Draught busters

Round & About

Winter is coming, and nobody wants seismic energy bills. From roofers to radiators, blinds to boilers, here’s how to beat the chill before it bites

There are two types of people in winter. There are those who dig out the big socks, throw another blanket on the bed, and mutter “it’s character-building” while shivering over their cuppa. And then there are those who’ve had the foresight to winterproof their homes. If you’d prefer to be in the second camp, here are our tips on how to give Jack Frost his marching orders. 

Start with the obvious: heating and plumbing. A cosy home begins with a boiler that won’t cough its last breath just as the snow starts to fall. A qualified heating engineer can service your system, flush radiators and make sure your pipes are lagged so they don’t freeze. Plumbing installers can also check for slow leaks that, if left unchecked, might cause chaos in colder months. 

Next, look up! Heat has a sneaky habit of escaping through the roof, so loft insulation is essential. It’s not glamorous (you won’t be showing it off at dinner parties), but a properly insulated loft keeps warmth where it belongs and reduces energy bills. Builders and cavity wall specialists can also help fill those hidden gaps within your home’s fabric where heat loves to escape. 

Don’t forget the roof itself. Missing tiles, leaky flashing and crumbling chimney stacks can let in damp and drafts. A roofer’s winter check-up could well save you from costly repairs later, and will keep your head – and your home – dry and snug. 

Windows are another key culprit. Single panes and draughty frames are practically an open invitation to the cold. Double or triple glazing is the gold standard, but even secondary glazing or snug new seals fitted by window companies can make a remarkable difference. And let’s not overlook blinds and flooring – yes, even décor plays its part. Thermal blinds trap warm air at night, while thicker carpets or insulated underlays keep floors toasty. 

Not sure where the leaks are? Call in the detectives. Thermal imagers use infrared tech to show exactly where your house is losing heat, whether that’s through the loft, walls, or sneaky gaps you’d never notice. Think of it as a winter health check-up for your home. 

There’s nothing like the warmth and glow from a real fire so to ensure yours is a comfort this winter it’s essential your chimney is clean and clear. Regular sweeping removes soot, bird nests, and blockages to allow the free flow of combustion gases. This reduces the risk of chimney fires, smoke escaping into the room, and carbon monoxide poisoning. Sweeping also increases the efficiency of some appliances.