Millions of households across the UK are confronting higher heating costs this winter, following a 2% increase to the energy price cap that took effect on 1 October. In response to this financial pressure, two major energy suppliers, EDF Energy and Octopus Energy, are advising customers on a highly effective way to fight back: draught-proofing.
This simple yet often overlooked technique involves identifying and sealing gaps around windows, doors, chimneys, and skirting boards where precious heat escapes and cold air infiltrates. By tackling these draughts, you can significantly reduce your reliance on central heating and lower your bills.
Substantial Annual Savings from Simple Fixes
According to EDF Energy, the potential savings are compelling. The company highlights that the act of blocking gaps where heat is lost can have an immediate impact on your home's warmth and your wallet. In their online guidance, they state that draught-proofing your chimney alone could save around £60 each year.
Rival supplier Octopus Energy echoes this advice, emphasising that a continuous draught can quickly undermine your heating efforts, effectively wasting energy. They suggest that identifying and plugging these leaks can make your gas spend go much further. For those willing to take a DIY approach, the savings can be even greater. Octopus Energy estimates that making your own draught excluders can lead to an average saving of £80 per year.
How to Find and Fix Draughts in Your Home
So, how can you locate these energy-draining gaps? One of the most effective methods is using a thermal imaging camera. These devices measure surface temperatures, visually displaying where heat is escaping (shown in red) and where cold spots are (shown in blue).
The good news is that you don't necessarily have to buy one. Many local authorities offer these cameras for free loan, and services like the London Library of Things hire them out for as little as £15 a day. Octopus Energy also ran a loan programme for its customers, which has seen nearly 5,000 households use the technology, though the scheme is currently paused until 2026.
For a quick and free alternative, you can use the back of your hand to feel for cold air moving around potential problem areas. Once found, you can create your own draught excluders using old fabric scraps at no cost.
A Win for Your Wallet and the Environment
Beyond the immediate financial relief, these measures are also praised for their environmental benefits. A spokesperson for Octopus Energy commented, "We genuinely want to help our customers be more energy efficient. It's simply the right thing to do, not only because it keeps your bills low, but because it's better for the environment as well."
For those with the budget, a professional thermal survey is an option, costing from approximately £300 for a smaller home. However, the guidance from both energy firms shows that significant savings are accessible to everyone with a little time and effort.
With winter setting in, taking these steps to draught-proof your home could be one of the most cost-effective decisions you make, putting up to £80 back in your pocket annually while creating a warmer, cosier living space.
