The recent winter weather will have seen many Brits reaching for draught excluders to block out the chilly winds, but even those who have invested in well sealed
doors and
windows may have to take further action to truly rid their home of gusts.
Full draught-proofing can save you around £115 per year by preventing cold air from getting into your home and warm air from getting out, according to the Energy Savings Trust (EST). You'll also find you're able to turn down the thermostat, meaning you'll be more energy efficient to boot.
Windows and doors are the most obvious place to start, with well sealed gaps in keyholes and letterboxes helping to cut out the draught.
However, it's important you consider all the other nooks and crannies where gaps to the outside are evident. Loft hatches are another sizeable source of draughts, but it's also important to think small and look at ceiling-to-wall joints, pipework that leads outside and even floorboards and skirting.
The EST estimates that draught-proofing materials and equipment costs around £120, but notes that costs could double if you opt to get a professional in to do the work for you.
If you decide to go the DIY route, it's even more important you're aware of what to use for specific types of gap.
For floorboards and skirting, use a silicon based filler to plug gaps making sure to wipe any excess away with a damp cloth. Its particularly important to choose a filler (such as silicon) as floorboards and skirting have a tendency to expand and contract with variations in climate.
Remember, fillers come in a variety of colours, so making your home draught proof need not disrupt any interior design theme you've worked hard to cultivate in your living room!
When addressing cracks in walls, use a cement or hard setting filler. The EST recommends consulting a surveyor if the crack or gap between brick work seems particularly large, as this may indicate there is something wrong with your wall.
Holes that lead directly outside for pipes and suchlike can also be plugged using a silicon based filler, often quite similar to that used for floorboards and skirting.
Before you undertake any of this work, however, it's worth considering whether it might be prudent to install some floor or wall insulation first, to further improve your home's energy efficiency.
