How can I keep my house warm without it costing a small fortune?

I'm concerned about keeping the cost of my energy bills down but whenever I turn down the heating I end up feeling cold.

Is there anything else I can do?

How can I keep my house warm whilst still being cost-effective?

Big chill: How can I heat my home whilst being cost-effective?


A home energy expert, from not-for-profit energy group Ebico, replies: A house will continuously lose heat whenever it is warmer inside than it is outside.

This process occurs naturally because heat always travels from a warm area to a cold area.

However, you can take certain measures to slow down the heat loss without breaking the bank, allowing your home to be heated to a comfortable temperature.

Generally, heat is lost through walls (35 per cent), the roof (25 per cent), doors (15 per cent), windows (10 per cent) and floors (15 per cent).
Heat loss can be considerably reduced if any of the following measures are taken:

  • Cavity walls and lofts are insulated
  • Doors are draught-proofed 
  • Windows are double glazed or secondary glazed 
  • An aluminum reflector sheet is fixed behind radiators attached to outside walls
  • The floor is properly insulated.

There are also, however, other measures to reduce heat loss, that don’t cost a penny. Closing curtains (especially those with thermal linings) or blinds at dusk (not just those of the room you are in) will reduce heat loss.

Also, try and avoid hanging curtains in front of radiators, which would encourage heat to escape through windows.

Also, it is important to remember that solar heat is free, so open your curtains to allow heat in, and if you want the rest of the home to benefit from natural heat, leave internal doors open to let warm air circulate.


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