Want to make your home more comfortable and energy efficient this weekend? We've put together a list of simple DIY improvements you can tackle in just a few hours. These quick wins don't require specialist skills or expensive materials - just a trip to your local hardware store and a bit of enthusiasm!
This blog has been written to quickly introduce some quick fixes to make a warmer home, rather than provide complete walkthroughs. There are great resources on Youtube
Your Weekend Warmth Checklist
Get Your Radiators Working Properly (1-2 hours)
Two simple tasks can dramatically improve both your comfort and heating system's effectiveness:
- Bleed Your Radiators - you just need a radiator key and a cloth! If your radiators are cold at the top but warm at the bottom, they likely need bleeding to release trapped air. This simple task helps your heating system work efficiently and ensures every room feels consistently warm.
- Balance Your Radiators - if some radiators are too hot while others are too cold, your radiators might need balancing. Using a screwdriver and thermometer, you can adjust the lockshield valves to ensure every room in your home is comfortably warm without wasting energy.
Not confident doing this yourself? A plumber can bleed and balance your radiators for around £100-£200 - it's worth the investment if you're unsure, as properly working radiators can significantly reduce your heating bills and make your home more comfortable.
Check Your Windows (30 mins)
Take a quick tour of your windows:
- Check all handles close properly
- Look for loose or broken hinges
- Test if windows seal completely when closed
Simple hinge adjustments or repairs can eliminate uncomfortable draughts while preventing expensive heat loss - a win for both comfort and efficiency.
Tackle Those Draughts (2-3 hours)
Nothing makes a room feel less cosy than unwanted draughts, and they waste energy too. Here are some quick fixes:
- Door Draughts: Add self-adhesive foam tape around door frames and pop a draught excluder at the bottom. Look for brush-style ones that stay in place as you open and close the door.
- Letterbox: Add a brush-style cover or magnetic flap to keep your hallway cosy and prevent heat escaping.
- Pipe Entry Points: Check where pipes enter your walls - these gaps are often overlooked but can create uncomfortable cold spots. Fill small gaps with sealant.
- Unused Chimney: If you're not using your fireplace, a chimney sheep (or even a specialised cushion) can prevent both uncomfortable draughts and significant heat loss.
Quick Insulation Wins (1-2 hours)
Some insulation jobs can be tackled safely without professional help, improving both comfort and efficiency:
- Hot Water Tank: If you have an exposed hot water tank, add an insulating jacket - they're inexpensive and easy to fit, keeping your water hotter for longer.
- Hot Water Pipes: Add foam pipe insulation to any exposed hot water pipes. It just clips on and helps maintain water temperature throughout your home.
- Loft Hatch: Add foam tape around the edges of your loft hatch and stick some insulation to the hatch itself - you'll notice the difference in rooms below.
Zero-Cost Changes
These improvements won't cost you a penny but can make a real difference to both comfort and energy use:
Use Your Curtains Strategically:
- Open them when the sun's shining to warm your rooms naturally
- Close them when it gets dark to keep your rooms cosy
- On cold nights, tuck long curtains behind radiators to direct heat into the room where you'll feel it
Give Your Radiators Space:
- Move furniture that's blocking radiators - this simple change helps your rooms warm up faster and stay comfortable
- Clear any clutter from the tops of radiators to improve heat flow
- Put reflective foil behind radiators on external walls to reflect heat back into your rooms (you can use ordinary kitchen foil as a budget option)
Check Your Combi Boiler Flow Temp: If you have a combi boiler, check its flow temperature. Many are set higher than needed - reducing it to 60°C could save energy while still keeping your home perfectly comfortable. (Note: Only attempt this if you're confident and have your boiler manual - if in doubt, ask a heating engineer during your next service)
Shopping List
Here's what you'll need:
- Radiator bleeding key (about £1)
- Self-adhesive foam tape for doors (£3-5)
- Draught excluder (£5-10)
- Pipe insulation (£1-2 per meter)
- Basic sealant gun and sealant (£5-10)
- Hot water tank jacket (if needed) (£15-20)
Safety First
While these tasks are DIY-friendly, remember:
- Don't attempt any electrical work
- Leave gas-related adjustments to professionals
- If you're unsure about anything, seek expert advice
Monitoring Your Improvements
Watch for Condensation
After making your home more draught-proof, it's crucial to monitor for signs of reduced ventilation to maintain a healthy, comfortable indoor environment:
Daily Checks: Look for increased condensation on windows in the morning
Warning Signs: Watch for:
- Damp patches on walls, particularly in corners or behind furniture
- Musty smells
- Black mould spots appearing
- Excessive moisture on windows that takes longer to clear
If you notice any of the signs above, don't panic - but do take action to maintain healthy ventilation:
- Ensure trickle vents on windows (if you have them) remain open
- Continue to use extractor fans in kitchens and bathrooms
- Open windows briefly each day for air exchange (let fresh air in and moist air out), especially when cooking or showering
- Consider adding humidity-controlled vents if condensation becomes a persistent issue
Track Your Progress
Keep an eye on these positive indicators:
- More even temperatures throughout your home
- Fewer draughts and cold spots
- Rooms that stay warm longer after heating
- Comfortable humidity levels (no excessive dryness or moisture)
- Lower energy bills
What Next?
Once you've tackled these quick wins and confirmed they're working well, you might be interested in exploring more substantial improvements to your home's comfort and energy efficiency. While some changes require professional help, getting expert advice can help you understand your options and plan your next steps effectively.
Remember - every improvement, no matter how small, helps make your home more comfortable and energy efficient. Why not start this weekend?
