Did you know if you don’t draught-proof windows and doors in your home, up to 24% of the heat your home produces can escape?
When it comes to cutting energy costs the research by MyGlazing has found you're throwing money out of the window by failing to block draughts.
With this in mind, it’s well worth taking steps to stop precious - and increasingly pricey- warm air from leaving your home by draught-proofing.
How can you draught-proof your home? It’s surprisingly easy - and inexpensive. Here's how
Draught proof windows, doors and more
Save £60 with cheap draught excluders and hacks
Applying window insulation tape over any unwanted gaps can stop warm air from escaping.
Placing draught excluders around windows and doors - which can cost from as little as £4 could save you £60 a year, according to The Energy Saving Trust.
You can pick up self-adhesive draught-proofing tape from a DIY store for just a few pounds, and place it over unwanted gaps to stop warm air from escaping. You can also stretch cling film or bubble wrap over the inside of windows to trap air and stop draughts.
While you’re out shopping, get your hands on extra flaps or brushes to add to your letter box.
Block gaps under doors with a cheap draught excluder, or fashion your own by filling one leg of a pair of tights with stuffing, and tying or sewing the end closed. Old towels will also do a decent job.
Save £100+ with a few thick rugs
Thick rugs insulate a room better meaning you can turn on the radiator for less time.
If you have wooden or laminate floors, invest in a few thick rugs, as these can insulate a room far better than having bare floors. This means you can turn on the radiator for less time, and won’t have to leave it on throughout the day.
Energy expert Rosie Macdonald from the Energy Helpline says turning on the central heating for an hour could cost you just over £3 based on an average 35 kW household boiler.
Cutting back on using the radiator for 30 minutes each day could save you more than £100 in just three months
According to the Energy Saving Trust, insulating your ground floor is a great way to keep your property warm, and can reduce your energy bills by between £30-£70.
Save up to £327 with thermal curtains
Thicker curtains can help keep heat in on grey days and cold nights.
Consider replacing your curtains with thicker ones for the next few months.
The Eco Experts (opens in new tab) say high-quality thermal curtains will cut the average three-bedroom home’s heating bill by £327 per year.
Ensure they are not blocking radiators, as this will stop them from working efficiently. Keep windows firmly closed in the winter to stop cold air from getting in through tiny openings, but keep curtains open during the day so sunlight can warm up your rooms.
Save £20 by lagging your pipes
Lagging your pipes - in other words, wrapping insulation around any exposed pipes - is a simple job you can do yourself to reduce heat loss.
Dr Steve Buckley, head of data science at Loop, the energy-saving smart meter app, said: “Depending on the size of your house, you may only need to spend around £20 on foam lagging – a cost you’ll soon make back.
"Lagging also has the added benefit of reducing the chances of pipes getting too cold and bursting during the colder months.”
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