Why Is My House So Cold? Understanding Cold Drafts and How to Fix Them

Have you ever noticed that no matter how high you turn up the heating, your house still feels cold and uncomfortable? If so, you're not alone. Many homeowners struggle with cold drafts and poor insulation, which can make their living spaces chilly and lead to higher energy bills. The good news is that identifying the root cause of these drafts and addressing them effectively can make a significant difference. In this guide, we'll explore why your house might be colder than it should be and what you can do about it.

Identifying Cold Drafts in Your Home

Cold drafts occur when there are gaps or weak points in your home's insulation, allowing cold air to seep in and warm air to escape. This not only makes your home uncomfortable but also forces your heating system to work harder, increasing your energy costs.

A simple way to identify drafts is by using the candle or incense test. Light a candle or stick of incense and move it around doors, windows, vents, and electrical outlets. If the flame flickers or the smoke moves erratically, you've found a draft. You can also check for temperature differences by running your hand along walls, floors, and ceilings to detect cold spots.

Common Causes of a Cold Home

1. Poor Window and Door Insulation

One of the most frequent culprits of cold drafts is gaps around windows and doors. Over time, gaps can form around frames, and older single-pane windows may not provide adequate insulation. Even double-glazed windows can develop leaks if the seals have deteriorated.

Solution: Check for visible gaps and use caulking or weather stripping to seal them. If your windows are particularly old or inefficient, consider secondary glazing or upgrading to double glazing for better insulation. For a detailed guide on window insulation techniques, including thermal curtains and blinds, read our blog post on window insulation.

2. Inefficient or Insufficient Loft Insulation

Heat naturally rises, which means that a poorly insulated loft or attic can be a major source of heat loss. If your home feels cold despite a working heating system, your loft insulation may not be up to standard.

Solution: Ensure your loft has at least 270mm of insulation, as recommended by building regulations. Adding insulation can significantly reduce heat loss and lower energy costs.

3. Uninsulated or Poorly Insulated Walls or Ceilings

Older homes, especially those built before the 1980s, may have little to no insulation in the walls. This can lead to significant heat loss, making it difficult to maintain a warm indoor temperature.

Solution: Cavity wall insulation is an effective way to prevent heat from escaping through the walls. For solid walls, internal or external insulation options are available.

4. Draughty Floors

Cold floors, particularly in homes with suspended timber flooring, can make rooms feel much colder than they should be. Gaps between floorboards or a lack of insulation underneath can let in cold air from below.

Solution: Seal gaps between floorboards with a flexible sealant, install underfloor insulation, and consider using thick rugs to help retain heat

5. Radiator Issues and Inefficient Heating Systems

If your radiators are not working efficiently, they won’t heat your home properly. Common issues include trapped air, sludge buildup inside the system, or radiators being blocked by furniture.

Solution: Bleeding your radiators removes trapped air and ensures they heat up properly. If sludge buildup is an issue, a power flush can help. Also, ensure furniture isn't blocking the radiators. You can follow our step-by-step guide on how to bleed a radiator for detailed instructions. If your boiler is struggling to provide consistent heat, consider upgrading to a more energy-efficient model—learn more about boiler care and maintenance in our boiler care guide.

6. Central Heating Leaks

A hidden leak in your central heating system can cause a drop in pressure, leading to inefficient heating and cold spots in your home.

Solution: Check your boiler pressure gauge. If it’s too low, you may have a leak. Look for damp patches or unusual noises in your pipes and radiators. You can follow our guide on identifying and fixing central heating leaks to troubleshoot the issue.

7. Ventilation and Air Leakage

While ventilation is important to prevent condensation and damp issues, excessive air leaks can cause heat loss. Poorly sealed vents, extractor fans, and even old chimneys can contribute to drafts.

Solution: Identify unnecessary air leaks and seal them where appropriate. Install draught excluders around doors and vents, and consider chimney balloons if you have an unused fireplace.

8. Draughty Fireplaces and Chimneys

If you have an unused fireplace, cold air can easily enter through the chimney, making your room feel colder. A simple solution is installing a chimney draught excluder or a chimney balloon to block the cold air. If you use the fireplace occasionally, a chimney cap can reduce drafts while allowing smoke to escape when needed.

Want to know more about how your chimney could be causing cold drafts and how to fix it? Read our full guide on why your chimney causes a cold draft and the best ways to solve it!

In the blog, we cover:

• How the "stack effect" makes your home colder

• How to prevent heat loss with chimney draught excluders and caps

• Additional ways to keep your home warm and energy-efficient

7. External Factors

Sometimes, the cold feeling in your home isn't just about insulation—it can also be due to external weather conditions and the orientation of your house. North-facing homes, for example, receive less sunlight and tend to be colder.

Solution: Use thermal curtains to retain heat and consider external wall insulation if your home is exposed to particularly harsh weather conditions.

How to Keep Your Home Warmer and More Energy Efficient

Improving your home's warmth isn’t just about comfort—it also helps lower your energy bills and reduces your environmental impact. Here are some additional steps to take:

• Upgrade to energy-efficient windows and doors to minimize heat loss.

• Invest in a smart thermostat to optimize your heating system’s efficiency.

• Use draught excluders on doors, keyholes, and letterboxes to block cold air.

• Maximize natural sunlight by opening curtains during the day and closing them at night to retain warmth.

• Consider underfloor heating in particularly cold rooms to provide even heat distribution.

• Schedule regular boiler maintenance to ensure your heating system is functioning at peak performance

Final Thoughts