Introduction
As winter approaches, many people in the UK are concerned about the rising cost of keeping their homes warm. With the holiday season adding to financial demands, it's crucial to find cost-effective ways to avoid wasting money on energy bills. One simple solution is to prevent draughts from letting heat escape. In this article, home maintenance expert Mike Norton shares his top tips for draught-proofing your home and saving hundreds of pounds a year.
Keyholes
Don't underestimate the impact of keyholes in letting cold air into your home. Consider installing metal keyhole covers to keep your house warmer. You can find affordable options at Dunelm starting from £3.
Letterboxes
Just like keyholes, letterboxes can also be culprits for allowing outside air in. Install a letterbox brush to keep the heat inside your home. Amazon offers letterbox brushes for less than a fiver.
Cat Flaps
If your cat flap blows open and sends a gale through your kitchen, invest in a magnetic flap to prevent air from blowing in. Don't worry, your pets will still be able to push the flap open. You can find magnetic flaps on Amazon for under £15.
Chimneys
If you have a chimney that you no longer use, consider plugging it to prevent heat loss. Draught excluders for your flue can be purchased for as little as £30. By installing one, you can save around £65 a year on energy bills. Options like the inflatable 'Chimney Balloon' or the Chimney Sheep are available on Amazon.
Gaps in Floorboards
If you don't have carpet, you may be losing heat through the gaps in your floorboards. Add rugs to your living space, bedrooms, and hallways to stop draughts and insulate your floor. Wool rugs are recommended for their natural density and thermal properties. Dunelm offers a variety of rugs starting from around £30.
Other Draught-Prone Areas
In addition to the above, other areas in your home prone to heat loss include electrical outlets, vents, and attic hatches. To identify the areas with the most draughts, try a simple DIY test. Close all windows and doors, turn off appliances, and light a candle or stick of incense. The smoke will move towards areas with draughts.
Additional Tips
In addition to draught-proofing, there are other ways to heat your home efficiently:
- Add thermal liners to curtains to keep heat in your rooms for longer.
- Use cushion-weighted draught excluders at the bottom of internal doors. You can make your own by filling a leg of tights with stuffing.
- Apply weather strips to windows to prevent the movement of air from the outside.
- Stretch cling film or bubble wrap over the inside of windows to trap air and stop draughts.
More Ways to Keep Heat In
Aside from draught-proofing, there are simple tricks to help keep heat in your home:
- Move furniture away from walls and doors to create a barrier for cold air.
- Keep radiators clear by rearranging furniture, allowing heat to travel around the space.
- Fit reflector foil behind radiators to reflect heat back into the room. You can find affordable options at Screwfix.
- Insulate your hot water cylinder with a jacket to prevent heat loss. The Energy Saving Trust recommends a jacket thickness of at least 80mm, which could save you £45 per year.
By implementing these tips, you can keep your home warm, cosy, and energy-efficient throughout the winter months. Stay comfortable while saving money on your energy bills!
