Windows, doors and floors can all let heat escape from your home.
They can also make a room feel cold or draughty.
However, you do not always need to replace them. A small repair may be enough.
So, find the problem first. Then choose the simplest fix that works.
Find the Problem First
Before spending money, check what is actually wrong.
Ask:
- Can you feel a draught?
- Does the window or door close properly?
- Are any seals worn or damaged?
- Can you see gaps around the frame?
- Does the glass feel very cold?
- Is the floor cold or draughty?
- Is there condensation or damp?
- Is anything broken?
A small problem may have a simple fix.
For example, a draughty window may only need a new seal. A door may need adjusting. Gaps between floorboards may also let cold air into the room.
So, don’t assume you need to replace something before checking it.
How Do Windows Lose Heat?
Heat can escape through the glass and frame of a window.
It can also escape through gaps around the window.
Older windows may lose more heat than newer ones. However, age is not the only thing that matters.
The condition of the window is important too.
A window may perform poorly because:
- the seals are worn
- it does not close properly
- the frame is damaged
- there are gaps around it
- the glazing does not keep heat in very well
So, check the whole window.
Single, Double and Triple Glazing
Single glazing has one pane of glass.
Double glazing has two panes with a sealed gap between them.
Triple glazing has three panes.
Double and triple glazing usually keep more heat inside than single glazing.
However, the number of panes is only part of the picture.
The frame, seals and quality of the fitting also matter.
Do You Need New Windows?
Not always.
If a window is draughty, find out where the cold air is coming from.
A worn seal may simply need replacing.
If the window does not close tightly, it may need adjusting or repairing.
There may also be a gap around the frame that can be sealed.
These fixes can cost much less than replacing the whole window.
New windows may make sense if the old ones are in poor condition or perform badly. They may also improve comfort, security and noise levels.
However, if your main aim is to save energy, check for cheaper fixes first.
Consider Secondary Glazing
Secondary glazing adds another layer inside an existing window.
It can help reduce heat loss and draughts.
It may also reduce noise from outside.
This can be useful if you cannot or do not want to replace the original windows.
However, how well it works will depend on the window and how well the secondary glazing is fitted.
Use Curtains and Blinds
Curtains and blinds can help keep a room comfortable.
During colder weather, close them when it gets dark. This adds another layer between the room and the cold window.
Then, open them during the day when sunlight can help warm the room.
However, don’t let curtains cover radiators.
If a curtain hangs over a radiator, some of the heat can become trapped behind it instead of warming the room.
Check for Window Draughts
If you feel cold air around a closed window, try to find where it is coming from.
Check the seals and opening parts.
Draught-proofing strips may help with unwanted gaps.
However, don’t block trickle vents.
Trickle vents are designed to let fresh air into your home. Your home may need this ventilation to help control moisture and keep the air fresh.
Learn more: Draught Proofing and Ventilation →
Check Your Outside Doors
Outside doors can also let heat escape.
Check around:
- the sides
- the top
- the bottom
- the frame
- the seals
- the letterbox
- the keyhole
Can you feel cold air coming through?
If so, a suitable seal, brush or cover may help.
Also, make sure the door closes and locks properly.
Do You Need a New Door?
A draughty door does not always need replacing.
The problem may simply be:
- a worn seal
- a small gap
- a draughty letterbox
- a door that needs adjusting
These problems may be fairly simple to fix.
However, a new door may make sense if the old one is badly damaged, poorly fitted or difficult to repair.
A new door may also improve security and appearance.
So, consider all the benefits before deciding.
How Do Floors Lose Heat?
Floors can lose heat and make rooms feel cold.
However, the right solution depends on the type of floor.
There are two main types:
- suspended floors
- solid floors
So, first find out which type you have.
Suspended Timber Floors
Suspended timber floors are common in older homes.
The floorboards sit above a space underneath the house.
