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Man shares simple hacks to lower household energy bills this winter: 'Helpful'

Commenters loved the straightforward tips.

Commenters loved the straightforward tips.

Photo Credit: iStock

As we head into winter, nobody wants to feel cold drafts sneaking through their windows. Not only do they make your home less comfortable, but they can also send your heating bills skyrocketing. One TikTok user is showing a simple, affordable way to seal windows tight before winter hits.

The scoop

In a recent post in response to a request for help with drafty windows, Build to Made (@buildtomade) broke down two easy steps for sealing drafty windows: applying weather stripping and re-caulking the edges.

@buildtomade Replying to @Shelby Alexis 🤍 ♬ original sound - Build to Made

Applying weather stripping is as easy as unrolling the strip and sticking the adhesive side under your window. Once it's in place, peel off the backing. Re-caulking the edges is straightforward: remove the old caulk from the crack with a utility knife or flathead, fill it with silicone, smooth it with a wet finger or wipe, and let it dry in place.

Both methods are inexpensive, DIY-friendly, and can make a noticeable difference in keeping the cold air out.

"It's simple, effective, and helps defer that pricey window replacement this winter," the poster said.

While the user notes that replacing old windows is sometimes the only long-term solution, these hacks can buy you a few more seasons of savings.

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How it's helping

The most immediate benefit, aside from keeping your house warm or cool, is lower energy bills. According to the Department of Energy, sealing air leaks can cut heating and cooling costs by an average of 5-30%. For homeowners facing rising utility rates, even a few quick fixes could mean hundreds saved this winter. 

Reducing wasted energy also decreases the amount of pollution tied to home heating. Small changes like sealing windows can add up, helping communities rely less on energy and move toward a cooler, cleaner future.

Sealing windows is just one smart energy hack you can take advantage of. Installing solar panels, even in winter, is an upgrade that can bring your electricity costs down to $0. EnergySage makes it easy to compare quotes from vetted local installers and save up to $10,000.

If buying the panels yourself isn't in the budget, leasing is a more affordable option. LightReach can help you lock in low rates and get panels installed for no money down.

When was the last time you insulated your home's windows?

Within the past year 😎

Within the past five years 😁

Within the past 10 years 😥

Never 😬

Click your choice to see results and speak your mind.

Another savings opportunity is investing in a heat pump instead of an HVAC. Heat pumps can save families an average of $400 a year on energy bills. Mitsubishi offers affordable, efficient options to help homeowners make the switch.

What everyone's saying

Commenters loved the straightforward hacks, with some noting how helpful it was to see specific products listed and explained.

"This is sooo helpful!!" wrote one user.

"Thank you for showing all the products you use," added another.

Join our free newsletter for easy tips to save more and waste less, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.

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