Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, ScanSave earns from qualifying purchases. Some links in this guide are affiliate links, at no extra cost to you.
Winter bills climb because your heating system runs longer, the days are shorter and everyone spends more time indoors. You don't need a remodel to bring those bills down. Most of the fixes below cost a few dollars, take less than an hour and start working the same day.
1. Turn the thermostat back when you're asleep or away
Heating is usually the biggest part of a winter energy bill, so it's the best place to start. energy.gov says you can save as much as 10% a year on heating and cooling by turning your thermostat back 7–10°F for 8 hours a day. Lowering it while you sleep under warm blankets, or while everyone is at work and school, is the easiest way to do that.
A programmable or smart thermostat does this automatically, so you don't have to remember. The Amazon Smart Thermostat is an affordable option. Many utilities also offer rebates on smart thermostats, so check your provider's website before you buy.
2. Seal drafts around doors
If you can feel cold air at the bottom of a door, you're paying to heat the outdoors. A door draft stopper slides under the door and blocks that gap in seconds. For exterior doors, check the weatherstripping around the frame too; it wears out over time and is cheap to replace.
3. Seal outlets and switches on outside walls
Electrical outlets and light switches on exterior walls often leak cold air. Foam gaskets like Frost King outlet and switch sealers fit behind the cover plate. Turn off the power at the breaker, unscrew the plate, add the gasket and screw it back on. It's a 5-minute job per outlet.
4. Insulate drafty windows
Older single-pane windows lose a lot of heat. A shrink-film window insulation kit adds a clear layer of plastic that traps air and cuts drafts. You tape it to the frame and tighten it with a hair dryer. It's nearly invisible once installed and comes off in spring. Heavy curtains closed at night help too; open them on sunny days to let free heat in.
For a bigger picture on finding leaks, energy.gov's air sealing guide explains where air commonly escapes, including attics, basements and around pipes.
5. Switch to LED bulbs
Winter means more hours with the lights on. LED bulbs use far less electricity than old incandescent bulbs and last much longer, according to energy.gov. Start with the bulbs you use most, such as kitchen, living room and porch lights. A multi-pack of Amazon Basics LED bulbs is an inexpensive way to swap several at once. For hallways and bathrooms at night, a motion sensor night light means nobody leaves a bright light on.
6. Lower your water heater temperature and insulate it
Water heating is another big household energy use. Many water heaters are set hotter than needed at the factory. energy.gov's water heating tips suggests setting it to 120°F for most households. If your tank feels warm to the touch, it may be losing heat, and a water heater insulation blanket can help. Check the manufacturer's instructions first, since some newer tanks are already well insulated and gas units need clearance around vents.
7. Use less hot water
A low-flow showerhead uses less hot water per minute while still feeling good. EPA WaterSense certified showerheads use no more than 2.0 gallons per minute; the Niagara 1.5 GPM showerhead uses even less. Shorter showers and washing clothes in cold water add more savings.
8. Stop paying for standby power
TVs, game consoles, chargers and computers draw power even when they're "off." Plug a group of them into an Anker power strip and switch the whole thing off at night, or use Kasa smart plugs to turn devices off on a schedule from your phone.
9. Use space heaters carefully
A space heater can make sense if you only heat the one room you're in and turn the main thermostat down. Heating the whole house with several space heaters is usually expensive. Always follow safety instructions: keep heaters away from anything that can burn, never use extension cords and never leave them running unattended.
10. Let your dryer and kitchen work smarter
- Clean the dryer lint filter every load; it helps clothes dry faster and is safer.
- Wool dryer balls help separate clothes so they can dry faster.
- Run the dishwasher and washing machine only when full.
- Use a microwave, toaster oven or slow cooker for small meals instead of heating the full oven.
11. Ask your utility about free help
Many electric and gas companies offer free or discounted home energy audits, rebates on thermostats and insulation, and budget billing that spreads winter costs across the year. If money is tight, ask about assistance programs; the federal Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps eligible households with heating bills.
Dress for the season indoors
It sounds simple, but wearing a sweater and warm socks at home and using an extra blanket on the bed makes a lower thermostat setting feel comfortable. Rugs on bare floors also make rooms feel warmer underfoot.
Winter savings checklist
- Set the thermostat back at night and when you're away.
- Block door drafts and seal outlet covers.
- Add window film or close heavy curtains at night.
- Swap your most-used bulbs to LED.
- Set the water heater to 120°F.
- Kill standby power with a switchable strip or smart plugs.
- Call your utility about audits, rebates and budget billing.
See all of our bill-lowering picks on the Everyday Amazon Deals page.
Fresh Amazon picks (added Oct 27, 2026)
- Kasa Smart Plug Mini with Energy Monitoring (KP115): Shows how much power a device uses and lets you schedule it off. View on Amazon →
- Sunbeam LoftTec Heated Throw: Stay warm on the couch with the thermostat turned down a few degrees. View on Amazon →
Prices and product details change. Check current prices on Amazon before you buy.