turning down the heat at night, you still want the indoor temperature to stay above 65°F,' Josh advises. 'For houses with older windows or plumbing along exterior walls, going below that invites frozen pipes. I've repaired frozen copper lines in kitchens where overnight temps inside hit the low 50s. Those repairs cost hundreds.'

Although heating just the bed and not the whole house is one way to cut energy bills at a particularly expensive time of the year, Josh explains that the cost of potential repairs is a far scarier prospect than the small increase in running costs.

'Running the heat overnight at 66°F tends to use only about five to seven percent more energy than turning it off completely. But the tradeoff is worth it,' he says. 'The system does not need to work overtime to reheat the entire house in the morning, which can add 30 to 45 minutes of runtime on colder days. That’s when the extra wear and tear builds up.'

To help lower heating costs in winter, Josh suggests setting your nightly thermostat two to four degrees lower than your daily temperature. 'In homes with babies, the elderly, or anyone with breathing issues, I keep it at 68°F at the lowest. At night, your body temperature drops, and colder rooms can disrupt sleep or trigger wheezing for those who are sensitive,' he adds.

The World Health Organization advises the new heating standard of 68-70°F in the winter to reduce the risk of respiratory illnesses. It also helps reduce the winter risks to the elderly, infants, and chronically ill.

When our Head of Solved, Punteha van Terheyden, recently tested the new heating standard in her home for six weeks, she found illness frequency and duration of her household reduced, window condensation disappeared, and energy bills did not rise, despite the heating running overnight. This was because the heating cycles are shorter in a warmer house, and she had to also turn the bedrooms' radiators down, which meant less hot water was used.

If you are concerned about running the heating unnecessarily, you can invest in a smart thermostat, such as the Honeywell Home Smart Thermostat from Best Buy. These devices will turn the heating on only when your home drops below a set temperature, helping you to heat your home only when it needs it, thereby preventing energy wastage.

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Maintaining your heating is one of the most vital parts of successfully winterizing your home.

To conclude, Josh warns, 'Turning the heat off completely during cold snaps isn't worth the risk. You lose more by reheating cold drywall, floors, and air than you save. It's not just about the air temperature. It's about the whole house structure needing to warm back up again.'

North-facing rooms can feel perpetually chilly, especially during damp winter months. Even with the heat on, moisture in the air makes these spaces feel colder and clammy, leaving you reaching for extra blankets just to stay cozy.

Experts say the quickest way to solve this problem is surprisingly simple: A dehumidifier. By removing excess moisture from the air, they work to make your heating system more efficient without having to turn it up.

The best news? It only takes about 30 minutes before bed to notice the difference. Here is how to make the most of this quick hack.

How a Dehumidifier Makes North-Facing Rooms Feel Warmer

To begin, it is important to note that even the best dehumidifiers do not make a room cooler or warmer. While they use fans, they are not designed to change the actual temperature of the room.

Rather, a dehumidifier draws excess moisture out of the air. As a result, the air is easier to heat, making it easier to keep a home warm all day while cutting energy bills.

Tamer Sayed, a heating expert and the owner-operator of Tamas Mechanical, explains, 'Drier air feels warmer than moist or humid air. During winter, turning on the dehumidifier helps the heater by removing the moisture in the air and the coldness that it brings. North-facing rooms receive minimal sunlight compared to others. They're colder and more humid as a result.'

When controlling humidity in a house, you want to aim for around 30-50% humidity. This will make a home feel warmer without turning up the heat, without your home feeling dry and without leaving your house open to the risk of mold.

When to Run a Dehumidifier to Help North-Facing Rooms Feel Warmer

To create the perfect bedroom sanctuary in a damp-feeling north-facing room, run the dehumidifier for at least 30 minutes before you go to bed. This will help to remove the 'clammy' feeling while making the room feel warmer.

If you don't mind the low-level noise, it can also be helpful to run a dehumidifier as you sleep, so as to prevent mold. Use the built-in timers and humidistats on a dehumidifier to ensure it turns off before your room becomes too dry; however, to avoid irritating your airways as you sleep.

Otherwise, you should run the dehumidifier at any signs of damp, says Eli Zimmer, CEO at Luxaire HVAC Services. 'If your home has a lot of “damp chill” or you notice some condensation on your walls during the winter, a dehumidifier can help with that,' he explains.

It’s also worth noting that running a dehumidifier can complement other measures to improve indoor air quality. Opening windows briefly on dry days (known as shock ventilation), using extractor fans in bathrooms and kitchens, and checking for leaks or damp spots can all work in tandem with a dehumidifier to create a healthier home.

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A cozy bedroom also relies on the best bed sheets to make a bed feel luxurious. Paired with the chic hotel method, you'll never want to get up on chilly winter mornings.

I live in a very old, poorly insulated home, which is a nightmare to heat. This is only made worse by the fact that the radiators are so spread apart that there are several cold spots, especially in my open-plan living room, which always leaves me shivering.

Tired of having to wear six layers indoors every winter, I finally turned to HVAC professionals for the fix. Their suggestion? Improving airflow – the very opposite of what I had been trying to keep heat in.

This is why boosting air flow can actually help to make heating more efficient, rather than hinder it, and how to make the most difference, even in a rented home.

How I Evened Out the Temperature in My Drafty Home

For the longest time, I have closed all the internal doors and blocked off spaces in an attempt to keep heat inside the rooms I was using most, such as my living room and bedroom. However, according to Josh Leclair, HVAC expert, master electrician, and owner of Village Home Services, this is the exact opposite of what I needed, and is actually one of the many things making your heating system work harder.

He explains, ‘Uneven heating usually comes down to airflow problems, duct limitations, drafts, or thermostat placement. When airflow is weak because vents are blocked, filters are dirty, or ducts run long distances, distant rooms warm up more slowly.

'Leaky ducts or drafty windows and doors can also make certain rooms feel colder than others. Warm air naturally rises, so upper floors often run hotter while lower rooms stay cool, and thermostats placed in poor locations can misread the actual temperature in the home.’

Josh suggests that the best place to start is with simple airflow fixes, for which there are a few options. ‘If you are a renter, these are fixes that you can probably do without getting the property owner involved,’ he adds.

• Open doors: JJ Gomez, of Cool Kids AC, suggests, ‘When interior doors close, it traps air. Warm air will be trapped in one room, while cold air is trapped in the room next door. If you need privacy, keep the door cracked a few inches so air can still get around.’
• Unblock heating: Whether you have heat vents or radiators, the first task should always be to clear the area immediately around them to allow heat to escape into the room more easily – moving any furniture, avoiding curtains hanging over radiators by switching thermal blinds from Wayfair, and opening vent covers all help. This free trick makes radiators heat up faster, and ensures that your vents aren’t overworking, ramping up energy bills with little effect.
• Switch thermostats from auto, to on: For forced air HVAC systems, Brian White, commercial president at Accurate Heating, Cooling & Plumbing suggest switching your thermostat fan from auto to on can, ‘Help circulate warm air more evenly throughout the home and will result in the blower on your unit to run continuously, mixing the air more effectively, which will help even out the temperature differences between rooms and floors.’
• Run ceiling fans: You may think of your ceiling fan as exclusively for use in summer; however, just as there is a best fan direction to cool a room, you can use your fan running on low clockwise to push warm air back down into your room, Josh explains.
• Use plug-in fans: Finally, Josh says, ‘If cold rooms persist, register booster fans are a practical upgrade that requires no permanent changes. These small plug-in fans sit on top of your existing vents and actively pull warm air through ducts that struggle to deliver enough airflow. Popular models like the AC Infinity AIRTAP [from Amazon], Suncourt Equalizer [at Amazon], or SmartCocoon boosters [from Lowe’s] are easy to install, quiet, and typically include built-in sensors or speed controls. They work by reducing stagnant air in long or undersized duct runs and increasing the volume of warm air entering the room. They are not a full system fix, but they can noticeably improve comfort in the most stubborn rooms.’ For radiator systems like mine, you can also find smart radiator fans from Amazon to push warmed air around your room.

When to Call an Expert

While these renter-friendly fixes are ideal for cutting energy bills and improving efficiency, there are some instances where you may need to call the pros to help eliminate hot and cold spots in your home.

Josh warns, ‘When none of the easy solutions solve the problem, the issue may be more complex. An HVAC professional can test and balance the duct system, seal leaks, or improve return air paths, which often has a dramatic impact. Sometimes the true culprit is poor insulation or major heat loss, which a landlord may need to address. In rare cases, long-term fixes like zoning systems may be needed.’

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There are some common heating mistakes that make your house colder that you should address to help keep a home warm all day, too, or your boosting efforts won’t make a difference.

I spoke with HVAC professionals in November about how the 66°Fahrenheit heating standard is outdated, and why raising the thermostat to 68-70°F this winter will protect your home, health, and the planet in 2026 and beyond.

Since I like to put my money where my mouth is, I’ve been testing the updated advice from the World Health Organization in my own home, raising the thermostat from our previous constant temperature of 66°F to 70°F for the last five weeks. The results have been excellent, with my family consistently more comfortable, no more condensation on windows, and crucially, my bills have surprisingly stayed the same.

The new heating standard is a great way to not only stay warm all day, but also reduce the risk of illness and discomfort as temperatures continue to plummet through the grip of bitter winter. Up-to-date expert insights reveal that keeping your home a little warmer is not only healthier for its occupants but also means lower energy use overall.

The Changes I’ve Experienced at Home Since Turning the Heating Up

First, it’s important to note why the 66°F heating standard came to be. It began in the 1970s when there was an energy crisis, and the population was expected to help reduce the strain by turning thermostats down to 66°F.

HVAC pro Josh Mitchell, founder of Air Conditioner Lab explains, ‘That old 66°F guideline came out of the 1970s energy crisis. Energy costs were rising fast, so governments pushed for lower indoor temperatures to reduce demand. At the time, homes had weaker insulation, single-pane windows, and lots of air leakage. Comfort wasn’t the goal: Conservation was. The problem is that advice never evolved, even though buildings and heating systems did.’

Building materials and techniques were nowhere near as advanced as they are now, so all that happened at 66°F in the ‘70s was heat escaping through the walls, roof, and windows, wasting energy across the country and shortening supply further.

Now there are all different types of insulations, which are very effective, as well as improved building standards to make sure homes retain heat, or stay cool (both run on the same principles: Excellent insulation) all year round.

This means if you heat your home to the temperature the World Health Organization and many other health studies have proven to be better for your health and the planet, you will retain a constant, comfortable temperature indoors using less energy overall, and be less prone to illness.

Staying healthier is easier when your home is between 68-70°F, as low indoor temperatures impact how well the tiny cilia (hair-like structures) in your nose and lungs work, and these are vital in filtering out viruses and bacteria.

Multiple European studies, including a Cold Homes Public Health Review in Wales, UK, found homes heated to less than 64°F came with raised health risks, whilst the Marmot Review on fuel poverty found that it tripled the risk of illnesses such as respiratory infections in winter. This was particularly true for vulnerable groups such as the elderly, ill, and young.

HVAC expert Josh adds, ‘The World Health Organization now recommends a minimum temperature of 68°F for older adults and people with chronic illness. Studies have linked homes kept at or below 66°F with higher respiratory issues and more winter mold growth, especially in vulnerable households.’

I gave the new temperature standard of 70°F a try in my home for the last five weeks, and found that it brought a multitude of benefits. Here’s what I’ve learned and why I implore you to give the new heating standard a go. I'll definitely be sticking with it this winter and beyond.

1. My Family Has Felt More Comfortable Than Ever This Winter

After talking to HVAC pros and writing about the new home heating temperature standard in November, I immediately turned our smart thermostat up. Previously, I ran the heating constantly at 66°F because I worried about mold and high energy costs.

However, multiple newer studies, including the Marmot Review, have found that lower home temperatures leave people more vulnerable to illness, especially if they are already health-compromised, young, or elderly, prompting experts to warn that higher indoor temperatures are better for our wellbeing.

I fall into one of those categories as I am chronically ill, with a multitude of progressive illnesses that leave me in pain, limit my mobility, and wreak havoc on my immune and nervous system.

Since turning the temperature up, I have found it much easier to regulate my temperature, which is a daily battle otherwise due to my disautonomia (that is, dysfunction of your autonomic nervous system, which controls things you don’t think about, such as your body temperature, breathing, and more).

My daughter, who often picks up every virus going around at school, has been far less ill this December than in any other of her nine years of life. Last winter, her school attendance was low, at around 65% due to constant illnesses, and this winter, it’s been 95%. Whatever viruses my daughter did pick up this winter were passed in a couple of days rather than taking up to 10 days.

This is a correlation, of course, but it is quite coincidental timing, isn’t it? This is especially important with the very virulent strain of flu going around, and US cases rising by 25% in the last week alone. We have also been sleeping comfortably and no longer huddle under fluffy throws in the living room in the evenings to stay warm.

There’s been a marked and significant improvement in our comfort that cannot be overstated.

HVAC pro Josh adds, ‘69-70°F is where most people actually feel comfortable. In homes I’ve worked in, once the thermostat moves from 66°F to around 69°F, complaints about feeling cold usually stop. That small change matters more than people expect, especially for anyone sitting still for long periods.’

My husband and I both work from home in our small home office, and that extra comfort with boosted heating at home has meant my fingers are no longer cold and difficult to type with throughout the day.

2. My Windows Are No Longer Covered in Condensation Every Morning

Previously, I had to wipe off condensation from our bedroom windows every morning. If we were air-drying laundry overnight in the living room or kitchen, the windows there were covered in condensation, too. It didn’t take too much time to deal with, as I used microfiber cloths and shock ventilation techniques, but still, it was a hassle every morning, and crucial to prevent mold.

Since turning the temperature up to test the new heating standard, the condensation on our windows has disappeared.

HVAC pro Josh Mitchell explains, ‘At lower temps, indoor humidity hits the dew point faster on cold glass. In testing I’ve done, raising the indoor temperature from 66°F to 70°F reduced morning window condensation by roughly 50-60%. Less moisture on windows also means less mold risk around frames, curtains, and nearby walls.’

You can use an affordable hygrometer from Walmart to keep an eye on your home's indoor humidity. The ideal humidity for a house is 30-50%.

Our Bills Have Not Risen Despite the New Heating Standard

Our newly built three-bed semi-detached house is all electric, and our bills have not budged from the usual $240 I pay monthly. I think we’re a particularly good example of why the previous heating standard really is outdated now, and the new heating standard should be between 68°F–70°F in winter.

Our walls and roof have excellent, high-tech insulation, meaning whatever heat is circulated in our home stays in our home. We also have well-sealed and fitted windows, so there are no rogue drafts there. I took care of the underdoor draft from our front door, meaning the comfortable 70°F has been very easy to maintain.

Josh says, ‘Your energy bill staying flat lines up with what I see. In all‑electric homes, each degree of heat usually adds around two to three percent in energy use. But when insulation and air sealing are decent, higher set points often lead to shorter heating runtimes and fewer recovery cycles. That offsets the increase. The system doesn’t have to fight temperature swings all day.’

I will add that in our bedrooms, we have felt a little hot overnight, so we've turned down the radiators from full blast to just 2/6.

Josh confirms this definitely saves on energy costs, adding, ‘Turning bedroom radiators down from 6 to 2 absolutely saves energy. It limits water flow, prevents overheating in small rooms, and lowers return temperatures. Bedrooms often hold heat overnight from bedding and body heat, so running radiators full blast there is wasted output.’

Ventilating the house and refreshing our air has been much easier and less impactful, too. Before, when I did shock ventilation for five minutes to refresh the air somewhat, the room felt positively cold afterwards for a number of hours.

Now, I am able to open windows or the door to the backyard for 10 minutes without the entire house feeling like an ice cube.

Josh adds, ‘Ventilating is easier when starting at 70°F instead of 66°F. This means you can open windows for 10 minutes without dumping the whole-house temperature. That clears cooking smells, moisture, and stale air without forcing long heating recovery cycles.’

This is better for your home, wallet, and the planet.

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As Josh sums up, ‘Most people stick to the old rules, thinking they’re saving money, but that’s often not the case with modern heating systems.’

I’ve tested the new heating standard, and it really is beneficial for your home, health, and the planet. You can also implement other tweaks to make winter more comfortable, including moving your bed a few inches to feel warmer as you sleep.

If your radiators clank, your furnace hums, or your vents rattle when the heat kicks in – you shouldn’t just grin and bear it. Noisy heating systems are more than just annoying; they can be a sign of inefficiency or worn parts that make your system work harder and cost you more in the long run.

Luckily, there are five simple fixes that HVAC experts recommend you try to easily restore peace and keep systems running smoothly.

Here’s how the pros silence heating systems for good so you can stay warm without the racket, and make heating more efficient.

How to Fix Noisy Heating Yourself

Before you can silence your heating system and cut energy bills, you need to work out why your home heating is making noise in the first place.

According to our HVAC pros, five common sounds might keep you up at night – this is how to fix each for a quieter, warmer night’s sleep.

1. Whistling HVAC Vents

Whistling or hissing from HVAC vents is one of the most common noise complaints, and can usually be explained by a blocked vent or duct, according to Tim Alagushov, COO of IRBIS Air, Plumbing & Electrical.

Tim says, ‘Check and ensure that all your vents and registers are open and not blocked by furniture, drapes, holiday decor, or blankets. Also, check that your air filter is clean. If everything appears to be in order after these DIY checks, and you continue to hear the hissing or whistling sound, contact your HVAC provider.’

This vacuum hose attachment and dryer brush, from Walmart, can also help you to clean dust and debris from your heating vents to improve efficiency, remove blocks, and reduce burning smells.

2. Rumbling Furnaces

If the noise is coming from your furnace or boiler, it may be a build-up of sediment or scale on your heat exchanger, explains David Miloshev, appliance tech, licensed electrician, and HVAC expert at Fantastic Services.

He says, ‘Over time, minerals in water deposit on the heating surfaces. This causes a rumble or kettle-like boiling noise. In this situation, you can’t do much without tools, and it is usually a sign to call the pros, but you can help to reduce the strain in the system yourself in the meantime.

'Lower the system temperature slightly. If you’re familiar with system drains, you can drain a small amount of water from the boiler to flush the sediment. However, only do this if you’re confident and can safely shut off the boiler. Full descaling is a professional job and can wait until spring if the heating is still effective.’

3. Rattling Ductwork

In the case of rattling ductwork in your HVAC system, David continues, ‘The cause is usually loose sheet metal or fasteners vibrating when air moves through. This is often because of age or expansion. Locate the vibrating section and apply metal HVAC tape [from Lowe’s], but not regular duct tape, to stiffen or seal seams.’

Banging might also occur as the ducts heat, the metal contracting when cold and expanding as it comes into contact with warm air. This is normal, but Davic suggests you can limit the noise by ‘insulating the outside of the duct with adhesive-backed duct insulation [also available at Lowe’s] to reduce movement noise.’

It might also be worth checking that the heat vent cover is secure, Kevin Goude, owner of First Choice HVAC, adds. ‘Start by removing the vent grille, tighten any loose screws, and preferably add a strip of foam tape or weatherstripping [available from Walmart] along the edge to cushion the metal and stop the vibration completely.’ It helps to have a multi-head screwdriver, available at Walmart, on hand, too, for quick DIY fixes like this.

4. Gurgling Radiators

If your radiator system is gurgling or bubbling, there is likely trapped air in the system. Luckily, Scott Levene, VP at Levco, explains, ‘Bleeding radiators is simple and releases the trapped air to stop the noise and improve efficiency.

'You can do this by turning off the heating and waiting for it to cool down. Place the towel and bowl under the bleed valve, then insert the radiator key [spares are available at Walmart] and turn it counterclockwise. A hissing sound indicates that air is escaping, so monitor the water flow and ensure it is steady before turning the key back clockwise.’

5. Banging Radiators

If your radiators are banging or knocking, on the other hand, Kevin warns that it may be a pressure issue.

