Heating & Warmth
Heating & Warmth Solutions for UK Homes
Draught excluders, thermal curtains, smart radiator valves and insulation tricks — stay warm without blasting the boiler.
The problem
Why UK homes lose so much heat
Around a third of UK homes still have single-glazed windows or poorly sealed double glazing — especially in pre-1990 builds. Cold glass surfaces chill the air next to them, creating draughts that pull warmth away from where you're sitting. Even heavy curtains can't fully stop the radiant heat loss through old frames.
Draughty doors, letterboxes and keyholes are just as guilty. A gap of just 3mm under a door is the equivalent of a small window left open all winter. Many renters can't replace doors or fit permanent seals, so cheap, removable draught-proofing becomes essential.
Radiators mounted on external walls lose a surprising amount of heat straight into the brickwork behind them — up to 40% by some estimates. Uninsulated lofts and wall cavities compound the problem. The good news: small affordable fixes like reflector panels, foam strips and thermal curtains can cut heat loss by 15–25% before you even touch the boiler settings.
Buying guides in this category
All buying guides →Best Draught Excluders for UK Doors & Windows
Foam strips, brush seals and letterbox covers ranked by ease and effectiveness.
Read guide →Thermal Curtains: Do They Actually Work? (We Tested Them)
We hung three brands in a 1930s terrace and measured the temperature drop with a thermal camera.
Read guide →Best Smart Radiator Valves (TRVs) for UK Homes 2026
tado, Hive and Drayton Wiser compared — which app is least annoying?
Read guide →Radiator Reflector Panels — Worth It or Waste of Money?
£20 of foil-backed board behind a rad: we measured before and after with a thermometer.
Read guide →Best Window Insulation Film for Single-Glazed Windows
The £12 DIY kit that stops the draught without damaging paintwork.
Read guide →Cheap Ways to Keep a Cold Room Warm Without a Heater
Eight renter-friendly fixes under £30, ranked by how much warmer they actually feel.
Read guide →Top products in this category
Keep Warm UK Tip
Start with draught-proofing
Curated kit
The Cold Room Quick Fix Kit Under £80
Five products that, used together, plug the most common heat-loss points in a typical UK flat — no tools, no landlord permission needed.
Self-adhesive draught strip
£65m roll of EPDM foam — seals gaps up to 5mm on windows and doors.
Door bottom draught excluder
£12Brush or rubber strip that screws or slides on — stops floor-level chill.
Thermal blackout curtains (pair)
£28Thick lined fabric that blocks cold air falling from the glass.
Radiator reflector panel
£22Foil-backed board that reflects heat back into the room instead of into the wall.
Window insulation film kit
£14Shrinks tight with a hair dryer — invisible draught barrier for single glazing.
Prices approximate, checked June 2026. Affiliate links — we may earn a small commission.