Low-Cost Tips for Houses, Apartments, and Mobile Homes
Midwest winters can be long, cold, and expensive. When temperatures drop, heating bills can rise quickly—especially for families living in older homes or mobile homes.
The good news? There are simple and affordable ways to keep your home warmer, safer, and more comfortable during winter. Many of these tips work for homeowners and renters and can be done with little or no cost.
Easy, Low-Cost Ways to Keep Any Home Warm
Seal Out Cold Air
Cold air often enters through small cracks around doors and windows.
What you can do:
- Use weather stripping around doors and windows
- Place a door draft stopper (or a rolled towel) at the bottom of doors
- Seal small cracks with caulk
These small fixes can help keep warm air inside and lower heating costs.
👉 Source: U.S. Department of Energy – Air Sealing Your Home
https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/air-sealing-your-home
Use Curtains and Sunlight
Curtains can help control heat.
- Open curtains during the day to let sunlight warm your home
- Close curtains at night to keep cold air out
- Thick or thermal curtains work best, but any curtain helps
👉 Source: U.S. Department of Energy – Window Coverings
https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/window-coverings
Adjust the Thermostat Slightly
Lowering your thermostat by just 1–2 degrees can reduce heating costs.
- Wear warm clothes indoors
- Use blankets when sitting or sleeping
- Keep doors closed to rooms you don’t use
👉 Source: ENERGY STAR – Thermostat Tips
https://www.energystar.gov/products/heating_cooling/thermostats
Cover Cold Floors
Cold floors can make your whole home feel colder.
- Use area rugs or carpets on hard floors
- Wear warm socks or slippers indoors
- Block drafts near baseboards
Use Space Heaters Safely
Space heaters can help warm small areas, but safety is important.
Safety tips:
- Keep heaters at least 3 feet from furniture or blankets
- Never leave heaters on while sleeping or away
- Plug heaters directly into wall outlets
- Use heaters with automatic shut-off features
👉 Source: U.S. Fire Administration – Space Heater Safety
https://www.usfa.fema.gov/prevention/home-fires/heating/space-heaters.html
Change or Clean Furnace Filters
Dirty filters make heating systems work harder.
- Change filters every 1–3 months
- This helps your system run better and improves air quality
👉 Source: U.S. Department of Energy – Furnace Maintenance
https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/furnace-maintenance
Tips Just for Renters
If you rent, you still have options:
- Use temporary plastic window insulation kits
- Add draft blockers to doors
- Talk to your landlord about broken windows or major drafts
👉 Source: Consumer Reports – Winter Energy Savings for Renters
https://www.consumerreports.org/energy-saving/winter-energy-saving-tips-for-renters-a7308472531/
Special Tips for Keeping Mobile Homes Warm
Mobile homes can lose heat faster, especially during Midwest cold snaps. These steps can help protect your home and your family.
Secure the Skirting
Skirting helps block cold air from flowing under the home.
- Check for gaps or damage
- Repair loose or missing sections
- Temporary insulation panels can help in emergencies
👉 Source: U.S. Department of Energy – Mobile Home Energy Tips
https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/energy-saving-tips-manufactured-homes
Insulate Floors and Pipes
Cold air underneath mobile homes can lead to frozen pipes.
- Use thick rugs or carpets
- Wrap exposed pipes with insulation or towels
- Keep cabinet doors open under sinks during extreme cold
👉 Source: CDC – Prevent Frozen Pipes
https://www.cdc.gov/winter-weather/prevention/frozen-pipes.html
Seal Windows and Doors
Mobile home windows often need extra protection.
- Use plastic window insulation kits
- Add weather stripping to doors
- Close curtains or hang blankets at night
Use Heaters Safely in Mobile Homes
Never use ovens or stoves to heat your home.
- Use space heaters made for indoor use
- Install smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors
- Keep heaters away from walls and furniture
👉 Source: National Fire Protection Association
https://www.nfpa.org/education-and-research/home-fire-safety/heating
Look Out for One Another
Cold weather can be dangerous—especially for children, seniors, and those with limited heat.
- Check on neighbors and loved ones
- Make sure pets are warm and sheltered
- Reach out for help early if you’re struggling with heating costs
Final Thought
Staying warm during Midwest winters doesn’t have to be expensive. Small steps—like sealing drafts, using sunlight, and adding layers—can make a big difference.
When we care for our homes and for each other, our whole community is safer and stronger.