Cold air can sometimes enter through gaps:
- between floorboards
- around skirting boards
- around pipes
- around cables
- around the edges of the floor
There may also be little or no insulation under the floor.
In some homes, insulation can be fitted between the floor joists. This can help reduce heat loss.
However, the space under a timber floor usually needs ventilation to help keep it dry.
So, don’t block outside air bricks or other vents under the floor.
Solid Floors
Many homes have solid floors made from concrete or similar materials.
These can also lose heat.
However, adding insulation to an existing solid floor can be a bigger job.
It may raise the height of the floor. This can affect:
- doors
- stairs
- skirting boards
- kitchen units
- fitted furniture
Some types of work may also mean taking up the existing floor.
So, think carefully before starting.
Floor insulation can make more sense if you are already carrying out major work in the room.
Can Carpets and Rugs Help?
Yes. Carpets and rugs can make a cold floor feel warmer.
They can also reduce some heat loss.
However, they are not the same as proper floor insulation.
So, use them to improve comfort, but don’t expect them to solve a bigger insulation problem.
Look for Gaps Around Floors
Sometimes, the main problem is a draught rather than heat passing through the floor itself.
Check for gaps around:
- floorboards
- skirting boards
- pipes
- cables
- door frames
Suitable gaps can often be sealed.
This may make the room feel warmer without major work.
However, don’t block ventilation that the building needs.
Learn more: Draught Proofing and Ventilation →
Watch for Damp and Condensation
Cold windows, walls and floors can make condensation more likely.
However, condensation can have several causes.
These include:
- cold surfaces
- too much moisture
- poor ventilation
- low room temperatures
- poor insulation
Often, more than one cause is involved.
So, don’t assume that new windows or more insulation will automatically solve the problem.
First, find out what is causing the condensation.
Compare the Cost
Some improvements cost very little.
Others can cost thousands of pounds.
So, before paying for major work, ask:
- What problem am I trying to fix?
- What is causing it?
- Can it be repaired?
- How much will the work cost?
- How much difference will it make?
- Will it make my home more comfortable?
- Am I planning other work at the same time?
For example, floor insulation may be easier and cheaper if you are already taking up the floor.
New windows may make more sense if your existing windows already need replacing.
So, match the solution to the problem.
Check Your EPC
Your Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) can give you useful information about your home.
It may include details about your:
- windows
- floors
- walls
- roof
- heating
- hot water
It may also suggest ways to improve energy efficiency.
However, an EPC cannot tell you about every small fault.
For example, it may not identify a worn window seal or a small draught around a door.
So, use your EPC as a starting point rather than relying on it alone.
Learn more: Understanding Your EPC →
Key Points
- Windows, doors and floors can all lose heat.
- You do not always need to replace them. A simple repair may be enough.
- Find the problem before spending money.
- Check windows and doors for gaps, worn seals and poor fitting.
- Double and triple glazing usually lose less heat than single glazing, but the whole window matters.
- Secondary glazing can sometimes improve existing windows without replacing them.
- Close curtains and blinds when useful, but don’t cover radiators.
- Find out whether you have a suspended or solid floor before considering insulation.
- Never block air bricks or vents needed to keep the space below a timber floor dry.
- Carpets and rugs can make floors feel warmer, but they are not a replacement for insulation.
- Condensation can have several causes, so find the cause before choosing a solution.
- Compare the cost, energy saving and comfort benefit before paying for major work.
- Most importantly: start with the simplest fix that solves the problem.
Important Information
Energility provides general information to help you understand energy, household and business costs, services and ways to save money. It is not financial, legal, tax, technical or professional advice.
Prices, tariffs, grants, government schemes, regulations and other information can change. Costs, savings and calculator results are estimates and your actual results may be different.
Before making an important financial decision, signing a contract or carrying out significant work, check the latest information and consider getting advice from a suitably qualified professional where needed.
Energility may receive a commission or other benefit from some links or services. Where this applies, we aim to make it clear. This does not increase the price you pay unless stated otherwise.
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