Draught-proofing is a great way to reduce your energy bills and keep your home warmer, in the cold winter nights we have here in the UK.

By sealing gaps and cracks in your home, you can stop heat from escaping and cold air from entering, making your home more comfortable and energy-efficient, and energy efficiency means big savings £££ when it comes to heating costs

Here are some steps you can take to draft-proof your house on the cheap:

Identify draughts

The first step in draught-proofing your home is to identify where draughts are coming from. You can do this by carrying out a simple draught-proofing review. On a windy day, walk around your home and feel for wind around doors, windows, letterboxes, keyholes, and loft hatches. You can also use a lit candle or incense stick to help detect draughts. Sit in your home with the heating off and feel where (if any) air is coming from.

Seal gaps and cracks

Once you have identified where draughts are coming from, the next step is to seal any gaps and cracks. You can use a range of materials to do this, including sealant, foam strips, draught excluders, and weatherstripping.

For windows and doors, consider using draught-proofing strips, which can be easily attached to the frames to provide an effective seal. You can also use a silicone sealant to fill any gaps around window frames and sashes. For letterboxes and keyholes, you can use a brush strip or cover to stop cold air from entering.

For larger gaps, you can use expanding foam to fill the space. However, be careful not to overfill the gap, as this can cause damage to the surrounding area. It’s also important to ensure that any gaps or cracks around pipes and cables are sealed, as these can be a major source of draughts.

Install draught excluders

Like these novelty dog draught excluders

Draught excluders are an effective way to seal gaps under doors and around windows. There are a range of draught excluders available, including foam, brush, and PVC strips. You can also use a door snake to block draughts from entering under external doors.

Insulate your home

Insulating your home can also help to reduce draughts and keep your home warmer. Consider adding insulation to your loft, cavity walls, and floors to prevent heat from escaping. If your home is already insulated, check that it is still in good condition and not damaged or damp.

Check to see if your appliances have any leaks – particularly if you own a Beko appliance!

Close curtains and blinds

Closing curtains and blinds can also help to reduce draughts and keep your home warmer. Thick curtains and blinds can provide an additional layer of insulation, trapping heat inside and preventing cold air from entering.

Upgrade your windows

If your windows are old and draughty, it may be worth considering upgrading them to double or triple glazing. This can help to reduce heat loss and improve the overall energy efficiency of your home. However, double glazing can be expensive, so it’s important to weigh up the cost against the potential savings on your energy bills.

Go to Gov.uk to see if you qualify for any grants to upgrade your home.

WARNING: Remember to keep your home well-ventilated

While it’s important to draught-proof your home, it’s also important to ensure that it is well-ventilated. Good ventilation can help to prevent condensation and damp, which can lead to mould and other health problems.

To ensure good ventilation, consider installing trickle vents in your windows or using extractor fans in the kitchen and bathroom. You should also avoid blocking air vents or covering them with furniture or curtains.

Wrap Up

In conclusion, draught-proofing your home is a great way to reduce your energy bills and keep your home warmer in the UK. By sealing gaps and cracks and insulating your home, you can prevent heat from escaping and cold air from entering, making your home more comfortable and energy-efficient. With a few simple steps, you can significantly improve the energy efficiency of your property.