He explains, 'Most homes with hot-water radiators have a pressure gauge near the boiler. When it’s cold, it should sit around 12 to 15 psi – if it’s higher, let a little water out through a radiator valve, but if it’s low, top it up using the filling loop.

‘You should always let the system cool first before checking or adjusting the pressure,’ he adds. ‘When the heating is running, the pressure naturally rises as the water expands, so readings won’t be accurate.’

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There are several other things making your heating system work harder, too, that you should address asap to save money at home.

During winter, it's understandable that a desire for cozy, comfortable nights might tempt you to crank up your thermostat. However, according to our HVAC pros, the perfect temperature for better sleep is likely lower than you think.

In fact, between 65 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit is the sweet spot, with this setting also helping to lower your energy bills at the same time.

Here, our HVAC pros share everything you need to know about the ideal room temperature for serene sleep and savvy savings.

The Perfect Thermostat Setting for Better Sleep

While designing a bedroom for better sleep, the temperature to set your thermostat to might not be your first consideration. But, explain our HVAC pros, get it right, and you'll likely find yourself sleeping better, quickly.

Josh Mitchell, HVAC expert and founder of AirConditionerLab, advises, 'I've found 65 to 70°F is the best range for most people to sleep well. Your core body temperature starts to drop about an hour before sleep. If your room stays too warm, it interferes with that cooling process and makes it harder to reach deeper sleep stages like REM and slow-wave sleep.

'Studies from the National Institutes of Health and the Sleep Foundation both point to 66-68°F as the range with the fewest sleep interruptions. In sleep clinics, 65-67°F is common.'

Fatemah Farahan, a licensed psychotherapist, founder of Farahan therapy
& Associates, and the author of Wired For Happiness, available at Amazon, agrees that, when it comes to sleep, cool, fresh air can help, especially as lower temperatures support the natural drop in body temperature that occurs with sleep.

'Ideal bedroom temps are around 60-67°F – think brisk but cozy,' she says. 'That sweet spot encourages our bodies to settle into the deeper, restorative sleep phases. Plus, fresh air can help reduce stuffiness, which benefits respiratory health and can improve overall sleep quality.'

How to Achieve the Ideal Room Temperature for Sleep

So, to hit this ideal range and avoid any thermostat mistakes, Josh recommends turning your thermostat down 30 to 45 minutes before bed.

'That gives your system time to adjust without blasting cold air as you're falling asleep,' he explains. 'With smart thermostats, you can also schedule it to warm back up 20 minutes before wake-up so you're not stepping into a freezing room. That balance improves sleep and prevents overheating during long recovery cycles overnight.'

And, as Nick Barber, co-founder at Utilities Now, adds, according to the Department of Energy, this can actually help to cut energy bills, too, saving as much as 10 percent annually on your heating bill. 'In the evenings, reducing the temperature right before bedtime not only conserves energy but can help you sleep more soundly as well,' he assures.

In addition to setting your thermostat, Josh also suggests moving your bed placement to stay warm at night, away from any exterior walls or windows, and using thermal blackout curtains and plastic window insulation film, such as the Frost King Plastic Shrink Film Indoor Window Insulator Kit available at Walmart.

'Both help reduce heat loss by around 10 to 15 percent overnight, based on testing I've done with blower doors and thermal cameras,' he says. 'If you want to stay warm without raising the air temperature, I suggest heated mattress pads over electric blankets. They're safer in the long term and more efficient because the heat is trapped beneath your body.

'I've measured a 3°F drop in room temperature when switching from full-room heating to just a mattress pad, with no loss of comfort. It's a simple way to cut energy use while still sleeping warm.'

And, while Fatemeh is a big advocate for opening windows in winter, and sleeping with your bedroom door open, and windows open, she adds that, if it gets down to freezing, it's best to keep the window shut.

'If room temps dip below that ideal range, our bodies work to stay warm, which can disrupt our ability to fall into deep, restful sleep,' she explains. 'Waking up shivering isn’t exactly a recipe for a great night’s rest. Not to mention, chilly air can be irritating for those with asthma or allergies.'

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If you're still hot, should you sleep with the fan on overnight? Our experts say yes, you can, but it's worth knowing the risks before you do.

This winter, I'm finding it more tricky than ever to stay warm at night. Being home for the holidays, where my bed is directly under a large window with another directly opposite, and no other suitable spot for my bed, a cross-breeze chill is almost entirely unavoidable.

Short on time to start draft-proofing my bedroom ahead of Christmas, I realized there was one simple fix I was somehow forgetting – the heated mattress pad that got me through four years of college in frosty Edinburgh, Scotland.

Here, our HVAC pro explains why this addition is one of the easiest, most affordable ways to keep warm while you sleep, and I can attest to, personally.

This 1 Simple Bedroom Tweak Keeps Me Cozy All Night

Even with the heating turned on to keep my home warm all day, I was still finding myself going to sleep and waking up chilly. Night after night, I piled yet more blankets on top of my comforter, which still wasn't enough, and was making my cozy bedroom look chaotic. That's when I remembered my old heated mattress pad, languishing in a storage box, and haven't looked back.

As Josh Mitchell, HVAC expert and founder of AirConditionerLab, says, 'If your heat is already running and you're still cold at night, the problem usually isn't the thermostat, it's the bedding setup.'

This couldn't be more true in my case, as without being able to move my bed a few inches to make it feel cozier at night, my setup was inadequate.

'The quickest fix is switching to a fitted heated mattress pad instead of piling on more blankets,' Josh advises. 'Not a heated throw. Not an electric blanket. A properly fitted pad.

'It warms you from underneath, so the heat stays where your body is instead of escaping into the mattress. Most people don’t realize how much warmth they lose downward, and a pad solves that in minutes.'

I asked Josh for his top recommendation, and he recommends the Sunbeam Heated Mattress Pad available at Amazon.

'It’s safe, consistent, and has dual zones if you share the bed,' he explains. 'I run it for 30 to 60 minutes before bed and shut it off once I get in. The heat stays trapped under the covers for hours. It works even better if you layer flannel or jersey cotton sheets over it.'

I particularly like the Eddie Bauer Alpine Plaid Cotton Flannel Green Comforter Set available at Wayfair, which is machine washable.

I've found pre-heating my pad and turning it off when I get into bed an absolute essential for cold winter nights, not only for that initial hit of warm comfort, but also to avoid overheating overnight. Turning it off before you fall asleep will also significantly reduce common fire risks.

'I also recommend checking where your bed is placed,' continues Josh, as moving your bed placement can help you stay warm at night. 'If it’s pressed up against an exterior wall, especially an uninsulated or north-facing one, that surface can sit at 50 to 55°F even if your room is 68°F.

'You’ll feel that cold all night. Move your bed to an interior wall, and you cut that heat loss right away. I’ve found that bedrooms feel three to five degrees warmer just from this one bed position shift.'

Unfortunately, as this isn't a possibility for me due to the layout of the room where I'm currently staying and the size of the bed, a heated mattress pad is my best bet.

'The same thing goes for cold floors,' adds Josh. 'Hardwood, laminate, or tile under and around your bed sucks heat from your body while you sleep. Toss a thick rug under the bed, or even fold an old comforter and lay it under the frame. You’ll sleep warmer without running the heater longer.'

Other fixes Josh recommends include hanging thermal curtains across windows to block cold air at night, checking vents aren't blowing directly on you, redirecting or partially closing them, and blocking drafts under bedroom doors with rolled towels or a door sweep, such as the M-D Building Products All-Season Door Sweep available at Amazon.

'If your bed sits above a garage or crawlspace, bump the heating pad’s runtime or add an underlayer like a wool blanket between the mattress and the pad,' adds Josh.

'Most people run their furnace all night trying to stay warm. With these tweaks, I’ve had clients cut their heating time by three to five hours nightly while sleeping warmer. The electric pad pulls about 60-100 watts, compared to 5,000+ watts for a gas furnace heating the whole house, so it pays off fast.'

It can help you to cut energy bills, too, as it's economical to run.

Now, with my heated mattress pad, I'm cozy when I get into bed, and, more importantly, cozy all night long. Truth be told, I still use my hot water bottle for ultimate comfort, but not because I need it – just because I want it!

Shop My Cozy Bedroom Essentials

All prices were correct at the time of publication.

Meet the Expert

There are also a few more cold-weather sleeping mistakes you might be making, from neglecting to switch to your winter duvet to sleeping under synthetic materials.

After three winters in my home, I have noticed consistent cold spots around it. My home office, in particular, is always freezing even when the rest of the house feels cozy.

Tired of typing with frozen fingers, I reached out to HVAC experts as a last-ditch effort to find a quick fix to eliminate hot and cold spots in my home – and the answer was surprisingly simple. Turning other radiators down can force a slow radiator to heat up more quickly.

It is the simple trick that requires next to no plumbing experience, but the pros warn that it could be a sign of deeper issues with your heating system. Here’s what they want us to know.

This Simple Radiator Trick Solves Cold Spots Instantly

There are a few free tricks to make radiators heat up faster, but turning other radiators down and the slower radiator up is one of the most effective, and is a great short-term solution for making heating more efficient and keeping a home warm without turning up the heat in the dead of already expensive winters.

Michael Zohouri, a retrofit and home improvement specialist, founder of Pyramid Eco, explains, ‘Turning the other radiators down reduces the demand on the system and helps push more hot water to the radiator that’s lagging. It’s a useful way to test if the radiator is being starved of heat because of how the system’s set up.’

More often than not, radiators will have a valve on one end of the radiator, making turning them up and down simple. Once the slow radiator has heated up and the room is warm enough, you can return the other radiators around the house to their normal levels.

Having some digital home thermometers from Walmart can help you to keep tabs on the air temperature across rooms, to help you achieve a better balance.

Balancing the System

That being said, having to do this often could be a sign that your heating system is unbalanced and your furnace needs maintenance.

Michael explains, ‘If you have to do this often, it’s usually a sign the system isn’t balanced properly. Most heating systems send more hot water to the radiators closest to the boiler, which means the ones further away can take longer to warm up.

'You balance your system by adjusting the lockshield valves so each radiator gets the right amount of flow. It takes a bit of time to get right, but once it’s done, all your radiators should heat more evenly.’

For this task, you will likely want to call a pro to ensure the system is balanced and functioning correctly. This can stop your heating system from working harder, cutting energy bills, and saving you money at home.

Beyond this, you might find bleeding a radiator can help, adds Eli Zimmer, CEO at Luxaire HVAC Services. ‘More often than not, that helps solve the problem because it gets rid of air pockets, which can be what is restricting that hot water flow.

'Start by just bleeding the radiator and running things as normal. If it’s still taking a while, then try the hack.’

You can find a multi-head radiator bleeding key at Amazon, to make this essential DIY skill every homeowner should know, easier.

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Trying these basic tasks is a great way to keep a home warm all day without having to call out a plumber for emergency repairs at the busiest time of the year. If these tricks do not work, however, it is always best to consult an expert to avoid damage to essential systems.

A fireplace is the ultimate cozy addition to a home, but all too often, some of that precious heat disappears up the chimney.

Luckily, home-heating experts say there are six quick tweaks you can make right now that will dramatically improve how much warmth your fireplace actually delivers inside your home. From simple airflow changes to small add-ons, these fixes can help to keep the heat where you need it most.

These are the best ways to make your heating more efficient when using your fireplace, and save money this winter.

6 Ways to Instantly Get More Heat From Your Fireplace

1. Keep the Surrounding Area Clear

We totally get the appeal of decorating your fireplace ideas to make your home look extra cozy, but putting things too close to your fireplace can impact how warm your home feels. Plus, it is a serious home fire hazard.

Eli Zimmer, heating pro and CEO of Luxaire HVAC Services, explains, 'Something that always helps is keeping the area around your fireplace as clear as possible. Anything placed in front of it or around it closely will block some of the hot air coming out, so make sure that furniture, for example, is placed around the edge of the room.'

This is especially important when adding your Christmas decor ideas, particularly your festive mantel decor ideas. Never hang anything directly over your fireplace to prevent accidents and aid better air flow.

2. Use a Fireplace Fan

One of my military dad's favorite tricks for keeping a home warm without turning up the heat is to use a fireplace fan from Amazon. These small non-electric fans sit on top of a wood-burning stove, and the radiating heat 'powers' it. It, in turn, pushes the hot air back into the room, rather than up and through the chimney. It also helps with directional heating. For instance, my dad points the fan in the direction of the room's door to help push some of the heat beyond the living room and through the house.

Arthur Kulchitskiy, designer and founder of JDI Construction, explains, 'These thermoelectric stove fans do not need batteries or electricity; they produce their own electricity through the thermal difference existing between their base and top fins. They will push the hot air into the room without making much noise.'

3. Run Ceiling Fans Clockwise

Ceiling fans are not just good for cooling a room with fans; they can also be great tools for recirculating heat, so long as you know how to differentiate between the best fan direction to cool a room and to heat one.

Eli says, 'Heat rises. Running your ceiling fan clockwise on a low speed helps to push warm air back downwards, catching any of that rising heat before it dissipates on your ceiling. It helps you to feel more of it

4. Use the Right Fuel

Picking the right fuel for your home heating type is essential to avoiding wasting heat (and to avoid damaging your fireplace). The most common type of fireplace for homes is a wood burner.

The best way to cost-effectively run a log burner, Arthur explains, is to use seasoned hardwood. 'The fuel you are burning makes a huge difference in British Thermal Units (BTUs). Just burning any old wood simply will not do.

'Seasoned means wood dried to a moisture content of less than 20 percent. Wet wood absorbs most of your fuel's energy in boiling off, creating steam, smoke, and creosote, the stuff of nightmares and trouble in your chimney.

'Oak, Maple, and Hickory woods are dense hardwoods and will provide more BTUs than pine wood, meaning you will get a better bargain for your money because they will burn hotter and longer. Oak wood burns approximately 24 million BTUs per cord compared with pine wood, which burns 15 million.'

You can find seasoned kiln-dried hardwood at The Home Depot. For convenience, you can then stack them neatly beside your fireplace for easy access. This black log basket from Wayfair is a chic addition for easy organization that keeps your wood off the floor.

Beyond that, learn how to start a fire in a fireplace correctly, too, to get the most out of your fuel to prevent waste and save money on heating.

Arthur continues, 'Our technique is Top Down Fire. Rather than building the kindling at the bottom, you start with your largest wood on a single level on the grate. Add smaller wood, kindling, and finish with your fire starter on top. The result is a much cleaner burn, from top to bottom. Smoke will be minimal, providing lots of heat without needing constant attention.'

5. Pick the Right Size Insert

When adding a fireplace to a house, it is vital that you pick the right-sized insert. Not only will this make the best use of the available space, but it will ensure the best chance of heating your home thoroughly, and it is safer, too.

Arthur explains, 'Seriously, if you want to cut your heating bill, this is the best investment you can make. A conventional fireplace has an efficiency rating of 10 percent. Most of the warming effect is simply lost going up your chimney. A high-efficiency insert is simply a heavy-duty wood stove or pellet stove right-sized to fit an existing fireplace opening. They can be constructed with a secondary burning chamber and a glass door.

'With this easy conversion, you dramatically increase your efficiency to over 70 percent. The insert burns fuel much more completely and also uses fans to pull cool air from your room over the hot metal surface of the insert. Then it blows this warm air back into your room, thus making your old fireplace a real heating appliance for your home.

'Look for an insert with an EPA certification. They will be more expensive in the beginning, but will pay for themselves with lower heating bills in a short span of a few years.' The Master Forge 2000-sq ft. EPA Wood Stove, from Lowe's, is a good example.

6. Install a Fireback or Heat Exchanger

If you have the budget, installing a fireback or heat exchanger is the best long-term fix for getting more heat from your fireplace.

Tamer Sayed, lead HVAC and furnace expert at Tamas Mechanical, explains, 'With any of these two, your fireplace can collect the heat that would have been lost and send it back into the room. A fireback is a thick metal plate that sits at the back of the fireplace and reflects heat into the room. In contrast, a heat exchanger actively captures heat from the fire and uses tubes or a fan to push warm air into the room instead of letting it escape up the chimney.'

You can buy heat exchanges, such as the AB Plate Heat Exchanger, from Amazon, Tamer says, but if you are not a DIY whiz, it might be a task to call a pro for. It is a more intensive fix than a simple fan, but it is a worthy investment for keeping a home warm all day throughout the colder months, and will benefit you, and keep bills down for years to come.

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Meet the Experts

As with any heating type, it also helps to know where to insulate your home to keep it warm all winter to make the most of the heat your fireplace generates.

As winter temperatures drop, many of us focus on sealing up windows and doors, but there is a tiny, overlooked spot quietly draining your heat and hiking your energy bills – Your outlets.

As small as they may be, these weak points are ‘basically holes in your walls’, heating experts point out. Luckily, they are quick, easy, and cheap to draft-proof, our pros assure.

Here is how the pros take under five minutes to create a warmer, more comfortable home.

How To Insulate Outlets

Knowing how and where to insulate your home to keep it warm often requires thinking outside the box.

Dan Cronen, HVAC expert at SupplyHouse, says, ‘An outlet on an exterior wall is basically a hole in the wall. Sure, it’s covered, but it is not normally sealed. Year-round, your heated or air-conditioned air will be bleeding through those gaps, and that is heat or AC you paid for.

'If you live in new construction, it likely will be sealed up pretty tight already, but the older and poorer insulated and sealed your home is, the more money that is seeping through the cracks.’

To instantly make heating more efficient and insulate your wall to lower bills, Dan suggests finding pre-cut insulating foam pads. They are available at all big box stores, he assures – for instance, the Frost King Weatherstrip Plates from Lowe’s for light switches, or the MD Building Products Outlet Foam Sealers from The Home Depot.

You do not need to do this for outlets on interior walls, just those that lead outside.

The Five-Minute Fix

Unscrew the cover plate, slip the appropriate gasket behind it, and screw it back on. It’s a do-it-once, last forever home improvement that will save you money from that moment on,’ Dan explains. It is probably best to turn the electrics off at the main breaker first, for safety. This multi-head screwdriver kit from Walmart will also help to remove the covers.

To really seal off drafts, Jon Gilbertson, HVAC expert and president at Chris Heating & Cooling, also suggests, ‘a bead of silicone around the outside of the box works great for stopping those tiny drafts coming through exterior-wall outlets.’

You can find top-rated GE silicone at Walmart. Jon adds, ‘When picking a foam insulating gasket, make sure it matches your outlet type so it seals fully behind the wall plate: Single, double, two-gang, or three-gang. Foam gaskets around 3mm thick block drafts much better than paper-thin ones.'

When it comes to the outlet itself, Dan then suggests investing in some child-proof outlet covers, available at Walmart. ‘You know, the ones you put in to keep little Johnny from learning about electricity the hard way with a fork in the outlet? Air can leak through the holes for the prongs on the plug as well, so those safety covers will close them up.'

If you have a newer home or replace your receptacles with tamper-proof outlets, they close themselves off when not in use, so you don’t need to worry about it.

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Meet the Experts

Adding insulation is a big part of keeping a poorly insulated home warm, but it isn’t the only upgrade worth investing in. Consider a smart thermostat to program the perfect winter heating schedule and avoid energy wastage that way, too.

With temperatures dropping even lower this week as we head towards Christmas, your bedroom might be feeling colder than ever. Not only is this uncomfortable, but it can also significantly affect your sleep, so how can you keep your bedroom cozy and comfortable without spending big on energy bills?

The key, say our HVAC pros, has nothing to do with your thermostat, radiators, or even your bedding. Instead, it all comes down to the position of your bed. Here, they explain this simple bedroom tweak to help you avoid any cold-weather sleeping mistakes.

This One Bedroom Tweak Will Boost Cozy Comfort

Designing a bedroom for better sleep often comes with the considerations of choosing colors to make a bedroom feel warmer, but, as lovely as they may look, these won't actually keep you warm while you sleep.

Instead, says Josh Mitchell, HVAC expert and founder of AirConditionerLab, it's all to do with where your bed is placed within your bedroom layout.

