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My family in Montana were already experiencing some 40-degree mornings a few weeks ago, but here in Georgia, we just recently started catching up. It's been a balmy 50 degrees in the morning, 70s during the day, and some of the most beautiful sunshine and cloudless weather we've experienced in a while.

All that to say, it's just about the right time to start prepping your home for fall chills and winter's freezing embrace. Whether you're dealing with frost warnings or still debating shorts versus jeans, that first crisp morning is nature's gentle reminder that the heating season is lurking around the corner.

Smart money tips will say start now while you can still work outside without numb fingers and before every hardware store runs out of weatherstripping. From tackling those sneaky drafts with door sweeps to getting your closets and attic winter-ready, here are the tips and tricks that'll get your winterizing checklist underway and keep your heating bills from giving you a cold shock come December. And with many of these options starting under $20, you don’t have to break the bank to make a savings.

The Heat-Smart Home

We’re kicking off the tips and tricks to start winterizing your home with a few easy ways to turn your home into a heat-smart home.

1. Reverse your ceiling fans

Flip that switch to clockwise rotation. Your fans will push warm air down instead of pulling it up to the ceiling where it does absolutely nothing for your frozen toes.

Read More: Learn how to reverse your ceiling fan and why it matters.

2. Programmable thermostat hack 

Never has a tip been more divisive than the ‘proper’ temperature to sleep at. In the summer, if your temperature is set too high you could be disrupting your body’s sleep cycle. Too cool and you could be wasting precious dollars.

In the winter, however, it’s prime time to lower that heating temperature if you find the cooler temperature more pleasurable. For the temperature vulnerable (the elderly and young children especially), don’t risk changing your temperature too low.

Tip: If you drop your bedroom temperature by 7-10 degrees when you're sleeping or away for 8+ hours, you can save on heating costs by up to 10% annually. Modern smart thermostats learn your schedule and do this automatically.

Google Nest Learning Thermostat (4th Gen)

Price: $229.99, was $279.99 at Amazon; $279 at The Home Depot

Features:

• Works with most 24V systems including gas, electric, oil, forced air, heat pump and radiant, with no C wire setup required for most homes according to the company
• Smart controls via Google Home app, Amazon Alexa and Apple HomeKit (Android and iOS options)
• Auto scheduling, Nest Temperature Sensor
• Adaptive Eco using temperature outside to find energy-saving temperatures when you’re away

3. Window film and weather sealing tape

That clear plastic sheeting creates an insulating air pocket. It looks invisible but acts like an extra pane of glass, reducing heat loss. 

3M Indoor Window Insulator Kit (Five Pack)

Price: $16.45 at Amazon

Features:

• Kit comes with window insulation film and a role of double-sided mountain tape to create an airtight seal
• Stretch the films to remove wrinkles for a transparent view
• Film shrinks tight around windows, reducing condensation and preventing frost build-up
• Tips: Apply tape to painted or varnished wood, aluminum, or vinyl-clad molding; do not apply to veneer paneling or certain molding. Remove film and tape at the end of the heating season.
• Tools needed: Tape measure, scissors, blow dryer

Reviewers have somewhat mixed opinions, with many saying it does create a noticeable difference in temperature and retaining warmth. However, many note the tape quality is poor, some saying it can tear during installation or removal.

XFasten Transparent Window Weather Sealing Tape

Price: $9.99 (up to 30 yards) at Amazon

Features:

• Transparent weathering-sealing tape designed to withstand extreme temperatures, moisture and UV exposure
• Wood-safe and residue-safe according to the company

Reviewers say this weather sealing tape is pretty easy to apply, and some mentioned a very nice savings on heating and cooling costs. The thickness is also pretty good, however, some complaints say it’s not durable enough and the adhesion can wear off quickly.

4. Door sweeps and draft stoppers

Consider using a door sweep if you find drafty spots around your doorways. They work by creating a tight barrier between the bottom of the door and threshold, blocking out outside air, moisture and light. They come in a variety of material options, including vinyl and rubber, bristles and U-shaped door bottoms that wrap about the bottom edge of the door.

