How to Keep Warm in a House Without a Heater

Seal all windows tightly. Check for storm windows and close them if present. Ensure windows have latches to keep them secure. Open windows during the day if the outdoor temperature is higher than indoors.

• Weatherproof your windows. Consider purchasing removable weatherstripping for better efficiency. At the very least, stuff towels or clothes into visible gaps.

Install inexpensive clear shower curtains on windows that receive sunlight. This method can block cold air from entering while allowing solar heat to warm your home. Alternatively, you can cover windows with affordable plastic sheets for similar results.

Hang thick window curtains. Heavy curtains can effectively block strong drafts. Open them during sunny hours to let warmth in and close them when there’s no sunlight.

Seal gaps around doors. Inspect the door frame and the space beneath the door. Consider purchasing rubber strips to seal the bottom gap. At the very least, place a towel under the door to prevent cold drafts.

Maximize sunlight entering your home. Check for obstructions like trees or sheds that might block sunlight. Rearrange items leaning against sun-facing walls (preferably move them at night to insulate the house better).

Close doors to unused rooms. Shutting doors turns unused spaces into barriers against the cold outdoor air. It also prevents drafts from reducing the warmth in occupied rooms.

• Home improvement stores sell magnetic vent covers to close heating vents in unused rooms. This ensures that when the heater is on, only vents in occupied rooms are open, improving heating efficiency.
• Ensure heating vents are open, especially in areas with pipes prone to freezing. Clear obstructions in front of vents in heated rooms (they might be blocked by furniture or rugs) to allow warm air to circulate effectively.

Place rugs in your rooms. Rugs help prevent heat loss through the floor. The texture of rugs often feels warmer than wood or stone, and you’ll feel cozier walking on them.

Add insulation to your attic and crawl spaces. A significant amount of heat can escape through the attic, as warm air rises and cold air sinks. Ensure your attic is properly insulated to retain warmth.

Use a fireplace for warmth. If your home has a fireplace, you can warm it up by lighting a fire. If you don’t have one, consider installing a fireplace. Always supervise the fire when it’s burning.

Cook meals. Cooking is a great way to stay active and warm your body, while the heat from the stove and enjoying a hot meal afterward adds to the coziness.

• Bake something. The oven can dry the air and warm the kitchen. Your kitchen will stay warm while you cook, and you’ll get to enjoy a delicious homemade meal!
• After cooking, leave the oven on and open its door to let the heat warm your home. To save energy, only keep the oven on for about 10-20 minutes.
• Avoid cooking dishes that produce steam, as steam increases indoor humidity. Lowering humidity in winter helps keep your home warmer. Steam (humidity) has a higher heat capacity (ability to absorb heat) than dry air. In winter, humid air feels colder than dry air and requires more heat to feel comfortable.

Light candles. Candles can emit enough heat to provide warmth, but be mindful of their placement and never leave them unattended. You can find affordable candles at any grocery or discount store!

• Consider using a candle heater. While it doesn’t produce as much heat as a fireplace or heater, it’s a cost-effective way to stay warm.

Turn on some lights. An average incandescent bulb uses 95% of its energy to produce heat rather than light, making it an incredibly efficient heating source.

• LED bulbs don’t help warm a room, so save them for warmer days and use the money saved to pay your electricity bill.

Drink warm beverages. Warm drinks can help raise your body temperature. This experience is not only comforting but also uplifting. Brew a cup of coffee or tea, or sip on some warm broth.

Dress warmly. Contrary to the common belief that one-third of body heat is lost through the head, heat is actually lost evenly across the body. However, a hat is still your best friend. A turtleneck sweater or a onesie can work wonders. Layer your clothing, especially with wool or cotton fabrics. Don’t forget to wear slippers or warm socks indoors. When sitting still, wrap yourself in a thick wool blanket. You might also consider buying thermal wear to layer under your sweater for extra comfort and warmth.

