IF you’ve noticed draughts in your home this winter, a budget buy can help retain the heat.
One homeowner sought help for the issue they were facing in their house.
In a post on the Facebook group DIY On a Budget UK, one user shared the dilemma they were having with a draught in their home during winter.
They explained that their exterior door was causing their space to feel significantly colder.
“This window is single glazed and the biggest source of heat loss in my living room,” they wrote.
The homeowner revealed that replacing the door wasn’t a current option.
They went on to ask their fellow Facebook users for their suggestions to “minimise heat loss this winter.”
According to the experts at Staywarm Energy, exterior doors account for approximately 25% to 30% of heat loss in the home.
They explained that this statistic may be even higher in poorly insulated homes.
Single glazing can amount to a 70% loss of household heat, while double glazing is only responsible for 10%.
UK Doors reported on the shocking numbers, explaining that the dated feature can cause increased household bills and carbon footprint.
Facebook users shared what has worked to prevent draughty doors in their homes.
“I got a thermal door curtain from B&M and a tension pole so I didn’t have to drill into the walls,” suggested one reader.
The Thermal Velvet Panel is currently available at a 50% reduction, only costing you £5.
It comes in a variety of colours, including Blush, Black, Charcoal, Grey, and Stone.
The dimensions measure 54 inches by 86 inches.
According to the experts at The Millshop, thermal curtains can reduce heat loss by 25%, making it the perfect counter to a draughty door.
Property expert Joshua Houston shared his tips.
1. Curtains
“Windows are a common place for the outside cold to get into your home, this is because of small gaps that can let in air so always close your curtains as soon as it gets dark,” he said.
This simple method gives you an extra layer of warmth as it can provide a kind of “insulation” between your window and curtain.
2. Rugs
“Your floor is another area of your home where heat can be lost and can make your home feel chilly,” he continued. “You might notice on cold days, that your floor is not nice to walk on due to it freezing your feet.
“Add rugs to areas that don’t already have a carpet, this provides a layer of insulation between your bare floor and the room above.”
3. Check your insulation
Check your pipes, loft space, crawlspaces and underneath floorboards.
“Loose-fill insulation is very good for this, and is a more affordable type of insulation, with a big bag being able to be picked up for around £30,” Joshua explained.
4. Keep your internal doors closed
“Household members often gather in one room in the evening, and this is usually either the kitchen or living room,” Joshua said.
“This means you only have to heat a small area of your home, and closing the doors keeps the heat in and the cold out.”
5. Block drafts
Don’t forget to check cat flaps, chimneys and letterboxes, as they can let in cold air if they aren’t secure.
Meanwhile, simple drawing any curtains at night can help to reduce heat loss by 15% in your home.
Other Facebook users also shared their love for thermal curtains.
“Can put a thermal curtain up, I’ve had to do the same,” advised one person.
“I agree, thermal curtain. Ikea does very reasonably priced single curtains for that purpose,” wrote another commenter.
“You could put a thermal-lined curtain up, as the door opens out, it wouldn’t catch if it were a inward opening door,” pointed out one reader.
