It's no secret that households all around the UK are struggling to heat their homes this winter with the drastic rise in the cost of living. Whilst we can't change the high price of gas and electricity, our experts have put together a helpful draught guide to help keep your home as insulated and warm as possible, whilst preventing heat from being wasted.
You can draught-proof your home to various extents depending on your budget. Here are a few of the low-cost options that will stop heat from escaping, helping you to save money when you need it most!
Draught proofing tips
Windows and doors - Draught proofing strips around the frame of your windows and doors - you should be able to find this at your local DIY/ home improvement shop for under £10. They are easy to install and effective in preventing a draught from seeping through windows and doors. However, this is a semi-permanent solution as these strips will need to be replaced every 4 months.
Chimney and fireplace - If you don't use your fireplace, this could end up being an open space for cold air to enter rooms. During cold and windy seasons we recommend blocking the draught out with something as simple as an inflatable pillow to block the chimney. Or, for a better aesthetic, stack the fireplace up with logs - insulating an open chimney could save you up to £18 a year.
Close off unused rooms - It may seem obvious but effective insulation can be as simple as closing doors to rooms you are heating. Keeping doors open to rooms that are not being heated is like creating an inner draught within your home, ensure you keep your warmth contained.
Thermal curtains - Thermal curtains can reduce heat loss by as much as 25% - some start from around £11 and are a great way to insulate colder rooms and prevent a draught that can come from windows.
Sealant - Are you guilty of noticing (and ignoring!) cracks in your floors and skirting boards? Even the smallest of holes can let air into your home and cause the internal temperature to drop dramatically. Draught excluders and draught-proofing kits are a good way to prevent cold air from sneaking through your floorboards and are available for an extremely reasonable price too.
The tips above will help reduce the amount of cold air entering your home whilst cutting down on the overall energy you use without breaking the bank. However, if you do happen to have the money spare to make an investment, there are more initially costly ways to save on your energy bills long term, such as the tips below.
Investments to improve your home's efficiency
Purchasing a new boiler - Upgrading your boiler from a G-rated model could save you a minimum of £300 a year!
Smart thermometer - A smart thermometer allows you to control the temperature of your home and decide how much energy you're using through your central heating. You can control and monitor your heating remotely on your phone and set timers too.
Loft insulation - If your loft is currently full of storage you’re not alone, however laying down insulation instead of miscellaneous items could save you up to £290 a year. Laying loft insulation to a thickness of 270mm in a typical non-insulated three-bedroom semi could trim £135 a year from energy bills, as less heat will be lost through the roof and insulating cavity walls can save up to £155 a year in a semi-detached house. Solid-wall insulation, although more expensive to fit, could save you £210 in the same type of house.
For more tips and advice check out our blog.