Use Area Rugs and Draft Stoppers
Hard floors can feel icy in winter and leak heat out of the room. Area rugs help insulate the floor and make it feel warmer underfoot.
At the same time, draft stoppers placed at the base of exterior doors cut down on cold air sneaking in. These sand-filled tubes (or foam-filled versions) are easy to DIY or buy ready-made and don’t require any permanent changes.
Hang Thermal Curtains
Thermal curtains add an extra layer of insulation over your windows and help regulate indoor temperatures in all seasons.
“Thermal curtains work wonders,” White says. “I use them in my own home.” In Texas, she’s seen as much as a 17-degree temperature drop using them during summer, and they’re just as effective at helping keep cold temperatures at bay in winter.
Install Foam Outlet Covers
For around $3 each, foam gaskets behind outlet faceplates can reduce wall drafts, especially on exterior walls.
They’re simple to install:
- Turn off power to the outlet if desired for extra safety.
- Unscrew the faceplate.
- Place the foam gasket over the outlet.
- Screw the plate back on.
It’s a small upgrade that can noticeably cut drafts in some apartments.
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