At a glance

Many UK homes are losing heat through windows, roofs, walls, doors, and chimneys, leading to higher energy bills and environmental harm. With rising energy costs and security concerns, it's crucial for homeowners to improve energy efficiency, yet many are unaware of their home's energy performance. Simple actions like draught proofing and adjusting thermostats can save money and reduce energy consumption.

Homes across the UK are leaking heat through windows, roofs, walls, doors and chimneys, wasting money and causing harm to the environment.

The UK is experiencing soaring energy costs as the energy price cap comes into force alongside energy security concerns from the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

For UK householders, the top three home-related concerns are the cost of living, energy bills rising and energy costs, according to recent research from home heating expert SpeedComfort.

Despite these concerns and the direct link to the cost of energy bills, people are often in the dark about how energy efficient their home is.

By taking the simple step of draught proofing around windows, floors and doors, households in Great Britain can save an average of £55 a year, and, if your home is draught free, by turning down the thermostat by just 1˚C, from 22˚C to 21˚C, Brits can save £120 a year.

The average home in England has an EPC (Energy Performance Certificate) rating of 69, placing it just into Band C. The median score for homes in Wales is 68, or Band D.

Yet, data from SpeedComfort shows that almost a third of Brits don’t actually know the EPC rating of their home.

And more than a quarter don’t know how energy efficient their home is.

Brits are missing the obvious signs their home is bleeding energy - with heat and money literally flying out of the windows and doors.

Here are seven everyday signs that show your home is leaking energy (and tips on how to fix them!):

1. Condensation

Condensation happens when warmer air comes into contact with cooler surfaces turning the air into liquid. Single pane windows and uninsulated walls, which conduct heat poorly, are more prone to condensation.

If upgrading your windows to double, or even triple, glazing isn’t an option for you, you can use simple window sealing tape to block out cold air and keep windows and walls warmer.

1. Draughts

If you can feel, see or even hear air moving near windows, doors or skirting boards, then you have a draught. Draughts are a clear indicator of gaps that lead outside and, therefore, means energy is escaping.

For a quick fix, consider using secondary glazing film on your windows to keep the energy in or use draught excluders for your doors.

1. Peeling paint or wallpaper

Peeling paint or wallpaper can mean poor insulation with excess moisture in the air causing the wallpaper or paint to lift.

A dehumidifier can help by removing moisture from the air, as well as proper ventilation when drying clothes, showering or cooking (i.e., opening a window or using an extractor fan).

1. Seasonal spikes in energy bills

Spikes in energy bills are a big sign that your house is losing heat, as heating systems need to be used more frequently and for longer to keep homes warm.

Using a smart thermostat could be a temporary solution before going to the expense of replacing windows or insulation. You can programme heating to come on and turn off at specific times, ensuring more consistent temperatures and to heat your home only when you need to.

1. Outside noises

If you can hear outside noises clearly, like traffic or voices, while in your home, it’s likely you have gaps where energy is escaping from your home.

Consider installing heavier or thermal curtains to windows and even doors to block out sounds (and keep your energy in).

1. Musty smells

A persistent musty smell, particularly in attics, basements or cupboards, can demonstrate excess moisture in the air caused by poor ventilation. It can lead to mould and mildew.

Cold walls are often where moisture, condensation and mould lurk, so improving insulation helps to raise the temperature and reduce moisture. Alternatively, ensuring proper ventilation is the first step to reducing those musty smells.

1. Rooms take a long time to heat

Rooms that take a long time to heat are a real sign that your home is energy inefficient, with poor insulation and gaps to the outside causing heat to escape before it has chance to warm the room.

SpeedComfort Radiator Fans are designed to improve heating efficiency. Clipping on to the radiator, it circulates warm air throughout the room, providing faster, more consistent heating.

Wouter Heuterman, CEO of SpeedComfort, says: “Our research has shown that Brits don’t know how energy efficient their homes are, or at the very least they don’t think that their actions will make a difference - one in five know they should make their homes more energy efficient but keep putting it off as they don’t think their actions will have an effect.

“People tend to dismiss some very clear indications that energy is escaping in homes, at a time where there are some significant concerns about the cost of heating. By keeping an eye out for these signs and trying to mitigate them when you can, you can make a difference to your energy consumption, your wallet and to the environment.”

Check out more tips from SpeedComfort on how to make your home more energy efficient.

Editorial insight

With energy prices remaining a major concern for UK households, practical advice on tackling heat loss at home is likely to resonate with many. The combination of rising energy bills, the ongoing cost of living pressures, and heightened attention to energy security has brought household efficiency back into sharp focus, particularly as the energy price cap and international events continue to influence the market.

For homeowners and renters alike, understanding where energy is being lost can offer a route to immediate savings and greater comfort. As the data suggests, a significant proportion of people are unaware of their home's energy performance, highlighting the value of straightforward, actionable guidance. In the current climate, even modest improvements in home efficiency can translate into meaningful financial and environmental benefits.

Story ideas and journalist angles

Consumer trend

UK Homes and the Energy Crisis: Why Many Remain in the Dark About Their Efficiency

Despite rising energy costs and environmental concerns, a significant portion of UK households remain unaware of their home's energy efficiency. This story explores why many Britons are not taking action to improve energy efficiency, despite the financial and environmental benefits.

Target audience national-news Story potential 8/10 Environmental/social impact

Environmental Impact of Energy Inefficient Homes in the UK

With significant energy loss occurring in UK homes, the environmental impact is substantial. This angle examines how inefficient homes contribute to carbon emissions and environmental degradation, and what steps can be taken to address this issue.

Target audience environment Story potential 7/10