How To Keep a Poorly Insulated House Warm: Ingenious Ideas

ByChas

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Are you wondering how to keep a poorly insulated house warm? Fear not, as here are several inexpensive ideas to help you this winter.

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If you’re grappling with the challenges of maintaining warmth in a poorly insulated house during the winter months, fret not! We’ve curated several creative and budget-friendly solutions to ensure your home remains cozy when the mercury plummets. From ingenious DIY heating hacks to clever insulation tricks, these ideas will transform your home into a snug haven during the cold season.

Are you wondering how to keep a poorly insulated house warm? Fear not, as here are several inexpensive ideas to help you this winter.

How To Keep a Poorly Insulated House Warm Video

How To Keep a Poorly Insulated House Warm: Ingenious Ideas

Are you asking some of the following questions?

  • How can I stop my house being so cold?
  • How do you keep a house warm without insulation?
  • How do you keep an old drafty house warm?
  • How do you keep a poorly insulated house warm?

Here are some ideas to help you keep your house warm, and many are inexpensive and on a budget.

Rice-Filled Sock Heater

Rice-Filled Sock Heater

To create your own DIY heating pad, gather the following items:

  • A sock
  • A toilet paper tube (or paper towel tube)
  • Rubber band
  • Rice
Place the toilet paper tube into the sock (or use a paper towel tube). Pour rice into the sock through the toilet paper tube to make the task easier. Seal the other end of the sock with a rubber band. Microwave the sock for 1 to 5 minutes, depending on your microwave's power. Carefully remove the heated sock from the microwave (use oven mitts if necessary). Place the warm sock in your bed to preheat it before bedtime.
Place the toilet paper tube into the sock (or use a paper towel tube).Pour rice into the sock through the toilet paper tube to make the task easier.Seal the other end of the sock with a rubber band.Microwave the sock for 1 to 5 minutes, depending on your microwave's power.Carefully remove the heated sock from the microwave (use oven mitts if necessary).Place the warm sock in your bed to preheat it before bedtime.
Place the toilet paper tube into the sock (or use a paper towel tube).Pour rice into the sock through the toilet paper tube to make the task easier.Seal the other end of the sock with a rubber band.Microwave the sock for 1 to 5 minutes, depending on your microwave's power.Carefully remove the heated sock from the microwave (use oven mitts if necessary).Place the warm sock in your bed to preheat it before bedtime.
Place the toilet paper tube into the sock (or use a paper towel tube).Pour rice into the sock through the toilet paper tube to make the task easier.Seal the other end of the sock with a rubber band.Microwave the sock for 1 to 5 minutes, depending on your microwave's power.Carefully remove the heated sock from the microwave (use oven mitts if necessary).Place the warm sock in your bed to preheat it before bedtime.
Place the toilet paper tube into the sock (or use a paper towel tube).Pour rice into the sock through the toilet paper tube to make the task easier.Seal the other end of the sock with a rubber band.Microwave the sock for 1 to 5 minutes, depending on your microwave's power.Carefully remove the heated sock from the microwave (use oven mitts if necessary).Place the warm sock in your bed to preheat it before bedtime.

Here’s the process:

  1. Place the toilet paper tube into the sock (or use a paper towel tube).
  2. Pour rice into the sock through the toilet paper tube to make the task easier.
  3. Seal the other end of the sock with a rubber band.
  4. Microwave the sock for 1 to 5 minutes, depending on your microwave’s power.
  5. Carefully remove the heated sock from the microwave (use oven mitts if necessary).
  6. Place the warm sock in your bed to preheat it before bedtime.
You can warm them in a microwave and use them as hand warmers. If you use hot glue, be careful not to warm it too much as the glue loosen. If this accidentally happens, just let it harden again and it'll be fine.

DIY Hand Warmers

Craft reusable hand warmers by filling mittens with rice and sealing them shut. These versatile warmers can be microwaved for soothing heat or placed in the freezer for use as cold packs. You can find this full tutorial at 3 Amazing, Inexpensive, and Easy Repurposed Clothing Ideas with Video

Air leaks around doors, windows, air vents, and even your fireplace chimney can introduce draughts and chilly air. Invest in door sweeps, sealant, or draught excluders to seal these gaps effectively. Double glazing and quality window frames can also make a substantial difference in reducing air leaks.

Seal Air Leaks

Air leaks around doors, windows, air vents, and even your fireplace chimney can introduce draughts and chilly air. Invest in door sweeps, sealant, or draught excluders to seal these gaps effectively. Double glazing and quality window frames can also make a substantial difference in reducing air leaks.

Door Draft Stoppers

Combat chilly drafts that sneak in through doors with these simple solutions:

Repurpose a sock by filling it with rice and placing it in front of a drafty door.
a. Sock Draft Stopper

Repurpose a sock by filling it with rice and placing it in front of a drafty door.

