Winter might be the time when everyone in the family cozies up and has plenty of hot chocolate and cookies, but it’s also a time where your utilities can go through the roof. Having to pay out the nose just for heating your home won’t be conducive to being jolly. In fact, if left unchecked, it can lead to you having to be a bit more modest when it comes to giving your family gifts for the holidays. Now just because it can be this way doesn’t mean it has to be. In fact, we’re going to give you 10 ways that you can keep your house cozy and warm on the cheap.

1. Install a programmable thermostat.

Instead of having to constantly adjust the thermostat when you’re leaving or coming home, one of these bad boys can keep your house strategically warm during the day while dramatically lowering your energy costs.

2. Let the sun shine in.

Believe it or not, simply opening your curtains to the sun will make your house much warmer during winter months. It goes without saying that those curtains should then be closed at night so that you can trap as much heat as possible into the house.

3. Go easy on cozy fires.

While you might think that burning a fire will be a good way to generate some heat, the majority of that heat will escape out of the chimney and then let cold air in. If you plug up the fireplace when not in use, you’ll have a far warmer house.

4. Reverse your ceiling fans.

The way that ceiling fans are designed means that cool air is strategically distributed through the house. If you reverse the direction, though, you’ll have warm air permeating your home instead.

5. Move furniture.

If you have furniture near vents, move it. This will keep your house warmer and give your house a new look.

6. Seal leaks.

Caulk windows, cracks, and any other leaks that could be letting heat out of your house.

7. Close doors.

When all else fails, closing the door on a favored room will tend to make that room much warmer during winter months.

8. Use space heaters carefully.

Space heaters are an excellent way to pump warm air through the room, but take care where you put them since they are a fire hazard.

9. Use the oven.

This one’s simple. Use your oven to cook, and then leave the door open to let heat out.

10. Clothing is key.

    Keeping yourself warm with a hoodie, blanket, and warm tea is a great way to stay warm too.