Draught-Proof Windows
Double-glazing is a big investment but instantly makes your home feel a lot cosier as heat loss through the glass is halved. Before you buy, check the frames and glass carry the Energy Saving Recommended logo. As an interim DIY measure, fit secondary glazing kits that will cost between £20 to £50 per window. Fix draughty gaps around window frames with a flexible sealant.
DIY Payback
Professionally installed double glazing units can save you about £100 a year in heating costs and even DIY secondary glazing will give you significant savings and make rooms feel a lot warmer.
Water Tanks & Hot Water Cylinders
If we all lagged our hot water cylinders with an insulated jacket, enough CO2 would be saved to fill over 4.2million double decker buses. An ‘off-the-peg’ jacket for your cylinder will cut heat loss by 75 per cent as long as it’s at least 75mm thick.
If you have a cold water storage tank in your loft, leave the area under the tank free of insulation so that warm air rising form the rooms will stop the water freezing. Tie insulation fibre around the sides and over the top of the tank or buy a tank insulation jacket.
DIY Payback
A thick 80mm cylinder jacket costs around £10 and will save the average three-bed semi homeowner £20 per year, so you start saving in only a few months.
Protect Pipes
Protect exposed water pipes with foam tube insulation. The tubes have a ready-cut split along their length so you can just push them over any exposed pipes in you loft or other exposed areas.
DIY Payback
For about £10 you should be able to tackle the job yourself and the saving should be about the same figure per year. Well worth it.