Door Sweep And Weather Stripping Door Seal

Price: starts at $8.99 at Amazon

Features:

• Available in black, brown, gray, white and transparent options
• Made from flexible silicone material (heat and cold resistant)
• Adhesive back to stick firmly to door without damage
• Measure and cut the strip, peel and stick; in cold weather, use a hair dryer to heat before installation

Customers find it effective, a good value for the money, and the variety of color options makes it less noticeable than other door stoppers. Most say it works well, though a few mentioned the adhesive can peel off.

5. Outlet and switch plate gaskets

This is an often overlooked leak source in your home. By placing a foam pad behind your electrical wall plates, you can reduce air leads and airflow in the cold months.

Foam Insulation Draft Sealers

Price: $7.99 (30-piece) on Amazon; $1.74 (per 2-pack) at The Home Depot

Features:

• Fits 3 common switch styles (duplex, toggle switch and rocker switch)
• Made from lightweight EVA foam
• Sized to work with common electrical outlet and light switch applications

Many appreciate the value and low cost, and most found it effective at keeping cold air from seeping in around the light switches. Installation is fairly easy, but outlet sizing proved to be a bit tricky for some. Durability was in question, though, with some saying the material ripped too easily.

6. Strategic space heater placement

Sometimes you may need a little extra spot treatment, so to speak, without spending the extra dollars to heat your entire home. A quality ceramic or infrared heater can help warm a bedroom, office or living space without increasing your thermostat.

DREO Portable Electric Space Heater

Price: $44.95, was $49.99 at Amazon and The Home Depot

Features:

• 1-12h Timer, quiet operation at 37.5 dB
• 41-95℉ Programmable Digital Thermostat
• Detachable Filter
• LED Display/Control Panel
• 70 degree wide-angle oscillation sweeps
• Tip-over protection, overheat protection, cool touch housing and flame retardant materials used according to the company

READ MORE: Discover the different types of space heaters to find the best one for your home.

Properly Storing Outdoor Furniture

7. When it doubt, cover it up

Not all of us have a handy storage shed, so to protect your patio furniture, you’ll want to clean all of the furniture (an all-purpose cleaner should do the trick) when you’re ready to wrap it up. Look for breathable, waterproof covers. It’s also best to store cushions indoors.

Cold winter temperatures can make plastic patio furniture brittle and weak over time. Aluminum patio furniture is more weather-tolerant but should still be stored properly or covered for winter.

Patio furniture covers can help protect against wet weather, UV rays, dirt, dust, pollen and sap, and are usually vented to help alleviate moisture buildup.

Lowe’s Patio Furniture Covers

Price: starting at $27.98 (oversized chair cover) to $139.30 (6-piece set)

Features:

• Options include chairs, dining sets, loveseats, tables, umbrellas, chaise lounges and more.

8. Patio heater prep

Patio heaters are a great option when you want to extend the use of your patio into the chillier autumn months, early spring or mild winter days.

As the temperature drops, it’s time to clean propane connections, burners and air passages, check for rust and store propane tanks upright in a ventilated area (never in your garage or basement). As the season ends, cover the heater or bring it inside.

Hampton Bay 38200 BTU Bronze Heat-Focusing Propane Gas Standing Patio Heater

Price: $99 at The Home Depot

Features:

• 38,200 BTU's heats up to 120 sq. ft. according to the company page
• Requires propane (not included)
• Heat-focusing reflectors and anti-tilt design with flame failure cut-off switch
• Weighted base (may need sand)
• Electronic ignition system

Reviewers largely agree it’s fairly easy to assemble though some caution it takes a little while and can be tricky to complete, and many love the heat reflectors that can direct heat. A few reviewers noted you’ll only get a couple of seasons out of it at most (though the affordable price makes up for it), as they are prone to rust.

Closet Switchover

9. The three-box method

As someone who prefers to keep everything, the three-box method can be hard to live by as the seasons change. The idea is that as you switch out of your summer clothes, sort your stash into three boxes: Keep, Donate or Store. If you didn't wear it this summer, you probably won't miss it.

10. Vacuum storage bags are your friend

It’s not just for wedding dresses. Save space and protect your much loved seasonal favorites by compressing clothing and bedding from last season to make room for your new closet essentials. 

Spacesaver Vacuum Storage Bags with Hand Pump (6 Pack)

Price: $26.99 at Amazon

Features:

• 6 jumbo size bags can fit up to 4 pillows or 1 queen size bedding set per bag, according to the company
• Odor free, waterproof and sealed against dust
• Ideal for duvets, bed sheets, towels, blankets and more
• Comes with travel pump if you need to maximize your luggage

Reviewers say these reasonably-priced bags are easy to use and can store quite a few items, saving tons of space in closets. Some complaints say they don’t stay airtight and some questioned how many uses you could get out of them.

