Draught Proofing Windows

How to draught proof windows, ensure they are environmentally friendly, save energy and are eco-aware

We'd all like to save money on our energy bills, we swap our old bulbs for energy savers, we wrap ourselves up in blankets instead of putting the heating on and we switch off the TV and curl up with a good book instead. We're always looking for cost cutting solutions, but we often overlook the simplest way of saving money in the home - draft exclusion.

Much like ventilation systems, draughts allow fresh air to travel though your house. Whilst good ventilation is necessary to keep your house condensation and damp free, allowing draughts to remain isn't a good idea. They let warm air escape from your home.

In the winter when you have your heating turned on, allowing this warmed air to escape is allowing your home's energy to escape and effectively you're also letting money escape from your bank account.

Take steps to ensure environmentally aware windows

Luckily, there are a few steps you can take to ensure that your home is as environmentally friendly and eco aware as possible. If you live in a house that has single glazed windows, replace them. It may cost quite a bit of money, but it will be worth it in the years to come. Currently, C rated windows are a legal requirement in new house builds. The highest efficiency windows are A grade double or triple glazed UPVC casement windows. If you have enough money in your budget these are the windows you should invest in.

If you want to make the hinged windows you already have more energy efficient, buy some draught excluder strips. These strips are attached around your window's frame, and cover the gap between it and the window itself. You can buy relatively cheap plastic strips that will do the job, or you can buy more expensive metal brush strips. The metal strips are most effective and will also last for a longer amount of time. If you are looking to draught proof a sliding door, you'll need to use brush strips instead, as the general plastic and metal strips aren't as effective here.

Doesn't cost as much as you think!

Draught proofing your home doesn't have to be expensive. Most people can carry out the work on their entire home themselves and generally spend around £120 on materials for the job. If you decide to get someone in to help you it will obviously cost a lot more. This isn't technical work and could be carried out by almost anyone.

On average full draft proofing of your home can save you £55 a year. If there are no draughts in your home, it's also more likely that you'll be comfortable at lower temperatures.

Turning your thermostat down by five degrees could save you up to £60 a year. If you do decide to carry out your draught proofing by yourself, your first year's saving will easily pay for the work. This will let you enjoy the rest of the savings for the years that follow. Even if doing this feels like a waste of time, remember that's better than a waste of money.