Energy expert advises 10 checks you should carry out to help lower bills

An expert has shared tips to help lower household energy bills
-Credit:PA


While we are still within the icy grip of winter, many of us will be worrying about rising energy bills as we struggle to keep our homes warm.

But it seems that making a few little changes in our households could add up to quite a saving. One expert has shared some top tips which involve making checks around the home and which could save on energy even while maintaining the thermostat at a low temperature to keep everyone warm.

The main advice is to check for draughts from unexpected places - and that means the likes of keyholes, pet doors, pipes and recessed lighting, reports The Express. Draughts can make their way into homes through any gap, crack or poorly insulated area, making it hard to keep the house cosy, so tackling these could make a big difference.

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Checking windows and doors are a good place to start and Andy Ellis, a home and garden expert at furniture retailer posh.co.uk, says homeowners often underestimate how much cold air can sneak in through the smallest of gaps. Pet doors and electrical outlets can also pose problems.

There is a wide range of draught-proofing measures that can be taken however, such as sealing cracks, adding weather-stripping and installing draught excluders. Andy said: “Taking the time to identify and fix these draughts can significantly reduce heating costs, especially during the winter months when energy bills tend to rise.

"A little preventative maintenance now can save a lot in the long run." He shared the 10 most common draughty spots in a home and how to fix them.

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Internal and external doors

If a door isn't fitted snugly within its frame, cold air can easily seep through. Andy suggests installing a draught excluder or fitting a brush strip along the bottom on your draughty doors.

Weather-stripping around the edges of external doors to help seal any gaps.

Keyholes

Keyholes on external doors are notorious for letting in small but noticeable draughts. A simple keyhole cover can block the airflow when the key is not in use.

Windows

Another logical place to check, these are a common source of draughts, especially if windows are old or single-glazed. Air will enter through the cracks around any frame or vent left open so, to solve this, add some self-adhesive foam tape or silicone sealant around the window edges.

For single-glazed windows, upgrading to double or triple glazing is an effective - albeit expensive - long-term solution.

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Floors and walls

If you have hardwood flooring, you most likely have draughts entering through small gaps in the ground. The same goes for skirting boards or cracks in walls.

Fill any gaps in floorboards with flexible filler and seal the edges where skirting boards meet the floor, using caulk. If cracks are visible in walls, repair them with a suitable filler or plaster to prevent air leakage.

Pet doors

A serious source of draughts, the flap on these doors for four-legged friends may warp, becoming loose or failing to close properly. Make sure the door is properly aligned and replace the flap if it's old.

Consider upgrading to a pet door with a magnetic or insulated flap which seals securely when closed.; otherwise, use a temporary covering during these colder months.

Chimneys

Unused or unsealed chimneys act as a funnel for cold air, especially in older homes. To stop this, consider using a chimney balloon or a removable draught excluder designed for chimneys.

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These block airflow when the chimney is not in use and can be easily removed.

Recessed lighting

Also known as spotlights, recessed downlights often can be found in kitchens, bathrooms and living rooms but the lights often penetrate the ceiling, creating gaps. If you want to avoid this, look for airtight, fire-rated or IC-rated recessed lighting fixtures and seal any gaps with fire-rated caulk or foam.

IC-rated lighting fixtures - short for Insulation Contact-rated lighting fixtures - are designed to safely come into direct contact with insulation materials without causing a fire hazard.

Lofts and roof spaces

Loft hatches which do not fit tightly or lack insulation are a frequent source of draughts. Gaps in roof tiles or damaged flashing can also let in cold air.

Fit an insulated draught-proofing strip around the edge of the loft hatch and check your roof for missing or damaged tiles. Repair any gaps with roof sealant or, if necessary, call a tradesman.

Pipes and cables

Pipes and cables that pass through walls often leave small gaps letting in air. These gaps are usually found around heating pipes or outdoor water taps.

To fix the problem, use expanding foam or silicone sealant to fill the gaps and prevent airflow.

Ventilation

Ventilation systems, such as extractor fans and air bricks, are absolutely necessary for airflow but, if poorly designed, might also offer a route for draughts into the home.

For extractor fans, ensure they have a backdraft shutter installed. With air bricks, you can buy covers which allow air circulation while reducing cold air intake.