11. Cedar versus mothballs

Cedar blocks and mothballs are not interchangeable, despite what you may think. 

Outside of the more pleasant-smelling option, cedar blocks are a natural repellent to gently discourage moth activity in storage spaces. They can be refreshed with a light sanding or cedar oil. However, it is considered less effective than mothballs when targeting existing eggs or larvae, and works best as a support tool, not as a preventative by itself.

Mothballs, on the other hand, are much stronger and more effective at killing moths and larvae when used in sealed containers, but come with drawbacks including odor, toxicity and usage limitations. It would not be ideal for bedrooms, active closets you’re going in and out of, or areas regularly used by pets. 

Cedar Blocks, Wood Chips and Balls For Closets and Drawers

Price: $17.99 at Amazon

Features:

• Cedar closet pack includes 6 cedar hang ups, 24 cedar balls, 2 sachets, 8 cedar rings and 1 piece of sandpaper
• Best used in closets and wardrobes, drawers, shoe cabinets and storage bags
• Use the sandpaper every few weeks to refresh the smell

Reviewers agree the cedar blocks are effective at deterring moth activity and the variety of size options means storage placement is a breeze. The sandpaper to keep the cedar fresh over time was considered a nice touch. 

Enoz Para Moth Balls

Price: $16.75 at Amazon (Pack of 6)

Features:

• Contains paradichlorobenzene
• Designed to kill moths, moth eggs and moth larvae
• Used in long-term or seasonal sealed storage containers

These are smelly but effective options, though some customers say they haven’t been as long-lasting as hoped. The scent is strong, so placement is key.

The Long-Term Payoff Projects

12. Attic insulation check

If you can see your ceiling joists through your attic insulation, you probably need more. 

It’s estimated that poor home insulation can waste an average of $400-750 per year depending on your home and climate. Proper insulation can cut heating costs by 15-20% according to the Department of Energy, and can pay for itself within a couple of winters.

Here is a complete list of steps to check your insulation levels at EnergyStar.gov, along with recommended levels of insulation based on your area. Please be sure to take all necessary precautions when inspecting your attic.

13. Caulk the forgotten spots

Everyone remembers windows, but what about where your dryer vent meets the wall? Cable entry points? The gap where your deck meets the house? These little leaks add up fast.

The best areas to caulk before winter are where exterior gaps can introduce drafts and moisture. Look around windows and door frames, siding, foundation-to-wall joints, utility gaps (like faucets, wires and pipes), and even fill joints in foundation areas. 

The best time is early fall when temperatures are above 40 degrees for proper curing.

Gorilla 100% Silicone Waterproof Caulk (2 Pack)

Price: $18.70 at Amazon (10 oz. tubes)

Features:

• Suitable for indoor and outdoor use, according to the company
• Long-lasting seal for showers, sinks, windows, doors, gutters and vents
• Note: Requires a calk gun

Reviewers comment that it's mildew resistant (so great for showers and kitchens), and decently easy to apply though beginners note they had some trouble managing the overflow sometimes. One reviewer mentioned it does take about 24-hours to completely cure, and you can’t paint over it because it is silicone so paint won’t stick to it.

14. Draft audit with a candle

Short and sweet test: Hold a lit candle, incense stick or dust talcum powder into the area around windows, doors and outlets. If the flame flickers or is blown into the room, you've found a leak worth fixing.

The Winter Survival Kit Setup

From emergency heating backups (including portable heaters and generators), pipe protection and snow removal, check out our separate winter prep roundup.

READ MORE: 21 useful products to protect your home and car this winter

Your Weekend Action Plan

The beauty of fall prep? Every hour you spend now will save you time, money and a couple of frozen fingers later. There's something deeply satisfying about battening down the hatches before winter arrives.

Whether you’re an Amazon cart builder (saving on shipping is no joke), or you prefer to browse the aisles of your local Lowe’s or The Home Depot, it’s the perfect time to jump on your weekend fall prep plans before you’re hunting for supplies (and paying higher prices). 

Price accurate and item in stock at time of publish.