'Putting your bed against an exterior wall in winter makes the whole sleep setup colder,' he explains. 'That wall is always losing heat to the outside. Even insulated walls drop in temperature faster than interior ones.

'During chilly nights, I’ve measured surface temps of 45 to 55°F on exterior walls, while the air in the same room held steady at 68°F. So even if the thermostat is doing its job, your body is pressed against a surface that’s pulling heat away for six to eight hours.'

And, as Josh warns, 'That's the kind of steady heat loss that leads to poor sleep, cold wake-ups, and overcompensating with more blankets or space heaters.

'People often think the room is underheated, but the problem is radiant heat loss to cold surfaces. You lose heat not just through the air, but also to whatever your body is touching,' which can seriously hinder any efforts you've made to sleep better.

What to Do Instead

The simplest way to combat this and help you fall asleep faster and wake up more refreshed is to know exactly where a bed should be placed in a room.

Josh advises moving the bed to an interior wall, explaining, 'Interior walls are surrounded by conditioned space on both sides. They stay close to room temperature, usually within one to two degrees Fahrenheit of the air itself. That reduces heat loss through your back and head, keeps the sleep environment more stable, and stops those cold wake-ups around three or four a.m. when the house is at its coldest

'I’ve seen people move their bed just one wall over and cut their space heater use by three to five hours per night. That’s 50 to 70 hours of heating per month less, which translates into lower bills and better sleep.'

Glenn Cault, HVAC and air quality expert and CEO at Gault Heating & Cooling, adds that if you can't fully move your bed, even moving it just a little can make a big difference.

'Against an interior wall or diagonally in a corner formed by two interior walls are the two "warmest spots" of the room,' he advises. 'But even moving a bed just 12–18 inches away from a window and exterior wall can reduce the radiant chill you feel. Even double-pane windows and well-insulated walls feel colder than interior walls and pull away your body's heat even if you don't touch it directly.'

To further help cut energy bills, you can also:

• Use a heated mattress pad instead of a blanket: 'It warms you from below, runs at a lower wattage, and retains heat under the covers rather than losing it into the air,' says Josh. For this, we recommend the Sunbeam Electric Restful Quilted Heated Mattress Pad, available at Amazon, which is a number one bestseller. You can also use a hot water bottle for a more affordable fix.
• Lay down a thick rug or carpet if you have bare flooring: As Josh explains, even with central heating on, rooms with cold floors can drop two to four degrees Fahrenheit overnight. This is amplified in homes with crawlspaces or basements lacking in basement insulation ideas.
• Keep bedding breathable but layered: The best way to stay cozy is by layering natural materials, like cottons and wool. Then, you can add or remove layers as you need. You can also make bedding feel warmer in winter by opting for a higher tog duvet or adding a throw blanket. I've been testing and loving the Bedsure Gentlesoft 2-in-1 Comforter Set and Detachable Fluffy Blanket available at Amazon in this cold weather.
• Check your vent placement: 'I’ve been in bedrooms where the supply vent was working fine, but a bed frame was blocking the only return,' warns Josh. 'That traps warm air near the ceiling, leaving the lower half of the room freezing. If the air can’t circulate, no schedule or thermostat setting will fix the cold.'
• Use a programmable thermostat: As Chris Hays, owner at Local Roots AC and Plumbing, advises, 'A programmable thermostat is effective. You can temper the room 30 minutes before bedtime to ensure a comfortable temperature for the night's rest.' The Sensi Smart Programmable Wi-Fi Thermostat available at Walmart is a bestseller, and makes it easy to toggle your settings to the best thermostat setting for sleep.

Cozy Bedroom Essentials

Once you've moved your bed, these products are designed to bolster and boost warmth, and add some cozy comfort.

All prices were correct at the time of publication.

Meet the Experts

'A lot of heat issues aren’t about adding more heat – they’re about keeping what’s already there,' adds Josh. 'Switching walls is one of those low-effort, high-impact changes that people don’t think about until someone points it out.'

The hotel method layering trick is also a great way to stay cozy.

There is nothing worse than switching on your heating on a freezing winter's day and realising that your furnace is not heating as it should. A struggling system can leave rooms chilly, energy bills high, and your patience wearing thin.

You don't have to call a pro right away, however. There are some small things you can check first to fix the problem yourself.

These are the most common reasons your furnace isn't heating correctly, and what you can do about it to make heating more efficient and restore your comfort.

3 Common Reasons Your Furnace Isn’t Heating

1. Blocked Filters

Eli Zimmer, CEO at Luxaire HVAC Services, begins, 'One thing I would definitely check is the filter – if it hasn’t been cleaned or replaced in a while, there could be significant buildup which could then be prohibiting the furnace from working at its normal capacity.'

This is the simplest furnace maintenance check you can do as a homeowner to avoid breakdowns. You can find furnace replacement filters on Amazon in several sizes to suit any furnace, with next-day delivery, so you do not have to struggle to heat a home if the power is out for too long.

'You could also check and clean vents around your home,' he adds, 'to see if those need to be cleaned too, so that air is flowing out easily.'

2. A Dead Thermostat

There are several common thermostat problems that could be the cause of a furnace not heating properly, especially if the filters are clean.

Dan Cronen, HVAC expert at SupplyHouse, asks, 'Does it need new batteries? It will tell you if it does. What has changed around it? The thermostat has a built-in thermometer, and when it “feels” colder than the temperature you’ve set it at, it switches the heat on.

'If it’s picking up heat from all the Thanksgiving cooking, it will think all is warm and well. If a space heater is plugged in right next to it, that will throw off its reading. Even TVs and electronics put out enough heat to throw off a temperature reading, so if the kids just plugged in that new TV and Xbox they got from Santa next to the thermostat, it could be messing with your thermostat.

'If you do find that something is throwing your thermostat reading, just turn the temperature setting up. People get unreasonably attached to their number on the thermostat, forgetting that the point is to keep them comfortable. If it’s cold where you are but not at the thermostat, turn it up!'

Knowing where to put a thermostat and relocating it (especially if it's close to a built-in vent or radiator) can also help long-term. It is a simple thermostat mistake to avoid for a warmer home.

If you have a smart thermostat, such as the Google Nest thermostat from Amazon or the Honeywell thermostat from Best Buy, check that it is connected to your boiler and sending the correct signals to turn on and off. The brand troubleshooting page should be able to help you with this, depending on which model you have.

3. The Sensor is Dirty

Matt Gorbacz, founder and indoor air quality specialist at Clean Air Technologies, explains, 'Another common issue is a dirty flame sensor or dirty burners. When they get covered in dust, the furnace keeps shutting off early, and the heat doesn’t stay on long enough to warm the house properly.'

This is the result of a safety mechanism designed to shut the furnace off and prevent a gas buildup when it cannot detect a lit flame.

'Now, you can try cleaning a flame sensor if you know where it is,' Dan says. You can do this by removing the sensor and cleaning it with steel wool or a scouring pad from Amazon. 'However, if the furnace keeps short-cycling even after cleaning, do call in a professional, as you don’t want to mess with gas parts.'

When to Call an Expert

Dan warns, 'Beyond this, you get into more technical waters. Maybe the furnace is having problems coming on or staying on. Older units may have a pilot light that needs to be relit, but they stopped making them decades ago at this point, so that’s less and less common.

'Modern units will likely have a control board that will actively give you an error code if you know where to look and how to decipher it.'

If the three basic checks haven't solved the issue, it is always safer to call a professional and have your HVAC system serviced. This keeps both you and your home safe from potentially catastrophic damage.

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Meet the Experts

If your furnace is working, but your home feels cool, check your insulation and draft proofing to make the heat go further. Beyond that, try the free trick to make radiators heat up faster and unblock vents to keep your home warm without turning up the heat.

If you're looking for easy and affordable ways to avert drafts and keep your home cozy, you're probably familiar with window insulation.

And, for the job, there's no product more recommended and easy to use than the number one bestselling Duck Brand Window Insulation Kit, available at Amazon.

Here, we explain why it's one of the best ways to weatherproof your windows.

This Window Insulation Is the Best Way to Cover Windows for Winter

All prices were correct at the time of publication.

Using window insulation kits is a DIY draft-proofing solution we recommend time and time again, and one product crops up as recommended by pros more than all the others: the Duck Brand Window Insulation Kit, available at Amazon, and it's easy to see why.

For starters, using it is one of the simplest ways to prevent the sneaky ways drafts hide in your home, and one of the quickest, most affordable ways to insulate windows and tick off this all-important maintenance task to help lower your energy bills.

One box of shrink-to-fit window film can insulate up to ten standard-sized 3' x 5' windows, and there's no measuring required – simply cut to size and use a hairdryer to shrink the film, get rid of wrinkles, and increase the transparency.

You'll just need to clean your windows and let them dry completely before applying the film. We recommend doing so with a damp duster, available at Walmart, before following up with the Method Glass Cleaner + Surface Cleaner, also available at Walmart, paired with a microfiber cleaning cloth from Amazon.

Additionally, this insulation kit isn't only suitable for glass windows. You can also use it on painted or finished wood, aluminum, or vinyl, to help cut energy bills all around the home.

And, once the winter season is over, the window kit removes easily. Therefore, it won't ruin your window treatment ideas come spring and summer, either.

Therefore, it's no surprise that over 10,000 shoppers bought it last month alone, or that it boasts over 3,200 five-star reviews, firmly answering the question of 'Do window insulation kits work?'

'Amazing product for an amazing price,' reads one recent review from Wendy. 'Our windows are old and extremely drafty. You could literally feel the draft hitting you while sitting on the couch. Our heater would run pretty much consistently, and that made for a pretty hefty electric bill.

'My brother-in-law suggested this product [that] was so easy to install and works perfectly. Our living room actually stays warm now, our heater isn’t running constantly, and no more draft.'

A second reviewer, John, writes that it's an 'excellent product with superior results. This product, by far, is the best window covering on the market. Crystal clear, and installation is straightforward and effortless. The tape supplied is premium quality and removes easily.

'The "shrink factor" of the plastic is great and tightens up, providing no wrinkles. One tip: Make sure you keep the hair dryer at least four or six inches from the plastic when shrinking.

'Work from the top down, getting rid of wrinkles as you proceed.'

Therefore, it's easy to see why this window insulation kit is one of the best ways to keep your home warm without turning up the heat, and easiest ways to keep a poorly insulated house warm without spending big.

What to Shop

You can also use window film to soundproof your windows.

The furnace is the hero of a house in winter. But there’s one tiny part inside it that most homeowners don’t even know exists, let alone realize they’re supposed to clean – the flame sensor.

Left unchecked, this small but crucial component could shut off your furnace when you need it most, leaving you shivering and with a potentially eye-watering emergency call-out bill.

The good news? You can clean it yourself and prevent winter stress. Here's how to complete this annual furnace maintenance check safely to keep your home cozy this Christmas.

How To Clean a Furnace Flame Sensor

A flame sensor in a furnace is a thin metal rod that detects if the burner is lit after gas flows, preventing dangerous build-up if it cannot sense the flame. If the sensor becomes too dirty, it can shut off prematurely, turning off your furnace at the most critical time of the year. Luckily, it is a common heating problem that you can repair yourself with cleaning.

Before you can start with the cleaning tips, however, the first step is to turn off the power and the gas valve, advises Tamer Sayed, a licensed HVAC technician and the owner-operator of Tamas Mechanical.'

'Never attempt to clean the furnace (or any other electrical equipment for that matter) while the power is on,' he urges. It is one of the worst cleaning mistakes that risks your safety and your appliances. 'Aside from switching off the unit, turn off the circuit breaker for further safety.'

With the power shut off, you will need the following tools:

• A screwdriver with the appropriate head for your furnace. This Screwdriver set from Walmart comes with 59 heads, so you always have the right tool to hand.
• Fine steel wool, such as a Brillo pad from Amazon.
• A clean microfiber cloth, also from Walmart.
• Optional: Work gloves from Lowe's to protect your skin.

1. Locate and Remove the Sensor

Before setting your winter heating schedule, locate the sensor and remove it for cleaning.

To do this, Tamer explains, 'Remove the panel on your furnace and look inside the compartment. The flame sensor is typically located near the burner and resembles a small metal rod with a ceramic base. Once you've located the sensor, remove the screw that secures it in place. Then carefully pull it out.

'One tip when doing this: Take a picture of the location before removing the flame sensor,' he adds. 'Make sure you don't misplace the screw.' A magnetic parts tray from Walmart makes these types of delicate DIY tasks less risky, holding your parts in place.

2. Clean the Sensor

The flame sensor is one of the few things you should clean with steel wool around your home.

Tamer suggests, 'A steel wool works just fine for cleaning the flame sensor. I highly recommend a Brillo pad from Amazon.'

However, Matt Gorbacz, owner of Clean Air Technologies, advises, 'Use a fine-grit emery cloth, something like 400 or 600 grit, or a Scotch-Brite pad [also from Amazon]. I suggest you don’t use sandpaper as it is too rough and can ruin the coating.

'Lightly rub the rod to remove the carbon buildup. You don’t have to rub it roughly, just clean the soot off so it’s shiny again. To finish, polish the sensor with a soft microfiber cloth, removing any debris so that it shines.'

3. Replace the Sensor and Power

With the sensor clean, replace it and the screw before reattaching the panel front and turning the electricity and gas back on.

If the sensor is not in the right position, the furnace will not light again. Try replacing the sensor again to get the correct placement.

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Meet the Experts

In the worst-case scenario, there are some ways to heat a house when the furnace goes out, should the flame sensor not be at fault. If this is the case, it is time to call a pro, advises Matt. 'The furnace might have dirty burners or a gas issue,' he warns.

During winter, we all know that drafts can be one of the main culprits that hinder all the effort we put into warming our homes.

But, say our window experts, there's one small yet oh-so-simple task you can do to cut heat loss by up to a third, and it takes only mere moments.

Here, they explain why putting your windows in 'winter mode' is one of the most effective ways to weatherproof your windows in cold weather.

What is the 'Winter Mode' for Windows?

To find out more about 'winter mode' for windows, we spoke to the experts at Express Bi-Folding Doors, who explained that many modern windows come with an adjustable feature that allows you to pull the window tighter into the frame when closed.

This has recently been dubbed as the 'winter mode' setting on social media, which accurately explains the way in which it helps to reduce cold drafts from seeping in.

'Switching your windows into winter mode is a really quick process; it usually takes no more than a minute per window with a standard allen key,' explains Geoff Clarkson, window fitting expert at Express Bi-Folding Doors. This 26-piece Amazon Basics Hex Key Allen Wrench should be all you need.

'And you only need to do it once before the weather gets really cold, and it can easily be reversed next spring,' adds Geoff, once attention turns back to keeping your home cool.

How to Put Your Windows in 'Winter Mode'

To do this, begin by opening your windows and looking for small screws along the inside of the frame, which usually fit an Allen key and have a small notch that typically points to 12 o'clock.

Then, insert your Allen key and turn the screw clockwise a quarter of a turn, which will draw the window closer to the frame, reducing gaps and effectively draft-proofing a living room, draft-proofing a bedroom, or draft-proofing a sunroom. After adjustment, the notch should then point to three o'clock.

'Close your window to check the fit,' advise the experts at Express Bi-Folding Doors. 'If it feels too stiff, ease it slightly by turning the screw back so the notch sits at one or two o’clock. This prevents the rubber gaskets from being overly compressed, which could damage them over time.'

Though this only takes a few seconds, the difference it can make over the colder months in terms of cutting your energy bills is impressive, particularly with older windows.

'In fact, estimates show that home windows can be responsible for between at least 10 to 15 per cent of the energy that escapes a property,' advises Geoff. 'By adjusting them into winter mode and tightening the seal, you reduce the draughts and stop unnecessary warmth escaping.

'While it won't replace the need for good glazing and insulation, it can cut heat loss through gaps by up to a third.'

Other Steps Homeowners Can Take to Reduce Window Drafts

The head of Solved, Punteha van Terheyden, here at Homes & Gardens has been dealing with drafts in her newly-built home, and says 'fixing them has made a big difference to my energy costs.'

She recommends:

• Check under your front door: 'If you have a gap less than one inch, use self-adhesive weatherstripping, available from Amazon, to fill the gap easily and quickly. If it's bigger than that, you'll need something more robust, such as a durable, sealed aluminium door sweep.' For this, the Thermwell Extra Aluminum & Brush Door Sweep, available at Walmart, prevents drafts, water, and insects from entering.
• Draft blockers: 'A filled draft blocker can be used for doors or windows and protects your home from cold or hot air seeping in. I prefer ones with a machine-washable outer layer as these items can get dirty from being on the floor or window sills. The Sunolga draft stopper from Amazon comes in 13 lengths, seven colors, and has a machine-washable cover.'
• Insulate your windows: 'Insulating windows is one of the most affordable yet effective ways to keep your home cozy at a low cost, and window insulation kits really do work. For example, the Frost King Shrink Window Kit available at Amazon is highly durable and easy to use.'
• Layer your window treatments: 'Trapping cold air against the window and stopping it from entering the rest of the room will stabilise your temperature, and is a quick, chic curtain trick to stop drafts instantly. Conversely, allowing warm air into the space, then closing your blinds and curtains, will help trap warm air against the window. The key is stopping cold air from seeping into the rest of your space and causing a window draft to be felt.'

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All prices were correct at the time of publication.

Meet the Experts

While you need to stop drafts, you'll also need to stop condensation on windows overnight to prevent mold and mildew.

As winter truly beds in, most of us play a daily guessing game with the thermostat, trying to stay cozy without blowing the monthly budget. So, how long should the heating be on each day, anyway?

While there is no one-size-fits-all answer, there is a general goal HVAC pros recommend you aim for, so your house maintains a steady and comfortable temperature and avoids winter damage.

Here's how to balance comfort and costs to make your heating more efficient this winter – even in storm season – and the heating schedule to go for.

How Long To Leave Heating On Each Day

Annoyingly, there is no rule of thumb for how long your heating should be on each day. The figure is affected by several external factors, such as the weather and how well your home is insulated, according to Josh Mitchell, HVAC technician and owner of Air Conditioner Lab.

Rather than aim for a set number of hours, you want to achieve a semi-steady day temperature of around 68°Fahreheit, he says. This is the new home heating temperature standard designed to keep you comfortable and your home safe from cold-related damage. 'Temperatures below 55°F can cause condensation on cold walls, especially in older homes,' he warns. 'Lower it to 60-62°F when you’re gone for the day or sleeping.'

You can buy remote temperature sensors from Walmart to give you a good overview of the overall temperature across your home.

Heating Schedules

HVAC technician Josh shares, 'On average, in winter weather, most furnaces or boilers will cycle on and off for eight to 12 hours per day. That’s assuming daytime temps around 35-45°F (1 to 7°C) and nights in the 20s. But runtime isn’t all at once. You might experience two or three shorter cycles per hour, depending on how well-insulated and draft-proofed the house is, and how effectively the thermostat maintains the temperature.

'During a cold snap or snowstorm, when temps drop to 10°F (-12°C) or lower, I’ve seen older homes with poor insulation run their heat for 16 to 20 hours a day to keep the house at 68°F,' he continues.

This is why it is so important to include a thorough HVAC service as part of winterizing your home to prepare your heating system for prolonged running.

