How to Draught-Proof Your Home

15/07/2024

Keeping your home warm and heating it efficiently is much easier when you don’t have draughts creeping in. 

At Blue Emergency Cover, we know that effective draught-proofing can save you money on your energy bills and ensure a comfortable home environment. 

Here’s a guide on how to draught-proof your home, the costs involved, and the potential savings you can achieve.

What is Draught-Proofing and Why is it Important?

Draught-proofing involves sealing up gaps where cold air can enter and warm air can escape. 

This simple and cost-effective method boosts your home’s energy efficiency and helps you maintain a comfortable temperature throughout the year. 

Here are some of the main reasons to draught-proof your home:

  1. Maintain the Right Temperature:
    • Draught-proofing is one of the best ways to prevent heat loss, keeping your home warm in winter and cool in summer.
  2. Enhance Energy Efficiency:
    • With effective draught-proofing, your heating system won’t have to work as hard to maintain a comfortable temperature, leading to lower energy consumption and reduced carbon emissions.
  3. Save Money on Energy Bills:
    • Using less energy means lower bills. According to the Energy Saving Trust, draught-proofing your windows and doors can save around £60 a year, and adding chimney draught-proofing can save an additional £90 annually.

How Much Does Draught-Proofing Cost?

Hiring a professional to draught-proof your home costs around £250. This investment can be worthwhile as experts use the right materials and ensure proper installation. 

However, you can also draught-proof your home yourself at a lower cost.

Here’s how you can tackle some common draught-prone areas:

How to Draught-Proof Your Doors

  1. Compression Strips:
    • These strips are taped along the edges of doors and windows to seal gaps. Ensure you choose the correct size to avoid hindering the door or window from closing. They’re easy to install and cost around £5.
  2. Brush Strips:
    • Ideal for the bottom of doors, brush strips stop warmth from leaking out and prevent dust from entering. Measure the door, cut the strip to size, and screw it into place. They start at around £6.
  3. Keyhole and Letterbox Covers:
  4. Draught Excluders:
    • Perfect for internal doors, these can block gaps effectively. Closing internal doors to rooms not regularly heated can also help.

How to Draught-Proof Your Windows

  1. Draught-Proofing Strips:
    • Use self-adhesive foam strips for most windows, except sash windows. Metal or plastic strips with brushes or wipers are more durable and better for sashes.
  2. Silicone Sealant:
    • For non-opening windows, use silicone sealant to fill gaps.
  3. Thermal Curtains and Blinds:
    • These have extra thick linings to prevent heat loss. Ensure they cover the window fully to block all gaps.

How to Draught-Proof Your Floors

  1. Carpets and Rugs with Underlay:
  2. Filling Floorboard Gaps:
    • Use a silicone filler for gaps between floorboards and skirting boards. This allows movement and prevents draughts. Available at DIY stores, it costs about £6.

How to Draught-Proof Your Chimney

  1. Chimney Cap:
    • A terracotta lid placed on top of the chimney prevents draughts. Professional installation is recommended, costing around £150.
  2. Chimney Draught Excluders:

How to Draught-Proof Your Loft Hatch

Use compression strips around the loft hatch to block gaps. For maximum energy efficiency, ensure your loft is properly insulated.

How to Draught-Proof Your Walls

  1. Patching Cracks:
    • Use a hard-setting filler for small cracks and consult a surveyor for larger ones to address any underlying issues.
  2. Sealing Around Pipework:
    • Use silicone filler for gaps around pipes. For larger gaps, expanding polyurethane foam can be effective.
  3. Ensuring Proper Ventilation:
    • While draught-proofing, maintain adequate ventilation to prevent moisture buildup and ensure fresh air supply, especially in rooms with open flues or fires.

Maintaining Your Heating System

Draught-proofing your home enhances energy efficiency, but ensuring your heating system is in top condition is equally important.

An annual boiler service can catch issues early and prevent breakdowns. At Blue Emergency Cover, our boiler cover plans include annual servicing, ensuring your heating system operates efficiently.

Start Your Cover Today

Investing in Blue Emergency Cover ensures your home stays warm and energy-efficient year-round.

For more information or to start your cover, visit our website or contact our team.

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By following these draught-proofing tips, you can keep your home comfortable and save on energy bills this summer and beyond.