Bhg
  • Shop
  • News
  • Food
  • DIY
  • Garden
  • Renovating
  • Decorating
  • Health
  • TV
  • Hard to Find
Bhg
  • Shop
  • News
  • Food
  • DIY
  • Garden
  • Renovating
  • Decorating
  • Health
  • TV
  • Hard to Find
Subscribe
  1. Home
  2. Better Life

How to keep out cold draughts

Retain heat in your home and make it more comfortable. - by Better Homes and Gardens
  • 18 Jun 2021

Even when the heating is on full blast, nothing will remind you of how miserable the colder months can be like a cold draught slinking into the room.

WATCH: Tara creates a cosy winter living room

Sometimes a cosy throw or a portable heater by your feet on a cold day isn't enough, especially when the cold air from outside is still getting in. 

Save cost on your heating bills by sealing cracks, gaps and exhaust vents. This simple method is a quick and cost-effective alternative and will increase the comfort of your home. 

Spend an hour or two improving your home’s defences against the cold and you'll stay warm and cosy this winter! Here's how. 

1. Seal around windows

Adhesive draught strip is inexpensive and super-easy to apply, yet it can make an amazing difference. It’s sold in a range of colours and is suitable for sealing small 3-5mm gaps around windows and doors. Draught strip is often sold in a double-width roll that can be torn down the middle as required.

draught stopper
Getty

2. Winterproof your doors

On exterior doors, attach a suitable weather seal. There are many different types available, ranging from heavy-duty storm-resistant models to self-sealing versions that swing up and out of the way when the door is opened. Use a simple draught excluder (or door snake) to block the passage of cold air from unheated rooms into adjacent living areas.

3. Fill larger gaps

Sometimes draughts can enter through gaps between structural elements such as the edge of the wall and the doorjamb. This can often be a problem in older houses, or after a new door has been put in as part of an extension or renovation. Spray expanding filler into gaps of this kind, and once cured, simply cut away the excess with a utility knife.

carpet on floor boards
Getty

4. Lay rugs on timber floors

These days, floating floors are all the rage, and the underlay beneath them normally stops draughts in their tracks. If you have an older home, though, and you have solid timber floorboards attached directly to joists, the gaps between them may allow cold air to creep in. Roll out a thick, deep-pile rug to cover them up – it feels much nicer under bare feet, too!

5. Cover exhaust vents

As much as 30 percent of the heat lost from a home can be due to the movement of air through exhaust vents that are not in use. The solution is to attach self-closing covers over the outlet of the exhaust duct on the exterior of your home. Choose a gravity-operated design that swings open easily when the fan is spinning, but seals tight to prevent heat loss when it’s switched off.

  • DIY
  • Better Life
Better Homes and Gardens
Better Homes and Gardens
Australia's favourite TV show, magazine and website.

Treat yourself to a subscription-Save up to 25%

Plus, your chance to win

Subscribe Now
Treat yourself to a subscription

Treat yourself to a subscription-Save up to 25%

Plus, your chance to win

Subscribe Now
Treat yourself to a subscription

Recommended to you

YOU’LL NEED A WEDGE TO HANG THAT DOOR
Watch 6:32

YOU’LL NEED A WEDGE TO HANG THAT DOOR

{headline}

{headline}

How to fix the gaping flaws in your floors

How to fix the gaping flaws in your floors

The best mould removal products

The best mould removal products

How to prevent mould growing in your wardrobe

How to prevent mould growing in your wardrobe

Does your airbnb have a hidden camera?

Does your airbnb have a hidden camera?

{headline}

{headline}

Our top picks of the best dryers to take for a (gentle) spin

Our top picks of the best dryers to take for a (gentle) spin

The best dehumidifiers to use on wet and muggy days in Australia

The best dehumidifiers to use on wet and muggy days in Australia

My horse Willow: Rachel’s story

My horse Willow: Rachel’s story

{headline}

{headline}

The best umbrellas in Australia that are worth investing in right now

The best umbrellas in Australia that are worth investing in right now

The best oil heaters to brace yourself for the cooler nights ahead

The best oil heaters to brace yourself for the cooler nights ahead

10 best electric blankets for a toasty night's sleep

10 best electric blankets for a toasty night's sleep

9 of the best energy efficient portable heaters for colder months in Australia

9 of the best energy efficient portable heaters for colder months in Australia

The best electric, stove and temperature variable kettles for making a cup of tea

The best electric, stove and temperature variable kettles for making a cup of tea

Dr Harry deals with problem chickens

Dr Harry deals with problem chickens

12 of the warmest flannelette sheets you can buy

12 of the warmest flannelette sheets you can buy

Bhg
  • About Us
  • Subscribe Today
  • Contact Us
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
Bhg Magazine Subscribe
  • About Us
  • Subscribe Today
  • Contact Us
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy

Brands

  • All Recipes
  • BHG Shop
  • Girlfriend
  • Home Beautiful
  • New Idea
  • New Idea Food
  • Practical Parenting

Our Network

  • marie claire
  • Beauty Crew
  • Who
  • Women's Weekly Food
  • Bounty Parents
  • That’s Life
  • Perth Now
  • The West Australian
  • 7Plus
  • 7mate
  • 7NEWS
  • 7Sport
  • Sunrise
  • Starts at 60
  • Hard to Find
© 2022 Are Media PTY LTD
All products are independently selected, tested or recommended by our team of experts.If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Get more from Better Homes and Gardens

Magazine Subscription Offer

Treat yourself to a subscription-Save up to 25%

Shop This Offer
Treat yourself to a subscription