Products curated from the most popular purchases on Amazon.
Tap a group to open its picks.
Covers for the outdoor taps3 options
An outside tap is the most common place a pipe freezes and splits, and the split is usually inside the wall where you cannot see it until it thaws and floods. This is a two-minute job that prevents the single most expensive thing on this list.
- Check the cover fits over the tap and seals against the wall - a loose one does very little
- Disconnect and drain any hose first, because a connected hose holds water right up against the valve
3 options — pick the one that fits, then tap through for the current price on Amazon.
Backflow Cover, Backflow Preventers Protection, Pressure Vacuum Breaker Cover for Winter, Insulated Cover Pouch for Irrigation Backflow Valve, Sprinkler Valves Cover in Snow or Sun Exposure – BlackCheck price on Amazon (paid link)
Backflow Preventer Cover, Backflow Pressure Vacuum Breaker Covers for Winter, Insulated Cover Pouch for Irrigation Sprinkler Backflow Valve, Outdoor Faucet Covers for Snow or Sun Exposure – BeigeCheck price on Amazon (paid link)
2Pack Outdoor Faucet Covers for Winter - Pro 6.7" W x 8.3" H Outdoor Water Faucet Cover Socks for Winter Freeze Protection...Check price on Amazon (paid link)
Pipe insulation for the cold runs3 options
The pipes that freeze are the ones in unheated spaces - a loft, a crawl space, a garage, an outside wall. Foam sleeves take a few minutes each and are the standard answer.
- Measure the pipe's outside diameter and the wall thickness of the foam, because the sleeve has to fit snugly to do anything
- Buy more length than you measured, since joints and bends eat it faster than a straight run
3 options — pick the one that fits, then tap through for the current price on Amazon.
DEMEDO Pipe Insulation Tape, Pipe Wrap Insulation Foam Tape Self Adhesive, Outdoor Water Pipe Insulation Roll for HVAC, AC Line Insulation, 2 inch x 16.5 FT Heat Tape for Water Pipe, BlackCheck price on Amazon (paid link)
Duck Brand Foam Pipe Covers, Pipe Insulation Foam Tubes for Hot and Cold Water Pipes, Pre Slit and Self Sealing Adhesive E...Check price on Amazon (paid link)
CARGEN 1/2" ID Foam Pipe Insulation Fits 1/2" OD Copper & PEX Water Pipes | For 1/2" OD PEX, PE, copper & water lines; 3/...Check price on Amazon (paid link)
Draught stoppers for the doors3 options
The gap under an external door is often the biggest single hole in a house, and cold air comes through it constantly. Blocking it is the change you feel in the room within an hour.
- Measure the door width and the gap height
- A twin-sided stopper that sits on both sides of the door works better than a single tube, which gets kicked out of place every time the door opens
3 options — pick the one that fits, then tap through for the current price on Amazon.
Beoguy Door Draft Stopper, Door Sweep for Bottom of Door, Under Door Gap Filler for Exterior & Interior Doors, Weather Stripping Door Seal Blocker Noise Cold Air Insulation (39Inch, White)Check price on Amazon (paid link)
MAXTID Large Door Draft Stopper 30 Inch for Small Size Bedroom Door, Fits 0.5 to 1.7" Gaps Draft Light Blocker Black Door ...Check price on Amazon (paid link)
MAXTID Twin Door Draft Blocker for 36" 34" 32" 30" Interior Doors Under Door Seal Strip Door Insulation for Winter Door Bo...Check price on Amazon (paid link)
Weatherstrip tape for the frames3 options
After the gap under the door, the next biggest losses are round the frames of doors and windows that no longer close tight. Tape goes on in an afternoon and comes off again in spring if you rent.
- Check the thickness against the gap - too thick and the door will not shut, too thin and it does nothing
- Look for a foam or rubber V-strip rather than the thin adhesive foam, which flattens in a season
3 options — pick the one that fits, then tap through for the current price on Amazon.
