8 simple ways to keep your home warm

1. Block draughts

Filling in the gaps around windows and doors helps keep chilly air out, especially on blustery days. The Energy Saving Trust estimates it can save you around £55 a year. 

While you could hire a professional to draught-proof your home, there are straightforward DIY methods. Use your hands to feel for the cold breath of air around potential draught sources and look for signs such as movement in your curtains. Then get handy with some basic materials. 

 For example,

• Windows: use draught-proofing strips around opening casements and sealant or putty to fill gaps between window frames and walls
• Skirting boards: use the same sealant as that for your windows, adding it along the top and bottom of skirting boards to reduce draughts and improve insulation
• Front and porch doors: add a thick curtain to draw at nighttime
• Letterboxes: use a letterbox flap or brush
• Keyhole: use a purpose-made cover that drops a metal disc over the keyhole

Just don’t forget about your ventilation; you might want to open a window every morning, for instance.

2. Close the curtains at sundown 

One of the easiest ways to stop heat loss is to get into the habit of drawing your curtains, particularly if your property has single glazing. If you’re heading out for the day, close your curtains before you leave – and return to a warmer home.

3. Bleed your radiators

Maybe you’ve got a gurgling noise coming from your radiators? Or maybe they’re cold at the top? Release their trapped air and work wonders for your heating efficiency. All you need is a radiator bleed key, which you can find in DIY shops. Here’s a guide on bleeding radiators from British Gas. 

4. Reflect radiator heat 

Are you feeling crafty? If so, cover thin sheets of card with tin foil and place them behind your radiators so the heat reflects back into the room, rather than drifting up the walls. If not, head to your DIY shop to buy ready-made foil insulation. This technique is particularly effective if you’ve got poorly insulated walls. 

And while we’re on the topic, try to keep the area around radiators clear of furniture and clothes airers to allow heat to reach the rest of the room.

5. Add pipe lagging

This one might sound technical, but it’s quite simple once you know how (no fiddly tools needed). Pipe lagging – also known as pipe insulation – is a foam material that wraps around pipes exposed to the cold, such as those in basements and garages. You’ll need to carefully measure and cut the right size of lagging before placing it around the pipes, trying to cover all joints and bends too. 

6. Make use of your oven heat

You’ve just taken out your casserole and turned off the oven – now, leave the oven door open (keeping kids and pets at a safe distance). This way, the residual heat wafts into the kitchen while you’re eating your dinner. 

7. Decide on your ideal temperature

Of course, the temptation is to whack up the thermostat as soon as you feel a shiver. But often a better approach is to aim for a certain temperature – between 18°C and 21°C, for example – and use a timer to turn the heating on and off when necessary. Instead of sudden bursts of heat, you can achieve a more consistent temperature over the wintry months. 

If you haven’t already done so, consider getting a smart thermostat. You can set up customised heating schedules, track how much energy you’re using, and control everything from your phone or tablet, including when you’re away from home. 

8. Keep yourself cosy

Granted, this one is about heating yourself rather than your rooms, but it’s easy to forget how much difference dressing well makes. For example:

• Layer up with thin materials including wool and fleece to trap the air and act as natural insulation
• Avoid cotton against your skin because it holds sweat and can cool you down 
• Wear slippers with thick, cold-blocking soles
• Make use of heated throws and weighted blankets
• Embrace your old hot water bottle as a cost-effective way to stay warm