Fold a towel in half and roll it up tightly, securing each end with a rubber band. Position it at the base of draft-prone doors or windows.
Fold a towel in half and roll it up tightly, securing each end with a rubber band. Position it at the base of draft-prone doors or windows.
Fold a towel in half and roll it up tightly, securing each end with a rubber band. Position it at the base of draft-prone doors or windows.
Fold a towel in half and roll it up tightly, securing each end with a rubber band. Position it at the base of draft-prone doors or windows.
Fold a towel in half and roll it up tightly, securing each end with a rubber band. Position it at the base of draft-prone doors or windows.
b. Towel Draft Stopper

Fold a towel in half and roll it up tightly, securing each end with a rubber band. Position it at the base of draft-prone doors or windows.

My daughter's leggings had a hole in one knee so I'll be recycling the good leg into 1 door draft stopper. If you have a good set of leggings, you could make 2 door draft stoppers.
c. Leggings Draft Stopper

Don’t toss those old leggings! Cut off one leg, fill it with rice, seal it, and slide it into another leg for added insulation. Secure both ends with rubber bands. This option works well for both doors and windows. You can find this full tutorial at 3 Amazing, Inexpensive, and Easy Repurposed Clothing Ideas with Video

Because it's lightweight, I can still open and close the door with ease.

Pool Noodle Door Insulator

For a more aesthetically pleasing door draft solution:

  1. Measure your door’s width.
  2. Cut a pool noodle to match the measurement.
  3. Slip the pool noodle inside a decorative pillowcase.
  4. Hot glue the open end of the pillowcase to the pool noodle.
  5. Attach adhesive-backed Velcro strips to the pillowcase for easy attachment and removal from your door.

You can find the full tutorial and pictures at Super Easy and Useful Pool Noodle Hacks You Wish You Knew Sooner

Seal gaps and cracks around windows with crafters tape for improved insulation.
Seal gaps and cracks around windows with crafters tape for improved insulation.

Use Crafters Tape for Window Insulation

Seal gaps and cracks around windows with crafters tape for improved insulation. You can buy window insulation on Amazon as well.

Spray your window with water or rubbing alcohol.Apply bubble wrap to the moistened window; it will stick in place.Optionally, use painter's tape for added support.
Spray your window with water or rubbing alcohol.Apply bubble wrap to the moistened window; it will stick in place.Optionally, use painter's tape for added support.
Spray your window with water or rubbing alcohol.Apply bubble wrap to the moistened window; it will stick in place.Optionally, use painter's tape for added support.
Spray your window with water or rubbing alcohol.Apply bubble wrap to the moistened window; it will stick in place.Optionally, use painter's tape for added support.

Window Insulation with Bubble Wrap

Enhance window insulation with this budget-friendly method:

  1. Spray your window with water or rubbing alcohol.
  2. Apply bubble wrap to the moistened window; it will stick in place.
  3. Optionally, use painter’s tape for added support.
Conserve heat by closing vents in less frequently used rooms.

Close Unused Room Vents

Conserve heat by closing vents in less frequently used rooms.

You can close off the room entirely by closing the vents, turning down blinds, and closing the door as well.
You can close off the room entirely by closing the vents, turning down blinds, and closing the door as well.

You can close off the room entirely by closing the vents, turning down blinds, and closing the door as well.

Make sure furniture and other items aren't blocking vents so that the warm air comes into the room easily to heat your home.

Make Sure Vents Aren’t Blocked

Make sure furniture and other items aren’t blocking vents so that the warm air comes into the room easily to heat your home.

Optimize your ceiling fan's utility during winter by reversing its rotation. This pushes warm air downward, increasing overall comfort.

Ceiling Fan Reverse

Optimize your ceiling fan’s utility during winter by reversing its rotation. This pushes warm air downward, increasing overall comfort.

Leverage your oven for cooking and baking during winter, providing extra warmth to your home.

Oven Heat

Leverage your oven for cooking and baking during winter, providing extra warmth to your home.

Leave the oven door open after cooking to heat your home while it blows out the oven to cool it down. Additionally, running the self-cleaning cycle can generate additional heat.

Leave the oven door open after cooking to heat your home while it blows out the oven to cool it down. Additionally, running the self-cleaning cycle can generate additional heat.

Lower your thermostat by 10°F and dress warmly to reduce heating costs without sacrificing comfort. We have a programmable thermostat that helps our home as well, keeping it a little warmer while we're awake and cooler while we sleep.

Thermostat Adjustment

Lower your thermostat by 10°F and dress warmly to reduce heating costs without sacrificing comfort. We have a programmable thermostat that helps our home as well, keeping it a little warmer while we’re awake and cooler while we sleep.

Dress Warmer

Combat the cold indoors by wearing extra layers of clothing and cozy blankets.

3 Ways To Upcycle Clothes

DIY Fleece Poncho

Stay warm and mobile with a simple fleece poncho crafted from a folded blanket. Perfect for relaxing on the couch or working at your computer. You can find this full tutorial at 3 Amazing, Inexpensive, and Easy Repurposed Clothing Ideas with Video

You can close off the room entirely by closing the vents, turning down blinds, and closing the door as well.
Space heaters are a practical solution to zone heat your home.

