Draught-proofing your home is an effective way to keep your home warm in the winter months without breaking the bank. Here, experts share their top tips to prevent heat from escaping your home
A crisp autumn chill is now in the air and keeping our homes warm will become more costly.
While many of us are looking forward to donning our snug knitwear, as the colder months roll on, it’s essential to keep our homes warm. Apart from relocating, draught proofing is a guaranteed method to retain heat and cut down on household bills. The specialists at Hiatt Hardware have offered four handy tips to help you draught-proof your home effectively and economically, ensuring that you stay cosy as we transition into autumn.
Approximately 30 percent of household heat escapes through draughts in doors and windows. Draughts allow cold air to seep into your home, causing warm air to leak out, reports the Daily Record. This then puts extra strain on your heating system, leading to higher energy bills and increased carbon emissions; making draught-proofing an essential step as we brace for the colder months. Experts at Hiatt Hardware recommend taking some time to identify the problem areas in your home and then think about investing in practical draught-proofing solutions such as storm guards and weather strips.
Insulate windows
Windows are often the main offenders when it comes to letting in cold air. To spot draughts, run your hand around the window frame or use a lighter to detect airflow-if the flame flickers, you’ve found a draught. If you’ve pinpointed your home’s windows as a source of the chill, there are cost-effective solutions available. Self-adhesive weather strips, which can be purchased from DIY stores or Amazon for as little as £5, are an easy way to block out the cold air.
These strips can be tailored to fit your window size, but it’s crucial to select the right width. If the strip is too wide, it could prevent your window from closing properly, exacerbating the issue. Conversely, if the strip is too narrow, it won’t effectively keep out draughts and won’t enhance your energy efficiency. For windows that don’t need to be opened or are naturally non-opening, consider using silicone sealant or applying window film, which can be shrunk into place with a hairdryer. However, remember to allow for fresh air circulation to avoid condensation build-up and potential mould growth. Opening a front or back door for 10 minutes each day should suffice.
Don’t forget about the doors
External doors are often overlooked sources of cold air intrusion. To combat this, apply self-adhesive draught-proofing strips around the door edges, just as you would with windows. To combat the draught coming from under your door, consider installing a door brush or seal. These are effective in blocking unwanted air from entering your home. Draught excluders are another affordable solution that can reduce heat loss by up to 30%. You can find a door brush and a door seal on Amazon for as little as £6 each.
Don’t forget about your letterbox
Your letterbox could be a hidden source of draughts, especially if it’s old or damaged. This can also lead to annoying flapping noises throughout the day and night. Fitting a new letter plate with a dedicated flap or brush can help prevent heat loss and reduce any unnecessary noise.
Ensure your flooring is airtight
Temperature changes can cause skirting boards and floorboards to expand and contract, creating gaps that let in cold air. To keep the chill out, we suggest using hard-setting fillers that are flexible enough to accommodate movement, such as mastic sealant or decorator’s caulk. The great thing about these fillers is that they don’t have to ruin your decor. They’re available in various colours, and the decorator’s caulk can be stained to match your interiors!
