Check for cavity wall insulation
Uninsulated cavity walls let a large share of a home's heat escape.
device: Loft & walls
problem: Cold or draughty home
problem: High heating bills
topic: Insulation & draught-proofing
What to do
- Find out whether your home has cavity walls (most built from the 1930s to 1990s do).
- Check whether they're already filled — a surveyor can tell from drill holes.
- Check eligibility for grant-funded installation.
- Use a reputable, certified installer.
Useful tools and guides
Related tips
Top up loft insulation to 270mm
If your loft has little insulation, topping it up to the recommended 270mm cuts the heat escaping through your roof.
Draught-proof doors and windows
Gaps around doors, windows and letterboxes let warm air out and cold air in.
Insulate your hot water cylinder
An uninsulated cylinder loses heat all day. A fitted jacket keeps stored water hot for longer.
Turn your thermostat down by 1°C
Lowering the room temperature by a single degree reduces how hard your heating works, and most people barely notice the difference.