Generally speaking, you should follow an efficient heating schedule that works around your day-to-day activities, Josh says:

• Morning schedule: Heating the house 30 to 60 minutes before you wake up works best if you're trying to avoid long morning cycles. If your floors are tile or stone, they'll feel cold regardless of the thermostat setting. Warm air doesn't fix that right away. Letting the system run before you move around gives the walls and surfaces time to catch up. You'll use less energy this way than blasting the system after you're already cold.
• Leaving the house: If you're out for less than 4 hours, leave the thermostat around 60 to 62°F (15 to 17°C). That keeps the interior stable without letting things cool so much that the system has to run for an hour to recover. Shutting it off completely doesn't work unless you live in a modern, well-sealed house with R-30 walls and triple-pane glass. For most homes, recovery burns more fuel than holding. If you're gone for multiple days, set it to 55°F (13°C) and open the under-sink cabinets where pipes are near exterior walls to stop pipes from freezing. You don't want pockets of cold air forming in tight spaces.
• Midday burst: If you're home during the day and want to avoid long evening cycles, a 30 to 60-minute heat run around midday can help. That warms up the drywall, floors, and furniture. Once they're warm, they radiate heat back into the room, reducing the load on your system later. Without that, your system has to work harder during the evening to heat not just the air but every cold surface in the house. That's where you see hour-long cycles that spike energy use.
• Evening schedule: If you've been out, start heating 30 to 45 minutes before you return. Trying to heat the space after you walk in results in high-stage burner cycles or max draw from the electric coils. That's what drives up utility costs. Set the thermostat to 68 to 70°F (20 to 21°C) for a few hours during dinner and wind-down time. Then lower it to 60-62°F about an hour before bed. That gives your body time to adjust and therefore sleep better, and lets the furnace shut off earlier. Bedrooms and rooms on upper floors tend to trap heat anyway, so you don't need to keep the whole house at peak temperature overnight.

'The schedule works, but only if the airflow is correct, the thermostat is in a smart location, and the insulation holds,' Josh warns. 'You can start with the structure and fine-tune the schedule based on how fast your house loses heat.

'A furnace working less is good, but only if it's still keeping the building materials warm. That's what keeps your bills low and the system running longer without repairs.'

How To Maintain a Steady Temperature

While the best way to achieve and maintain 68°F is through a smart thermostat, such as the Google Nest Smart Thermostat from Amazon, set to kick in whenever the temperature dips to maintain a constant temperature without running the heating all day.

However, if you cannot install a smart thermostat, all is not lost. You can still cut energy bills while staying comfortable. Josh recommends you:

• Seal the room you spend the most time in. That means closing the doors, installing a weatherstrip [from Walmart] around the door frame, and using a towel or door snake [weighted options from Amazon work well] at the bottom. That small fix cuts heat loss more than most people think.
• Keep furniture and curtains away from supply and return vents. When a couch or dresser blocks airflow, the furnace has to run longer and at higher temperatures to keep up. Homes can lose 10 to 15 percent of their efficiency when return vents are blocked, and that extra strain can wear the system down over time. Clearing them is the best free trick to make radiators heat up faster, too.
• Open curtains when the sun is out and close them at sunset. South-facing windows can raise room temperatures by 3 to 5°F on a sunny winter day, which delays the next heating cycle. Be sure to close them at night to keep heat in, opting for thermal curtains from Wayfair for the most benefit. It's one of many great curtain hacks for a warmer home.
• Use a plug-in space heater in the room you use most, but only if it’s safe and rated for indoor use. Pair it with a simple timer or manual thermostat plug to avoid running it nonstop. I’ve seen homeowners cut central heating time by 30 to 40 percent this way during short cold spells. Be aware of the most dangerous space heater mistakes, however, to minimize household fire risks.

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Meet the Expert

If you are eager to save money on bills, be sure to also clean vents around your home, Josh concludes. 'Another tip that gets missed: Vacuum your return vents monthly during the heating season. Even when you’re changing filters, dust builds up around the grilles and slows airflow. That small resistance adds runtime.'

When the temperature drops, either suddenly or slowly over a matter of weeks, it can be very easy to overlook the biggest leak danger of your house: Frozen pipes.

This is more likely to happen on water lines indoors that are set on external walls, in hallways or rooms without radiators and vents, or if they’re running externally around your property. If the water in the pipe freezes, it will expand, causing damage and leaks.

There is an easy fix, though, and Walmart shoppers are loving the Frost King electric heating cable to insulate your pipes, and it’s now just $29. Simply wrap your pipe, plug it in, and you’re set for added winter protection for your home. Its sensors will do the rest.

Why Electric Heating Cables for Frozen Pipes are So Effective

Joseph Wade, VP of Operations at Benjamin Franklin Plumbing, says, ‘If you have outdoor pipes that will be exposed to these freezing temperatures and you know you won’t have to use them all winter, shut off the water supply in them and drain. Disconnect hoses from the pipes and leave the outside valve open in case there’s water left in the lines.

‘For those lines you can’t shut off, you’ll have to insulate them. Check out your local hardware store and invest in pipe sleeves, heat tape or heat cables [jump to our picks for home delivery]. These items will be your best option for insulating pipes that run outside your house or in unheated areas like an attic or basement. Newspapers might work if temperatures don’t drop far below freezing, but specific products like pipe sleeves, heat tape, and heat cable are more reliable.’

Walmart Shoppers rave about the Frost King cable, which is 12-feet long, and has an average rating of 4.8/5. One verified purchaser left a five-star review, explaining, ‘It was exactly what I needed. We have been having long extended periods of temperatures between 20° and 0° so the drain for the water from the furnace has been freezing.

'Heating up the garage was not enough to keep it from freezing over. I put this on the drain pipe, and it hasn't frozen since. It isn't much heat, but just enough. I have been using it for a few weeks now, and it seems to be working just great even with the snow and wind.’

You can use the kit on plastic or metal cold water lines, and it accommodates two-inch pipes well, offering excellent pipe freezing prevention down to -40° Fahrenheit. This is an essential move for adequately winterizing your home, and time and money well spent.

If your pipe has already frozen, the product will help gently thaw it at a rate that won’t lead to leaks or further problems, as defrosting too rapidly can cause bursts .

Walmart's Frost King kit also has built-in self-regulation mechanisms, meaning it will draw power and start doing its magic to stop pipes from freezing automatically. It will activate at 38°F and deactivate at 45°F. This will ensure it doesn’t run up bills unnecessarily, which, with energy costs being what they are in 2025, every little saving to slash your bills in the winter is worth knowing about.

You don’t have to do any guesswork for the operation either, as there is a light that switches on (it’s located in the plug), which will tell you whether it’s on or not.

Pro Pipe Tips in Winter

Here are some extra tips from plumbing pro Joseph, to help you prevent and deal with pipes that have frozen up.

• Value location: Be sure you know where the main water shutoff valve is in your house. If, despite your best efforts, a pipe freezes and bursts, turn off the water immediately to limit the damage, then work on thawing the affected pipes.
• Install sensors and automatic shut-off valves: Today, you have the option of installing sensors that detect water, and in some cases, temperature change. If the sensors detect a problem, it will notify you through the app and shut off the water to prevent water damage. Amazon sells a three-pack of sensors for water leaks affordably, and they come with app functionality, which shoppers praise for its 'seamless' and easy setup.
• Don’t turn off the heat: When you leave your house during winter, don’t turn off the thermostat – that’s a heating mistake to avoid. That drop in temperature inside the home can lead to frozen pipes. Make sure to also check out your water shut-off valve is working correctly in case of an emergency where you have to shut off the water supply to your home.

If you haven’t been able to prevent a frozen pipe this winter:

• Warm it up slowly: Once you’ve identified a problematic pipe, gently warm the air around the frozen section using a space heater (be careful to check manufacturer information on yours, as they are not all suitable for outdoor use), a warm towel, or a heat lamp. Do not turn to flames or torches, or hairdryers on high heat settings, as that can warm the pipe up too quickly and lead to other issues.
• Run the faucet: Experts also recommend that you turn the faucet on so that you allow water to flow as the ice melts away. Frozen pipes are not to be taken lightly, and if you’re in any doubt about how to deal with yours, call the pros.

Plumbing pro Joseph adds that if the troublesome pipe is in your ceiling, he recommends homeowners call a licensed plumber. He says, ‘This is difficult to thaw yourself. Most times, the wall or ceiling will have to be cut to access the frozen pipe.’

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If you've been battling a frozen or snowy driveway, ditch the expensive salt, which can damage your lawn and plants, and instead use sand to add instant grip and traction to walk and drive on the surface without backbreaking shovelling.

Once it has melted away, scoop up the sand and save it in a lidded bucket for reuse later. It's a great way to be more sustainable at home whilst coping with preparing your home for a freeze.

For many years, the expert advice has been to keep your home at 66°F (19°C) but the trouble is that nowadays, many modern homes are not built for that.

It’s a number that’s been repeated from decades-old advice focused on energy savings, our HVAC pro reveals. And in 2025, it no longer holds up when you consider how modern housing and construction materials behave, how we use our home, and how HVAC systems are sized and controlled.

Instead, our pro advises bumping your thermostat to 68–70°F in winter (20–21°C), to keep your house warm all day, your bills as reasonable as possible, and your wellbeing and building structures in good health. I tested it in my home for five weeks and it really works.

Why Keeping Your Home at 66°F Is No Good Anymore

Josh Mitchell, HVAC technician and founder of Air Conditioner Lab explains, ‘When indoor temperatures stay around 66°F, wall and ceiling surfaces can drop below 60°F (16°C), especially in homes with poor airflow or cold exterior walls. Once the surface temperature reaches the dew point and humidity is above 55 percent, condensation will form.'

Our pro says he has seen mold start behind wardrobes, in basements, and even in upstairs corners where the insulation was compressed in homes that are underheated.

'In one job, the interior drywall surface measured 58°F (14.5°C) with 58% humidity,' Josh says. 'That's all it takes. The home was less than 10 years old with fiberglass batt insulation rated R-13. No obvious leaks, no flooding, just low indoor temps and stale air.’

That silent and hidden risk of mold growth, despite there being no issues with leaks, is what experts are now warning homeowners to avoid by raising the thermostat dial a touch to the new safe heating zone.

Josh adds, ‘Bumping the thermostat to 68–70°F (20-21°C) helps keep interior surfaces warmer and drier. That lowers the risk of mold and reduces thermal stress on walls. HVAC systems also run smoothly. At 70°F, your return air stays warm enough to prevent short cycles, especially on multi-stage furnaces and variable-speed air handlers.

'That matters because short cycling causes the system to stop before the heat exchanger has fully dried out, which leads to rusting and flue gas condensation over time.’

All of that to say, if your thermostat is set too low, you could damage your HVAC system, creating costly bills down the line.

It also helps maintain your health more easily at 68-70°F, as low indoor temperatures slow the function of the cilia in your nose and lungs, reducing your body's ability to filter viruses and bacteria.

Various studies in Europe, including a Cold Homes Public Health Review in Wales, UK, have found that homes under 64°F meant raised health risks for its occupants, whilst the Marmot Review on fuel poverty found low home temperatures triple the risk of respiratory illness in winter, especially in vulnerable age groups such as babies and the elderly.

The Exceptions

There are some exceptions, however, as Josh details, ‘Homes with closed-cell spray foam in walls and attic spaces can maintain a stable 66°F, with fewer problems, because the insulation reduces temperature swings and air leakage.

'The same goes for homes that have triple-pane low-E windows, since those surfaces don't radiate as much cold back into the room. But if the house still has R-11 fiberglass batts, or older aluminum single-pane windows, or a vented crawl space, I would never set it below 70°F (21°C) in the winter.’

Energy Costs vs Risk

Whilst keeping a cooler home may save on heating costs (for every degree Celsius you lower the thermostat, it saves roughly three to five percent on energy), the other risks can end up being more costly.

Josh Mitchell, HVAC pro, adds, ‘I've seen homes rack up more in drywall and paint repair after mold than what they saved on gas or electricity, not to mention the cost of cleaning ductwork after the spores spread through the system.’

To check your home’s humidity and surface temperatures, use a basic IR thermometer and a digital hygrometer, both available affordably at Amazon.

Josh advises that if your walls are below 60°F and the humidity is above 55 percent, your home will be prone to dampness, mold, and health risks. ‘You'll need to raise the temperature or reduce the humidity, or use better ventilation or a good dehumidifier,’ he says.

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It’s also important to note that if your HVAC system was sized for a 70°F target temperature, dropping it to 66°F means longer runtimes and wider comfort swings between rooms.

That's when you might encounter hot and cold spots in your home and have to pump up the heat with electric blankets and portable heaters.

Last November, when the bitter winter cold hit, I plugged the large gap under my front door with weatherstripping. It felt like a success at the time because the draft under it had been so severe. But a year on, I’ve realised the weatherstripping bristles are not working well enough, and my entryway is still cold and drafty, leading to a colder living room.

After speaking with experts, including HVAC professionals, I’ve increased my draftproofing this winter with an easy-to-install, stick-on $6 draft blocker from Amazon, for my living room door. I've paired it with a simple $6 Amazon door sweep on the bottom of my front door to double up my draft defenses.

It's only been in play for four days, but already, this pair has helped regulate my home's temperature and stopped drafts that were kicking on my smart thermostat unnecessarily, leading to a hot upstairs and cold downstairs. Plus, I'm now more comfortable in the early mornings and evenings when it is particularly cold, which is the biggest win of all.

The 2 Cheap Fixes I’ve Installed This Winter to Stop Annoying Cold Drafts

Firstly, the solid door sweep on the front door has instantly blocked drafts where my weatherstripping has failed to work sufficiently well.

Josh Michell, HVAC pro and owner of Air Conditioner Lab says, ‘I've come across many homes where a draft like that can cause more damage than people realize. If you're seeing a one-inch or larger gap under the front door, those stick-on brush seals are not going to cut it, especially if the door faces wind or connects to a smaller space like an entryway.’

My house is in a cul-de-sac, but the front door faces the direction of wind movement through our street, and the gap was around an inch, hence the weatherstripping failing.

Josh adds, ‘Those brush-type seals tend to fail because air still pushes through the bristles, especially when wind pressure or stack effect kicks in. They’re better for light drafts but not for gaps over half an inch. A solid neoprene seal physically blocks airflow and holds up better over time.’

He recommends a ‘door shoe’ with a built-in drip cap and adjustable bottom seal. Amazon has one that fits the bill, from Jelostone. Josh says, ‘These typically mount directly onto the bottom of the door and create a mechanical seal against the threshold. You can fine-tune the height depending on how uneven the floor is. Most units can be installed in 20 to 30 minutes with just a drill.’

It's a great option for sure, but as I didn’t want to drill into my door or spend that long installing, I went for a self-adhesive Amazon door sweep. This is also suitable for rentals as it does not make a permanent change or involve any drilling.

Aluminium door shoes are helpful, too, Josh says. ‘They perform better in homes where wind hits the door directly. I’ve installed these in entryways where the indoor temperature dropped by 3 to 5 degrees overnight from air seeping in. After sealing, the space maintained a more even temperature, and thermostats stopped cycling on as often.’

This was exactly my scenario, as my small entryway has an internal door that opens directly into our living room, and is adjacent to our thermostat. Since installing these new fixes, I've been able to turn my thermostat down from 21.5°C (71°F) to 19.5°C (67°F), saving energy usage and bills, while still feeling cozy.

Josh adds, ‘If you want something simpler and don’t mind a visible fix, a weighted fabric draft stopper can help as a secondary backup. These are around $15 to $20 and work best when paired with a mechanical seal. I usually recommend washable ones with non-slip backing if the door gets regular use.’

The Sunolga 38-inch stopper from Amazon has a removable, washable cover and fits gaps up to three inches. It can be used to block heat or cold, making it useful year-round.

I Tried It

Since installing my cold-busting duo to draft-proof my entryway, my house is much more comfortable, and the heating is cycling well. Josh explains, ‘Since your thermostat is nearby, sealing that gap should keep it from misreading the temperature and kicking on more than necessary. I’ve also seen homeowners move the thermostat a few feet away or block air flow to it slightly using an open-top plastic cover. That helps reduce false triggers without affecting room temp readings.’

That's exactly what I've found. Previously, the drafty entryway and therefore the cold adjacent area in my living room, where my thermostat lives, meant the heating kept kicking on, making the upper floor of my home too hot, which impacted how well we could sleep. Meanwhile, downstairs was too chilly to be comfortable.

Now with the draft blocked, the smart thermostat isn't kicking on unnecessarily, and the temperature across both floors of my home is much more even and comfortable.

If, after these fixes, you’re still feeling a draft under your front door, Josh suggests checking the threshold itself. ‘If the door sweep still doesn’t seal tightly after installation,' he says, 'you may need an adjustable threshold plate to raise the contact point. It takes a bit more effort, but it's a good option if the gap is uneven or over an inch. The bonus is that when the bottom seal is done right, it also cuts down on noise from outside, which helps in entryways near roads or shared walls.’

What to Shop

Experts in draft resolution share their top picks for sorting this annoying winter draft problem.

Editor's Picks

Alongside blocking drafts, here are three winter essentials our editors love for keeping warm in cold snaps, extreme weather, and being prepared for big freezes without running up an enormous energy bill.

Having the comfort and affordability of a small portable heater doesn't mean having to compromise on aesthetic.

With the start of December now exactly a week away and the holidays just around the corner, attention in homes has well and truly turned to keeping cozy and comfortable.

And, with heating more important than ever at this time of year, it's imperative to avoid a furnace breakdown when you need it most. But how can homeowners ensure a warm winter?

As an HVAC expert, my best advice is to test your system before you need it, switching the heat on and letting it run for 15 to 20 minutes, without waiting for the forecast to drop to 30°F if you can avoid it. Here's why it's essential when keeping keep a home warm all day.

Why Homeowners Should Test Their Furnace Now

Most importantly, testing furnaces now gives homeowners time to notice things like strange startup noises, the smell of burning dust coming off the heat exchanger, or a blower motor that's slow to heat up.

As the founder of AirConditionerLab, I know that early-season problems often stem from dust buildup or parts that stick after months of inactivity, while keeping a home cool over summer, which a simple test run would reveal. Then, if there are any issues, you'll have time to call in a pro before the cold weather really sets in.

Once that's been tested, these are the next steps I suggest:

1. Inspect the Air Filter

Next, I visually inspect the air filter, rather than checking the date. Hold it up to a bright light; if you cannot see through it, please replace it. A clogged filter reduces airflow, causing the heat exchanger to overheat and shut off. That trips the high limit switch, and the furnace keeps turning on and off every few minutes, doing the opposite of making heating more efficient. You’ll feel warm air at first, then nothing.

I usually recommend the Filtrete Air Filter, available in a pack of two at Amazon. It traps dust and pet dander without blocking airflow, unlike some higher-MERV filters. It comes in several size options, and the one-inch version works for most systems unless yours was designed for a thicker filter.

2. Vacuum Vents

Additionally, homeowners often forget about return vents and supply registers. Use your best handheld vacuum [our top pick is the BLACK+DECKER dust buster Handheld Vacuum available at Amazon] to go over the vents, especially the cold-air returns. Dust buildup forces the blower to work harder, and, if you're in a home with pets or kids, that dust adds up fast. Even wiping the outside of the furnace helps.

Fine dust can clog pressure tubes, leading to a pressure switch failure. I've replaced more of those than I can count, and they're usually $150 to $300 parts with labor.

3. Check the Condensate Drain

With high-efficiency furnaces, I always check the condensate drain, which is crucial when winterizing a house inside and out. These models produce water when they run. If the drain trap is dry or blocked, the furnace won't run.

Pour a cup of warm water into the drain to keep the trap primed. Some people also use condensate tablets [such as the QwikTreat Condensate Pan Treatment Tablets available at Amazon] to keep the line clean, especially if there's any slime or buildup.

4. Change Thermostat Batteries

A small but common issue is the thermostat. If it runs on batteries, swap them out to avoid any thermostat mistakes this winter.

Low batteries don’t always show a warning. What you usually see instead is the furnace turning on and off, the screen going blank, or the system not calling for heat at all.

This problem causes dozens of service calls every year, and most are fixed in seconds with fresh AA batteries, available at Amazon, or AAA batteries, available at Walmart.

5. Check the Flame Sensor

I also check the flame sensor if the furnace is five years or older. If the furnace starts but shuts off after a few seconds, the sensor is likely dirty, which is likely to make your heating system work harder.

You can clean it with a Scotch-Brite pad, available at Amazon. Don't use sandpaper – that ruins the coating.

