Improve your home insulation

Your Challenge

This month, set yourself the goal of improving your home insulation as much as you can.

Choose a challenge that is most realistic for you from one of the tips below:

• Start small by checking for draughts around floorboards, doors and windows. You can put in temporary solutions such as draught excluders, which could be handmade or shop bought.
• If your windows are draughty, consider installing thick, thermal curtains which can help block draughts, retain heat and supress sound.
• Did you know soft furnishings help retain heat? For the colder months consider adding throws, blankets, rugs and cushions – which you can store in cupboards or under beds during the summer.
• If doors and windows are the problem, consider planning larger projects such as replacing windows with double or triple glazed glass, or fitting new doors and frames. Bear in mind these are more costly solutions in the short term.
• To see if heat is being lost from your roof, take a look next time it’s frosty or when it snows. If your roof is clear but your neighbours’ roofs are still covered in frost or snow, yours could be less efficient at retaining heat.

If you’re thinking of loft or cavity wall insulation, we recommend you follow advice from the Energy Saving Trust.