Use Space Heaters to Zone Heat

Consider using a space heater or electric floor heater to heat individual rooms, providing targeted warmth where you need it most. This approach allows you to bypass heating your entire house and focus on creating comfortable spaces within your home. By employing space heaters strategically, you can maximize energy efficiency and keep the rooms you occupy cozy without wasting energy on unutilized areas. Space heaters are a practical solution to zone heat your home. By using them in specific rooms, you can avoid overtaxing your central heating system and save on energy costs in the long run.

Space heaters are a practical solution to zone heat your home.

DIY Space Heater

Create a compact DIY space heater using common items:

  • Apple slicer
  • Two terracotta pots (one small, one large)
  • Tealight candle
  • Trivet

Follow these steps:

  1. Place a tealight on a trivet and light it.
  2. Position the apple slicer upside down over the tealight.
  3. Stack the smaller terracotta pot on top of the apple slicer.
  4. Add the larger terracotta pot on top.
  5. Adjust the size of the pots to control the heat output.

You can find the full tutorial at Easy and Inexpensive DIY Space Heater

Keep spare blankets readily accessible in your living room and bedroom for quick warmth whenever needed.
Keep spare blankets readily accessible in your living room and bedroom for quick warmth whenever needed.

Extra Blankets

Keep spare blankets readily accessible in your living room and bedroom for quick warmth whenever needed.

Maximize heat retention by closing blinds, drapes, and heavy curtains during the evening to prevent heat from escaping through your windows.
Maximize heat retention by closing blinds, drapes, and heavy curtains during the evening to prevent heat from escaping through your windows.

Close Window Blinds, Drapes, and Curtains

Maximize heat retention by closing blinds, drapes, and heavy curtains during the evening to prevent heat from escaping through your windows.

Ensure your attic and crawl spaces are well-insulated to prevent heat loss through the roof and foundation. You can also replace or add attic insulation, crawl space insulation, and roof insulation to your home.

Insulate Attic, Crawl Spaces, and Roof

Ensure your attic and crawl spaces are well-insulated to prevent heat loss through the roof and foundation. You can also replace or add attic insulation, crawl space insulation, and roof insulation to your home.

A significant portion of your home’s heat loss occurs through the roof. By ensuring your attic insulation is up to par, you can prevent warm air from escaping and cold air from seeping in. Consider upgrading your insulation to options like cellulose or spray foam insulation for improved energy efficiency.

Insulate Your Garage and Basement

Don’t overlook your garage doors and basement areas when it comes to insulation. Properly insulating these spaces can prevent cold air from infiltrating and affecting the overall temperature in your home.

During daylight hours, invite sunlight into your home to naturally warm your living spaces.

Focus on Sunlight

During daylight hours, invite sunlight into your home to naturally warm your living spaces.

Upgrade Your HVAC System

Investing in a quality HVAC system with a high-efficiency furnace filter is crucial for maintaining a comfortable and energy-efficient home. Regularly replace the furnace filter to ensure clean and warm air circulation while minimizing dust and pests.

Control Indoor Humidity

Dry air not only feels colder but can also increase the risk of health issues. Consider using humidifiers to maintain optimal air humidity levels in your home, making it more comfortable during the winter months.

Maintain Your Cooling System

While it’s essential to keep the cold air out, you should also ensure your cooling system is in good shape. Clean air filters, check for any air leaks around the cooling system, and consider floor heaters to provide warmth where needed.

Winter Hacks

Prevent snow from sticking to your shovel by applying a coating of vegetable oil or cooking spray before shoveling.
Prevent snow from sticking to your shovel by applying a coating of vegetable oil or cooking spray before shoveling.

Shovel Prep

Prevent snow from sticking to your shovel by applying a coating of vegetable oil or cooking spray before shoveling.

If it's a light snow use your broom to brush off sidewalks and porches.

If it’s a light snow use your broom to brush off sidewalks and porches.

What can be used as a deicer? With all of these cold storms coming around I wanted to make a DIY deicer. I did some research, decided on a recipe to try and put it to the test. Here are my results for you.

DIY Deicer

Mix a solution of water, rubbing alcohol, and Dawn dish soap to create an effective homemade deicer. Use it to thaw your car or melt ice on sidewalks and driveways.

You can find the full tutorial at Awesome Homemade DIY Deicer for Your Home Using Items You Already Have

How To Keep a Poorly Insulated House Warm: Ingenious Ideas Video

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Are you wondering how to keep a poorly insulated house warm? Fear not, as here are several inexpensive ideas to help you this winter.

Staying warm in a poorly insulated house is no longer a daunting task with these 21 ingenious solutions at your disposal. Whether you opt for DIY heating hacks, insulation techniques, or energy-saving tips, these strategies will ensure your winter is snug and cost-effective. Keep warm and enjoy the chilly season!

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My website is about what I repurpose, upcycle, organize, clean, and hack today. I love to teach, craft, organize, inspire, help, collaborate, and build a community!

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