6. Keep a Spare Hot-Surface Igniter on Hand

If your furnace is over 10 years old, it’s a good idea to keep a spare hot-surface igniter on hand. It’s the little part that lights the burners. When it goes out, the furnace won’t fire up at all. If that happens on a weekend or holiday, you’re stuck heating your house with the furnace out until someone can get to you.

The Emerson Hot Surface Ignitor on Amazon works with many models, but always check the number on your existing part first. Swapping it out is usually quick if you’re comfortable with basic tools. Just make sure the power is completely off before you touch anything.

7. Keep the Area Around the Furnace Clear

Last, keep the area around the furnace clear. I need at least 30 inches of working space. Don't store cardboard, leftover paint cans, or laundry next to it.

I've seen filter doors blocked by storage baskets and bins, and even a Christmas tree jammed between the unit and the wall. That space isn't optional. It affects safety and service access.

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All prices were correct at the time of publication.

Meet the Expert

Wondering how long a furnace lasts? Our experts say anywhere between 10 and twenty years, but there are a number of things you can do to make yours last longer.

As an HVAC professional, I see the same heat-loss mistakes in homes all over America, leaving people shivering, frustrated, and paying far more than they should.

From unsealed crawlspaces to leaky HVAC ducts, small oversights can add up to energy wastage.

Luckily, each of the five most common heat-loss mistakes is easy to fix, will make your heating more efficient, and save you some money throughout cold winters.

5 Heat-loss Mistakes I Always Spot in American Homes

1. Unsealed Crawlspaces

I've seen a lot of HVAC units and associated elements across US homes as the founder of Air Conditioner Lab, and crawl spaces are one of the worst offenders for problems in a cold home.

In winter, vents and uninsulated crawl spaces act like a cold sponge under the house. Air seeps in and chills the floor above. If there’s exposed dirt, that moisture pulls even more heat from the air.

Insulating a crawl space is your best bet. Sealing vents with foam panels (available at Lowe's) and laying down plastic sheeting (6-mil, also from Lowe's, works well) helps block airflow and reduce heat loss. Some homeowners see a 15% difference in their heating bills after sealing their crawlspaces alone.

2. Leaky HVAC Ducts

You need to do more than just clean your HVAC system to keep it in good condition. Regular HVAC servicing is also a must if you want to cut energy bills. This can point out any leaky ducts that could be causing heat loss.

Ducts that run through attics, crawlspaces, or garages tend to leak the most. Warm air escapes through those small seams and never reaches the rooms it’s supposed to. I’ve seen cases where 20-30% of the heated air is lost this way.

Luckily, in most cases, you don’t need to replace the ducts. Just seal them with foil-backed tape from Amazon and mastic, from Lowe's. The biggest improvement usually shows up in rooms farthest from the furnace.

3. Attic Hatches

Many people focus on attic insulation but often overlook the attic hatch. If it’s unsealed or not insulated, it becomes a vent for rising warm air. I recommend adding foam weather stripping from Amazon around the edges and placing rigid insulation directly on the back of the door. This minor fix can prevent 20-25% of heat loss in that spot.

If you have pull-down attic stairs, adding an insulated zippered attic tent from Walmart makes a difference. These create a sealed envelope around the opening to stop warm air from drifting upward. They’re especially useful in homes where the attic access is near the main living space.

4. Worn-Out Weather Stripping

It is all well and good to draft-proof your home once, but these additions need maintenance to remain effective and continue to prevent heat loss.

Exterior doors and windows can become drafty quickly, especially in older homes. One simple test is to hold a stick of incense by the edges. If the smoke pulls inward, there’s a leak. Replacing the old strips with new rubber or foam weather seals takes under 30 minutes and stops heat from leaking out around the frame.

You can find self-adhesive rubber weather stripping at Walmart.

5. Recessed Lighting

Who knew that your lighting ideas could play such a large part in heat loss?

Recessed can lights, especially older ones, leak a surprising amount of heat into the attic. However, if they’re not rated for contact with insulation (IC-rated), you can’t safely insulate around them. Swapping them for modern LED retrofit kits from Amazon helps seal the opening and also reduces electricity usage. Some homeowners also install attic covers over them for extra insulation.

If you are not sure what type of lights you have or how to replace them, you can call a pro who can assess and complete any electrical work safely for you.

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Even in a perfectly insulated home, there are some things that could be making your heating system work harder, ramping up bills unnecessarily. Fix these, too, for more affordable bills and a more comfortable home.

If your radiators are slow to heat, but you have tried bleeding them and adjusting your thermostat, it might not be your heating system that's the problem, but the furniture placement nearby.

Poor air circulation results in sluggish radiator heating and a strained boiler. Luckily, it is simple and free to fix, say our experts.

Here is the simple layout trick heating pros use for radiators to heat up faster and make heating more efficient in winter without spending an extra cent.

Moving Furniture Away Will Make Your Radiators Heat Up Faster

When trying to keep a home warm without turning up the heat, clearing the area around your radiators is essential.

Phil Oliver, co-owner of Air Treatment Heating and Cooling, explains 'Radiators use convection to distribute warm air, so blocking that flow with furniture or curtains can drastically reduce their efficiency.

'If you have a radiator, I recommend keeping at least 12 to 18 inches of space between it and any large pieces of furniture, such as couches, beds, or shelving units. Maintaining this space around your radiator will produce a noticeable difference in how evenly and quickly your room heats up.'

For that reason, having a shelf over a radiator is often not a good idea, nor are radiator covers – even if they look nicer aesthetically.

It isn't just furniture that impacts how quickly your radiators warm up your room, adds Scott Levene, VP at Levco. Dust can also impede heating, with thick layers making your heating system work harder and possibly being the reason why your house smells musty.

Getting rid of dust regularly is easier with a radiator duster, from Walmart, which is designed specifically to fit between those awkward radiator panels and fins. It is the best tool for cleaning behind radiators without damaging your appliance or your wall, and negates the rust and mold risk associated with the viral hack of pouring water between your radiator panels to clear debris.

Similarly, it is best to avoid leaving curtains hanging over a radiator when in use, as this traps heat and redirects it to the glass, resulting in significant heat loss. Opting for blackout roman shades from Target can be a more convenient option for window treatment ideas above radiators.

Putting aluminum foil behind your radiators can also help to direct airflow into your room for more efficient heating. Phil explains, 'Radiator reflector panels or heat-reflective foil [available from Amazon] on the wall behind the radiator to help reduce heat loss.

'These inexpensive panels reflect heat into the room, rather than letting it escape through the wall, which allows the space to warm up faster and helps to keep a home warm all day.'

Investing in a smart thermostat, bleeding radiators, and checking the pressure settings on your boiler can also help to boost your radiator's efforts and heat your home more quickly.

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In very old heating systems, it might be necessary to drain a radiator to remove sludge and boost efficiency. If you are not a fan of messy DIY, it might be time to call a pro for this task.

In the meantime, a stylish portable heater can help you zone-heat and reduce bills whilst staying cozy and warm at home this winter.

We may not even be in winter yet, but already extreme cold warnings – issued when temperatures are expected to drop below 32 degrees Fahrenheit for an extended period of time – have begun popping up across the US, with an Arctic front expected to bring the coldest air of the season so far next week.

While the essentials, like portable heaters and electric blankets, are as crucial as ever, what does an HVAC expert specifically urge homeowners to have on hand ahead of time?

Here, our pro shares his one non-negotiable item to prepare your home for a freeze.

The 1 Item Experts Recommend Having in Extreme Cold Weather

All prices were correct at the time of publication.

With colder weather conditions on the way, we're interested in which home rules to avoid damage in snow weather warnings that our experts swear by. For that reason, we spoke to Josh Mitchell, HVAC expert and founder of AirConditionerLab, to find out his top recommendation for keeping a house warm without turning up the heat.

'One item I always recommend homeowners keep on hand during extreme cold snaps is a plug-in thermostat controller,' he says, recommending the Inkbird ITC-308 Digital Temperature Controller, available at Amazon.

'This plugs into a standard outlet and allows you to control a space heater or heat lamp based on the air temperature. You just set your target temperature and plug your heater into the controller. It will automatically turn the heater on and off to maintain the room or space within the set temperature range.'

This makes it effortlessly easy to maintain the ideal room temperature, even in particularly cold weather.

'Most people overlook this, but it can help keep basements, garages, and equipment rooms from dropping below freezing without running heat nonstop,' he adds. 'I’ve used it in situations where maintaining a temperature of 40°F in a mechanical room was enough to protect sensitive HVAC parts like condensate pumps, mini-split lines, or backup furnace components.

'For best results, hang the temperature probe about halfway between the floor and the ceiling. Avoid placing it directly in front of the heater, as this can skew the readings. Set it a few degrees above freezing if you're protecting a utility room or mechanical closet.

'If you have a ductless mini-split,' a type of HVAC system which provides both heating and cooling without traditional ductwork, 'this controller can help manage backup heat in rooms where the unit might struggle during extreme cold,' continues Josh.

'Some systems begin to lose efficiency or spend more time in defrost mode when outdoor temperatures drop below approximately 17°F, depending on the model. By connecting a small space heater to the controller, you can maintain a safe room temperature without having to continuously run extra heat.

'If you're renting, this is easy to use without requiring any changes to the system. Just unplug it and take it with you when you move.'

For maximum efficacy, you can also arrange a room to maximise heat, which should also help you to cut energy bills, too.

Another recommendation that Eli Zimmer, director of operations at Luxaire HVAC Services, suggests is using electric blankets, such as the Homemate Electric Heated Blanket available at Amazon.

'The great thing about electric blankets is that they really don’t use us very much energy,' he explains. 'So, they can be a cost-friendly way to make your bed or couch warmer when you’re cold, rather than cranking up the heat.

'What I like to do is have an electric blanket on my bed, which I then turn on before I actually get in bed, because that gives it the chance to warm everything up. Then, I unplug it, because you don’t want to leave it plugged in while you sleep, as that can be a hazard.'

And, if you're wondering exactly how much it costs to run an electric blanket, they only use very little energy, so you won't need to worry about soaring energy costs by any degree. Zone heating is a great way to stay comfortable without cranking up the heat and your bills.

Additionally, Tamer Sayed, owner-operator of Tamas Mechanical Inc also recommends using a ceramic space heater, such as this Dreo Space Heater available at Amazon, which he says it 'reliable and affordable,' and features tip-over and heat protection.

'It lets you keep one “priority room” warm if the furnace struggles, without heating the whole house,' he explains, advising, to use it most effectively, 'Pick one room and close the door to trap heat. Place it on a hard, level floor with a three-foot clearance from bedding and curtains, and plug it directly into a wall outlet, with no power bars or extension cords.

'Set the built-in thermostat around 20°C [68° Fahrenheit], and turn it off when you leave or sleep. If you want a low-cost add, thermal blackout curtains cut window heat loss at night.'

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With cold weather on the way, it's also crucial to protect plants from frost ahead of time, and prepare your home for extreme weather.

Windows seem to work against us when we're trying to keep warm indoors over winter, leaking cold air and making our heating work harder. Luckily, ugly weatherstripping and insulating films are not the only answer.

The stylish frost fix? Layering blinds, such as the sleek thermal roman shade from Wayfair, with curtains for a doubled-up barrier against cold air transfer that looks just as good as it performs. It's deceptively simple, yet strikingly chic.

Here's why the right combination of window treatment ideas is so effective, and the first frost mistakes to miss for a cozier home this winter.

The $54 Frost Fix That Stops Drafts and Looks Great Doing It

Unlike fiddly thermal window film from Walmart, thermal blinds available at Wayfair are more practical and look far more intentional than a hastily applied barrier for insulating windows, making a home feel like a sanctuary, rather than making a home less cozy.

Layering window treatments by adding thermal curtains, available from Wayfair, adds another thermal barrier that softens your space. It is the effortless curtain hack for a warmer home this winter.

Jordan Benjamin, president at Done Rite Services, says that this approach 'works similarly to layering clothes in that it traps small pockets of air to act as insulation to limit heat or cooling loss to windows.'

For this to work, however, he says that the blind needs to sit as close to the window as possible while avoiding the common thermal blind mistake of the fabric touching the glass (which could result in mold). A one-inch gap is sufficient.

The important part is to remember to layer and pick the correct materials to reap the most benefit.

Although window blind ideas alone will trap some air transfer to make heating more efficient, Dan Simpson, owner at Air Treatment Company, adds, 'When layered over the blinds, curtain ideas add another level of insulation by stopping air movement between the window and the rest of the room. Together, they can reduce heat loss and help your furnace or heat pump maintain a stable indoor temperature with less effort.'

When selecting your window treatments, Dan says cellular or honeycomb-style blinds are best, 'because their air-pocket design adds measurable insulation. I often recommend energy-efficient models such as the Home Decorators Collection cordless cellular shades from The Home Depot or SelectBlinds honeycomb shades, which perform well for their price.

'For homeowners decorating on a budget, basic roller blackout blinds from Walmart or IKEA can still make a big difference when layered with thick curtains. The key is ensuring a snug fit to minimize gaps around the window frame. Those small air leaks can drastically reduce the insulating effect.'

Alternatively, you can find trim-at-home shades from Amazon.

Thermal blinds have the added benefit of being easier to adjust than full curtains, Dan adds.

'Blinds are also practical from an HVAC standpoint because they don’t interfere with airflow like long curtains sometimes do. Many homes have vents, radiators, or baseboard heaters placed directly below windows, and heavy drapes can block heat from circulating properly,' he explains.

'Thermal blinds avoid that issue entirely while addressing the primary source of heat loss. They’re also easy to adjust, open them during sunny hours to let radiant warmth in, then close them at dusk to trap that heat.'

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There are several other ways you can layer in interior design to keep a home warm all day, including adding throws, bedding, and rugs to your home to block drafts and insulate in style.

While temperatures are yet to plummet to freezing across the US, HVAC experts recommend preparing ahead and bleeding your radiators now to ensure they heat up quickly and efficiently when the time comes to switch them on.

It will not only boost heating efficiency, they say, but could help you catch defects that would otherwise leave you shivering mid-winter.

Here, we explain exactly why now is the time to bleed radiators, and how it can shave money off your winter energy costs.

Homeowners Urged to Bleed Radiators This October

As Eli Zimmer, director of operations at Luxaire HVAC Services, advises, you always want to get your radiator, or whatever heating system you have, prepped for the cold season before it actually hits.

In fact, it's a vital part of preparing your home for a freeze, particularly if you want to swerve any home maintenance mistakes never to make in winter.

'If there is an issue or some damage that you don’t already know about, for example, this gives you the chance to address it before temperatures really drop,' explains Eli. 'Even if there aren’t any issues or damage, it’s best to get everything prepared and in the best shape for cold weather ahead of time. That’s why bleeding your radiator now, or soon, can be wise.'

Doing so, adds Eli, will also ensure your radiator heats up properly when you switch your heating on. 'When you bleed it, what you're doing is releasing air that's trapped inside,' he says. 'This trapped air means that the radiator cannot fill completely with hot water, which ultimately prevents it from being able to heat effectively and evenly,' and makes it harder to keep a home warm all day.

Additionally, says Chris Hunter from ServiceTitan, bleeding radiators now will also help you to save money at home by cutting energy bills.

'It’s important to do it ahead of time for air to escape, helping your radiators heat properly when winter arrives,' he says. 'By making radiator bleeding part of your routine, you’ll keep your system running efficiently and avoid high energy costs.

Although it is best practice to bleed your radiators before turning the heating on for the first time in the fall, you can do it at any point, so long as the radiators are cold, assures Megan Doser, owner and CEO at Doctor Fix It Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electric. This allows you to make the most of your energy use, she explains.

'Bleeding radiators later, when you already use your heating daily, won't do anything dramatic – you just end up bleeding your radiators anyway, but with more effort since you have to turn the system off and let it cool first,' she explains.

'Bleeding radiators means removing trapped air that blocks hot water from circulating properly in the first place, and this means your radiators radiate as much heat as they can, so you don’t need to raise the temperature on the thermostat more and more – you get the maximum heat output and energy efficiency.

'You don't need any fancy or expensive tools,' she continues, but you will need a bleed key. The RLECS Universal Opening Key available at Amazon is a very decent option, especially if you want a tool that does more than bleed radiators – like opening meter cabinets, adjusting water valves, or accessing control panels,' she suggests.

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Knowing how to drain a radiator can also ensure that your heating system runs efficiently, and it should be done regularly.

When it comes to your attic, poor insulation, hidden air leaks, and maintenance oversights can send your bills sky high.

Luckily, experts say addressing just three of the most common attic issues can drastically improve warmth while cutting energy bills. Here's how.

5 Easy Attic Tweaks to Save on Energy Bills

1. Seal HVAC and Plumbing Works

When it comes to keeping a poorly insulated home warm, every little helps. To prevent heat loss through your attic, start by sealing up any small gaps around HVAC and plumbing fixtures with good-quality caulk, such as the 3M Marine Adhesive Polyurethane Sealant from The Home Depot.

Ben Hubbert, co-owner of Wright Home Services, explains, 'Even small openings can let in hot or cold air and drive up your energy bills.

'Make sure air ducts in your attic are sealed and wrapped, otherwise you could be heating your attic instead of the rest of your house.'

2. Check Existing Insulation

Even the best attic insulation doesn't last forever. It is a good idea to add checking your insulation to your fall home maintenance checklist, looking for damage, mold, or any insulation that has moved.

John Parks, owner of Advanced Insulation System, explains, 'Insulating a home is the best thing we do for energy efficiency and temperature regulation, whether it’s an older home or a newer one.

'The best option is, by far, roof rafter insulation or top cord insulation. This refers to the actual underside of the roof. Installing insulation on the underside of the roof greatly improves and regulates the temperature of the attic space, which translates to much better efficiency for the home as a whole.'

For a double check in winter, you can also use ice and snow to check attic performance later in the season. Just remember to also ventilate your attic, even in the cold season, to prevent mold and mildew.

3. Insulate Attic Doors

When trying to make heating more efficient, you need to insulate your attic door. This simple addition can instantly block cold air transfer, potentially saving you hundreds on energy bills each year.

Uri Pearl, owner of Nealon Insulation, warns, 'Warm air will escape even a perfectly sealed insulation attic if that hatch or door is exposed. Without a proper cover, it’s basically like leaving a small window open to the attic.'

It is an easy weekend DIY project you can do yourself, Uri adds. 'You’ll just need a 2-inch rigid foam board [available at The Home Depot] cut to fit snugly over the hatch. Add some weatherstripping from Walmart around the edges to make it airtight, and you’ve just solved one of the most overlooked air leaks.'

During extreme winters, however, it can sometimes be beneficial to leave an attic door open during a freeze, especially if it is unheated, to protect your pipes from bursting.

The Govee WiFi Thermometer, from Amazon, allows you to keep tabs on temperatures around your home from your phone, so you'll know if temperatures get dangerously cold in your attic, and before pipes have a chance to freeze.

Attic Insulation Essentials

Meet the Experts

It isn't just insulation that has an impact on your energy bills. There are some costly mistakes diving up bills and reducing device lifespans you might be making, too.

While stopping cold draughts is an essential step to keeping a house warm in winter, all too often solutions like bulky draft-stoppers can look less than stylish.

That's why I spoke to an interior designer for her tips on staying cozy without compromising on the aesthetic of your space.

Her curtain hack for a warmer home in winter is easy and affordable to implement, and it won't ruin your decor either. Here's how to try it in your own home.

A Designer Told Me a Curtain Trick That Stops Drafts Instantly

Olivia Martin, interior designer at Berbero Rugs, advises, 'To create a highly effective thermal curtain setup over a drafty door or window, the best "curtain trick" involves using a heavy-duty, commercial-grade tension rod, [such as the TEECK Shower Curtain Rod available at Amazon] combined with a thick, thermal-insulated blackout curtain.

'This method ensures a secure, no-drill installation that can reliably hold a heavier curtain to block drafts, light, and noise. This strategy maximizes the insulating properties of your setup by creating an effective seal.'

