The good news is that there are many effective and affordable ways to reduce heat loss and improve energy efficiency.

Good insulation plays a key role in keeping heat inside your home during winter and preventing overheating in summer. A well insulated property is cheaper to run, more comfortable to live in and better for the environment. Many homeowners struggle with cold rooms, draughts and uneven temperatures, all of which are often signs of insufficient insulation.

Below, we look at practical steps you can take to improve insulation and make your home warmer and more comfortable throughout the year.

How insulation affects the temperature in your home

The better your home is insulated, the easier it is to maintain a stable indoor temperature. In poorly insulated houses, a large amount of heat escapes through the roof, external walls, windows and floors.

Such homes are expensive to heat and often feel cold even when the heating is on. Insulation acts like a protective layer around your property, reducing the amount of heat that can escape.

The best time to carry out insulation work is during spring or summer, before the heating season begins. With warmer summers becoming more common, good insulation also helps keep indoor spaces cooler without relying heavily on air conditioning. This means the benefits of insulation are felt all year round.

Practical ways to reduce energy bills

Insulation measures are among the most effective ways to cut energy costs. Practical steps include:

• topping up or adding loft insulation to a depth of around 300 mm
  
• draught proofing using sealing strips, door brushes or chimney balloons
  
• using a thermostat set to around 19 degrees Celsius, along with thermal curtains and double glazed windows
  
• replacing an old boiler or heat pump if it is more than ten years old
  
• improving floor insulation, for example by using thick carpets
  

Many of these improvements can be carried out as DIY projects. For larger upgrades, it is important to ensure all work complies with current building regulations.

Loft and roof insulation

Insulating your loft to a recommended thickness of approximately 300 mm is one of the simplest and most cost effective ways to reduce heat loss. In many homes, especially older properties, a significant amount of heat escapes through the roof.

Draught proofing your home

Door draught excluders, sealing strips, brush seals and chimney balloons prevent cold air from entering through gaps around doors, windows and unused chimneys. These solutions are inexpensive, easy to install and can make an immediate difference.

Thermostats and smart heating controls

Thermostats allow you to control the temperature in your home more precisely. Lowering the thermostat by just one degree Celsius can lead to noticeable savings over the course of a year.

Smart thermostats offer even greater control through mobile apps. You can turn the heating down while you are out and warm the house before you return. Zoning systems also allow you to heat only the rooms you use, further reducing energy consumption.

Thermal curtains and blinds

Heavy thermal curtains, blinds or shutters help retain heat, particularly at night. Closing them in the evening significantly reduces heat loss through windows.

Floor insulation can also be improved with thick carpets that have good insulating properties. If you choose professional flooring installation, thermal comfort can be enhanced even further.

Double glazing

A considerable amount of heat is lost through windows, which is why double or triple glazing is recommended. The space between the panes is filled with an inert gas or vacuum, which slows heat transfer. Replacing all windows can be costly, however, and may be restricted in listed buildings.

Secondary glazing

A more affordable alternative to full double glazing is secondary glazing. This involves fitting an additional pane of glass, plastic panel or specialist film on the inside of existing windows. While not as effective as full double glazing, it significantly reduces draughts and heat loss while preserving the original appearance of the windows. This option is particularly suitable for rental properties and older homes.