Five crucial heat loss spots to fix NOW that could be adding to your energy bills

ENERGY bills are set to rise yet again this April, adding further pressure to households already struggling with the cost of living crisis.

With energy costs continuing to climb, now is the time to take action to reduce your bills by tackling the heat loss hotspots in your home.

Ofgem, the energy regulator, has confirmed that the price cap will increase from £1,738 to £1,849 per year for the average dual fuel household from April 1.

This marks a £111 annual hike – or £9.25 a month – for around 22 million households on standard variable tariffs.

The rise, driven by higher gas prices across Europe and dwindling gas storage levels, is the third consecutive quarterly increase.

While the price cap is still £531 lower than its peak during the height of the energy crisis in early 2023, it’s £159 higher than the same period last year.

Luckily, we’ve rounded up the five heat loss spots you should be checking to help reduce your heating bills.

Lofts and roofs

A quarter of your home’s heat could be escaping through an uninsulated loft, according to the Energy Saving Trust (EST).

Loft insulation is one of the most cost-effective ways to combat this.

For a semi-detached home, installing 270mm of mineral wool or sheep wool insulation costs around £900 but could save you up to £230 a year, the EST claims.

That means the investment could pay for itself in just three years.

If your loft is dry and accessible, this is a job you might be able to tackle yourself.

The easiest way is to use a layer of mineral wool or sheep wool.

The EST says you can probably DIY with rolls of wool if you don’t have damp problems in your loft, but otherwise, consult a professional.

However, if you’re dealing with damp or structural issues, it’s best to call in a professional.

Avoid spray foam insulation, as it can damage your property and make it harder to sell.

Doors and windows

According to the EST, draughty doors and windows are another major source of heat loss, accounting for around 21% of the warmth that escapes from your home.

Upgrading to double glazing is the most effective solution, but with costs averaging £15,000 for a semi-detached home, it can be rather costly.

However, don’t forget to check if you’re eligible for government support – households on income-related benefits may qualify for free double glazing through the ECO scheme.

You can check your eligibility at: eco4.org.uk.

Making the switch could save you up to £140 a year.

Mr Elston said: “While the initial cost might seem high, consider the long-term benefits of energy savings, increased comfort and the advantage of using government heating schemes to offset installation costs.”

If double glazing is out of reach, draught-proofing is a cheaper alternative.

A roll of self-adhesive insulation tape costs as little as £5 and could save you around £40 a year.

For a more thorough job, hiring a professional to draught-proof your home typically costs around £250, according to Which?.

Walls

If your home was built before the 1990s, there’s a good chance your walls are poorly insulated – or not insulated at all.

In fact, the EST says around a third of all heat loss occurs through walls.

According to E.on Energy, homes with cavity walls can be insulated for around £2,700 for a semi-detached property, saving you up to £240 a year.

Older homes with solid walls are more expensive to insulate, with costs averaging £7,500 for a three-bedroom semi-detached house.

However, E.on Energy says the potential savings are higher too, at around £320 a year.

Government grants are available to help cover the costs for those on low incomes or claiming certain benefits.

Floors

While walls and roofs often get the most attention, floors are another common heat loss hot spot.

The EST says insulating under your floorboards can save you around £70 a year.

For modern homes with concrete floors, insulation can be laid directly on top.

Older homes with timber floors may require lifting the floorboards to install mineral wool insulation supported by netting.

The cost of floor insulation varies, but sheep wool insulation typically costs between £18 and £25 per square metre.

For a typical home, the total cost might be around £800 – a small price to pay for the long-term savings and added comfort.

Boilers

An inefficient boiler can also be a major source of heat loss, particularly if you’re still using an older model with a water tank.

These tanks can lose heat over time, forcing your boiler to work harder and driving up your energy bills.

Upgrading to a modern combi boiler is the most effective solution, but if that’s not an option, consider insulating your water tank instead.

A boiler insulation jacket costs as little as £18 and could save you around £40 a year.

It’s a quick, easy fix that can make a noticeable difference to your energy efficiency.

The Government recently increased the grant incentive it’s offering households to fit the devices from £5,000 to £7,500 – known as the Boiler Upgrade Scheme.

With energy bills set to rise again in April, there’s no time to waste.

By tackling these heat loss hotspots now, you can make your home more energy-efficient, reduce your bills, and stay warm throughout the winter.

Whether it’s insulating your loft, draught-proofing your windows, or upgrading your boiler, every small change adds up to big savings.

As Ofgem chief executive Jonathan Brearley said, “No price rise is ever welcome,” but by investing in energy efficiency now, you can protect yourself from future hikes and build a more sustainable, cost-effective home.