9 habits that make houses colder than they should be
Winter heating costs already sting, and small habits can make them worse. You might think your house is drafty or poorly insulated, but sometimes it’s everyday routines that work against you. Fixing these mistakes won’t just save money — it’ll keep you more comfortable without cranking the thermostat higher.
Leaving Curtains Open at Night
Daytime sun helps warm a room, but at night uncovered windows lose heat fast. Curtains act as insulation, keeping warmth in and drafts out. Forgetting to close them before bed lets cold air creep in all night long. Heavy drapes or thermal curtains do the job even better, especially on older windows that don’t seal as well.
Skipping Door Draft Stoppers
Even small gaps under doors let cold air rush in. It’s easy to ignore until you notice your feet are always chilly. Using a draft stopper or even a rolled-up towel cuts the flow immediately. It’s a cheap fix that makes the whole room feel warmer without adjusting the thermostat.
Blocking Heat Vents
Furniture pushed against vents keeps warm air from circulating. You might not realize your favorite chair or rug is causing part of the problem. A quick check of all vents makes sure nothing is blocked. If you’re still not feeling the heat evenly, cleaning out dust and debris can also boost airflow.
Forgetting to Reverse Ceiling Fans
Most people use fans only in the summer, but reversing them in winter pushes warm air down. Heat naturally rises, so without the fan helping, it lingers near the ceiling. Running fans clockwise on low speed redistributes that heat back into the room, making it feel warmer with no extra energy use.
Not Closing Fireplace Dampers
A fireplace damper left open acts like a funnel, pulling warm air straight up the chimney. Even if you’re not using the fireplace, heat loss continues as long as it’s open. Closing it when the fireplace isn’t in use stops the draft. If you rarely use it, a chimney balloon or flue plug adds an extra layer of insulation.
Overusing Exhaust Fans
Kitchen and bathroom fans serve a purpose, but running them too long pulls heated air out of your house. A few minutes is all you need to clear moisture or smells. Letting them run unchecked wastes warmth you’re paying for. Make it a habit to switch them off once they’ve done their job.
Ignoring Leaky Windows
Windows that don’t seal properly allow constant drafts. You might not notice until you sit near one and feel the chill. Adding weatherstripping or even a clear plastic insulation kit can make a noticeable difference. Long-term, upgrading old windows pays off in comfort and heating savings.
Drying Laundry the Wrong Way
Using a dryer in the winter pumps warm, humid air outside that could otherwise help heat your house. Whenever possible, hang laundry on a drying rack indoors. It adds moisture back into the air, which not only helps with static but makes rooms feel warmer without touching the thermostat.
Turning Down Heat Too Much Overnight
It’s tempting to set the thermostat way down at night, but drastic changes force the system to work harder in the morning. Instead of big swings, aim for small adjustments — a few degrees lower overnight with warm blankets is fine. That balance keeps your house comfortable without spiking energy use.
*This article was developed with AI-powered tools and has been carefully reviewed by our editors.
