DRAUGHT PROOFING

About 40% of the heat from a UK house is lost through the loft space and walls (source: the National Insulation Association), but in older properties, a further 20& can be lost through draughts.
Eliminating or reducing draughts is simple and cheap and many products are suitable for DIY use.
Draughts not only waste energy, but can also be a source of discomfort as cold air is drawn in. Draughts also make a room feel colder-leading to higher temperatures being required to maintain comfort.
Gaps around windows and doors are major sources of draughts, but open chimneys, gaps around pipes in outside walls, recessed downlighters beneath lofts and gaps in timber ground floors can all contribute.
Watchpoint: Adequate ventilation should be maintained, particularly in bathrooms and kitchens (to prevent condensation) and where there are solid fuel fires, gas fires or open-flued boilers.