• If your feet are still cold, consider purchasing opaque black thermal socks from a store. Wear one or more layers of thermal socks under your outerwear; this adds an extra layer to trap warm air. Men can opt for thermal underwear instead of thermal socks.

Use a smaller room. If you have a smaller bedroom compared to your living room, consider spending more time in the bedroom to conserve heat.

Exercise. Just 20 minutes of high-intensity exercise can warm you up and keep you warm long after your workout. Additionally, a healthy body generally handles cold better.

• Stay active. Movement generates body heat! The more you move, the better your blood circulates. This means warm blood flows to your fingers and toes, keeping them warm.

Cuddle with your pet. The body of a warm-blooded animal is like a heating pad. You can snuggle with a dog or cat to keep each other warm.

Use a hairdryer. Warm up specific body parts, heat your shoes, or warm your clothes before putting them on. You can also use a hairdryer to warm your bed before sleeping. But never cover the hairdryer! It can overheat and catch fire.

Sit on a 50 W heating pad. Instead of heating the entire house or room, you can sit on a low-wattage heating pad. You can also make your own heating pad:

• Use a hot water bottle. Placing a hot water bottle on your lap is a great way to warm your body and hands; you can also place it at the foot of your bed.
• Fill socks or small homemade “pillows” with rice, beans, or dried corn (also called heating pads) and microwave them for 1 minute to use as warm compresses or to heat your bed.

Buy a thick bathrobe or indoor robe. A long robe is like a wide, fluffy blanket with sleeves. They are warm and comfortable, and you can even wear them to bed!

Visit or stay elsewhere. Go to places with free heating, such as libraries, churches, or friends’ houses, etc.

Consider using an electric blanket. An electric blanket can keep you warm and comfortable at night and is more cost-effective than an old, inefficient wall heater. Knee-length electric blankets for sitting are also available and often come in warm, soft, and attractive fabrics.

Buy a cold-weather sleeping bag. Sleeping bags aren’t just for camping. A cold-weather sleeping bag can keep you warm while sleeping at home. Lay it on your bed to insulate and stay warm throughout the night.

Reflect on why you’re in this situation. If your home is freezing due to a power outage, the tips above will help you cope temporarily. But if your heater isn’t working because you can’t afford repairs, start saving money in a bank account for such emergencies. Prioritize your well-being so you can handle any crisis when it arises. Don’t let yourself freeze.

If you can’t afford home heating, contact energy providers. They may work with you to create a payment plan you can manage. Additionally, if you’re in the U.S., you might qualify for federal (or other government) assistance to help pay your bills.

• Drink hot chocolate. It’s packed with the carbohydrates you need, and it’s delicious!
• Take a hot shower and apply oil or lotion to your skin afterward. This is like adding an extra thin layer of clothing.
• If you want to use a heater, consider a small personal heater that you can move from room to room. It’s a much more affordable option.
• Try covering your head with a blanket for a minute. It might look odd, but your breath will warm you up quickly!
• Avoid over-exercising. Excessive sweating can cool your body instead of warming it.
• Curling up in bed and rubbing your legs together might seem strange, but it works!
• Wear a thermal hat to bed, especially if you have short hair or are bald. Your chest, head, and face are highly sensitive to temperature changes, so a warm hat is essential in a cold house.
• Soak in a hot bath, sip a cup of tea, and curl up under a blanket to watch a movie.
• Soak your hands and feet in hot water at a temperature you can tolerate without burning your skin. This will raise your body temperature and warm you up instantly.
• If you have a hairdryer, blow hot air into your blanket for about 10 minutes on the highest setting. While this isn’t a long-term solution, it will keep you warmer longer if you snuggle under the blanket, and your body heat will retain the warmth.

• Heating methods that increase humidity (hot baths, humidifiers) can encourage mold growth and water damage from condensation. Regularly check behind furniture near walls and around windows.
• Be aware that completely blocking air circulation can increase the risk of dangerous carbon monoxide buildup. Install a carbon monoxide detector if you don’t already have one. If you do, check it regularly.