Draught-Proofing Your UK Home in 2026: £80–£200 Saved
Updated: May 2026 — Power Guardian UK Editorial Team
Draught-proofing is the highest-ROI energy upgrade in any UK home. For £40–£100 of materials and a Saturday afternoon, you can knock 5–10% off your heating bill.
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Cost vs saving by item
| Area | Materials cost | Annual saving | Payback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Front & back door seals | £15 | £25 | 7 months |
| Letterbox brush + cover | £8 | £15 | 6 months |
| Keyhole cover | £3 | £5 | 7 months |
| Window foam strip (whole house) | £30 | £45 | 8 months |
| Loft hatch insulation + seal | £20 | £25 | 10 months |
| Chimney balloon (unused fireplace) | £25 | £80 | 4 months |
| Floorboard gap filler | £20 | £30 | 8 months |
| Whole-house DIY job | ~£120 | £225 | ~6.5 months |
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Where the heat actually leaks
| Source | % of heat lost (typical pre-1990 UK home) |
|---|---|
| Walls | 35% |
| Roof / loft | 25% |
| Windows | 15% |
| Floors | 10% |
| Draughts (gaps) | 15% |
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That last 15% is what draught-proofing targets — and it's the only one you can fix yourself in a weekend.
Bottom line: No other upgrade pays back faster. Even renters can do most of this with removable foam strip and chimney balloons.
Will draught-proofing cause damp?
Only if you over-seal. Keep trickle vents open, run extractor fans in kitchen and bathroom, and you'll be fine.
Should I seal an unused chimney?
Yes — an open chimney can lose £80–£120 of heat per year. A chimney balloon or sheep is the single best £25 you can spend.
Sources
- Ofgem price cap (April 2026)
- DESNZ household energy statistics 2026
- Power Guardian UK editorial analysis
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