Homes will see heat ‘slipping away’ without task that makes ‘noticeable difference’

With bills still sky-high and temperatures outside still low, keeping the warm is one of the big issues facing Brits at the moment. 

According to experts, there is one part of the house that people are neglecting: windows.

If you’re guilt of ignoring your windows, you could be losing up to £155 worth of heat yearly. That’s the equivalent of heating your home for 129 hours, or over five days non-stop.

Andrew Haydon, home improvement expert from Simply Plastics, says a startling amount of heat is lost through windows and by just checking for draughts you can save yourself a lot of money. 

He said: “Many homeowners don’t realise how much warmth is slipping away through inefficient glazing, gaps, or poorly sealed frames.”

To test if you have a draught, hold a lit candle or a piece of tissue near the window frame on a windy day. If the flame flickers or the tissue moves, you have a draught.

“Sealing gaps with weatherstripping or a bead of silicone caulk is a quick, low-cost way to prevent heat loss,” says Haydon. “It can make a noticeable difference in warmth and energy efficiency with one bottle costing as little as £4, which can be used across your entire home.”

As well as keeping an eye for draughts, it’s important to keep your windows maintained. Poorly maintained windows lose heat faster due to worn seals, damaged hinges, or debris buildup, so regular checks are key.

Every month, inspect locks, seals, and hinges for signs of wear. Even small gaps can let warm air escape.

Temporary insulation can also help retain heat. If your windows are single glazed, you can try the unconventional method of bubble wrapping the glass which can act as insulation.

Haydon said: “It may sound unconventional, but bubble wrap acts as an extra insulation layer, trapping warmth inside. It’s a quick and reversible fix, ideal for older windows and you likely have some hanging around your home already.”

If you’re losing heat and replacing your windows isn’t an option you could try adding additional glazing to them. This is more budget friendly and also removable. 

Haydon said: “This is one of the most cost-effective energy-saving upgrades you can make,It can cut heat loss by up to 60 percent  and also helps reduce outside noise, and costs around £30 per window.”

Haydon’s final tip is to use thermal blinds and curtains where you can. To get the most out of them, keep them closed at night for maximum insulation, but open them during the day to let sunlight naturally warm the room.

“Layering curtains over blinds can provide even better insulation,” he said.

“If new curtains aren’t in your budget, you can use old bedding or towels and a tension rod instead which costs around £3.”