Energy bills are rising, meaning many families across the UK are looking for ways to slash their costs.
The good news is, there are plenty of ways to keep the warm in your home without breaking the bank - or reaching for that thermostat.
One DIY expert has taken to TikTok to explain the cheapest ways to keep your house insulated - including a way to imitate double glazing.
TikTok user Laura de Barra first suggested buying secondary glazing film, which looks a bit like cling film but is designed to prevent heat loss.
It could be a cost-effective solution for those who can’t afford double glazing, or those who are renting or in older homes.
“When you open up the packet, it’s almost going to look like cling film,” explained Laura, who is author of DIY bible Gaff Goddess.
“You’re going to get tape that’s going to help you fix it on to the window. Follow the instructions on the box.
“Apply your tape around the pane, pop on the plastic film.”
Laura didn't recommend a particular glazing film, and if you shop around you'll see they vary in price.
We found one pack on Amazon costing £2.75 for a sheet measuring 19cm by 13.5cm by 2cm, and another on Wickes for £4 for 5.93 square metres of film.
Laura then explained how you’ll need to use a hairdryer to tighten the film so it stays in place. The film should be transparent.
“You’re going to be able to see out the window fine. I love them. I swear by them,” said Laura.
“They’re one of the cheapest and easiest ways to keep your home insulated.”
Laura went to explain how your home can also lose a lot of heat through the floorboards - but thankfully there is an easy fix for draughts.
She recommended purchasing a flat weave rug, as this is made up of a tighter build - meaning less air is likely to get through.
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“They’re cheaper - you get much more rug for your money. The denser the rug, the less air that can come through it,” she explained.
For windows and doors, Laura explained how you can make your own draught excluders to keep cold air out, and warm air in, for free.
This trick involves using an old pair of tights and then stuffing them with old clothes, rags, socks or any other pieces of old material you have lying around.
Once you’ve stuffed your excluder, you’ll then need to stitch or tie it up, then place it where cold air is coming in - this is likely to be at the foot of your front door or the edge of your windows.
“You can make these as stunning as you want. You can make them to match your windows. They don’t have to be just boring and black,” said Laura.
“You just have to make sure that what they’re filled with is dense to stop warm air from leaving.”
