Homes in the UK might not be holding as much warmth in their walls
Millions of people across the UK could be facing a common issue that might not be easy to spot – but most will certainly feel it when the winter weather makes it too cold to ignore. Even after turning the heating on, this issue could mean you’re wasting money and feeling no warmer because of it.
Approximately 9.6 million UK households are living in poorly insulated homes, which are prone to cold draughts. This figure comes from an analysis of the English Housing Survey by the Institute of Health Equity and Friends of the Earth UK
The issue can be caused by various factors. These can include ageing homes built before modern energy efficiency standards were introduced, or a lack of adequate insulation in the loft and cavity walls.
But some simple steps can help make homes feel “cosier straight away.” Experts at Which?, the independent consumer organisation, claimed that a few simple tips this winter will make all the difference to your comfort and energy bills.
Emily Seymour, energy and sustainability editor, shared a housekeeping rule she urges people to follow around this time of year. She said: “My top tip is draught proofing. So, go around your house and look at window frames, door frames, maybe the loft hatch or chimneys that you don’t use and seal up any cracks where there’s wind coming in. It can make your home feel cosier straight away.”
To seal window and door draughts, use weatherstripping or draught excluder strips around the frames and caulk or silicone sealant for gaps between the frame and the wall. Attach a door sweep or a brush strip to the bottom of doors. For windows, use foam tape for small gaps and consider insulating window film for the glass.
For loft hatch draughts, attach self-adhesive foam or rubber draught excluder strips around the opening frame or the hatch itself. For a hinged hatch, apply the strip to the frame and the matching part of the hatch so the two strips meet when closed. For a hatch that rests on the frame, place the strip around the perimeter of the frame, facing upwards.
The team also suggested a few additional alternative tips to avoid taking on the cost of heating your entire home. One specific idea is to heat yourself directly rather than a whole room.
Matthew Knight, a product testing manager at Which?, said: “My top tip is to use an electric heater or blanket to keep yourself warm. Typically, keeping your central heating on will cost between £1.50 and £2.50 per hour. An electric heater costs about 50p an hour, and an electric blanket, even if it’s on the top whack, will cost about 5p to 6p an hour.”
James Aitchison, a senior energy researcher, suggested that people should examine the source of their bills and consider whether locking into a fixed energy tariff can protect them from price hikes. These rates mean customers are charged a set amount for the units they consume, compared to a variable tariff, which can change each month.