Therefore, it's suitable for draft-proofing a bathroom, draft-proofing your kitchen, draft-proofing your living room, and even draft-proofing your garage.

'A thermal curtain hung tight against the window frame traps a layer of air between the glass and fabric,' continues Olivia. 'This dead air space acts as an excellent insulator, dramatically slowing the transfer of heat.

'Using a tension rod installed inside the frame means the curtain hangs tightly against the window, creating a seal on all four sides. Traditional rods leave gaps at the tip and sides that allow cold air to leak in.

'The lighter-colored backing on many thermal curtains also reflects solar radiation away from the window, which helps keep the room cooler in summer,' meaning you can use this trick to keep your home cool, too.

How to Try This Trick in Your Own Home

Olivia shares her tips:

• Measure carefully: 'Use a tape measure,' such as the Amazon Basics Self-Locking Tape Measure available at Amazon, 'to get the precise interior width of your door or window frame opening. The tension rod will need to be at least one or two inches longer than this measurement, to ensure a tight, secure fit.'
• Purchase the right gear: As Olivia explains, standard tension rods may sag under the weight of a heavy thermal curtain. 'Choose a heavy-duty or commercial-grade rod with rubber end caps for a non-slip grip,' she says. 'Select a curtain specifically designed for thermal insulation and noise reduction. Look for curtains made of thicker, denser fabric, often with a blackout lining.' We recommend this non-slip tension rod and thermal insulated curtain, both from Amazon.
• Install the rod: 'Mount the rod just inside the window or door frame, or slightly above for a cleaner look,' advises Olivia. Then, twist for tension. 'Adjust the rod length until it is slightly longer than the opening. Compress the rod to fit it into the frame, then twist to expand it until the rubber end caps press tightly against the walls, creating a strong seal.'
• Seal the edges: 'To maximize insulation and prevent any air from leaking around the edges, consider adding adhesive-backed Velcro or magnetic tape down the edges, and across the bottom of the curtain. This creates a complete seal with the curtain is closed.'

As this trick is only secured with a tension rod, the best part is it's renter-friendly, and can quickly and easily be taken down once spring and summer roll around, too.

Designer-approved Tips for a Chic Look

It's one thing to add a curtain to stop drafts, but quite another to make your curtain ideas look chic and stylish. To perfect your DIY draft-proofing solution, Olivia recommends:

• Mount high and wide: 'Hang the tension rod as high and wide as possible above the window or door frame. This creates an illusion of a larger opening and a taller ceiling, giving the space a more polished and luxurious feel.'
• Measure and double up on panels: 'Use enough panels to create a full look when the curtain is closed. A good rule of thumb is to have a curtain width that is one and a half to two times the width of the opening. Doubling up on panels is often necessary for a substantial, drapey look.'
• Choose the right color and finish: 'For a seamless, built-in look, choose a rod color that matches your walls. A color that complements your room's existing decor will prevent the curtain from feeling like a temporary fix. For a cozy, high-end effect, select a curtain a few shades darker than your wall color.'
• Consider the fabric and material: 'A heavy velvet curtain can provide excellent insulation while adding a rich, luxurious texture.'
• Use curtain rings and clips for a custom look: 'If your curtain has a rod pocket, consider using clip-on or ring-style curtain hooks. This allows the curtain to hang below the rod, rather than bunching up on it, creating a more elegant drape. This also makes it much easier to open and close the curtain.'

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All prices were correct at the time of publication.

Meet the Expert

This is also one of the best, budget-friendly ways to draft-proof a sunroom and instantly make a house feel warmer this winter. For added warmth, did you know that rugs affect drafts, too?

There is nothing more infuriating in winter than turning on the heating, running up a bill, and not feeling its warming effects.

You don't need to call a professional just yet, however. In fact, the fix could already be sitting in your bathroom – the humble hair dryer.

No, we don't mean warming yourself with this styling essential. This clever cleaning tip can help boost radiator and vent efficiency, making it feel instantly cozier without turning up the thermostat.

Boost Your Radiator’s Heating with 1 Simple Bathroom Item

Cleaning and removing dust is one of the easiest ways to make your heating more efficient.

When it comes to cleaning radiators and cleaning vents around your home, however, with all of their grooves and awkward spaces, it is easier said than done.

That's where a hair dryer, such as the Conair InfinityPRO Hair Dryer from Best Buy, comes in to blast the dust away without having to reach into awkward gaps.

Eli Zimmer, director of operations at Luxaire HVAC Services, explains, 'These spots can be so difficult to dust because of the many small openings that end up making a regular manual dusting pretty intricate and challenging – similar in a way to how difficult it is to dust blinds.

'By using a hairdryer, you can instead blast air into those small crevices, and the force from that can dislodge dust.'

To avoid any cleaning mistakes, it is important to only use the cool setting on your hair dryer, warns Bert Miskell, owner at BPM Heating, Cooling & Plumbing.

'The goal is to remove dust, not heat it,' he reminds us. 'Using hot hair can actually bake the dust onto the system. Just make sure to vacuum the area well afterward because dust will fly all around.'

If you are sensitive to dust, we suggest wearing either a dust mask from Walmart while cleaning or using one of the best air purifiers, such as the top-rated Shark NeverChange Air Purifier MAX from Best Buy, to prevent the dust from settling elsewhere.

Improve Heating Efficiency

Meet the Experts

Dust isn't the only thing making your heating system work harder. Incorrect settings and bad thermostat placement can all have a serious impact on how warm your home feels.

With colder weather officially here, the risk of frozen plumbing and pipes rises sharply, as does the threat of leaks, irreparable damage, and expensive bills for emergency plumber call-outs.

So, how do HVAC experts protect their own homes? According to our pro, the Frost King Rubber Tubular Pipe Insulation available at Amazon is the unsung hero of pipe protection this winter and beyond.

Here, he explains why it's one of the best ways to stop pipes freezing.

This $25 Buy Could Save you $100s this Winter

All prices were correct at the time of publication.

I spoke to Josh Mitchell, HVAC pro and founder of AirConditionerLab for insulating pipes this month. He said, 'One simple fix I always recommend in October is adding foam pipe insulation to exposed plumbing, especially in basements, garages, or along exterior walls.

'Once nighttime temperatures drop below 32°F, uninsulated pipes can freeze in a few hours if there's no heat source nearby.'

For this, Josh recommends the Frost King Rubber Tubular Pipe Insulation available at Amazon.

'It comes pre-slit with adhesive edges,' he explains, 'allowing it to wrap neatly around copper or PVC pipes. Just cut to length with scissors and press the seam shut.

'It insulates the pipe and slows heat loss, which buys you time when temperatures drop fast overnight,' and should help you avoid frozen or burst pipes, and therefore having to know what to do if a pipe bursts.

In fact, says Josh, 'I've seen people avoid burst pipe damage just by insulating the five or six feet of exposed pipe near a foundation wall or crawl space. It's one of the cheapest cold-weather prep steps you can take.

'This is helpful for older homes, homes with crawlspaces, or properties where not every room is heated 24/7.'

Josh isn't the only one who thinks this is a brilliant solution for insulating pipes, either.

As one reviewer writes, it's 'Easy to work with,' and 'does the job.'

'Used this to replace rotting insulation,' they continue. 'It's very flexible – I was able to secure it around a couple of bends in the pipe without cutting it, using zip ties and electrical tape. It made for a fairly easy job without needing a service call.

'The adhesive is very strong and provides a good seal for the insulation.'

They also add a helpful tip: 'Be sure to fit the insulation on the pipe before you remove the tape and expose the adhesive. Good product – recommended if you need to replace your pipe insulation.'

Another reviewer adds it's 'easy to install, and worked perfectly,' while a third adds it's an 'excellent product.'

'What impressed me about this particular brand was the glue and peel strip,' they say. 'That is where the other brands lack. It's one of the most important things when installing that it peels easily and stays stuck together.

'I recommend it over the branded big-box chain stores that are selling. Comes sealed in plastic and boxed for protection also.'

For that reason, you won't need to call in a pro to help you install it, and instead can make use of some DIY tips to get the job done quickly and easily, even if you need to insulate a crawl space or any other typically trickier spot.

Importantly, continues Josh, 'Avoid wrapping pipes that are already damp or leaking. Insulation works best on dry, intact lines, and won't fix existing plumbing issues.' In those circumstances, you will need to pay for a plumber.

Once insulated, bolster the effectiveness of your tubular pipe insulation by considering the perfect temperature to run your heating to avoid frozen pipes, which is between 55 and 60 degrees Fahrenheit.

You should also take steps to protect an outside faucet from freezing, by covering any outside faucets, and ensure you know when to drip faucets, and exactly how to do it when the time comes.

All in all, these important steps will help you prepare your home for a freeze, winterize home plumbing indoors and outside, and keep a home warm all day, too.

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You might also want to consider investing in some smart home improvements for winter, like draught-proofing and modern double glazing.

I grew up in a home that had an ugly space heater in every room, and so I vowed never to bring them into my own home, using heatpads instead for a bit of instant warmth before finally turning on the heating in the thick of winter.

However, with energy costs soaring – it’s going to cost the average American household over 7%, and in some cases up to 15% more to heat their home this year than last – I’ve been on the hunt for a cute space heater that doesn’t break the bank and won’t annoy me every time I look at it.

And voila! This cute and efficient $27 compact heater from Amazon is rounded in style, available in three colors, and looks modern. It’s a far cry from the bulky, boring space heaters of winters past, and will help keep you warm all day without sending your bills soaring.

This $27 stylish little heater is perfect for zone heating to keep costs low

This little heater weighs just two pounds, making it easily portable around your home, though, with its low price point, you could easily bag three for use across your home for under $100 and keep them near the spots you sit in the longer winter evenings, such as the sofa, in home offices, and bedrooms prone to cool spots. Just make sure you don't overload your outlets.

Josh Mitcell, HVAC technician of AirConditioner Lab says, ‘In most of the US, people start turning their systems on once indoor temps drop below 68°F consistently, especially in the mornings and evenings. That typically happens around mid-to-late October in the Midwest and Northeast, and early to mid-November in the South.'

This fall has been slower to cool compared to last year. September and early October ran about 2 to 4 degrees above average across much of the central US, according to Josh, which delayed the usual transition and will inspire hunts for adding warmth without sending bills skyrocketing.

Josh says, 'I’m seeing more homeowners using heated blankets, small space heaters, or lap warmers instead of turning on the whole system. In the Northeast and Great Lakes regions, people are waiting one to two weeks longer than usual to turn on the heat, compared to 2022 or 2023.

'In some parts of the US, natural gas prices are up 10 to 15 percent compared to last fall. Electricity rates have remained high in several metropolitan areas, particularly those where utilities increased their base rates earlier in the year. People are trying to avoid a spike in their heating bills by holding off as long as possible.'

Josh adds that running a gas furnace can cost $3 to $5 per day, depending on your region and insulation, explaining, 'Electric baseboard heat can be even more. Compared to that, a daily cost of $1-2 for a compact heater is easy to justify when you're only heating one or two rooms.

'A small heater like the QQT model draws 400 to 500 watts and costs under $2 per day with casual use. It’s ideal for bedrooms, home offices, or any other room you use regularly. It also features tip-over protection and an overheat shutoff, making it safer than older plug-in heaters.'

This stylish and affordable space heater will cost around $1.68 a day to run, based on eight hours of constant use. This was worked out using the following information:

This is a 1200-watt heater that uses 1.2 kilowatts of energy per hour. Over eight hours, it would use 1.2 kW×8 h=9.6 kWh. The total cost, therefore, based on the average residential electricity rate of 17.47 cents per kWh, brings the total cost to approximately $1.68.

Whilst HVAC experts, including Josh, advise turning the heating on when your house feels uncomfortably cold, it’s a toss-up between comfort, style and rising energy costs.

That’s why ‘zone heating’, warming up yourself and the space immediately around you, may help you keep expensive heating off for longer this winter.

Josh adds, 'I’m seeing more people this year close off unused rooms, run space heaters in the areas where they spend time, and only run their furnace in short cycles to maintain a base temperature. That kind of zoning approach helps keep energy use in check.'

And no rule says devices to help you with this have to be ugly and bulky. Hebe Hatton, Head of Interiors at Homes & Gardens says, ‘I will be the first to admit I often go for prettiness over practicality, so when I find a product that does both, I am a happy shopper.

'I want the more useful things in my home to be aesthetically pleasing too, and not interrupt my home's style. This QQT heater from Amazon isn't huge, which is its first pro, its shape and color also don't scream "heater". The deep green is very on trend for fall 2025 and the white option is ideal if you want something that blends a bit more into the background.’

It's not just nice to look at, either.

One happy customer labeled this buy a ‘little powerhouse’, and declared it to be quick to heat a space, ‘very quiet’, and a brilliant way to zone heat. In their five-star product write-up, they add, ‘It's a great little heater that is perfect for personal spaces. It's warm, efficient, safe, and quiet, and it comes at a very affordable price. If you're looking for a way to beat the winter chill, I highly recommend checking out the QQT Electric Space Heater.

The quiet fan noise and safety features, including a thermostat for an auto-switch off, enhanced safety plug, and anti-tip features, make it a safe bet for taking the chill off cold bedrooms this winter.

You can also draft-proof your home to stop heat from escaping, cold air from creeping in, and reduce the number of hours you need to run your heating type, in this case, a stylish little space heater.

What to shop

Given that four in five people (77%) revealed in a survey by Barker and Stonehouse that their interiors impact their mood, why not be more intentional with your heating choices?

Here are six further stylish and compact electric heaters to consider:

Using a heatpad is another affordable way to stay comfortable without heating up the whole room. It's a staple in my house and a very energy-efficient way to stay comfortable when the chill hits.

With energy bills showing no sign of dropping, I am on the hunt for small, affordable ways to make my heating go further for less in winter.

So when an energy expert told me I could potentially shave 10% or more from my annual heating costs with a humble $17 draft excluder from Amazon, I was all ears.

Here's how some simple draft-proofing could save you $100s on your bills annually.

How a draft excluder can help cut energy bills

According to Ethen Heine, president and CEO of Suntrek Solar, draft excluders are one of the most effective, affordable ways to stop air transfer, reducing heat loss under doors to cut energy bills.

This makes your heating more efficient, he explains. 'In many cases, your bills can be up to 10-15% lower. I have found that, for many households, a $20 excluder saves $100 to $150 in a single season. In my household, for example, draft excluders cut my furnace consumption by 12%.'

It isn't just a one-off, either.

One verified Amazon shopper also saved hundreds on their bills, claiming it worked so well they ended up buying three for all over their small apartment.

After their boiler failed and they were forced to use infrared heaters instead, they shared, 'Last year my bill was almost $800 for one apartment. So I put these up on the entry doors and the porch door, where most heat tends to get zapped. We have saved so much money, and my little apartment is toasty!

'My dad lives in the unit above me and argued that it wouldn't work. He's now a believer and has even convinced my aunt to buy some for her apartment.'

Their tip? Use some double-sided tape (available from Walmart) to attach the draft excluder to the bottom of the door for a flush finish, stopping all air transfer altogether.

What to shop

Meet the expert

Air transfer isn't the only thing making your heating system work harder. Everything from dirty vents to old air filters could be impacting your bills, too.

As the days get shorter and colder, the question of when to switch the heating on begins to arise.

There is no one answer to suit us all, but our heating pros advise that instead of turning to the calendar, you should tune into certain conditions in your home instead.

Here's how to work out exactly when to switch on your home heating types this fall to keep you comfortable and balance energy use.

When to switch heating on

The best time to start taking steps to keep a home warm all day will depend on several factors, including, but not limited to, the weather, your home and attic insulation, your daily activities, your health and personal preferences.

As a result, there is no one set date to switch heating on, says Reuben Saltzman, owner and CEO of Structure Tech Home Inspections. Instead, you should check the conditions in your home.

He explains, 'Once your indoor temps are consistently dipping below 65°Fahrenheit, or you're just plain uncomfortable, it’s time to fire up your heating system. The temperature range of 65-68°F is a sweet spot for comfort, moisture control, and energy use if you are looking to make heating more efficient.'

A small digital home thermometer, from Walmart, can help you keep tabs on your indoor temperature throughout the year.

Reuben continues, 'Another sign you want to look out for is morning condensation on windows or exterior walls.

'Cold interior surfaces drive condensation and mold, not just the outdoor temperature, so keeping the inside above that point matters. But when it gets very cold outside, you'll probably need to bump up the temperature on your thermostat to stay warm.'

Turning your heating on when you first notice these signs, rather than putting it off, not only keeps you healthy but also protects your home from damp. Plus, it is quicker and easier to warm up a home that is not absolutely frigid.

Importantly, don't forget to tackle these germ hot spots to clean before turning the heating on.

Heating essentials

Managing your home heating and humidity through winter can help you to stay cozy without the extortionate energy costs. Here are some essentials to help slash energy bills this year.

Meet the expert

Knowing when to switch the heating on isn't just important for comfort, it also helps you to achieve the perfect temperature to curb mold for a healthier home, too.

I have chronic pain, so the cold really bothers me. That’s why I’d usually be the first in line to flip the switch and turn my heating on as the cooler weather creeps in.

However, in a bid to keep my energy bills low, I have been reaching for my trusty $16 heatpad from Amazon, instead of the thermostat, whenever the chill hits me. HVAC pros confirm it costs as little as 5 cents a day to run a small one, and take it from me, it really makes all the difference.

It’s not only a great way to stay warm, but also to make heating your home more efficient, as it's easier and cheaper to warm yourself, than an entire house. A real winner this early in fall when that awful chill starts to settle in your bones, and an enduring winter comfort I cannot live without.

Why I’m using a heatpad to stay warm instead of turning the heating on

Thanks to my ridiculous mix of chronic illnesses, the cold hurts my joints, but too much heat makes me dizzy and can trigger migraines. That’s why I don’t mind my house being on the cooler side, as long as I am feeling warm enough.

That’s why I have been using Amazon heatpads for 20 years. It’s a great way to warm up achy areas, or just get cozy without overheating.

HVAC pro and founder of AirConditionerLab, Josh Mitchell, loves using his heatpad, too. He says, 'I’ve been using a small heat pad on my lap in the mornings and evenings, and yes, it really does cost next to nothing to run. Mine pulls around 50 watts, so even if I leave it on for five or six hours a day, it only adds up to about 4 to 5 cents. That’s way cheaper than heating the whole house when I’m just sitting in one spot.'

Josh also adds that using a heat pad is one of the most cost-effective ways to stay warm before turning on the central heat. He says, 'Most standard electric heat pads draw between 40 and 75 watts. If you run one for eight hours a day, that adds up to around 0.32 to 0.6 kilowatt-hours. At the national average electricity rate of about 15 cents per kWh, that’s 5 to 9 cents per day. Smaller models, especially those designed for lap or targeted body use, typically fall on the lower end of that range.'

I have a small one, as featured above, and it's more than enough for the entire day. In the mornings, I have it on my lap to keep me warm in my north-facing home office. In the evenings, I usually lie on the sofa and put the heatpad across my lower back or knees, where deep pain is setting in. Before I get into bed, I put the heatpad on to warm up my sheets.

Josh says that last one is a great way to avoid 'cold-sheet shock' and reduces the need to warm up your entire bedroom to find comfort during this seasonal shift in weather and temperature.

All this, coupled with the selection of machine-washable soft throws available at Walmart, in rotation, means I won’t be turning on my home heating for at least a few more weeks.

Josh reckons using a heatpad is a great tactic to keep your bills down. He says, 'Heating yourself directly instead of the whole room or house is a smart move early in the season. It reduces load on your HVAC system, especially when outside temps haven’t fully dropped but the house feels chilly.

'I’ve had clients delay turning on their furnace by two to three weeks simply by using spot heating like heat pads, heated throws, and warm bedding. That can save 10 to 15 percent off the monthly heating bill, depending on how much they run their central system.'

The great news is that heatpads only cost about 10 cents to run for a full 24 hours, so it’s super affordable and a way to keep warm all day.

