As the United Kingdom grapples with prolonged freezing temperatures and soaring energy costs, homeowners are increasingly looking for practical ways to reduce their heating expenses. Experts recommend draught-proofing as a highly effective and affordable method to retain warmth and lower energy consumption levels.
Studies indicate that gaps around doors, windows, and floors can lead to a loss of heat, with estimates suggesting that these openings account for between 10% and 20% of heat escaping a home. According to the Energy Saving Trust, implementing draught-proofing measures could save households approximately £85 annually.
Christine Matthews, a heating appliance expert, emphasizes draught-proofing as “the first and most cost-effective line of defence” against heat loss. Traditional draught excluders serve effectively to block cold air from entering living spaces. Sealing leaks with silicone strips and applying weather strips around doors and windows are also popular methods to maintain indoor warmth.
Cost-Effective Solutions for Homeowners
In a surprising twist, some experts suggest that a simple rolled-up towel can serve as a practical draught excluder. By rolling up an old towel or some clothing and placing it against the base of doors or windows, households can effectively block drafts. To secure the towel in place, homeowners can use elastic bands, making this a straightforward and cost-effective solution.
This approach has garnered high praise; last year, consumer champion Which? ranked the rolled towel method as the best draught excluder, outperforming many commercial alternatives. Their tests indicated that this method could “block out even the strongest draughts,” highlighting its effectiveness in keeping homes warm.
Professional draught-proofing services are available, with estimated costs around £50 per window and £100 for each door. Additionally, addressing cracks in walls typically costs around £100. Retrofitting a home with comprehensive draught-proofing can amount to approximately £180.
Environmental Impact of Draught-Proofing
The benefits of draught-proofing extend beyond immediate financial savings. A report from the National Audit Office indicates that heating the UK’s 28 million homes was responsible for 18% of the total UK greenhouse gas emissions in 2021, the latest year for which data is available. By minimizing heat loss, homeowners can reduce their thermostat settings, which in turn lowers both energy costs and carbon footprints.
With energy prices remaining high and cold weather persisting, implementing simple solutions such as draught excluders, silicone strips, and rolled towels can significantly enhance home warmth while reducing expenses. These small but effective measures provide a practical way for households to manage their heating needs without incurring excessive costs.
