Draught proofing
Did you know that even modern windows can let in cold draughts over time?
Draughty doors and windows are a common complaint in older houses, and there are lots of old houses in London. With time, even modern windows change and fit less snugly – as the sun, wind and rain work away at them they end up letting in cold draughts.
Cold air coming in means warm air going out. In a typical London home 20% of all heat loss is through poor ventilation and draughts.
The solution? Install some draught proofing. This works by simply filling the gaps which decreases the amount of cold air entering your home. Materials available include brushes, foams and sealants, strips and shaped rubber or plastic.
It’s an easy, cost effective way to reduce heating bills. By installing draught proofing you could save around £20 a year on your heating bills and reduce your CO2 emissions by 155 kg each year. If every household in London did it, we’d save £14 million a year and save enough energy to heat another 28,000 homes.
Professional installation could cost £200, but draught proofing is an easy DIY task. Some sealants only need to have the backing peeled off and to be held in place, something even the most timid DIYer could manage. Screwing brushes to doors and letter boxes is similarly simple.
Please bear in mind that there are certain practical and safety considerations to think about when putting in your draught proofing. Visit the Energy Saving Trust website for more details. Alternatively, you could get some advice from the Green Homes Concierge Service.
And don’t forget to close your curtains at night. They’ll add another layer of insulation, as well as stopping the lady at number 23b looking in.
