6 Walmart Products Under $25 That Will Reduce Your Utilities Bills This Winter
Written by
Madeline Duley
Edited by
Rebekah Evans
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As the leaves change and pumpkin spice lattes are in full swing, one thing is clear: winter is coming. Colder temperatures ahead, mean HVAC systems will work harder to heat your home, leading to higher energy costs. But before winter fully sets in, there are a few easy actions you can take now to lower your utility bills and prevent extra strain on your budget later.
Here are six budget-friendly products under $25 at Walmart that will help you manage your utility costs while keeping your home warm and cozy this winter.
Also here is the best item to buy at Walmart in each month of the year.
Draft Stopper
- Price: $3.99
Cold drafts sneaking in under doors can quickly lower your home’s temperature. Draft stoppers offer a simple fix to keep warm air in and cold air out.
“External doors should all be fitted with door sweeps year-round to help retain indoor temperatures,” said Max Veggeberg, CEO of Tetra, a home services company offering clean energy products. “The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that sealing leaks, including those around doors and windows, can save up to 10 to 15% on heating and cooling bills annually.”
This solution is especially useful for older doors with poor insulation. If you notice temperatures dropping significantly near a door in your home, it’s a good sign that a draft stopper will help. Plus, these shields also help prevent small critters from seeking warmth inside.
Water-Saving Faucet Aerator
- Price: $4.97
Water bills can add up, especially in areas with high water costs. A water-saving faucet aerator can cut down on your bill by reducing water usage without sacrificing pressure.
“An aerator can reduce water consumption by up to 50%,” Veggeberg said. “This means that you only need half the amount of water while maintaining the same level of comfort, resulting in $50 to $100 savings on your water bill.”
Easy to install on most kitchen and bathroom faucets, it’s a quick and effective way to save on this essential resource.
Weatherstripping Tape
- Price: $6.48
Cracks and gaps around windows and doors are a common source of winter drafts, letting in cold air even as your heater works overtime. Rubber weatherstripping tape by Duck is a quick fix for sealing those gaps, keeping your home warm without driving up heating costs.
“Weatherstripping is one of the most cost-effective, highest bang for your buck, way to lower your energy costs and keep you comfortable all year around,” Veggeberg said.
Easy to apply, this durable tape won’t freeze or crack, staying effective through the coldest months.
Thermal Curtains
- Price: $16.99
Thermal curtains are an often-overlooked tool for winter insulation. These Blackout thermal insulated curtains by Nicetown not only block out light but also reduce heat loss, offering a complete blackout effect to keep your space warmer and cozier.
“These curtains make for great insulation protection, keeping warm air inside and protecting against cold air seeping in from the windows,” Veggeberg said. “When used properly, thermal curtains could help homeowners save $200 to $300 a year in energy costs.”
Even in summer, they help regulate temperature by keeping rooms cooler, making this purchase a year-round asset.
LED Light Bulbs
- Price: $11.47
Switching to LED light bulbs might seem like a small step, but the energy savings add up over time.
“LED light bulbs like these can also be eligible for rebates at the local and federal level, increasing your savings,” Veggeberg explained.
“These reduce energy bills by using less energy than incandescents and their efficiency can be eligible for state green [energy] incentives,” he added. “LED lightbulbs are 75% more efficient versus traditional incandescent lightbulbs and 30% versus CFLs. Every lightbulb can save about $10 a year versus traditional ones and also last 15 to 25 times longer than their incandescent counterparts.”
If you’re thinking about switching to LED, don’t throw out your traditional bulbs that are still working. Wait until they burn out to replace them, so you’re not wasting what you’ve already spent.
Smart Power Strip
- Price: $24.99
Traditional power strips can lead to hidden energy waste, especially with devices that draw power even when not in use. For about $10 to $15 more than a standard power strip, smart power strips give you more control over each outlet, making it easy to reduce excessive energy use.
“This smart power strip also works with smart home systems and each plug can be scheduled separately to help keep only necessary items running, reducing power consumption and resulting in lower energy bills,” Veggeberg explained. “Depending on the number of devices on the strip, you can expect to save $75 to $100 a year.”
With remote control and voice commands, you can manage your devices hands-free. This power strip comes with four smart outlets and four USB ports, so simply plug in your energy-guzzling gadgets to take control of your utility bill.
Editor’s note: Pricing and availability may vary depending on location.
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