If your heating bill jumps every time the temperature drops, you are definitely not alone.
Winter energy costs keep rising, and many homeowners turn down the thermostat or shop around for cheaper providers.
But according to one roofing expert, the biggest source of wasted heat (and wasted money) might be right above your head.
“Most people focus on turning down their thermostat or switching energy providers, but they’re missing the biggest culprit,” says Jeff Berzolla, CEO of Instant Roofer, an AI-powered roofing platform. “Your roof and attic are like a chimney for your wallet: heat rises, and if there are gaps or poor insulation up there, you’re literally heating the neighborhood instead of your home.”
Berzolla shares six simple, DIY-friendly improvements that help keep warm air inside, potentially slashing your winter heating bills by 20–30%, or about $400–$600 for the average household.
Upgrade Your Loft Insulation
Insufficient attic insulation is one of the biggest reasons homes lose heat. Warm air rises, and without a thick insulating layer, it escapes quickly through the roof.
“Think of insulation like a thick winter coat for your house,” explains Berzolla. “The recommended depth is at least 10-12 inches of fiberglass or cellulose insulation. Most older homes have maybe 3-4 inches, which is like wearing a t-shirt in a blizzard.”
Cost: $1,200–$2,000
Savings: $300–$600 per year
Most homeowners recoup the investment in just a few winters.
Seal Gaps With Expanding Foam
Tiny gaps around skylights, chimneys, vent pipes, wiring, and attic hatches may seem harmless but they’re major escape routes for warm air. A few cans of expanding foam (around $10 each) can make a huge difference.
Focus on areas where different building materials meet. These spots are often overlooked during construction, but sealing them can instantly stop drafts.
Install Reflective Foil Behind Radiators
A low-cost trick with a surprisingly big payoff: adding reflective foil behind radiators. This material bounces heat back into the room instead of letting it warm the wall.
“It’s basic physics,” says Berzolla. “Without the foil, about 30% of your radiator’s heat is warming the wall behind it. With reflective foil, that heat gets redirected back into your living space where you actually want it.”
For under $50, you can improve heating efficiency by 10–15%.
Use Chimney Balloons to Stop Heat Escape
An unused fireplace can behave like an always-open window. Even with the damper closed, warm air escapes upward through the flue.
Chimney balloons cost about $30 and block this airflow, saving 10–15% on heating costs. They inflate in seconds, stay in place until needed, and remove easily when you want to use the fireplace.
Fix Small Roof Leaks Before They Create Drafts
A roof leak doesn’t just bring in water; it can also create gaps that let in cold air and leak warm air out.
“A tiny hole in your roof is like leaving a door cracked open,” Berzolla notes. “It might not seem like much, but over an entire winter, that small gap can cost you hundreds in wasted heating.”
You can temporarily patch small leaks with roofing cement, but plan for a professional repair to keep your roof airtight.
Draught-Proof Your Loft Door
The attic access door is one of the most common and overlooked air leaks. Weatherstripping the hatch (less than $20) instantly improves heat retention.
If the door isn’t snug, warm air will escape easily, even if the rest of your attic is insulated. Adding insulation to the back of the door helps strengthen your thermal barrier even more.
How to Spot Hidden Heat Loss in Your Home
Berzolla also recommends checking for these signs of heat escaping through your roof:
Ice dams or icicles: These form when heat escapes, melts rooftop snow, and causes it to refreeze.
Drafts around ceiling fixtures: Recessed lights often lead straight to the attic.
Uneven roof snow melt: Areas with less snow indicate “hot spots” where insulation is failing.
Why These Fixes Work
Jeff Berzolla, CEO of Instant Roofer, commented:
“These hacks work because they address the fundamental problem of thermal bridging and air leakage. When heated air escapes through your roof, your heating system has to work overtime to maintain comfortable temperatures.
“The beauty of these fixes is that they target the biggest energy wasters first. Proper insulation and air sealing can reduce heating costs by 20-30%, so that’s $400-$600 savings for the average American household spending $2,000 annually on heating.
“Most homeowners can tackle these projects over a weekend. The key is starting with the biggest impact items like insulation and air sealing, then moving to the smaller fixes. Even implementing just three of these hacks can cut your heating bills significantly this winter.”
If you’re looking for simple ways to stay warm without painful heating bills, a quick look at your attic and roof might be the best place to start.
