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Draught-proofing is one of the most effective and cheapest ways to save energy and money. Many consider it the first step toward a more energy-efficient home. However, it is important to decide first of all whether to do small scale improvements listed below or to go for more major external or internal insulation works.
Benefits:
- Getting rid of unwanted gaps keeps the cold air out and the warm air in.
- It helps you have money on your fuel bills and lowers your carbon footprint.
- Can save you an average of £40 a year by draught-proofing around windows and doors and save £55 a year by installing a chimney sheep to stop draughts coming in via an open chimney.
Ventilation:
Air needs to go in and out of your home so it stays fresh and damp free. You should not block any additional ventilation like:
- Extractor fans – usually situated in bathrooms and kitchens and are designed to quickly remove air in rooms where moisture is produced.
- Air bricks – these help keep wooden beams and floors dry.
- Wall vets – that let small amounts of air into rooms.
- Trickle vents – are small vents installed into modern windows that let fresh air in.
Fixes for:
Windows
- For windows that open you can buy draught-proofing strips that stick around the window frame and fill the gap. There are a few options like self adhesive strips which are easy to install and cheap, but may not last as long, or metal and plastic strips with brushes attached which are long lasting but cost more.
- These strips come in various depths to suit different sizes of gaps. Make sure to measure your gap before ordering. If it’s too big, it will get crushed; if it’s too small, a gap will remain.
- For sliding sash windows, foam strips don’t work as well. Brush strips would be the better option or speak with a professional.
- For windows that no longer open, you could use a silicone sealant.
- For windows that are single glazing, secondary glazing could help stop draughts. However it is tricky to apply, and sometimes needs resticking to the window.
- Curtains and blinds can also help stop heat from escaping.
Doors
- Draught-proofing external doors can stop lots of heat from escaping. Internal doors that lead to rooms where you don’t normally heat also benefit from draught-proofing i.e. a spare room, kitchen or door leading to a garage. Internal doors between heated rooms don’t need to be draught-proofed as you don’t lose energy when warm air circulates.
- Keyholes – For any external doors that have keyholes you can buy a purpose made cover that drops a metal disc over the hole.
- Letterbox – use a letterbox flap or or brush.
- Gap at the bottom of doors – use a brush or hinged flap draught excluder.
- Gaps around the edges of doors – fit a foam, brush or self adhesive strips around the edges like you would windows.
- Curtains can also stop heat from escaping and act as a barrier between the door and the room.
Fireplaces
- If you don’t use your fireplace and it is still open it is probably a source of unnecessary draughts, a permanent fix would be to fit a cap over the chimney pot. This would be carried out by a professional.
- If you use your fireplace but it is not always on, you can buy a chimney sheep to help stop draughts. Remember you must remove these before lighting a fire!
Floorboards and Skirting boards
- Whilst floorboards are designed to have give in them to allow for expansion and contraction, you can block any large cracks and gaps that cause draughts by using fillers. You should make sure these are flexible. Look for the following products – flexible filler, decorators caulk and mastic type products.
- Cold floors can also make your home feel colder so adding a rug to a space or changing the flooring to carpet can also increase the warmth of your home. Another permanent solution would be to insulate under your floor, see our guide here.
Loft Hatches
- As hot air rises it gets lost into the cold space in your loft and attic. You can use strip insulation as you would around a window or door to help stop heat escaping. See our guide on insulating your roof here.
Pipework
- Fill any small gaps around pipework with silicone sealants, and fill larger gaps with expanding foam.
- If your pipes are easy for you to get to, you can insulate them yourself. You can buy the materials from most DIY shops. The insulation is normally tube-shaped, which you can cut to size and wrap it around the pipes.
Old Extractor Fans
- Remove old fans that are no longer in use and fill the space with bricks, sealing it from both the outside and inside. You may need professional advice for this.
Thermal Imaging Gun
Eco Savvy offers a thermal imaging gun that you can borrow to identify areas where heat is escaping. This tool helps you pinpoint where to improve your home’s energy efficiency. You can also use it to take before-and-after photos to see how effective your improvements are. To borrow the thermal imaging gun, email sofi@arranecosavvy.org.uk.
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