Minimising the amount of cold air that comes into your home can save on heating bills

One of the simplest and most cost effective ways of saving energy is draught-proofing.

Just ask your grandparents. All draughts let in cold air, meaning the temperature in your home will drop considerably. All you need to do is block any unwanted gaps so the cold air can’t get in. Windows, doors and loft hatches are the main culprits, but look out for gaps in electrical fittings on walls, pipes that go outside and ceiling to wall joints.

Mind the gap Draught excluders can help prevent heat escaping underneath exterior doors, windows and other gaps and they are simple and low-tech to install. They can also cut household heat loss by up to 25% in winter, which will save you money. If you can see light around a door or window, or hear whistling, it means air is getting in or out. To find less obvious leaks, hold a wet hand in front of doors, windows and other openings – you will be able to feel the draught on your wet hand. Window panes cause up to 20% of heat loss in winter, so make sure you cover your windows with thick curtains.

Make mine a double Double glazed windows have many benefits, from cutting out street and traffic noise, to stopping heat escaping from your home. Although installing double glazed windows may appear expensive at first, you should end up saving around £100 a year on your heating bills as a result. Double glazing works by trapping air between two panes of glass and creating an insulating barrier. The most common benefit of installing this type of glazing is that it reduces heat loss, but better security, fewer maintenance needs and a decrease in noise levels and condensation are also huge advantages.

There are many different options involved with double glazing your home and costs can vary hugely depending on the type of windows and doors you choose and any deals you may be offered. Average costs are in the region of £4,000, but this investment will cut your heating costs and add value to your home. If you decide to go ahead with having double glazing, make sure your windows are fitted by a FENSA (fenestration self-assessment) registered company.

It is also worth looking into low-emissivity (Low-E) glass, which has a virtually invisible, ultra-thin coating on one side. When it is used to form the inner pane of the double glazing unit, it reflects heat back into the building and also allows the sun’s energy to pass into the room. This makes Low-E glass as energy-efficient as triple glazing, but without the 50% weight increase and the extra thickness that comes with triple glazing.

Top tip: use tack-on sprung metal or plastic strips on sides of doors.

Sarah says... ‘I have used Thermafleece in my loft spaces at Rise Hall. It is a form of insulation made from British sheep’s wool. It’s like a heavy duvet which would be perfect in the snowiest of winters.’

Photograph: getty images