Making home warmer for winter

Lexie48

Given the high energy prices, we’re looking at ways to make our draughty terraced house warmer ahead of the winter (though it feels a bit odd to be thinking of such things in the middle of a heatwave). Are there surveys you can get done which come up with a list of improvements you can make? If so, how much do such surveys usually cost?

markin

Start with looking at the EPC if you have one, If not look up the houses next door that are built the same way and age.

https://www.gov.uk/get-new-energy-certificate

But the basics windows, loft insulation 270mm, Are room vents for gas fires still needed? Seal around the gaps between skirting boards and floors, insulate the floors, do you have cavity walls that could be filled?

Set the boiler flow temp as low as you can go around 50c - 55c

koalakoala

Will you get any heat if the boiler is that low?

BUFF

Yes, but it will take longer to raise the room temp particularly in a traditional building. I live in an Edwardian terrace & run typically ~55C for flow. If the external temp dips down to e.g.-5C or lower I probably have to raise it a few degrees .
It won't suit everybody as it depends upon the building fabric, the heating system (incl radiator sizing) & how they live i.e. are they in or out during the day etc.

The thing for the op to bear in mind is that if they reduce the draghtiness a lot it can potentially cause issues with increased humidity & hence condensation on cold surfaces (single window panes etc.).

FreeBear

Lexie48 said: Are there surveys you can get done which come up with a list of improvements you can make? If so, how much do such surveys usually cost?

You can get thermographic surveys done which highlight areas of the property that have the highest rate of heat loss - These are best done on a cold winter day when the temperature difference between inside & out is at its highest. You can sometimes get a survey done for free via your local council.. Doesn't really help if you are wanting to do any thermal upgrades during this summer.

Assuming you have a degree of DIY inclination, the best thing to do is invest in a foam gun and a can or two of expanding foam. A gun will enable you to put down a fine bead of foam where needed unlike the cans with a built in nozzle. Go round the house and plug as many of those draughts as you can. Put some more insulation up in the loft if you have less than 200mm up there. Come the winter, book a thermographic survey, and make plans for next summer.

DRP

Lexie48 said:

Given the high energy prices, we’re looking at ways to make our draughty terraced house warmer ahead of the winter (though it feels a bit odd to be thinking of such things in the middle of a heatwave). Are there surveys you can get done which come up with a list of improvements you can make? If so, how much do such surveys usually cost?

what is draughty?
Windows/doors?
Floors?
Something else?

The list of improvements entirely depends on your specific circs. ie. there's no point anyone here listing windows if they're not causing you a problem!

twopenny

In a single glazed Edwardian house I put foil behind the radiators extending slightly around. Not pretty but the warmth reflected into the rooms was considerable so more warmth for my money.
Thermostat (room) set at 13c and on all day was cheaper than twice a day and warmer.
Blocked window draught, key holes with strips of bunched clingfilm. 
Taped foil on walls in understairs cupboard and masking tape over any hole where pipes came through. It's surprising especially from floor void.
Blocked between floorboards, laid down newspapers under carpet or vinyl. Sealer for where floor meets skirting.
And of course the old trick of a slightly damp sponge and clingfilm over window frames. Horrible job but makes a huge difference

fenwick458

Lexie48 said:

 (though it feels a bit odd to be thinking of such things in the middle of a heatwave)

not really. insulation is the answer to your problems, and in hotter parts of the world they insulate to keep the heat out. I've when working I have noticed the difference between old poorly insulated homes in the middle of a heatwave, assuming you have decent blinds, new builds remain cool and it's nice to work in them in the middle of a heatwave.
worst homes to work in during a heatwave are old properties with a dormer loft conversion with no insulation AND a conservatory stuck on the side, it's like being in an oven, coincidentally in winter it'll be freezing...