Winter weather can be tough on your home—and even tougher on your heating bills. Drafty windows and doors allow warm air to escape, forcing your heating system to work harder and driving costs up.

If replacing windows or doors isn’t in the budget right now, don’t worry. There are a few simple and affordable things you can do to help keep the cold out and the heat in.

Easy Ways to Reduce Drafts

• Use draft blockers: Take old socks and fill them with salt, rice, or sand. Place them along the bottom of doors or near drafty windows to help block cold air from coming in.
• Roll up towels: If socks aren’t an option, rolled-up towels work just as well. Place them at the base of doors and windows where you feel drafts.

These quick fixes can make a noticeable difference in keeping your home warmer and more energy-efficient.

Storm & Power Outage Preparation

During winter storms, power outages are always a possibility. One important step many homeowners forget is water preparation.

• Fill your bathtub with water before a storm hits. If the power goes out and water service is affected, you’ll still have water available to flush toilets.

Smart Food Storage

When preparing for a storm, people often stock up on food—but it’s important to shop smart.

• Avoid buying too many items that require refrigeration.
• Focus on pantry-stable foods like canned goods, dry goods, and snacks.
• If the power goes out, refrigerated and frozen food can spoil quickly, while pantry items stay safe and usable.

Stay Prepared This Winter

Small steps can make a big difference during the winter months. These simple, low-cost tips can help protect your home, lower heating costs, and keep your family prepared during storms.

For more home maintenance tips or professional help, Nationwide Maintenance is always here to support you—season after season.