We all know winters in the UK can get bitterly cold. So, of course you want your home to stay cosy and warm!
Here are a few things you can do to prepare and keep your house warm in the colder months.
Why is home insulation important in winter?
The first and most important reason is so your home stays warm. If it's insulated properly, heat won't be able to escape as easily.
It's also better for your home's energy efficiency. If it's not insulated properly, your heating system is working overtime to make up for it.
That means higher energy bills and a bigger carbon footprint.
How can you spot heat loss in your home?
Here are a few warning signs you could be losing heat in your home:
- Draughts – if you can feel cold air coming in from windows or doors, it’s likely warm air is escaping too.
- Cold spots – if you can see cold spots (damp patches) on walls, floors or ceilings.
- Condensation – if windows have lots of condensation on them, it can show they’re not properly insulated.
- Gaps or cracks – check for gaps or cracks around window or door frames, skirting boards and pipework.
Also, take stock of rooms that feel colder than the rest of the house, even when the heating is on.
How can you insulate windows for winter?
Warm air could be escaping through your windows – here are a few ways you can stop this from happening.
Seal frames and gaps
There might be gaps or cracks around the window frame that are letting cold air through.
If you can do it yourself or get a professional to, apply a caulk to these to seal them up. Or you can get a professional in.
Apply insulation film
Insulation film is a thin plastic sheet that you can apply directly to windows. It's an extra layer that helps stop heat from escaping.
It's handy if you're looking for a quick and affordable fix.
Add heavy window coverings
Another way to keep the heat in is to add thick curtains or thermal blinds.
They're useful as they're a non-permanent solution, so you can switch them out during the warmer months.
How can door insulation help reduce draughts and heat loss?
Another spot where you might be losing heat is around doors. Here are some ways you can tackle this.
Install weatherstripping around the frame
Weatherstrips are a strip of rubber or other material that's used to seal the edges of a door.
If you have old weatherstripping that isn't doing its job anymore, the first step is to remove it.
Then you can install some new weatherstrips. It helps seal gaps and keep heat inside the room.
Fit a door sweep at the bottom
A door sweep is a strip of rubber or vinyl bristles that you attach to the bottom of the door. It seals the gap between the door and the floor below, and helps reduce draughts.
You can buy door sweeps in lots of DIY stores, and they're easy to install by yourself.
Cover keyholes and letterboxes
Although they may seem small, these two spots are culprits for letting cold air in and warm air out.
You can buy simple covers from lots of different shops. For example, brush covers or hinged flaps are super easy to install.
How can you insulate a garage to keep the heat in?
Insulating your garage might seem like a big job.
But if it shares a wall with your home, it can still be handy to do. Plus, it can help prevent mould or condensation damaging anything you store in there.
There are a few ways you can do this:
- Install insulation boards – these are boards you can lay down over your existing floor to add an extra layer of ground insulation.
- Seal gaps around windows and doors – check for any gaps or cracks and get these sealed up ASAP.
- Upgrade your windows – if your garage has old or single-glazed windows, it might be worth replacing them.
- Insulate the garage door – this is where most of the heat will escape from, and you can buy specially designed insulation kits to help with it.
How does loft insulation help prevent heat loss?
Because heat rises, your roof can be one of the top spots where you lose it. So, it’s really important to get the right loft insulation.
If your loft is accessible, it's worth taking a look to see what state your insulation is in. If it’s old, patchy or thin, it might be due an upgrade.
You can insulate your loft yourself if you're handy at DIY. You'll need to lay insulation rolls between and over the wooden beams. Just remember to follow safety advice, like wearing the right protective gear.
It's best to call a professional in if:
- there are signs of damp or structural issues
- your loft has a complicated layout or limited access
- you're not sure or don’t feel confident doing it yourself
What are some simple ways to improve home insulation on a budget?
Here are some of the simplest, quickest and most affordable ways to improve your home insulation:
- Use draught excluders – you can easily pick these up in DIY shops or online and add them to doors to help keep draughts out.
- Move your furniture – big furniture in front of radiators can stop the heat circulating properly.
- Keep curtains closed when you can – especially during the night to keep the heat in. And like we said before, choose heavy or thick ones for this to work best.
- Add rugs – if you’ve got hard floors, a quick fix is to add rugs for a little extra insulation and to make the room feel warmer.
- Insulate your pipes – also known as ‘pipe lagging’, you can pick up pipe insulation at affordable prices in most DIY stores. Simply wrap it around your pipes to help make sure the heat isn’t escaping before it circulates through your home.
Do I need to tell my insurer if I change the insulation in my home?
No you don’t have to. If you're just topping up loft insulation or adding things like weatherstrips, your home insurance provider doesn't need to know.
But if it's part of a bigger renovation project or involves structural changes, let your insurer know before work starts. If you're not sure, it's best to check with them to be safe.
First time owning a home? Check out our guide to buying home insurance.
