There are a lot of things to love about winter, the holidays, family and time off work just to name a few. Being cold inside your house is not one of those things. With the holidays coming up, it’s important to save money where you can. To cut down on your heating costs, try some of these tips to winterize your home:

Cover Your Water Heater

You can purchase a water heater blanket on amazon or at any local hardware store for less than $30. Even if your tank is new, the more insulated it is the better. While the cover may not be the least expensive item on the list, it can pay for itself with up to a 17% savings on your energy bill.

Replace the Weatherstripping Around Your Doors

Weatherstripping is the flexible material attached to the door frame. If you can see light around it or can feel a draft around the door, you should replace it. You can purchase materials for around $6 at any hardware store. The process is quick, easy, and can save you more than 20% on your heating bill, just check out this video.

Check the Caulk Around Your Windows

Just like doors, the warm air in your house can escape through your windows. The best time to fix the caulk on your windows is when the humidity is low, to avoid cracking and to keep it from expanding. A tube of caulk will cost you less than $7, and this tutorial will help you get started.

Clean Out Your Gutters

Cleaning out your gutters won’t save you money on your electric bill, but it could save you some stress in the long run. Getting outside and up a ladder will be more enjoyable on a brisk fall afternoon then a freezing winter day. Making sure your gutters are clear of debris from the fall will ensure that the extra weight of ice and snow won’t damage them. And if it’s the rainy season at your house, having clean gutters is especially important.

Replace Your Furnace Filter

A 4-pack of filters will cost you around $30 and will pay for itself if you regularly change it out. It could save you anywhere from 5% – 15% on your utility costs. Not only is this an easy way to cut costs, but it also helps maintain high air quality and extends the life of your HVAC system.

With the holidays just around the corner and the temperature cooling down outside, now is the time to get all those to-do’s checked off the list! Preparing your home for winter ahead of time can save you money and leave you extra cash for when you need it most.