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Seal Drafts to Cut Heat Loss

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  //house-home.news-articles.net/content/2025/11/22/seal-drafts-to-cut-heat-loss.html
  Published in House and Home on Saturday, November 22nd 2025 at 4:04 GMT by Metro

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Keeping Your Home Cozy on a Winter Night – A Quick‑Guide Summary of Metro’s Latest Home‑Improvement Tips

When the first frost of November sets in, most homeowners turn their focus to maintaining a comfortable indoor temperature while keeping utility bills in check. In a fresh article posted on 22 November 2025, Metro outlines eight straightforward, cost‑effective tweaks that can dramatically improve a home’s thermal efficiency. Below is a concise rundown of each suggestion, along with useful insights gleaned from the article’s embedded links to reputable sources such as the Energy Saving Trust and the UK government’s Home Energy Advice portal.

1. Install Draft‑Stop Perimeter Seals

The article opens with a reminder that cold air often sneaks in through the tiniest gaps around doors and windows. The recommended solution is simple: apply draft‑stop strips (also called draught excluders) to the bottom of exterior doors and along window frames. Metro notes that a modest set of rubber or foam sealants can reduce heat loss by up to 10 %. The linked “How to choose the right draft stopper” guide from the Energy Saving Trust provides step‑by‑step installation instructions and a comparison of off‑the‑shelf options, highlighting that DIY kits are typically cheaper than hiring a professional.

2. Add or Replace Curtains with Thermal‑Insulating Fabrics

Next, the article focuses on window treatments. Thick, insulated curtains can act as a secondary barrier against cold. Metro’s piece points out that a single layer of standard fabric may block a third of the heat escaping, but double‑layered curtains—especially those made from heavy wool or thermal‑polypropylene—can cut this leakage in half. A link to a BBC Home & Garden article offers a visual tour of the best curtain styles for various window types, complete with cost estimates and maintenance tips.

3. Upgrade or Add Double‑Glazing

Although many UK homes already feature double‑glazing, the article suggests reviewing older windows for single glazing or those with aged frames. Replacing single‑pane windows with double‑pane versions (or adding a “secondary glazing” panel) can improve the heat‑retention coefficient (U‑value) from 5.8 W/m²K to roughly 1.8 W/m²K. The Metro article links to the Energy Saving Trust’s “Double glazing for energy efficiency” page, which details the typical cost range (£200‑£400 per window) and points out the potential eligibility for local council grants.

4. Install or Enhance Ceiling Insulation

Metro highlights that a poorly insulated loft can be a major culprit of heat loss. By adding or thickening loft insulation—recommended at a minimum R‑value of 21—homeowners can reduce winter heating bills by 10–15 %. The article links to a local council website (e.g., Brighton & Hove City Council), which offers a free loft insulation audit service and outlines the government’s Energy Company Obligation (ECO) schemes that can subsidise the upgrade.

5. Replace or Install Energy‑Efficient Radiators

Radiator placement and type play a key role in distributing heat evenly. Metro recommends checking for any radiators that are not centrally located or are obstructed by furniture. If necessary, swapping an old, inefficient radiator for a newer, high‑output model—such as a smoked bronze or polished stainless steel radiator—can improve circulation. The article includes a link to a product review on Which?, where radiators are rated for both heat output and energy efficiency, providing a useful comparison for budget‑conscious buyers.

6. Use Rugs and Carpets Strategically

Underfloor heating may be expensive to install, but a simple alternative is to place rugs or carpets on cold, tiled floors. Metro explains that a thick rug can trap heat underfoot and make a room feel noticeably warmer. The guide from the National Trust (via a linked page) gives recommendations for the best carpet materials for winter use, including wool blends that naturally retain warmth.

7. Install a Smart Thermostat

Modern smart thermostats allow homeowners to program heating cycles more precisely, turning the heat off during peak overnight hours or when the house is empty. Metro cites a case study of a 70‑year‑old couple who reduced their heating bills by 15 % after installing a Nest thermostat and adjusting their schedule. The link provided directs readers to the Home Energy Advice portal, which explains how to connect a smart thermostat to existing boiler systems and how to use its mobile app to monitor consumption in real time.

8. Keep Doors Between Rooms Closed

Finally, the article reminds readers that heat rises, so closing interior doors—particularly between living areas and bedrooms—can keep warm air from leaking into cooler rooms. The linked BBC Good Food article, surprisingly, offers a short guide on “how to use interior doors as a thermal barrier,” featuring a diagram that shows typical heat distribution in a two‑storey house.

Bottom Line

Metro’s roundup offers a pragmatic, step‑by‑step strategy that balances low‑budget fixes with slightly more significant investments. The most impactful changes tend to be:

1. Draft‑stop installation – a quick win that can be completed within a couple of hours.
2. Thermal curtains and double glazing – targeted upgrades that yield a noticeable temperature lift.
3. Loft insulation and smart thermostat – a slightly larger but highly effective project that pays off in reduced heating bills over the long haul.

For readers who are new to home energy efficiency, the article’s embedded links serve as valuable entry points into deeper research. Whether you’re checking the Energy Saving Trust’s cost‑benefit calculators or exploring local grant eligibility, you’ll find plenty of actionable resources to help you keep your house warm without breaking the bank.

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