As winter approaches and energy bills rise, finding ways to reduce heating costs while staying warm becomes a top priority. Draught-proofing your home is an easy, cost-effective way to keep the cold out and maintain a cosy indoor temperature without spending a fortune. Let’s explore how you can tackle those pesky draughts with a few simple DIY tricks that Hire A Hubby can help you with.
Why Draught-Proofing Matters
Draughts are cold air currents that sneak into your home, making your heating system work harder to maintain a comfortable temperature. By sealing these draughts, you can retain more heat, reduce energy usage, and ultimately save money on your energy bills. The less heat that escapes, the less energy you’ll need to stay warm—helping you financially, as well as the environment!
How to Find Draughts in Your Home
Locating draughts may sound tricky, but it’s easier than you might think. You don’t need to invest in fancy equipment to spot where the cold air is creeping in. A simple tea light candle or incense stick can be your best tool.*
Here’s how to find draughts:
- Check around door and window frames for any visible gaps.
- Feel for cool air around windows, doors, fireplaces, vents, or even along skirting boards and exposed floorboards.
- Listen for rattling windows or doors when it’s windy outside.
- Hold the lit candle or incense stick near suspected draughty areas. If the flame flickers or the smoke is pulled toward the gap, you’ve found your draught!
*If you don’t like the idea of using a lit candle, you can also follow the procedure using a piece of toilet paper similarly too! Mark these spots so you know where to apply seals or draught excluders.
Choosing the Right Draught Seals
There’s a variety of draught-proofing products on the market, from rubber and foam strips to brush seals and self-adhesive tapes. Selecting the right product depends on the type of draught and where it’s located. For example:
Doors
Install brush or hinged flap draught excluders at the bottom of exterior doors. Foam or wiper strips work well for sealing gaps around the door edges.
Windows
Self-adhesive foam strips are easy to apply but may not last as long as plastic or metal strips with brushes. Use silicone sealant for non-opening windows to keep out draughts for good.
Keyholes
If cold air is seeping through your keyhole, a keyhole cover can easily solve the problem.
If you’re unsure what to use, Hire A Hubby can advise on the best materials and install them for you quickly and efficiently.
Doors, Windows, and Flooring: Common Draught Sources
Doors
Draughts are most common around external doors. Modern doors are less prone to gaps, but older ones can let in significant amounts of cold air. For internal doors leading to unheated rooms, keep them closed and use draught excluders to prevent heat loss.
Windows
Check that window seals are intact and fit snugly. If you detect a draught, use adhesive foam or brush strips for windows that open, and apply silicone sealant to permanently close gaps in non-opening windows.
Flooring
Gaps between floorboards or at the edges of skirting boards can let cold air in. Silicone-based fillers are ideal for sealing these areas, as they remain flexible enough to allow for natural movement in the floor.
Professional Draught-Proofing with Hire A Hubby
Not confident in your DIY skills? No problem! Hire A Hubby’s experienced handymen can quickly and affordably draught-proof your home, ensuring no heat escapes. We’ll take care of everything from sealing windows and doors to fixing floorboard gaps, giving you peace of mind and a warmer home for the winter.
Why Choose Hire A Hubby?
At Hire A Hubby, we’re committed to providing top-notch service. When you choose us, you’re getting:
- A 100% workmanship guarantee
- Friendly and professional customer service
- DBS and police-checked handymen
- Fully insured workers with Photo ID
- Work Health & Safety certified
- Competitive pricing
- A wide range of home improvement services
- Experts who are passionate about their work
Get Your Home Winter-Ready
Sealing draughts is a simple and effective way to make your home warmer and more energy-efficient this winter. Whether you need advice on which products to use or prefer to leave the job to the experts, Hire A Hubby is here to help. Give us a call today, and we’ll have your home winter-ready in no time!
Book a Quote by calling 0800 111 4664 or by clicking here.
* Not all Hire A Hubby franchises offer all of the above services. Please liaise with your local Hire A Hubby franchisee when booking a job.