Self Adhesive Foam Tape Weatherstrip 1/2in x 1/4in x 42Ft High Density Foam Insulation Strips Foam Seal Weather Stripping with Strong Adhesive for Door and Window Sound Isolation Soundproofing, WhiteCheck price on Amazon (paid link)
Kikerike Self Adhesive Foam Tape Weatherstrip 1/2in x 1/2in x 16.5Ft High Density Foam Insulation Strips Seal Weather Stripping with Strong Adhesive for Door and Window Sound Isolation SoundproofingCheck price on Amazon (paid link)Kikerike Neoprene Self-Adhesive Foam Tape Weatherstrip, 1/4inx 1/4in x 50Ft, High Density Foam Insulation Strips, WhiteCheck price on Amazon (paid link)
Window insulation film3 options
A single-glazed or old window loses heat all night, and film adds a still layer of air across it, which is what actually insulates. It is nearly invisible once shrunk and comes off in spring.
- Measure every window before choosing, and buy a kit covering more area than you measured
- You need a hairdryer to shrink it tight - without that step it stays wrinkled and looks bad
3 options — pick the one that fits, then tap through for the current price on Amazon.
2 Pcs Window Plastic Insulation Kit 47'' x 63'', Window Insulation Covering Film for Winter, Heavy Duty Clear Shrink Film Window Seal Kit to Keeps Cold Air Out and Warm Air inCheck price on Amazon (paid link)
HolyMaji 4 Pcs Window Insulation Kit, 47'' x 63'', Clear Plastic Window Covering Film for Winterizing, Keeps Cold Air Out and Warm Air inCheck price on Amazon (paid link)
HolyMaji 2 Pcs Window Insulation for Winter, 47'' x 63'', Fully Clear Thermal Shrink Covering Film with Hook and Loop for Window RV - Keeps Cold Air Out and Warm Air in, Reusable, Heavy-DutyCheck price on Amazon (paid link)
Gaskets behind the sockets and switches3 options
This is the one nobody knows about. On an external wall, every socket and switch is a hole through the insulation, and on a windy day you can feel the air coming through them. Foam gaskets cost very little and take a screwdriver.
- Buy the pack that covers both socket and switch shapes
- Turn the power off at the consumer unit before removing any faceplate, and if you are unsure, this is a job for an electrician rather than a guess
3 options — pick the one that fits, then tap through for the current price on Amazon.
Outlet Insulators Draft Sealers, 30 Pack Electrical Outlet Insulation Pads, EVA Foam Gasket for Wall, Light, Switch Socket Cover Compatible with Duplex Toggle Rocker Wall Plate OpeningsCheck price on Amazon (paid link)
Wakhow 20 Pcs Wall Insulation Outlet Insulators Draft Sealers, 20 Pack Electrical Outlet Insulation Pads, EVA Foam Gasket for Wall, Light, Switch Socket Cover Compatible with Duplex Toggle RockerCheck price on Amazon (paid link)
Fasmov 70 Pcs Wall Insulation Gasket, EVA Foam Outlet Sealers White Rectangle Weatherproof Gasket Sealer Energy Saving for...Check price on Amazon (paid link)
Thermal curtains3 options
Curtains are the cheapest form of window insulation and the one you already have a rail for. A lined thermal pair closed at dusk holds a noticeable amount of heat in the room overnight.
- Measure the drop and the width, and allow for the curtain to overlap the frame at the sides - a curtain that stops at the glass leaks round the edge
- Check the header type matches your existing rail or pole
3 options — pick the one that fits, then tap through for the current price on Amazon.
SimpleHome Cream 100% Blackout Curtains Room Darkening Living Room 84 Inch | Curtains for Bedroom,Thermal Insulated Grommet Window Drapes,Curtains for Living Room with Black Back,52 x 84 Inch,2 PanelsCheck price on Amazon (paid link)
SimpleHome Dark Green 100% Blackout Curtains Room Darkening Living Room 84 | Curtains for Bedroom,Thermal Insulated Grommet Window Drapes,Curtains for Living Room with Black Back,52 x 84 Inch,2 PanelsCheck price on Amazon (paid link)
SimpleHome Beige 100% Blackout Curtains Room Darkening Living Room 84 Inch | Curtains for Bedroom,Thermal Insulated Grommet Window Drapes,Curtains for Living Room with Black Back,52 x 84 Inch,2 PanelsCheck price on Amazon (paid link)
A heated throw3 options
Heating a person costs a fraction of heating a room. A throw over a lap in the evening is the single most efficient warm thing in the house, and it is the one that means the thermostat stays where it is.