What to shop

When using a heatpad, Josh advises, 'I always recommend double-checking that the cord is in good shape and the plug fits snugly. I also avoid placing anything heavy on top of it while it's on.'

He personally likes the Pure Enrichment PureRelief XL heatpad and the Sunbeam XpressHeat models, both available at Amazon. Josh says, 'Both stay under 100 watts, heat up fast, and have consistent temp control. They cost about 6 to 8 cents per eight hours of use.'

I'll add to that with my own final tip: Make sure to never fold your electric heatpad, whether it's on or off, to keep the heating elements intact and functioning well.

Meet our expert

When it finally comes time to turn on the heating, you might be surprised to hear that keeping the heating on all day, if you have a smart thermostat, will actually save you money over the course of winter.

You can also heat the garage to stop it from becoming a conduit for cold air to move into your home.

New York is famous for its bitterly cold winters, so as the temperatures start to drop, the big question becomes when to give in and turn on the heating.

Hold off too long, and you'll be shivering through cold mornings; put it on too early, and you risk higher energy bills before winter really sets in.

Here's what HVAC pros say about when to use your home heating types in New York so you can stay warm without spending a fortune.

When to turn your heating on in New York

Working out when to turn the heating on in New York and the most efficient heating schedule from there will depend largely on your personal preferences and routine.

However, as a general rule of thumb, it is a good idea to turn your heating on in early October or whenever the temperature drops towards the 50s – if not to heat your home, then to test the system ahead of the really cold season.

Robert Mazzacone, president and master plumber at Mazzacone Plumbing & Heating, says this is the case for both mini-split and heat pump systems, as well as oil or gas burners and furnaces.

'It is a good idea to turn them on early in the season to make sure everything is working properly,' he says. 'Once colder weather sets in, it can also be harder to get on a plumber’s schedule if there is an issue.

'You do not have to keep it running, but you want to know the system works before nights drop into the 40s. Too many homeowners wait until the first freezing night and then find out the furnace or boiler will not start.'

Although this might still sound too early for those of us concerned about saving money on energy bills, Landon Wimmer, CEO at Empower Home Services, says turning your heating on a little earlier could be the most economical way to run your heating.

He explains, 'From an energy standpoint, waiting until you truly need the heat will reduce your utility costs, but waiting too long will cause your system to work harder to catch up.'

This approach, along with improving home insulation, can make heating more efficient, adds Cory Lyons, brand president at Koala Insulation.

'Insulation acts as a protective barrier – not only against outside temperatures, but also against allergens, dust, moisture, and even noise,' all important considerations in New York apartments.

'If you notice inconsistent temperatures or sky-high bills, the culprits are often inadequate insulation, poor air sealing, and improper attic ventilation. In fact, nearly 90% of U.S. homes are under-insulated, meaning their insulation’s R-value (resistance to heat transfer) doesn’t meet modern standards for their region.'

Some simple draft-proofing tips, such as installing window insulating film from Walmart or weatherstripping from Amazon, around doors and windows, are quick and effective ways to address this issue.

What to shop

Meet the experts

If you really want to save money on bills this year, brush up on the things making your heating system work harder to help improve efficacy, comfort, and the strain on your wallet.

Most fans are destined for the back corner of the closet when the cold weather sets in, taking up valuable storage space until summer returns.

But not all fans are just for cooling. The Dyson AM09 Hot & Cool Bladeless Fan & Heater with Jet Focus, available at QVC can help heat your home too, making it one of the few fans you won't need to stash away come fall.

The best news? It's discounted by $200 for just three days only, and hundreds of shoppers are snapping up one of the best fans on the market.

Why the Dyson AM09 Hot & Cool Fan is a must-have

I swear by a fan to help keep a home cool without AC in the summer, but come fall and winter, my period home is freezing cold (with my built-in heating struggling to keep my poorly insulated home warm), and my fan is an eyesore I come to loathe.

That's why these heater-fan combo units from Dyson look so tempting whenever they go on sale, offering me the best of both worlds, year-round, without the need for multiple bulky appliances and ugly space heaters.

The Dyson AM09 fan (also available at Amazon) uses ceramic plates rather than loud fans to warm up air, and amplifies air flow to help keep you cool.

The Jet Focus control allows you to choose between Focused and Diffused modes for personal or whole-room heating, or direct cooling or a gentle breeze in hotter weather.

It really does do it all.

While we have not been able to test the Dyson AM09 ourselves, the shopper reviews speak for themselves.

Amazon shopper KyahPearl called the fan one of the best purchases they have made this year, praising the fan for heating up in minutes, adding, 'I love the timer, and with the 10 cool settings of the fan, it's perfect to circulate the A/C air around the room. Just keep the holes clear of dust, and it's good to go.'

A Damp Duster, from Walmart, is ideal for this quick cleaning task, helping to collect the dust rather than just spread it around.

Another verified Dyson shopper also gave it five stars, admitting the small but powerful fan 'greatly surprised them'.

'It’s great to move around the house as needed,' they shared. 'We use it to take the chill off a bathroom or in the lounge in the evening. It’ll get even more use to cool the home here in Queensland. Both modes work extremely well with the bonus of being safe when pets or young children are around.

'It’s very neat, compact, and packs a punch. Super easy to wipe down too, no dusty fan blades.'

What to shop

With the fan secured in your basket, brush up on how to cool a room with fans to make the most of your new purchase, and check out the dangerous space heater mistakes you might be making to mitigate a home fire.

Imagine waking to a home that’s already vacuumed, with clean air and your favorite music playing – without needing a single command. That’s the promise of new AI in the home: Intelligent systems that keep learning and act on your behalf.

Unlike routine-based smart devices, AI uses behavioral patterns and environmental data to adapt device actions in real time. It collaborates across systems, lightens mental load, and quietly makes life easier.

Here, learn more about the smart home must-haves with integrated AI that can transform daily life – and why it’s already more common than you think.

4 smart ways to use AI at home without lifting a finger

1. Ambiance

AI is rethinking how we control home ambiance, say experts.

‘Ambient intelligence is an emerging concept where devices passively understand who’s there and what they need – without commands or wearables,’ says Amod Kant Agrawal, applied scientist at Amazon.

This new tech doesn’t just respond, it anticipates. Wireless signals detect gestures and patterns, allowing systems to follow you with music or adjust lights based on activity, time of day, or even your tone of voice. You’ll find many of these developments in today’s smart home trends.

Samsung’s upcoming Ballie robot, for instance, projects images, feeds pets, and controls connected appliances as it moves with you. It’s a major leap from the routine-based systems in earlier smart tech gadgets.

Russell Goldman, interior designer at More Wow Design, explains, ‘AI adapts to our behavior. It knows when to dim the lights, play music to match your mood, or reduce allergens overnight. It’s perceptive, not programmed.’

2. Cleaning

Cleaning has become smarter and more intuitive. ‘AI learns patterns and adjusts over time – it doesn’t just follow fixed commands,’ says Patrice Williams Lindo, CEO at Career Nomad.

Many of the models in our best robot vacuums guide, including the iRobot Roomba Combo j9+, use cameras and LiDAR mapping to recognize objects such as cords or pet waste. ‘It’s not just reacting – it’s deciding,’ Patrice explains.

Roborock’s latest robot goes further with a mechanical arm that clears obstacles, informed by AI object detection. It solves one of the most persistent frustrations: Having to pre-clean your floor for the robot.

Air quality is evolving, too. ‘AI-driven purifiers now predict changes based on cooking habits or pollen levels and adjust automatically,’ Patrice says. And as we've discovered from testing the best air purifiers, this hands-free feature is becoming increasingly common.

3. Energy

Energy efficiency is one of AI’s most practical benefits. ‘AI maps when people are home, adjusts heating and cooling, and even times it to cheaper electricity rates,’ says Patrice. Ecobee’s Eco+ feature is a standout example – learning patterns and adapting in real time.

Russell Goldman sees the future in cross-system collaboration, ‘Your energy monitor will inform your thermostat. Your wellness tracker will inform lighting and air quality. AI isn’t isolated – it’s becoming a responsive network.’

This connected thinking is central to setting up a smart home. It’s also a major contributor to lower bills, especially when combined with smart plugs and appliance monitoring, which are helpful when cutting energy bills.

Looking ahead, Russell predicts AI-first design, ‘We’ll stop layering tech onto homes and start building homes for AI where even layout and airflow respond dynamically to our routines.’

4. Security

Traditional security systems alert you to motion, whereas AI systems tell you what’s happening. ‘Ring’s new AI-generated alerts describe scenes – like “A person is walking up the steps with a black dog” – reducing false alarms and adding clarity,’ says Patrice.

Devices like the eufy Security Video Doorbell E340 distinguish between people, packages, pets, and cars, and process data on-device, keeping footage private. These features are fast becoming standard across the best home security measures.

Amod points to passive sensing as a key upgrade, ‘Systems can track your phone or smartwatch and unlock doors as you approach – like keyless car entry, but for the home.’

Renters can benefit too. Many renter-safe home security systems now offer AI-powered features without requiring permanent fixtures. And for guidance, a military dad’s top security picks offer simple, effective upgrades with AI baked in.

Next, learn the smart kitchen tech that can transform your cooking, and the smart bedroom tech to improve sleep.

Buying a fan or space heater can seem like an overly expensive purchase, as you're only going to be able to use your new appliance for half of the year. However, the Dreo's MC706 Tower Fan and Heater, a dual fan and heater, is a great way around this.

It guarantees year-round use, with five heating settings and 10 cooling settings to create a comfortable temperature, whatever the season.

I was lucky enough to get my hands on the multi-function Dreo MC706, and tested it for two months in my home to find out if it's one of the best fans out there.

Dreo 2-in-1 Tower Fan and Heater MC706: Specifications

• Buy the Dreo 2-in-1 Tower Fan and Heater for $169.99 from Dreo and Amazon.

Dreo 2-in-1 Tower Fan and Heater MC706: Setup

The Dreo MC706 shipped in a single box and hadn't sustained any damage when it arrived. I laid the box down on the floor to remove the fan and found a clear message printed across the back instructing me to open the box from the opposite side.

The fan is held in place by four large Styrofoam blocks, which isn't the most sustainable design feature, but holds everything together without scratching. All of the components, including the cord and plug, were also wrapped in protective plastic. The tower fan base arrives in two pieces that need to be pressed together. Aligning those pieces took a bit of experimentation, and I had to move them around for about two minutes before I got them to line up correctly.

From there, the rest of the assembly process was easy. I had to unwrap and thread the power cord through the hole in the base, and then the base clicked into the fan very easily. I removed a protective plastic tab from the remote, and the heater and fan combo were ready to use.

The MC706 includes a 21-page user manual. It features detailed instructions and helpful diagrams, but the text is small and slightly difficult to read. But overall, the instructions are very easy to understand.

Dreo 2-in-1 Tower Fan and Heater MC706: Design and features

This heater fan has a modern, sleek design. It's available in black, silver, white, and "Star Light," which looks like a rosy beige. I tested the tower fan in silver and found that, even though my home has more of a farmhouse style, the fan still fits in relatively well. I could see it working well in a modern or minimalist bedroom.

The MC706 features a control panel on the top, which is nicely responsive to touch, and a remote with seven buttons. Both the control panel and the remote are user-friendly and easy to operate, and they don't have so many buttons that they're overwhelming.

The heater fan has an adjustable thermostat that allows you to choose temperatures from 41 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit. Once you've set the temperature, the machine will either operate the fan or the heater to reach and maintain that desired temperature, perfect when heating or cooling a room with fans.

The heater fan includes a timer that you can use to set it to run for up to 12 hours, which is great if you sleep with a fan on at night. It also includes a 24-hour auto-off feature to help reduce your energy bills if you forget to turn it off.

The heater fan also has an oscillating feature to help distribute air more evenly. You can choose from 30 to 120-degree oscillation, depending on the space where you're using the machine.

The heater fan is also easily portable. It weighs just under 14 pounds, which is a little bit lighter than the best upright vacuums, so you can easily carry it up a flight of stairs and through different rooms. It also features a carved-out handle on the back, which provides a good grip.

It also comes with important safety features. The tip-over protection will automatically shut off the heater fan if it's tipped over. Overheat protection will also automatically shut it off if the unit gets too hot.

• Buy the Dreo 2-in-1 Tower Fan and Heater for $169.99 from Dreo and Amazon.

Dreo 2-in-1 Tower Fan and Heater MC706: Performance

This heater fan is impressively efficient. I tested it in a 300-square-foot bedroom, and it easily brought the temperature up by five degrees when I used the thermostat setting. It took about half an hour and could also sustain that temperature, so the whole room felt comfortable. It's great for achieving the ideal room temperature.

Similarly, the tower fan offers powerful cooling. When I set the fan to 10, its highest speed, I can feel the air moving from 15 feet away, especially after I learned the best fan direction to cool a room.

In my open concept living room, dining room, and kitchen space, the heater fan still performed well. It's not large enough to be the only heat source for the entire space, which is about 800 square feet, but I could still feel the fan's heat when I was about 20 feet away from it. After I used my home's heating system to bring the space up to my target temperature, the heater definitely helped to maintain that temperature, so I could rely on my home's heat less. Combine with the right home heating types if you're looking for warmth that's best suited to your space.

The fan circulated a large amount of air through the space, especially when on its oscillating setting. The control panel on the top of the unit is sensitive, and the remote is also simple and self-explanatory. There are four modes to choose from:

• Eco mode: It will run until the room reaches the set temperature, and then the unit will turn off.
• Auto mode: The fan will automatically increase and decrease its speed as the temperature of the room increases and decreases.
• Natural mode: This sets the fan to increase and decrease intermittently, much like the effect of a natural breeze. I found this setting to be soothing when going to sleep.
• Sleep mode: Selecting this option will automatically decrease the fan speed as you fall asleep.

The Dreo MC706 also features a one-touch heat-cool switch. By holding the switch down for three seconds, the fan will switch to heating or cooling. When switching to heating, I could feel the heat within about three seconds of the function switching over. When switching to the fan setting, the fan will run for 15 seconds to dissipate any remaining hot air in the unit. It's an impressively fast change.

Overall, this heater fan operates very quietly. The lowest heater setting reached 49.5 decibels, which is like having a very quiet fan on in the background. The highest heat setting reached just 54.9 decibels, which is still quieter than the best cordless vacuums on their lowest settings. I was able to continue watching TV without having to adjust the volume.

The fan's lowest setting reached 47.9 decibels and was barely audible, even when I was sitting right next to it. At its highest setting, the fan reached 87.3 decibels, similar to a hair dryer. However, the fan is so powerful on this setting that I would only use the setting for a brief moment to cool down a room fast.

Dreo 2-in-1 Tower Fan and Heater MC706: Care and maintenance

There are clear instructions on how to clean the tower fan and space heater regularly, including dusting the exterior and checking for debris around the intake vents.

The user manual recommends that you remove any dust from the grilles and blades using a vacuum or air duster (the handheld Black+Decker dustbuster furbuster is perfect for these small cleaning tasks).

The base can be disassembled as needed, and you can lay the fan flat and remove the grill by unscrewing the bottom. With the grill removed, you can use a vacuum cleaner or air duster to clean the blades, and the grill can be rinsed under running water.

Once dry, you can reattach the grill and the base. The tower fan surface can be wiped with a clean, dry cloth.

The heater fan has an overall solid feel to it, but the body is crafted from plastic. I managed to lightly scratch the surface of the fan just by placing it against the floor while installing the base.

While the fan might not feature the most durable materials, I wouldn't worry too much about how that would affect its everyday use, since it will usually be standing in a location where it won't be in contact with other objects. But if you have kids or pets who might knock it over, I could see it being easily damaged.

How does the Dreo 2-in-1 Tower Fan and Heater MC706 compare?

The Dreo 2-in-1 Tower Fan and Heater MC706 costs $169.99 from Dreo and Amazon.

For $10 more you could buy the Shark FlexBreeze, a fan that can switch between pedestal and tabletop. It doesn't have a heater setting, but it's completely portable with a rechargeable battery that lasts up to 24 hours, and can be taken outdoors and attached to a faucet for a gentle misting on a hot day. It's quiet, cools you down quickly, and has timer and oscillation settings. Our Shark FlexBreeze review explains why it's the only fan we've tested that deserves five stars.

Or, the Levoit Classic 36-Inch Tower Fan at Amazon costs just $74.99 at full price, and works great as a fan for quiet and effective cooling or large spaces.

Should you buy the Dreo 2-in-1 Tower Fan and Heater MC706?

I am very impressed by the Dreo MC706 and would buy it for my home. Both the heat and fan functions are very powerful, but they're also quiet and can run in the background without interrupting conversations.

The ability to use different modes, like the timer function or the Eco mode, makes this heater fan a versatile choice. Plus, it takes up minimal floor space, so it can work in small rooms or in larger spaces.

It's hard to find weaknesses or flaws in the heater fan. Its plastic construction isn't the most durable, so it might not be a great choice for a home with kids or pets who might bump it around. It is a more expensive option, but still competitively priced, and heater-fan combos in a similar price range lacked its features and had fewer fan and heat speeds.

Overall, I think this heater fan is a great choice for most homes, and it's likely to see use year-round.

• Buy the Dreo 2-in-1 Tower Fan and Heater for $169.99 from Dreo and Amazon.

How I tested the Dreo 2-in-1 Tower Fan and Heater MC706

I tested the Dreo MC706 for two months in my home. I tested it in multiple rooms, including a smaller bedroom and in my large open floor plan kitchen, dining room, and living room.

When testing the tower heater, I used it to bring the room temperature up and down by several degrees. I also tested whether it could be used in place of my home's heating system.

During the tests, I considered factors like the heater fan's ease of use, mobility, noise, and overall performance and quality. You can find more information on how we test products on our dedicated page.

Next, take a look at our tested picks of the best air purifiers or the best robot vacuums, for more technology that can transform our home lives.

If you're wondering why your house feels damp and cold, even when it's warm outside, or you're curious about the excessive condensation on your windows or that musty smell you can't shift, the chances are that damp is the culprit.

Our mold and damp pros reveal the seven common and crucial warning signs to watch out for, including wet walls and ceilings, mold rising from baseboards, and peeling wallpaper.

These things can be gradual, hidden behind furniture, and you may not spot them at first, so being armed with knowledge is vital to reduce the risk of mold in your home, and help you tackle damp issues as soon as they arise.

Experts answer: 'Why does my house feel damp?'

1. Inadequate ventilation

Poor ventilation is most common in kitchens, bathrooms, and basements. Seth explains, 'Inadequate airflow traps moisture indoors, leading to condensation buildup. This encourages mold growth, musty odors, and potential respiratory issues.'

The best fixes according to Seth Mapp general manager of Champion & Nash, Houston’s leading HVAC company, are to improve ventilation with exhaust fans.

We recommend Walmart's Comfort Zone 9" twin window fan with reversible airflow control, which has auto-locking expanders, so you can easily fit it across your window. 'The second option,' Seth explains, 'is to invest in a great dehumidifier.'

You don't have to break the bank when purchasing your first dehumidifier. More than 8000 customers bought the very affordable TABYIK dehumidifier from Amazon, in the last month, and it has great features perfect for small rooms (around 250 square feet), including a capacity of 16oz (450ml) and low-energy consumption (no more than 1-kilowatt hour a day).

You can also make use of shock ventilation, and use natural, eco-friendly diy dehumidifier ideas.

2. Deficient seals around your home

Perhaps one of the more obvious, and most common cause of damp can be drafts from badly sealed doors, windows and other gaps. This has a simple fix, luckily.

Seth Mapp explains, 'Insufficient insulation allows cold air to meet warm air, leading to condensation build up on walls and windows. This encourages mold growth, damages paint and drywall and decreases energy efficiency.'

So what's the fix? Seth recommends you 'upgrade insulation, seal gaps around doors and windows and install energy-efficient windows.' You can draft-proof your living room, bedrooms and kitchen and slash energy bills at the same time.

