Expert warns of easy heating mistake as Brits overlook vital house feature

22 January 2024 , 11:10

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Experts urge people to not make this expensive mistake during the cold weather (stock photo) (Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)

As Britain is battered by Storm Isha causing havoc, there are a few things you can do to make sure your home stays warm during the miserable weather.

You'd like to think your home is insulated and energy efficient when you put the heating on, but experts have urged homeowners to make sure they don't make some expensive mistakes. With bills already sky-high, it's clear no one wants to be wasting any more money.

If you notice draughts in your home, expert Aiden Johnson-Hugill from Admiral has explained how to avoid unintentional cracks and gaps in your home to prevent feeling the chilly draughts - and warned it can happen in any home of any age.

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. Aidan 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."

Meanwhile, one savvy woman, called the 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.

Danielle Kate Wroe