- Look for auto-shutoff and several heat settings
- Check whether it is machine washable, and whether the controller detaches - the ones that do not are hard to wash and get replaced early
3 options — pick the one that fits, then tap through for the current price on Amazon.
Bedsure Heated Blanket Throw Blanket with Preheat Function - Fast Heating Electric Blanket, Soft Flannel Throw with 6 Time Settings(Up to 10H), 6 Heating Settings, Gifts for Grandma (50"x60", Grey)Check price on Amazon (paid link)
Bedsure GentleSoft Heated Blanket Throw - Soft Ribbed Flannel Electric Blanket, Gifts for Grandma (50x60 inches, Grey)Check price on Amazon (paid link)
GOTCOZY Heated Blanket-Soft Plush Electric Blanket 50"X60"(Violet) | Ribbed Faux Fur Heated Throw Blanket,Adjustable Heat ...Check price on Amazon (paid link)
A space heater for one room3 options
If the cold snap is short, heating the one room you are in beats heating the house. This is also the backup if the boiler struggles, which is exactly when boilers tend to fail.
- Two safety features matter more than anything else: tip-over shutoff and overheat protection
- Check for a thermostat rather than just high and low, because a heater with no thermostat runs constantly
- Never run one on an extension lead, and never leave one running overnight unattended
3 options — pick the one that fits, then tap through for the current price on Amazon.
Dreo Smart Wall Heater, Electric Space Heater for Bedroom 1500W, 120° Vertical Oscillation, Adjustable Thermostat, Remote Control, 24H Timer, Easy-Mount Heater for Indoor Use, Works with Alexa, WH719SCheck price on Amazon (paid link)
DREO Space Heater, Portable Electric Heaters for Indoor Use with Thermostat | 70°Oscillation, Remote, ECO, 12H Timer, 5 Modes, Safe Quiet Room Heater for Bedroom, 1500W PTC Ceramic Heater for OfficeCheck price on Amazon (paid link)
DREO 25 Inch Electric Space Heater for Indoor Use, Large Room, Thermostat | 11.5 ft/s Fast Heating, 25dB Quiet Operation, 70° Oscillation, Remote Control, Child Lock, Overheating & Tip-Over ProtectionCheck price on Amazon (paid link)
A carbon monoxide alarm3 options
Cold snaps are when heating runs hardest, when people use an unvented heater indoors, and occasionally when a flue blocks. Carbon monoxide has no smell and the first symptoms feel like an ordinary winter headache.
- Check the printed end-of-life date, since the sensor expires on a fixed schedule whether or not it has ever alarmed
- Battery backup matters, because a mains-only unit is off during a power cut, which often happens in the same storm
3 options — pick the one that fits, then tap through for the current price on Amazon.
FIRST ALERT CO605 Plug-in Carbon Monoxide Detector with Battery Backup, White | CO606, 9V Battery BackupCheck price on Amazon (paid link)
Kidde Carbon Monoxide Detector, Plug-in & AA Battery Backup, COP | Rotating Plug with Power Surge Immunity, LED Status Lig...Check price on Amazon (paid link)
Kidde Smart Carbon Monoxide Detector, Plug-in & AA Battery Backup, COPDW | Smart Alarm with Real-Time Alerts, Digital Back...Check price on Amazon (paid link)
A thermometer and humidity gauge for the room3 options
You cannot fix what you cannot see. Knowing that a bedroom sits several degrees below the hall tells you where the problem actually is, which is usually not where people assume.