'If a room in your house smells musty, try checking the windows and any doors that are connected to the outside of the property,' says Ron Shimek, president of Mr. Handyman. 'To solve this issue, simply reseal any gaps you see with caulk or weatherstrips.'

Walmart's DAP all-purpose 10oz clear acrylic silicone caulk is highly rated and dries clear, so it won't be noticeable. Ideal for sealing around windows, doors, and trim, it has a clear color and a paintable finish. It's also mildew and mold resistant. Our favorite weatherstripping is the Storystore foam insulation self-adhesive tape from Amazon. It has thousands of high ratings from happy customers and is ideal for easy air-tight sealing, sound proofing, and can also aid with heat insulation.

Head of Solved, Punteha van Terheyden used self-adhesive weatherstripping to seal a draft from her front door. She says, 'It took me five minutes to do and solved multiple problems in one go: it stopped a cold draft coming in, stopped my entryway heating escaping, stopped my adjoined living room feeling cold all the time and blocked pests from finding their way indoors. It's such an easy fix anyone can do without hassle.'

3. Issues with insulation and mold

According to Carr Lanphier, CEO of Improovy, poor insulation is the number one reason he sees homeowners experiencing persistent dampness in their homes, 'Usually its either caused by the layout of the home itself, or by issues with an HVAC or vent system – your home doesn’t have the moving air and air exchange to properly dry things out and get rid of dampness.'

It's one of the reasons why having moisture channels, a space between furniture and walls, is so vital.

You can change your filters – Target's Filtrate allergen defence air filters are great for catching micro particles, but for optimum performance they need changing at least every 90 days. See if that helps first, if not, then it would be worth getting a HVAC expert in to check your system.'

Servicing and cleaning your HVAC system regularly will help flag any other issues early on.

Carr adds, 'The top risk is going to be mold. Damp environments like this, especially ones lacking good air flow, are going to be prime spots for mold development.'

The CLR mold and mildew clear, bleach-free stain remover from Amazon is effective for bathroom and kitchen mold. For a more eco-friendly approach clean with vinegar. Add it to a spray bottle using a 1:1 ratio with water, and spray straight onto the area, leave for a few hours then wipe off. Do not use vinegar on natural stone, such as marble, as the acidity can eat away at the surface over time, causing pitting or a loss of shine.

4. Plumbing leaks and pipe condensation

Persistant damp can be a result of a hidden leak. Seth explains, 'Leaks in pipes, appliances, or fixtures introduce constant moisture into walls, ceilings, and floors.'

The risk factors with this reason are structural damage, mold growth and larger water and energy bills (improving your home's EPC rating is also worth considering). To fix it Seth says, 'Have regular plumbing inspections, fix leaks promptly, and use moisture-detecting sensors.'

Amazon's General Tools MMD4E digital moisture meter is one of the most highly rated models. It detects water leaks and moisture and has a backlit LCD display with audible and visual moisture content alerts.

Ron agrees, 'Leaky pipes and faucets are a top cause that can contribute to excess moisture in the home and water damage, making it perfect environment for mold and mildew to grow. Get ahead of this issue by consistently inspecting pipes and fixtures in and around the home – like bathroom sinks, the water heater, the garbage disposal.'

5. Blocked gutters

It's not just the interior of your home that needs care to manage damp issues, the exterior needs regular maintenance too.

'Having gutters and downspouts that are filled with debris can cause rainwater to potentially seep into the walls of your home or its foundation, which can lead to water intrusion as well as dampness,' says Ron. 'To avoid this, learn to clean your gutters and do it regularly – at least twice a year – and check downspouts to ensure they are directing water away from the home.'

If you're cleaning your own gutters, the Worx WA4094 Gutterpro universal gutter cleaning kit from Walmart is very handy. You attach it to your leaf blower (it's compatible to most models) and has an 11-foot reach. If you're going up a ladder to clear high gutters, make sure you have a friend or companion spotting you for safety to avoid a fall or injury.

Do the gutter work, an essential spring maintenance job, on a dry and low-wind day.

6. Leak or mold behind appliances

When temperatures rise and fall, albeit naturally, or with the use of certain appliances, damp can appear – and cooking is a perfect example of this.

'Steam from cooking and even the condensation made by dishwashers while drying can potentially cause damp build-up on the nearby cabinets,' explains Ron.

To combat this you can open windows whilst cooking, Ron adds, 'Make sure to turn on your kitchen’s ventilation fan too while cooking over the stovetop to encourage airflow. You can also check for hidden leaks near and around the dishwasher that could contribute to moisture buildup on the cabinetry.'

Laundry rooms are another spot to double check for moisture issues, as the constant churn of water to and from your washer and the heat and condensation of your dryer doing its work can lead to damp or leaks.

Invest in a cooker hood that's got a powerful ventilation fan. Not only do they remove odors but can tackle steam, too. We like the Comfee' CVU30W2ST 30" ducted durable stainless steel design from Amazon. It has a two speed exhaust fan and reusable filters and is highly rated with 4.2/5 stars.

7. HVAC system issues

If you have an HVAC system, schedule a service. There are signs your HVAC system needs replacing, and according to Seth, oversized or undersized HVAC units, clogged filters, and malfunctioning components fail to regulate indoor humidity properly.

If your heating system is working harder than it needs to be, this can lead to more faults, and the components wearing out quicker than you might be expecting. Whilst there are some heating problems you can fix yourself, sometimes calling the pros is necessary.

'The risks are uncomfortable indoor climate, higher energy costs, and moisture-related damage. To fix these, schedule regular HVAC maintenance, replace filters, and ensure proper system sizing for the home,' he advises.

Ron recommends investing in a smart air purifier in this instance too, Walmart's GCZ air purifier for large rooms has a HEPA air filter and is controlled using the Smart Home Life app.

Meet the experts

If your house feels damp, don't fret. It can happen to any of us. The key is tracking down the source of the dampness and remedying them ASAP. Being forewarned with the most common reasons your house may feel damp, as detailed above, will help you quickly leap into action to resolve any issues you spot.

You can also tackle the easy preventative measures daily, such as keeping on top of regular ventilation, opening bathroom windows after showering, or turning on vents when cooking, as well as creating moisture channels in your furniture placement and pulling in experts when needed to properly service, maintain and clean your HVAC system.

There are arguments to be made for leaving your heating on low all day to keep comfortable in the dead of winter, however, HVAC experts recommend sticking to an efficient heating schedule instead to reduce energy bills without suffering in the cold.

But what is the most efficient heating schedule for a home? There is no one-size-fits-all solution, but there are some simple tips to setting up a time system that works for your schedule, so you always come home to a warm house.

Here’s how the experts work it out per property, and why schedules work best to keep a home warm all day.

HVAC pros say this is the most efficient heating schedule

Nick Barber, co-founder of Utilities Now begins, ‘Getting the best heating schedule is all about a balance between comfort and energy efficiency. There is no single fit for all, but most households can gain from a thoughtful heating schedule that will keep your home warm when you require it and conserve energy when you don't.

‘For a typical household, the ideal heating schedule is as follows: Maintain the best temperature for a thermostat in winter – approximately 68°Fahrenheit – when you are home and awake, and reduce it by 7-10°F when you are asleep or away for a long time. According to the Department of Energy, this can cut energy bills by as much as 10% annually.’

You can use portable thermometers, available at Target, to help keep track of the temperatures around your house. This will help alert you to and eliminate hot and cold spots in your home.

This begs the question, how many hours a day should your heating be on to maintain a comfortable temperature?

Nick continues, ‘If you want to optimize your timing for peak efficiency, a great strategy is to schedule your heating around your daily schedule. Have your thermostat begin heating your home about 30 minutes before you wake up so that it's warm in the morning.

'If you're going to be leaving for work, drop the temperature 30-60 minutes before you depart because your house will hold heat for a bit. When you're coming back, set the heat to turn back on around 30 minutes before your return home. In the evenings, reducing to the best temperature for sleep right before bedtime not only conserves energy but can help you sleep better as well.’

Prices correct at time of publication.

Michael Morey, smart thermostat and home product manager at Trane says the best way to monitor this schedule is through smart thermostats.

He explains, ‘Smart thermostats can maintain a more consistent temperature by learning from the homeowner’s unique patterns and adjusting heating and cooling cycles accordingly. For example, a smart thermostat might recognize that a homeowner lowers the temperature at night and automatically sets a more energy-efficient temperature during those hours. This precise control and intelligent scheduling can prevent unnecessary energy consumption.

‘Homeowners can also control smart thermostats remotely via smartphone apps, allowing them to make real-time adjustments based on changing schedules or unexpected events. This flexibility ensures that the home’s heating schedule remains optimized even when plans change.’

It is worth noting that this will only work if you avoid common thermostat mistakes for accurate readings. Knowing where a thermostat should be placed is also vital.

Things to consider before setting a schedule

Michael Morey warns that there are a few caveats to this general rule, however.

He says, ‘When creating a daily thermostat schedule, it’s important to consider the comfort and needs of everyone in the household, including children, pets, and those who work from home. Here are some things I like to keep in mind:

• Working from home: If you work from home, maintaining a comfortable temperature can be crucial for productivity and focus. If it’s difficult to focus when working from home because the temperature is too cold, then consider bumping up the thermostat a few degrees during your working hours (typically 9am–5pm). However, if you run hot or feel that bundling up with socks and an extra layer is enough to keep you comfortable, then keep it as close to 68 degrees which can help you save on energy costs.
• Children: For households with children, you might consider scheduling heating around their daily routines. For example, you might set the thermostat to a comfortable temperature from 7am-3pm or based on their schedule, so it’s comfortable when the kids are waking up, getting ready for school, and when they return in the afternoon. If your children have after-school activities, you can adjust the schedule depending on when they return home.
• Pets: Animals also have specific temperature needs. While most pets can tolerate a range of temperatures, it’s important to ensure they are comfortable, especially during extreme weather conditions. If your pets are home alone during the day, you might set the thermostat to a moderate temperature to ensure that keeps them comfortable without wasting energy.

Meet the experts

FAQs

Is it cheaper to keep your house at a constant temperature?

Although many people believe that it costs more to turn your heating on and off throughout the day, it is more efficient to turn it off (or down) when you do not need it, for example when you are asleep, or out of the house for longer than an hour. This reduces the amount of energy you are consuming, helping to keep bills low without sacrificing your comfort.

When looking to save money at home, it also helps to check the things making your heating system work harder. Blocked or dirty vents, unserviced HVAC systems, and common thermostat problems can all lead to increased bills, despite often being quick and easy to fix.

When it comes to saving money on energy bills, most people focus on thermostat settings, insulation, and appliance efficiency. While these are important, there is a smaller, simpler thing to consider that could be driving up your costs – dust and dirt.

It may sound surprising, but grime around your home can have a direct impact on how much you pay for heating and cooling as they clog up filters and vents.

To make heating more efficient, HVAC experts share five easy tricks to clear your home of dust in order to cut your energy bills.

How dust and dirt could be affecting your energy bills

Jon Gilbertsen, president and CEO of Chris Heating & Cooling explains, ‘Dust and dirt don’t just raise energy bills – they sabotage the efficiency of the system at every level. They create an insulating layer on heat exchangers, making it harder for your system to transfer heat.

'They also disrupt airflow balance, causing some rooms to overheat while others stay cold, forcing your system to work harder by compensating and run longer. Even worse, fine dust can interfere with electrical components, leading to unexpected malfunctions and costly repairs.’

So, how do you remove dust properly to cut energy bills? Luckily, dust is one of the easiest culprits to take care of.

1. Clean and change air filters regularly

Dusty, clogged-up HVAC air filters are one of the main reasons why your heating is so expensive and why your home gets dusty quickly. The solution is simple.

Gordon Chalk, co-managing director at Next Level Underfloor Heating and Screed Solutions says, ‘This is probably the most common and easily preventable issue, and is the most common item we talk to our clients about. Air filters are designed to capture dust, pollen, and other airborne particles. When the filter becomes clogged, it restricts airflow, forcing the HVAC system to work harder to circulate air. A clogged air filter will reduce efficiency and can increase your energy bills by five to 15%.

‘Clean your HVAC system and inspect your air filters monthly, and replace them every one to three months, or whenever they appear dirty. The frequency will depend on the type of filter and the air quality in your home. Use high-quality filters to trap even more dust and dirt. We always advise our clients to set a reminder on their phone, or calendar, to remind you when it’s time to change the filters.’

2. Schedule duct cleaning

It is not just your filters that need cleaning to stay efficient. Michael Zohouri, HVAC specialist and founder of The Retrofitters points out that your ductwork is just as important, saying, ‘In ducting, thick layers of dust force blowers and fans to work harder, increasing energy demands. Professional duct cleaning every few years helps maintain performance and reduces strain on the system.’ You can time this to coincide with servicing an HVAC system to keep everything in safe, working condition.

While duct cleaning should be done by a professional, you can still clean vents around your home to keep the external air outlets free from debris. It can also help to make a house smell nice by ridding your HVAC outlets of bacteria and musty-smelling debris when your AC unit smells.

3. Dust thermostats regularly

One of the most common thermostat mistakes is setting them up and then forgetting about them. A build-up of dust is a common thermostat problem that can lead to inaccurate readings and poor temperature control around your home.

Michael continues, ‘Wiping down thermostat sensors prevents dust from interfering with accurate temperature readings, keeping heating cycles efficient. Forgetting to do so forces thermostat-controlled heating systems to run longer to reach their target temperature.’

4. Clean coils

Other mechanical parts of your HVAC, AC system, and furnace can be coated in dust, making the system work harder over time.

Steve Robbins, owner of Robbins Heating & Air Conditioning explains, ‘When these areas are covered in dust, your system can't transfer heat or move air correctly. It makes up for it by running longer cycles, which uses way more energy. I recommend calling the pros to have your system cleaned and maintained twice a year.

‘Regular maintenance costs less than the extra energy you'll use with a dirty system.’

5. Dust off radiators

If your home has a more traditional boiler and radiator heating type, remember to clean behind radiators and in the grooves regularly to keep warm air circulating more easily.

Keith Batian, founder of Fischer Future Heat shares, ‘Most people don’t realize that a dusty radiator is a less efficient radiator. Dust buildup acts as a barrier, preventing heat from circulating effectively around the room.

‘Start by turning off the heating to avoid burns. Then, use a brush of a vacuum cleaner with a hose attachment to reach inside the small gaps and behind the unit, A long-handled dusting wand [such as the Bona duster, available at Walmart] or microfiber cloth can also be useful for narrow gaps.

‘Regular radiator maintenance doesn’t just improve heating performance – it creates a healthier, more comfortable home.’

Remember to also bleed radiators from time to time to remove air from the system and keep hot water flowing efficiently. If your radiators making clanging and banging noises, it's a sign you likely have some air circulating.

FAQs

How does a house get so much dust?

A house can get dusty for several reasons. Indoor sources include pet dander, dead skin cells, and fibers from textiles. Dust can also be blown in from outside, through open doors and windows, or through poorly insulated homes with unsealed gaps. While dust is difficult to prevent completely, there are ways of limiting its impact, such as cleaning regularly, draft-proofing a home, and taking shoes off at the door to avoid treading dirt through your house.

You can also get an air purifier to help get rid of some dust as it removes particles from the air. Investing in one of the best vacuums or best vacuums for pet hair will also help by pulling dust, fur and pet dander out of your carpets.

Does opening windows help with dust?

Although it might feel like letting fresh air in blows away some dust, opening windows actually makes dust and pollen inside a home worse. While opening windows occasionally to improve ventilation is important, if you want to clean your air indoors, it is better to have an air purifier to help filter out contaminants.

These essential cleaning tips might sound like a hassle, but they are far less work than a malfunctioning HVAC unit, compromised air quality making you sick, or extortionate bills.

If a thorough cleaning hasn't helped eliminate hot and cold spots in your home, then there could be more serious issues at play, such as degraded insulation. If that is the case, it might be time to call in the experts for an assessment.

Ever walked from one room to another and been hit by a wave of warmth, only to go elsewhere and shiver from a sudden chill?

A home that is heating unevenly is a common frustration for many homeowners, resulting in toasty living rooms but freezing bedrooms and so on. Understanding cold and hot spots occur will help you tackle the problem head-on.

Here, HVAC professionals reveal the five reasons why your home is heating unevenly and how to create a more consistent and comfortable home while lowering energy bills.

How to fix uneven heating in a house

Everything from your home heating types to the condition of your vents and the position of your furniture can all play a part in eliminating hot and cold spots in your home.

Here’s where to start looking when trying to achieve the best temperature for a home in winter throughout your property.

1. Improperly sized or balanced HVAC system

Josh Mitchell, HVAC technician and founder of Air Conditioner Lab begins, ‘One of the most common reasons for uneven heating is an HVAC system that is either too large or too small for the home. If the system is too large, it will heat the house too quickly and shut off before the warm air can circulate evenly. On the other hand, a system that is too small will struggle to reach all areas of the home, leaving some rooms colder than others and resulting in higher bills.’

Unfortunately, there is no quick fix, and it is a household project you should not DIY, and leave to the professionals, Josh warns.

When having a HVAC system serviced, Josh recommends, ‘Have a professional calculate load to determine the correct size for your HVAC system. This calculation considers factors like square footage, insulation levels, and window placement. If your system is already the right size but still heats unevenly, consider adjusting the dampers in your ductwork. This can help balance airflow to different rooms. For example, reducing airflow to rooms that are too warm and increasing it to colder areas can make a big difference.’

2. Poor insulation or air leaks

If you have not adequately draft-proofed a home, or have not looked into proper attic insulation types, then uneven heating could be a result of cold air transfer from outside.

Josh explains, ‘Another reason for uneven heating is poor insulation or air leaks in certain parts of the house. For example, heat can escape if your attic or exterior walls aren’t properly insulated, making those areas colder. Similarly, leaks around windows, doors, or electrical outlets can let cold air in, creating drafts and cold spots.

‘Check the insulation levels in your attic, walls, and basement. The U.S. Department of Energy recommends an R-value of at least R-38 for attics in most climates. Adding insulation can reduce heat loss by up to 20%.

‘Weatherstripping or caulk can seal air leaks around windows and doors, and foam gaskets can seal gaps around electrical outlets and switches. These minor fixes can improve comfort and reduce heating costs by 10-15%.’

3. Leaky or blocked vents

If your home is insulated and your HVAC system correctly sized, uneven heating could come down to a problem with the ducts and vents, says Glenn Gault, CEO at Gault Heating & Cooling.

He explains, ‘Even if the heater, whether it's a furnace or heat pump, is running fine, warm air might be escaping through hidden leaks. Warm air can also be restricted by closed interior doors or struggling to move through clogged filters.’

To test your vents yourself and identify cold spots Glenn suggests, ‘Starting with a paper or tissue test: take a tissue or a sheet of paper, hold it near vents to check for airflow. If the paper is not moved by the flow of air, the vent is blocked or leaky.’ In this case, start by cleaning vents to see if dust is the culprit.

Glenn continues, ‘Then close all doors inside your home, wait for a while, and then check the temperature in each room. You can do this by feeling or using a portable thermometer for more accurate data. While all doors are closed, feel under them. If air isn’t moving between rooms, pressure imbalances might be affecting circulation.’

4. Furniture is covering vents

Sometimes the cause is obvious. Josh Mitchell says, ‘Blocked or closed vents can restrict airflow to certain rooms, causing them to heat unevenly. Furniture, rugs, or curtains that cover vents are common culprits. While closing vents in unused rooms is a good way to save energy, it can disrupt the balance of your HVAC system and lead to uneven heating.

‘Make sure all vents are open and unobstructed. Move furniture or other items that might be blocking airflow.

Avoid closing vents in unused rooms. Instead, consider installing a zoning system, which allows you to control the temperature in different areas of your home independently. This can improve comfort and reduce energy usage by up to 30%.’

5. Your thermostat is in the wrong place

Finding the best place for a thermostat is essential to making your heating more efficient. Putting it in the wrong spot could cause your heating to click on and off prematurely, resulting in uneven temperatures throughout your home.