Energy bills through the roof? Five signs your house is leaking heat
From finding draughts to buying a thermal leak detector – there are simple, cost-effective ways to start sorting heat loss How to storm-proof your home, from roof tiles to garden f
By The Guardian
Energy bills through the roof? Five signs your house is leaking heat
Households can carry out a simple check for draughts and heat loss before paying for more extensive work, according to advice highlighted by The Guardian.
The test works best on a breezy day, when cold air is more likely to enter through gaps around the home. Heat the property to its usual temperature, then check areas where draughts may be getting in.
A candle or smoke pen can be moved around potential problem spots, including gaps around doors and windows. Any movement in the flame or smoke can indicate air movement.
A smoke pen costs about £20, according to the advice. Care should be taken when using a candle indoors, particularly around curtains, furniture and other flammable materials.
Another option is a thermal leak detector. These devices show temperature differences using colour: blue indicates a cold area, green represents a normal reading and red shows a warm area.
The checks can help identify parts of a home where heat may be escaping, allowing owners to investigate possible draughts before deciding whether repairs or improvements are needed.
The advice is relevant to homes across Cheshire, where identifying gaps around windows, doors and other parts of a property could help residents understand why rooms feel colder than others.