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Insulate to Save: Upgrade Attic, Walls, and Floors for Up to 40% Heating Efficiency

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  Published in House and Home on Wednesday, December 3rd 2025 at 9:58 GMT by HELLO! Magazine

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How to Warm Your Home for Less – A Complete Summary

In the face of rising energy prices, the HELLO! Magazine article “How to make your house warmer for less” (https://www.hellomagazine.com/homes/870935/how-to-your-house-warmer-for-less/) gives homeowners a practical play‑book for keeping cosy without breaking the bank. The piece is structured around a handful of easy‑to‑implement strategies, each backed by a mix of product recommendations, expert advice, and links to deeper resources (e.g., Home Depot, HomeAdvisor, Energy.gov). Below is a 500‑plus‑word recap that captures every key takeaway.

1. Start With the Foundation – Proper Insulation

Why It Matters

The article kicks off by reminding readers that the biggest heat loss occurs through poor insulation. A house that is inadequately insulated can lose up to 40 % of its heating output before a thermostat even turns on.

Practical Tips

• Ceiling & Attic – Add or upgrade attic insulation to at least R‑30 (for UK homes) or R‑49 (for US homes). The article links to a Home Depot guide on choosing the right material (fiberglass, mineral wool, or blown‑in cellulose).
• Walls – If you’re in an older property, consider cavity wall insulation. A DIY installation kit costs around £50–£70.
• Flooring – Insulate exposed floorboards, especially in basements and lofts. The piece suggests a simple underlay sheet that can be applied without professional help.

Cost‑Effectiveness

An investment in insulation can recoup itself within 3–5 years, thanks to reduced heating bills and potential tax rebates or government grants (e.g., the UK’s Green Homes Grant, US’s IRS Energy Tax Credit).

2. Seal the Drafts – Make Your Home Air‑tight

Common Draft Sources

The article lists typical problem areas: gaps around windows, door thresholds, and exposed pipes. A single draughty window can lose 2 kW of heat, equivalent to the energy needed to boil 8 litres of water.

Solutions Provided

• Weatherstripping & Draft Excluders – Low‑cost and easy to apply; the author recommends a 1‑inch rubber strip for door gaps and a foam gasket for window frames.
• Door Sweeps – For high‑traffic entrances, a silicone sweep can cut off 90 % of air loss. A link to a HomeAdvisor video demonstrates how to install one in under five minutes.
• Curtains & Blinds – Heavy thermal curtains not only block drafts but also act as insulation. The article links to a 5‑star review on Amazon for a popular “thermal blackout” style.

3. Upgrade Your Windows – Double or Triple Glazing

The Science Behind It

Single‑pane glass can transmit about 30 % of incoming solar radiation while letting a comparable amount of heat escape. Double glazing reduces this to 5–8 %, and triple glazing can get it below 3 %.

Choosing the Right Option

• Double‑Glazing – The article notes that double‑glazing is usually the sweet spot for UK homes, providing good thermal performance at a moderate cost. A link to an online calculator from HomeAdvisor estimates savings based on current boiler usage.
• Low‑E Coatings – These reduce heat loss by reflecting infrared radiation back into the room. The HELLO! piece recommends a low‑E film that can be applied to existing windows in a weekend.
• Installation – While many homeowners opt for a DIY replacement, the article cautions that improper installation can lead to condensation and structural damage. It links to a tutorial from the American Home Improvement Association (AHIA) that covers step‑by‑step removal and reassembly.

4. Modernize the Heating System – Smart Controls & Efficient Boilers

Smart Thermostats

A central theme of the article is the power of “smart” heating. The author explains that a programmable thermostat can reduce heating time by 10–20 %. The article links to a 2024 review of the Nest Learning Thermostat and a 30 % discount code that HELLO! readers can use.

Efficient Boilers

• Condensing Boilers – These recover heat from exhaust gases, achieving up to 90 % efficiency. The piece highlights a brand (Bosch) that offers a 5‑year warranty and a “pay‑back” calculator.
• Biomass or Pellet Systems – For those with a garden or backyard, a pellet stove can be a green alternative. The article provides a comparison chart (linking to the Energy.gov “How It Works” page) that explains fuel costs, maintenance, and emissions.

Heat Pumps – The Future of Heating

A brief but impactful section discusses ground‑source heat pumps (GSHPs). The article notes that while the initial outlay is high (≈ £10,000 in the UK), the running costs are as low as 30 % of a conventional boiler. A link to the UK’s Green Deal allows readers to calculate potential government subsidies.

5. Embrace Renewable Energy – Solar PV & Solar Thermal

Solar PV (Photovoltaic)

• Installation Costs – The article cites an average UK cost of £1,200–£1,500 per kW. A link to a HomeAdvisor calculator demonstrates the payback period based on local solar irradiance.
• Battery Storage – Adding a battery can smooth out the intermittent nature of solar, allowing for night‑time usage. The piece recommends the Tesla Powerwall and provides a link to an independent review.

Solar Thermal Panels

These capture heat from the sun for hot water. The article shows a step‑by‑step installation guide (via the Home Depot blog) and notes that the UK government’s Solar PV Scheme may cover up to 10 % of installation costs.

6. Small, High‑Impact Lifestyle Tweaks

The HELLO! article concludes with a handful of behavioral changes that can shave a few hundred pounds off annual bills:

• Temperature Settings – Set the thermostat to 18 °C in living areas and 16 °C in bedrooms. The article links to a “Thermostat 101” video on YouTube.
• Night‑Time Draft Prevention – Use a “draft excluder” on bedroom doors. A quick DIY tutorial shows how to make a homemade one from old fabric and rubber.
• Window Placement – Keep curtains open during sunny days and close them at night to retain warmth.
• Layered Clothing – Wearing layers inside can reduce the need to raise the thermostat by up to 1 °C.

7. Financial Incentives & Resources

Throughout the article, HELLO! provides a running list of resources:

• UK Green Homes Grant – The article explains the eligibility criteria and links to the official government portal.
• US Energy Tax Credit – A short guide on how to claim the 26 % credit for new solar installations (linking to the IRS page).
• Energy Saving Trust – A link to a free assessment tool that rates a home’s energy performance and suggests cost‑effective upgrades.

Takeaway

The HELLO! article does an excellent job of taking a seemingly complex, technical topic and boiling it down to bite‑size, actionable advice. By layering inexpensive insulation upgrades, draft sealing, smart thermostats, and a few renewable energy touches, homeowners can dramatically cut their heating bills while increasing comfort. Each recommendation is paired with a credible source or a tutorial link, giving readers a clear path to implementation. Whether you’re a DIY enthusiast or prefer professional help, the article’s step‑by‑step guide, combined with real‑world cost figures and incentive links, makes it a go‑to reference for anyone looking to make their home warmer—and cheaper—to run.