Best Cheap Ways to Cut Your Heating Bill in 2026: Window Fixes, Draft Stoppers, and More

Why heating costs hurt this winter

Heating oil prices for 2026 are topping $6 a gallon, and that hits any home that burns it. ^[1] According to the National Energy Assistance Directors Association (NEADA), homeowners can expect to pay an average of 8.7 percent more to heat their homes than they did last winter. ^[1]

If you want to spend less, start with where the heat leaves. Drafty windows are among the biggest causes of heat loss. ^[1]

Window fixes

Bubble wrap is the simplest window fix here. Cut the wrap to fit inside the window frame, spray a thin film of water on the window, and press the bubble wrap into the glass. ^[1] The layer lets sunlight in while keeping warmth inside. ^[1]

Insulation film kits are another option. They typically cost around £5 to £20 and use double-sided tape and a hairdryer to create an insulating layer across the window. ^[2] The 3M window insulation kit is 0.75 mils thick and comes as one cut-to-fit sheet measuring 17.5 feet long by 5.16 feet wide. ^[1]

Your curtains matter too. Thick or lined curtains help keep heat inside, especially on bright sunny days, and sill-length curtains should be used if a radiator sits beneath the window. ^[2] Keep window coverings open on south-facing windows to let in the warmest afternoon sun, and close the curtains at night to keep warm air inside. ^[1]

Find and seal the leaks

A toilet paper test can reveal air leaks. Hold a piece of toilet paper in front of window and door frames, and if it moves, you have found a crack that needs sealing. ^[1]

Weatherstripping can fill gaps around windows and doors, and foam insulation can be added to outlets to reduce heat loss. ^[1] HVAC technician Josh Mitchell says caulk should be used for stationary cracks and gaps, especially around window frames or where siding meets the home's foundation. ^[1]

Doors need attention as well. Foam pipe insulation can be cut and wrapped around the bottom of doors, including interior doors, as a DIY draft fix. ^[1] If cold air enters under a bedroom door, a draught excluder is a cheap, easy fix. ^[2]

Move the heat you already have

Running a ceiling fan can make a room warmer if the blades spin clockwise. ^[1] A switch at the base of the fan reverses the direction, which creates an updraft that pushes warm air toward the walls and back down into the room. ^[1]

Placing reflective plates made of aluminum foil behind each radiator can reflect warmth back into the room. ^[1] Keep air vents clear of window treatments and furniture. ^[1]

Leaving the bathroom exhaust fan off during a hot shower, especially with the bathroom door open, lets steam warm the bathroom and adjacent halls and rooms. ^[1]

Water heater, thermostat, and fireplace

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, insulating a water heater can save about $20 a month. ^[1] Check the owner's manual first to confirm the model can safely be covered. ^[1]

Justin Bohannon of Affordable Solutions HVAC & Electrical says a smart thermostat with setback temperatures during low-demand times, such as work or sleep, can save energy and reduce heating costs. ^[1]

In traditional fireplaces, about 80 percent of the heat generated escapes up the chimney, and an open fireplace can suck warm air out of the room. ^[1] Close the flue after a fire is put out, and keep it open while the fire is burning, to prevent warm air from escaping. ^[1]

Warm up the bedroom and yourself

An electric blanket keeps the bed warm without increasing central heating. ^[2] Using a 150W electric blanket costs around 4p per hour at the average rate, according to the Ofgem electricity price cap for October to December 2026. ^[2] Never use a hot-water bottle in the same bed as an electric blanket. ^[2]

A rug beside the bed can take the chill off bare floors because its fibres trap air, and an underlay adds further insulation. ^[2] Uniqlo sells Heattech clothing, including shirts, undershirts, long underwear, leggings, and socks, that uses technology to trap heat. ^[1]