Chimney draught excluders are available from most DIY stores. Plastic bags stuffed with other plastic bags also work – but remember to remove it in summer to let the air circulate. Nothing will give you a better sense of whether something is worth buying and is cost-effective than an honest, unbiased review from a real parent. That’s why our first port of call is always the Mumsnet forums where we trawl the Talk boards to seek out recommendations and top tips from the Mumsnet community. Expert opinions Alternatively, you could use a draught excluder. All sorts of shops sell draught excluders, or you could even make one yourself by filling a large piece of fabric with old clothes or rice.

From investing in the best electric blanket to pre-warming beds with a hot water bottle, many of us are looking for cost-effective solutions to stay warm this winter without cranking up the central heating. With energy bills remaining high, when you do turn up the thermostat, the last thing you need is for all that precious heat to escape. Fitting the best draught excluders throughout your house can keep your home warmer and prevent cold air from getting in through doors, chimneys, windows and even the gaps in your floorboards.

Easy Installation with No Mess

A carpet fitted over your floorboards helps reduce draughts; however there are further steps you can take if you are searching for optimal draught-proofing. If you are on a small budget, then the traditional technique of papier-mâché may be the best option. However, while this provides a cheap and effective solution and covers the potentially draughty gaps in between the floorboards, it does take a lot more time than shop-bought fixes. For a more efficient, but costlier method of draught proofing underneath your carpet, you can apply a gunned silicone sealant to the gaps between the floorboards provided the gaps aren’t enormous! Size - Does the draught excluder come in pre-set sizes? If so, you must learn the exact dimensions of the space you’re trying to insulate - whether that's a window, door or gaps between your floorboards. Some draught excluders come in longer lengths that can be cut to size, but it's important to measure carefully to ensure a perfect fit. Tim is an expert in sustainable building methods and energy efficiency in residential homes and writes on the subject for magazines and national newspapers. He is the author of The Sustainable Building Bible, Simply Sustainable Homes and Anaerobic Digestion - Making Biogas - Making Energy: The Earthscan Expert Guide. I did think about expanding foam, cutting off excessive would be easy and making blend in shouldn't be too hard althoug I did wonder if it would go a bit rigid over time compared to silicon....but I guess it'll paint over better than silicon ever would. Fabric draught excluder - Usually long and chunky tubes placed in front of the door when you're settling down in a room. They prevent air loss from underneath the door frame and tend to come in attractive designs. However, they may need moving to open and close the door.

Draughty homes are uncomfortable. It’s also a waste of money if the heat that you’ve paid for escapes through gaps and cold air comes whistling in from outside. The good news is that draught-proofing is easy and our DIY draught-proofing guide will help you plug those gaps and stay cosy at home. STOP THE PRESS! StopGap was chosen once again by The Guardian as one of the best ways to protect your home from the cold.Make sure you keep outside ventilation in areas where there are open fires or flues, and in rooms where moisture is produced, such as kitchens and bathrooms. For other ways to save, head to our guide on how to save on your energy bill. Draught proofing tips for renters