Draught proofing
A draughty home is harder and more expensive to keep warm. There are lots of simple, low-cost ways to draught proof your home such as traditional draught excluders that you can make at home. Effective draught proofing could also keep your home cooler during hot weather too.
For more information visit:
- Centre for Sustainable Energy DIY draught-proofing (opens in a new window)
- Energy Saving Trust Draught-proofing (opens in a new window)
Insulation
Having the right insulation can make your home more comfortable and reduce energy costs. Some forms of home insulation can have a significant initial cost to install but over their lifetime will save you money. For more expensive insulation types, grants may be available tab to help pay some of the cost. Visit GOV.UK (opens in a new window) for more information.
Roof and loft insulation is generally the lowest cost and the easiest and quickest to install; it not only keeps you warmer in winter but can keep your house cooler in summer. Loft insulation will pay for itself many times over during its 40-year lifespan.
Solid wall insulation and cavity wall insulation will reduce your energy bills and make your home more comfortable, reducing draughts and noise from outside. External wall insulation can be expensive but will recoup its costs over the lifetime of the product.
Floor insulation can be installed by a competent DIY-er, or you can pay to have it done professionally. It can save around £145 per year on your energy bill and reduce draughts and noise.
Radiator, water tank and pipe insulation are simple and cheap ways of saving energy (and money). Install reflective radiator panels behind radiators which are attached to external walls this will pay for itself quickly and make your room feel warmer. Lag hot water pipes and if you have a hot water tank make sure it has effective insulation.
For a full explanation on all the types of insulation, check out the information provided by the Energy Saving Trust (opens in a new window) and the HEAT HUB (opens in a new window).
Energy Efficiency Factsheets — Home Energy Advice Team
Measures to help reduce home heat loss - Energy Saving Trust
