25 November 2023 , 09:01
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As temperatures drop significantly, Brits will be hoping that their homes are properly insulated so when they decide to crank the heating on, it actually warms them up - but it turns out some are making a major costly mistake.
Some householders are confusing draughts, with ventilation spaces. But if your house is not properly ventilated, it can be a serious problem and can cause condensation and mould to become an issue - two things you certainly want to avoid.
Expert Aiden Johnson-Hugill from Admiral has explained how to avoid unintended cracks and gaps in the home, warning that this can happen in homes of any age.
He said: "Working out where to make your home more energy efficient can be as simple as using your common sense: can you feel warm air escaping anywhere or cold air getting in where it shouldn't?
"Don't confuse draughts with ventilation (such as fans or the little vents in your window frames) - draughts are unintentional and not part of how your house was designed to work. Letter boxes and sash windows are both famous for draughts, so well-made snug fittings are what you need."
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He said that if you "feel a draught", the first thing you should do is "work out where it's coming from." He continued: "If your door opens straight into the front room, consider using a draught excluder, and fit them to your windows too. They're a great cost-effective way of preserving heat and excluding draughts."
Other tips that he recommended are blocking the log burner if you have one, filling gaps between floorboards, adding insulation, and using renewable energy. Aiden said these steps will make you feel "more comfortable in your home."
A savvy woman, Duchess of Thrift, also shared her top tips to stay warm in the morning without putting the central heating on. One of her top tips was putting the electric blanket on to the hottest setting, and waiting until you're so hot you need to get out of bed. She also recommended putting clothes in the bed with the electric blanket on so they can warm up too.