MILLIONS are worried about heating costs as winter takes hold and draughty households could be adding £160 to their energy bill.
You could be losing a lot of heat from your windows, especially if you don’t have double glazing.
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But placing a layer of plastic on your windows is a cheap and easy fix that could help you save money on your bills, and even prevent mould from forming.
Windows are a common and overlooked heat loss hotspot, according to Matt Bishop from Viking Extrusions, a rubber products supplier based in Worthing, West Sussex.
He said: “People know to close their windows to keep heat in, but perhaps they don’t know to what extent this can help.
“By creating a barrier between your interior space and the outside elements, your home can retain warmth more effectively without relying on heating during colder months.
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“This additional layer acts as insulation, reducing draughts and preventing cold air from seeping into your home.
“This can make rooms feel more comfortable, particularly in older houses or those with less efficient single-pane windows.”
Plastic window film can reduce heat loss through windows by up to 50%, according to the Energy Saving Trust.
This works out as an annual saving of £160 on the average household energy bill.
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Home window insulation kits start from just £3 on Amazon and include film and adhesive tape.
But it’s important to remember that you’ll have to pay a little extra for delivery so make sure you factor this in.
Dunelm is selling six square meters of Stormguard secondary glazing film for £10.
While six meters of seasonal secondary glazing at Wickes costs £6.
As well as keeping the heat in your home, insulation film can also prevent mould from forming in your home.
Mould and mildew are caused when there is a high level of moisture in the air.
But not only is this fungus unsightly, it is also harmful to your health.
Matt said: “Plastic film on windows can mitigate condensation and moisture buildup by acting as a barrier.
“This can also help to improve indoor air quality and reduce the risk of health issues associated with mould exposure.”
Plus, the film can also protect your furnishings from sun damage.
“It acts as a UV barrier, reducing the fading and deterioration of furniture, carpets, and curtains caused by prolonged exposure to sunlight,” Matt said.
How to apply secondary glazing
Begin by cleaning the surface, so you have no mould and cut the plastic sheet to the right size and smooth it along the frame.
It might look a little saggy, but just make sure the seal is firm.
You then use a hairdryer to shrink it into position and make sure that no warmth is leaving through the glass.
Occasionally, you may see the sheet wrinkle up a bit over a few weeks.
If this happens, get a hairdryer on it again to stick it back to the window.
The key is to ensure it is transparent and airtight.
If you need to remove the film for any reason, it should peel away without the need for force and leave no mark.
This could be handy for renters who are coming to the end of their tenancy and don’t want to risk being penalised by their landlord.
Other ways to cut energy bills
While your attention is on your windows, don’t forget that heavy, lined curtains, hollow blinds or sealed shutters will also help to cut draughts and keep your heat in for longer.
Another simple tip involves putting reflective foil behind your radiator.
And if you can keep the doors closed to your living room, kitchen and so on, each of which has a separate radiator, that will help conserve the warmth in those rooms.
Bleeding your radiators regularly can also help you to be more energy efficient.
It removes air from the system and helps your radiators to run more efficiently.
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You could also look to invest in draught excluders around your front and back doors.
These are a cheap and effective way to improve insulation at home.
Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing [email protected].
Plus, you can join our Sun Money Chats and Tips Facebook group to share your tips and stories.
