If Your Heating Bill Is Out of Control, Your House Might Be Drafty—Here's What Actually Helps

If your heating bill seems higher than usual, there’s a chance a sneaky winter breeze may be the cause. It could be leaking through a window, door, or attic, and the unwanted cool air may never leave despite your best efforts of bumping up the thermostat, adding space heaters, or even wrapping yourself into the coziest blanket. 

To help combat drafty windows and doors, we rounded up a selection of easy winter hacks to retain the warmth and help improve your home’s insulation. Whether it’s a strong sealing tape, thermal blackout drapes, or a fireplace blanket, these picks ensure that staying cozy is the only thing you have to worry about this winter.

Best Winter Draft Products at Amazon

• Whumsdog Magnetic Fireplace Blanket, $22
• Magzo Door Draft Stopper, $40 
• Nicetown Blackout Drapes, $31 (was $34)
• XFasten Transparent Window Sealing Tape, $15 
• 3M Indoor Window Insulation Kit, $9 (was $12)
• Mdavo Insulated Door Curtain, $34 
• Bates Caulking Gun, $10
• Dgsl Attic Stairway Insulation Cover, $31

Whumsdog Magnetic Fireplace Blanket

A fireplace is a great way to stay cozy during the winter, but it can also be a major source of cold air when it’s not in use. To help, we recommend this magnetic fireplace blanket, which is easy to install and use. The blanket covers the fireplace, preventing drafts (and odors and debris) from entering your space. It’s offered in 23 sizes, so you can find one that fits your fireplace best. Plus, it’s it can be folded and stored in a closet or basket between uses. 

Magzo Door Draft Stopper

The Magzo Door Draft Stopper is the perfect solution for that small space between a door and the ground. The 3.5-pound stopper, which is filled with glass beads and covered in cotton, sits flush against a door, blocking cold wind from coming in and heat from going out. It’s offered in three sizes and colors and is safe to use on any floor type.

There are handles to easily hang and store it, too—but you may not even want to put it away because the stopper can also help keep cool air in during the summer. One reviewer said, “I bought this product because I had a really cold draft coming through my living room[‘s] north-facing door. It did the trick! Fits perfectly, no draft, warm living room without having to turn up my heat!”

Nicetown Blackout Drapes

Blackout drapes, like these from Nicetown, can make all the difference when it comes to staying warm. In addition to blocking natural light, the thick drapes help regulate the temperature in the room and keep the heat right where you want it. The drapes come in a set of two and are offered in several colors, including both neutral and vibrant options. We love them for a bedroom, but they’d also be great in a living room or home office. 

XFasten Transparent Window Sealing Tape

Windows can be a major culprit when it comes to a draft, so it’s worth having this sealing tape handy. The tape is designed to create a strong seal against cool air, so you’ll stay warm and cozy no matter the weather. All you have to do is clean your window and apply the tape to the edges, according to one reviewer who further shared that the tape was “easy to install and almost immediately [they] could feel the difference in a very drafty room.”

Since it’s weather resistant, it can handle moisture, UV exposure, and inclement weather, so you most likely won’t have to worry about re-applying on your window’s borders throughout the winter. 

3M Indoor Window Insulation Kit

For a more thorough seal, this 3M insulation kit will do the trick. The set includes several films and double-sided tape, so it’ll cover the entire window instead of just the sides. The films are easy to install and are effective at keeping the cool air out to help reduce your heating bills. The sets are offered in packs of two, three, and five, and under $20, so you can easily cover as many windows as needed. 

Mdavo Insulated Door Curtain

If your front or back doors are a major source of cool air, this insulated door curtain is a great solution. The magnetic door cover offers full coverage thermal insulation, blocking any unwanted breezes from coming inside. It’s an especially helpful design for pet owners to easily let out pets without letting in a strong draft. It’s offered in a 38x82-inch size, which should fit in standard doors. 

Bates Caulking Gun

Caulk is an effective sealant that can keep cold air out and heating bills low. Although it can be applied by hand, we recommend using this caulking gun with the formula to ensure it’s placed precisely and drip free. The lightweight tool has an ergonomic handle, so your hand won’t cramp while you’re applying caulk to baseboards, windows, doors, and more. Plus, it’s offered in several vibrant colors, making it easy to find in a garage or tool shed when you need it. 

Dgsl Attic Stairway Insulation Cover

Your attic may be a forgotten space, but it can actually be a major source of a draft in your home. That’s why we recommend this insulated cover that’s designed to cover the entryway to the attic. Constructed with two layers of aluminum, it’s a durable cover with a zippered entry design so that you can still access your attic.

According to one reviewer, “It was very easy to install, and it fits well over the stair opening without any gaps. Right away I noticed a big difference in keeping the warm air inside and blocking drafts from the attic. Once installed, it’ll protect you from cool air in the winter and even humidity in the summer.