A DIY expert has shared some tips on keeping your home insulated and reducing heating bills.
As the energy crisis is set to double household bills around the UK, millions of people will be looking at ways to save as much cash as possible and keep their homes as warm as they can without breaking the bank.
TikTok user Laura de Barra's advice is now more important than ever and has found popularity on the video app.
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In a recent TikTok video, she has explained the cheapest ways to keep your house insulated - including a way to imitate double glazing.
Laura first suggested buying secondary glazing film. While it looks like cling film, it has stronger qualities and 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 with draughty windows.
“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.
The Mirror 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.”
Once the windows are sorted, it's then time to look at the floorboards as Laura explained how your home can also lose a lot of heat through the floorboards - but thankfully there is an easy fix for draughts.
Purchasing a flat weave rug that is made up of a tighter build means less air is likely to get through.
“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.
The DIY expert then went on to share how to make your own 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.”
