Smart Thermostats and Winter Energy Savers for Older Homes
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Many first homes across the Midwest are older houses with drafty windows, aging insulation and a basic thermostat. Heating bills in January can be a surprise. This guide covers smart thermostats and the simple, inexpensive upgrades that often make a bigger difference in comfort.
| Photo | Product | Best For | Key Spec | Price | Shop |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Fanttik E2 MAX Precision Electric Screwdriver | Best Overall | 50 magnetic S2 steel bits | ~$70 Code: E2MAXS | View Deal → |
 | Fanttik D2 PRO Cross Line Laser Level | Best Value | Bright green cross-line beam | ~$55 Code: FTASE | View Deal → |
 | Fanttik A10 Pro Digital Laser Distance Meter (165 ft) | Best Value | 165-ft laser accuracy | ~$46 Code: A10PRO | View Deal → |
 | Fanttik S2 Pro Cordless 3.7V Electric Screwdriver | Reader Favorite | 6 N·m high-torque drive | ~$100 Code: S2PROS | View Deal → |
 | Fanttik F2 Master Cordless Rotary Tool Kit | Midwest Tested | 25,000 RPM brushless motor | ~$80 Code: F2MASTER | View Deal → |
What a smart thermostat does
A smart thermostat lets you set schedules, adjust the temperature from your phone and lower the heat automatically when you are away or asleep. Some learn your routine; others rely on schedules you set. Actual savings depend on your home, your heating system and how you used your old thermostat. If you already kept a careful schedule with a programmable thermostat, the savings may be smaller. Check your utility's website, since many Midwest utilities and state energy programs (such as Wisconsin's Focus on Energy) have offered rebates on qualifying smart thermostats.
Check compatibility first
Before buying, take a photo of the wiring behind your current thermostat. Most smart thermostats need a C-wire (common wire) for steady power. Many older homes do not have one. Some thermostats include an adapter, and the manufacturers have online compatibility checkers. Older systems with line-voltage baseboard heaters or millivolt systems usually need specialized thermostats. If you are not comfortable with the wiring, an HVAC technician or electrician can install it.
Cheap upgrades that help
Weatherstripping around doors and a door sweep at the bottom stop many drafts. Foam gaskets behind outlet and switch covers on exterior walls are inexpensive and take minutes to install. Window insulation film kits seal drafty windows for the winter. Caulk around window trim and baseboards closes small gaps.
Our first-home tool kit covers the caulk gun and basic tools these jobs need. Many utilities offer home energy assessments that can find the biggest leaks, often in the attic and around the rim joist in the basement. Those larger fixes are worth looking into before spending on gadgets.
Picks worth a closer look
Google Nest Learning Thermostat
Known for learning your schedule and adjusting automatically, with a phone app and a clear display.
ecobee Smart Thermostat
Popular for its remote room sensors, which help balance temperatures in homes where some rooms run cold.
Honeywell Home T-series smart thermostats
A familiar brand with straightforward scheduling and app control, often at a lower price.
Door weatherstripping and door sweep
An inexpensive way to stop drafts at exterior doors.
Window insulation film kit
A clear shrink film that seals drafty windows for the winter and comes off in the spring.
Where to buy
Installing a smart thermostat backplate, swapping outlet covers to add foam draft gaskets, and mounting door sweeps are quick jobs with a compact electric screwdriver. These tools are available from a retailer we partner with. We have not tested them; compare them against your project list before buying.
Fanttik E2 MAX Precision Electric Screwdriver
50-in-1 magnetic precision driver for smart thermostats, video doorbells, electronics, and small household fixtures.
- 50 magnetic S2 steel bits
- Dual-torque electric + manual drive
- Check current Fanttik stock and seasonal bundle sizing before ordering
E2MAXS$15 off w/ CodeVerified live on Fanttik product page — copy E2MAXS & paste at checkout. (verified 2026-10-28)Fanttik D2 PRO Cross Line Laser Level
Self-leveling green cross-line laser level with USB-C rechargeable battery and magnetic bracket for hanging shelves and frames straight.
- Bright green cross-line beam
- Self-leveling pendulum mode
- Keep battery charged indoors before sub-zero winter trips
FTASEExtra 15% Off Combo w/ CodeVerified on Fanttik.com — click to copy code and apply at checkout. (verified 2026-10-28)Fanttik A10 Pro Digital Laser Distance Meter (165 ft)
Pocket-sized rechargeable laser tape measure for quick room, window-film, and furniture measurements.
- 165-ft laser accuracy
- USB-C rechargeable battery
- Check current Fanttik stock and seasonal bundle sizing before ordering
A10PROExtra $20 off w/ CodeVerified live on Fanttik product page — copy A10PRO & paste at checkout. (verified 2026-10-28)Fanttik S2 Pro Cordless 3.7V Electric Screwdriver
High-torque 6 N·m cordless screwdriver with 7 torque settings, LED work light, and 20 S2 steel bits for furniture and home repairs.
- 6 N·m high-torque drive
- 7-stage clutch + LED ring light
- Keep battery charged indoors before sub-zero winter trips
S2PROSExtra $25 off w/ CodeVerified live on Fanttik product page — copy S2PROS & paste at checkout. (verified 2026-10-28)Fanttik F2 Master Cordless Rotary Tool Kit
Brushless 25,000 RPM cordless rotary tool with 35 accessories for sanding, cutting, drilling, and detail home maintenance.
- 25,000 RPM brushless motor
- 35-piece cutting & sanding kit
- Keep battery charged indoors before sub-zero winter trips
F2MASTER$10 off w/ CodeVerified live on Fanttik product page — copy F2MASTER & paste at checkout. (verified 2026-10-28)The bottom line
Start with the inexpensive fixes: weatherstripping, door sweeps and window film. Then, if your wiring is compatible, a smart thermostat makes it easy to lower the heat when you are asleep or away. Check for utility rebates before you buy.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a C-wire to install a smart thermostat?
Most smart thermostats use a C-wire (common wire) for continuous power, though several models include a C-wire adapter kit or work with battery-saving modes. Check your thermostat wiring before buying.
What is the cheapest way to make an older house warmer in winter?
Sealing drafts with door weatherstripping, a door sweep, outlet foam gaskets and clear window insulation film is usually the lowest-cost way to improve winter comfort.