HouseWrapped's Heat Loss Tips

British Weather

Ah, the great British weather, always keeping us on our toes, right? But, let's be honest, it's not just the unpredictable skies that keep us shivering or sweating from time to time—it's our homes. Whether you're in a charming Victorian terrace or a sleek new-build, there's much you can do to hold onto that precious warmth in the winter and keep cool during those rare but glorious summer heatwaves.

Plus, you're not just dialling up the comfort; you're dialling down on energy use and making an impact for dear old Mother Earth. So, ready to snug up your home and slash those energy bills?

Draught Proofing

First off, let's talk about draughts. Ever felt that chilly little breeze when you're cosied up on the sofa? That's your heat sneaking out and messing with your comfort. Simple DIY draft proofing with strips around doors and windows closes the escape routes for your heat. It's a small change, but it's like patching up holes in a bucket - water, or in this case heat, stays where you want it.

Loft Insulation

But why stop there? Loft insulation is a bit like giving your home a warm hat. It traps heat rising from below (because we all know heat loves to rise), and can be a weekend project if you're up for it. Rolls of mineral wool, sheep’s wool, or recycled materials can be laid between and over joists. It’s surprisingly satisfying—like tucking your house in for a long winter nap. And that nap saves around 20% on your heating bill according to the Energy Saving Trust. Not too shabby.

Windows

Then there's the windows—your home's eyes to the world, but also sneaky little escape routes for heat. Double glazing is great, but if that's a bit steep for your current budget, how about some thick curtains? They work wonders trapping in heat at night and keeping your rooms cool in the daytime.

Try moving the back of your hand around all edges of windows to ensure there is no incoming air. Also, make sure all windows close properly ensuring seals are definitely sealing.

Water Tank

Now, have you looked at your hot water tank lately? If it's naked as the day it was installed, consider this: popping on a jacket (a cylinder jacket, that is) can keep your water hotter for longer and can cost mere peanuts compared to the savings you'll make. Just like a good winter coat for us, the thicker the better.

Floors

And here's a question: How's your floor feeling? If you're tiptoeing across a cold surface every morning, not only are you bracing for that first step, but your house is losing heat from the ground up. Carpeting or rugs can be a simple fix. But if you're game for a little more of a project, you can lift the floorboards and lay some good, solid insulation down there, too. Think of it as a pair of snug slippers for your home.

Boiler

Let's not forget that heating technology has come a long way. If your boiler is old enough to have its own place in history, upgrading to a more efficient model can be transformative for your energy bills and your personal comfort. You'll use less gas or oil—meaning less carbon emissions—and keep your toes toasty. An inefficient gas boiler can increase your energy bills dramatically, it's definitely worth getting a professional gas engineer out to check that your gas boiler is working correctly.

Little Things

And finally, the small stuff. LED bulbs, energy-efficient appliances, reducing water use – it's all good stuff. You'll be paying less to the energy companies, and feel pretty swell about your eco-credentials, too.

Wrapping your house up (Housewrapped, get it?) in a layer of energy-saving love is a gift to your wallet and to the planet. Now doesn't that feel warm and fuzzy? Let's make our homes the cosy, energy-efficient nests they should be – after all, a few less degrees on the thermostat globally can mean a world of difference. And who doesn't feel good about making a positive impact?