- Look for one that records the minimum reached overnight, which is the number that matters
- Humidity is worth reading too - very dry air feels colder at the same temperature and is what cracks furniture and skin
3 options — pick the one that fits, then tap through for the current price on Amazon.
Elitech RC-51 Digital Temperature Data Logger USB Reusable 32000 PointsCheck price on Amazon (paid link)
Elitech Digital Temperature Data Logger Medical Refrigerator Thermometer Vaccine Fridge Temperature Monitor, RC-4Check price on Amazon (paid link)Elitech Temperature Humidity Data Logger, Reusable Recorder with Built-in Buzzer, -40~85°C, 64000 Points, Auto PDF/CSV Reports, Win/Mac Software, Calibration Certificate for Audit Compliance RC-4HProCheck price on Amazon (paid link)
A fresh furnace filter3 options
A blocked filter makes the heating system work harder and push less warm air, at the exact time you are asking the most of it. It is the cheapest thing you can do for a system that is struggling.
- Read the size printed on the edge of the filter already in place and match it exactly - this is the step people get wrong
- A moderate MERV rating filters well without choking the airflow the way a very high one can in an older system
3 options — pick the one that fits, then tap through for the current price on Amazon.
Aerostar Air Filter 20x30x1 MERV 13 AC Filter, HVAC, Furnace Filter, 6 Pack | ACTUAL SIZE (19.75 x 29.75 x 0.75 ) AC Filter, Furnace Filter, Allergies, Dust, Pet Dander & Smoke MERV 13 (MPR 1500)Check price on Amazon (paid link)
Aerostar 20x30x1 MERV 8 Air Filter, 6 Count, ACTUAL SIZE (19.75 x 29.75 x 0.75), HVAC, Air Conditioning & Furnace Filter Captures Dust, Lint & Pollen (MPR 600 / FPR 5), Made in USACheck price on Amazon (paid link)
Filtrete 16x25x1 Air Filter, MERV 11, MPR 1000, Allergens & Pet Dander, 3-Month AC and Furnace Filters, Cleaner Air, Relia...Check price on Amazon (paid link)
Ice melt for the steps and the path3 options
The path to your own front door is where most winter falls happen, and it is the one nobody grits until after someone has slipped. It also matters for anyone visiting.
- Check the lowest temperature it works at, since ordinary rock salt stops being effective well above the coldest nights
- A pet-safe and concrete-safe formulation matters if you have either
3 options — pick the one that fits, then tap through for the current price on Amazon.
Maple99 Pet Safe Ice Melt Safer for Concrete 35 lb Snow Salt Ice Melt Pet Friendly, Green Salt for Snow and Ice Removal, S...Check price on Amazon (paid link)
Homestand Market Pet Safe Ice Melt 8 lb Shaker Jug – Safer for Pets & Children, Fast-Acting Ice Remover for Sidewalks, Dri...Check price on Amazon (paid link)
FIREKI Ice Melt, Pet Safe Ice Melt, 15 LBS Premium Snow Melter, Pure Magnesium Chloride, Safer for Pets, Concrete, Effecti...Check price on Amazon (paid link)
A scraper and brush for the car3 options
The morning of the freeze is when everyone finds out they do not have one, and the alternatives - a card, a hand, hot water on the glass - either fail or crack the windscreen.
- Look for a brass or plastic blade and a long handle if you have a tall vehicle
- A foam or bristle brush pushes snow off without dragging grit across the paint the way a stiff one does
3 options — pick the one that fits, then tap through for the current price on Amazon.
Snow MOOver 39" Extendable Snow Brush with Squeegee & Ice Scraper | Foam Grip | Auto Snow Brush | Auto Ice Scraper | Car ...Check price on Amazon (paid link)
AstroAI 46" Extendable 2-in-1 Snow Brush & Ice Scrapers for Car Windshield | Snow Removers with 360° Pivoting Head, No-Scr...Check price on Amazon (paid link)
Best Choice Products Snow Brush with Squeegee & Ice Scraper, Up to 39" Extendable Foam Grip, 270° Pivoting Snow Brush for ...Check price on Amazon (paid link)