A £2 B&M find can help keep homes warm without putting heating on and keep energy bills low
AS THE nights draw in many of us could benefit from insulating our homes to keep draughts out.
One way to do so is to install B&M’s Bubble Wrap, which can help your home feel warmer while saving you money on your energy bill.
It costs just £2 and can help to protect your home from cold gusts of air which can enter through cracks or gaps around your windows.
The bubble wrap has a diameter of 500mm by 5m, which is enough to insulate several windows.
The air pockets in the surface create a barrier which traps heat inside and keeps the cold out of your home.
Plus by stopping cold air from entering your house you could also save precious pounds off your energy bill.
Draught-proofing is one of the cheapest and most effective methods to save money, irrespective of what type of building you live in.
Reducing draughts around windows and doors could save you around £40 a year if you live in Great Britain, or £50 in Northern Ireland, according to the Energy Saving Trust.
Draught-free homes may also be more comfortable at lower temperatures, which could mean that you are able to turn down your thermostat.
Doing so could save you even more money on your energy bills.
To the bubble wrap to insulate your home, simply measure your windows and cut the bubble wrap to fit.
Next lightly spray your windows with water, which acts as an adhesive and allows the bubble wrap to stick directly to the glass.
Place the bubble wrap onto the window with the bubble-side facing into your home and gently press it to secure it in place.
If your home is particularly draughty then you can also double up the bubble wrap for extra insulation.
Bubble wrap is also easy to remove in the warmer months and doesn’t damage your windows as it is not permanent.
Make sure to seal draughty doors and windows with insulation tape to stop draughts getting in.
5 ways to keep your house warm in winter
Property expert Joshua Houston shared his tips.
1. Curtains
“Windows are a common place for the outside cold to get into your home, this is because of small gaps that can let in air so always close your curtains as soon as it gets dark,” he said.
This simple method gives you an extra layer of warmth as it can provide a kind of “insulation” between your window and curtain.
2. Rugs
“Your floor is another area of your home where heat can be lost and can make your home feel chilly,” he continued. “You might notice on cold days, that your floor is not nice to walk on due to it freezing your feet.
“Add rugs to areas that don’t already have a carpet, this provides a layer of insulation between your bare floor and the room above.”
3. Check your insulation
Check your pipes, loft space, crawlspaces and underneath floorboards.
“Loose-fill insulation is very good for this, and is a more affordable type of insulation, with a big bag being able to be picked up for around £30,” Joshua explained.
4. Keep your internal doors closed
“Household members often gather in one room in the evening, and this is usually either the kitchen or living room,” Joshua said.
“This means you only have to heat a small area of your home, and closing the doors keeps the heat in and the cold out.”
5. Block drafts
Don’t forget to check cat flaps, chimneys and letterboxes, as they can let in cold air if they aren’t secure.
Before you install the bubble wrap make sure to shop around to get the best deal.
Sainsbury’s is selling 8 metre large rolls of bubble wrap for £4.25.
Meanwhile, The Works has a 5m x 300mm roll for £1.
Always check the length and width of the roll before you make a purchase to ensure that you are getting a good deal.
Never draught proof areas of your home that need good ventilation such as rooms where lots of moisture is produced such as the bathroom, utility rooms or kitchen.
Also avoid blocking up areas where there are open fires or open flues.
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