HOUSEHOLDS looking for ways to keep a lid on soaring energy bills as temperatures dip below zero can make savings this winter with a simple and affordable insulation tip.
While it may be tempting to reach for the thermostat to try and stay cosy, this will weigh heavy on your wallet.
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Energy prices have gone up this month in line with the current Ofgem price cap, and the typical bill has increased by £94, from £1,834 to £1,928 per year.
Rather than turning up the thermostat a notch or two, you should look instead, to reduce bills by keeping the cold out – and the warmth in.
If you have draughts around your windows and doors, one easy hack involves using a product called caulk, according to Mitchell Wray, director of National Insulation Supplies.
Caulk is a flexible material used to seal air leaks through small cracks, gaps or joints.
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“You can check for draughts by running your hand along window frames and door edges,” Mitchell told The Sun.
“If you do feel cold air coming in, you could look to add caulk to seal gaps.”
You can pick up a 300ml tube of caulk from Wickes from around £1.20.
“Enlisting professional help to draught-proof your home could set you back £250 for your whole house,” said the energy-saving supremo.
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“Engaging in some relatively simple DIY will be a whole lot cheaper.”
First off, you need to ensure the area is clean and dry.
“Keep clear of putting new caulk on top of old caulk,” said Mitchell.
“As old caulk can often flake and peel off, the new caulk will not be able to stick to.”
Instead, it needs to be applied to a clean and smooth surface.
“Contaminated caulk covered in dirt and other muck can stop new caulk from adhering properly,” he added.
Remove the tip from your tube of caulk and create your caulk bead.
It’s best to start small and increase later if you so require.
Try embracing your “inner Bake-Off” as you apply this adhesive to any crevices to effectively seal them.
Once you’ve applied the caulk, use your fingers or the back of a plastic spoon to smooth the bead to create an even seal. Allow the caulk time to dry.
“It’s important to ensure the caulk is allowed to fully cure before painting over it,” said the DIY whizz.
“I’d suggest waiting at least ten days. This guarantees a lasting and airtight seal, and can also prevent mould damage.”
Other ways to stop draughts
Another affordable quick fix to stop heat escaping from windows and doors is to use draught-proofing strips, according to Mitchell.
“Brush strips that are fixed to sliding sash windows – and rubber strips for casement windows – are effective,” he said.
“Strips for casement windows stick around the frame and seal gaps.
“Most products are self-adhesive and can be bought for a very reasonable price online and from DIY shops.”
You can find draught-excluder tape for less than £5 on Amazon.
At Dunelm, a 3.5m roll of Stormguard rubber foam weather strip costs £6.
These strips can be cut to different lengths to fit your window size.
In addition, you could also use window film kits.
“One of these kits can be purchased for about £5 or £10,” said Mitchell.
“It’s a much cheaper way to minimise draughts than paying to get double glazing installed.”
This is essentially a transparent glazing film that is fitted over window panes to prevent warm air from escaping.
The film can be cut to size and fitted in place using a hairdryer.
According to the Energy Saving Trust, draught-proofing around windows and doors could save you around £45 a year.
“Leaky windows and doors can be a big cause of heat loss in a home,” said Mitchell.
“But simple measures can help you heat your home more efficiently.”
While you’re taking steps to address draughts, the insulation expert recommends thinking about your skirting boards, too.
“These areas are often overlooked when it comes to draught-proofing a home,” he said.
“But all cracks and gaps in skirting boards and frame-to-wall joints can be fixed with silicone or floor sealant.”
You can pick up a tube of floor sealant at Screwfix for just over a fiver.
Mitchell also suggests investing in draught excluders for doors and draughty window ledges.
He said: “They help to keep warm air inside your home – and cold air out – by reducing the amount of cold air that gets into your property through gaps and cracks.”
You can pick one up from around £12 at Dunelm.
“If you don’t want to spend money, you can fashion your own using fabric, a plastic bag and sand,” he added.
Another top tip from the insulation aficionado is to block up your chimney if it’s not in use.
“The gaping hole in your home’s structure allows hot air to escape at a rapid rate, while providing an entrance for cold winter air to enter your living room,” said Mitchell.
“To combat this issue, it’s advisable to block your chimney with a temporary device.”
There are a host of different options to choose from, such as the inflatable “Chimney Balloon”, available on Amazon from £12.50, and the Chimney Sheep, with prices starting from £18 for a small version, from £30 for a medium, and from £45 for a large.
The Energy Saving Trust estimates that by installing one, you can save around £65 a year on your energy bills – so you will soon recoup the cost.
“To avoid damp issues, make sure the product has a little vent for air to travel through,” said Mitchell.
“And never forget to take the chimney device out before starting a fire.”
As well as making your home more energy-efficient – and your gas and electricity bills cheaper – draught-proofing can have another benefit.
“It can improve your Energy Performance Certificate rating,” said Mitchell.
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“It could save you between 15 and 20 points on your EPC.
“This could prove useful to anyone looking to sell their home this year.”
