8 simple home hacks to make your house warmer

A draught excluder or a quick tweak to your heating timer can help make your house warmer.

These tips could help keep the heat in your home, so you might be able to run your heating for less time. You might even be able to turn your thermostat down. For more ideas, see our ways to save energy.

If you’re struggling with your energy bills, there’s support available. You can speak to your supplier about a payment plan or check whether you qualify for energy grants.

Get rid of draughts

Draught excluders

If there’s a gap under your door, try covering it with a draught excluder. This stops cold air creeping in.

You can make one yourself. Cut a leg off an old pair of jeans, stuff it and sew up each end.

Draught excluder strips

On a windy day, run your hand around the edges of closed windows and doors to feel for cold air.

You can fit draught excluder strips around the window frame to seal the gap. Follow the instructions on the pack.

Use caulk to get rid of draughts

You can fill small gaps around fixed frames with a paste called caulk. It hardens in the gaps and seals them. Check the manufacturer’s instructions before you start. Leave trickle vents, air bricks and other ventilation openings clear.

Shut your curtains in the colder parts of the day

Leaving your curtains open on sunny days can help warm a room. When night falls, close your curtains or blinds to add an extra layer of insulation.

Shut the doors to the rooms you aren’t using

If you aren’t using a room, shut the door and turn the radiator down a little if it has a valve. Letting rooms get too cold can make damp and mould more likely.

Shut the doors to the rooms you’re using too. This should keep the heat in. You could use your new draught excluder to stop warm air escaping under the door.

See how warm the kitchen feels after cooking

Cooking can warm up the kitchen. If you’re about to turn the heating up, see how warm the room feels once you’ve finished.

Use an extractor fan or open a window while you cook to help clear steam. Switch the oven off and close the door when you’re done.

Buy some rugs if you have tiles or floorboards

A thick rug can make tiles or floorboards feel warmer underfoot. If it slides on a smooth floor, use a non-slip rug underlay.

If you don’t want to buy new, you could look for second-hand rugs on sites like Gumtree or eBay.

Move your sofa away from the radiator

Move any furniture that’s in front of the radiator so warm air can circulate more easily.

A compatible radiator fan can help move warm air around the room. If your radiator is on an outside wall, a reflector panel behind it can help reduce heat loss through the wall.

Try setting your heating to come on 30 minutes early

If you have a boiler, use the timer to warm your home when you need it. Keeping the heating on low all day can use more energy.

Try setting it to come on 30 minutes before you get up or get home. Adjust the timer if your home takes longer to warm up. If the rooms stay warm after the heating goes off, try switching it off a little earlier.

If you work from home, set the timer around the times you tend to feel chilly. If you have a heat pump, it usually works better on a steadier schedule.

Try turning down your thermostat by 1°C

British Gas says turning your thermostat down by 1°C could save you up to 10% on your energy bill.

Only turn it down if your home still feels comfortable. If you want to know more, our energy efficiency guide can help.

Switching energy providers

If you’re on a standard variable tariff, Ofgem’s energy price cap limits what your supplier can charge. It covers the price per unit of energy and the daily standing charge. Your total bill still depends on how much energy you use.

Compare the rates and standing charges on available fixed deals with what you pay now. Check for any exit fees before you switch.