Save money on your electric bill and keep your home warm with six easy DIY insulation hacks
WINTER is fully underway and with it comes super chilly nights and permanently cold hands and feet.
Of course, that also means a much higher electric bill for many, as people crank up the heating.
But rather than running to your thermostat, take a look at your home's insulation instead.
Sustainability nonprofit Hubbub six hacks to upgrade your home's insulation for cheap. You may already have the necessary items on hand.
Create a radiator reflector
Rather than letting your radiator blow hot air at the wall, make the most of it by creating a reflector.
According to all you need is aluminum foil, cardboard, and tape to complete this nifty project.
First, you'll want to measure your radiator then cut out cardboard that fits those measurements.
Most read in Fabulous
Next, tape down one side of your cardboard with the foil.
Finally, just place the finished product behind your radiator and you should be left with a much more useful radiator.
Apply secondary glazing to your windows
Windows have a lot to do with how much cold air enters your home.
Instead of replacing your windows with double insulated versions, Hubbub suggested you can get a similar, much cheaper effect by applying a secondary glaze.
The quality of the glaze depends on the material, but the cheapest option is plastic or panels.
Use insulation tape around your windows
Another option to better insulate your home without spending a fortune is to use insulation tape.
By applying the tape around your window frames, cold air can't breeze in.
The tape is another cheap option as well and will run you about $8 to $13 on
Make draught excluders for doors
If you have a few extra socks and old fabric lying around, you can make yourself some draught excluders to keep out the wind from underneath doors.
Hubbub the easy project that only requires three socks, some fabric for stuffing, and a needle and thread.
Plus, it's customizable with the socks you choose to use.
Grab a sock and cut a hole on the end so that it's open on both sides.
Then join the cut sock into your other sock, so that one side is open and one is closed, and sew the two together.
Then stuff with old fabric, stockings, or more socks. Stuff your third sock as well.
Finally, combine the stuffed sock and tube together and sew in the middle.
You should be left with a long, stuffed tubbed that perfectly fits under your door.
Don't forget your letterbox
Many homes still have letterboxes installed on the front door and while a nice feature, they could be letting in cold air.
Thankfully, you can buy specific draught excluders to fit over your letterbox. Some are decorative, too.
Use an insulation blanket over your water heater
Lastly, Hubbub said "heating your water is a huge energy sucker."
But an insulation blanket could be a solution to keeping your water warm while staying cost-efficient.
Depending on the dimensions and materials, water heater blankets run anywhere from $27 to over $300 on but it's a cheaper investment than a full replacement.
READ MORE SUN STORIES
Additionally, one home designer revealed her simple trick to neatly style shelves and mantels.
Also, you can add thousands to your home with a few cheap DIY hacks.
We pay for your stories!
Do you have a story for The US Sun team?
Email us at [email protected] or call 212 416 4552.
Like us on Facebook at and follow us from our main Twitter account at