7 Practical Things Every Homeowner Can Do to Stay Warm
Keeping warm at home is not only about comfort. It affects condensation, mould risk, and the overall health of your property. Many homes still struggle to retain heat, particularly older buildings with ageing insulation or hidden cavity wall issues. The good news is that there are practical steps every homeowner can take to improve warmth, even when energy costs are a concern.
Below are seven sensible and realistic actions that can make a real difference.
1. Keep a Steady Temperature Where Possible
A consistent indoor temperature helps prevent walls and surfaces from cooling down too much. Cold surfaces attract condensation, which creates the conditions for mould. Ideally, living areas should stay around 18 degrees.
If you cannot afford to heat the whole house continuously, follow the “heat the people, not the house” rule. This means heating the rooms you actually use, closing doors to unused spaces, and using localised heat rather than trying to warm the entire property at once.
2. Focus Heat on the Rooms You Use Most
Living rooms, kitchens, and bedrooms tend to be the most occupied spaces. Keeping these rooms warm for longer periods is more effective than short bursts of heat throughout the house. Use thermostatic radiator valves where possible and shut doors to keep warmth where it is needed.
3. Check Your Cavity Wall Insulation
Walls are one of the biggest sources of heat loss in british homes. If cavity wall insulation is old, damaged, or has become wet, it will not perform properly. In some cases, it can even make walls colder.
Cold external walls, damp patches, or rising heating bills may indicate insulation problems. A professional cavity inspection can identify whether insulation needs replacing or removing.
4. Reduce Draughts Without Blocking Airflow
Uncontrolled draughts let warm air escape and allow cold air to enter. Simple draught proofing around doors, windows, and floorboards can help retain heat. At the same time, avoid blocking air bricks or vents, as these play an important role in moisture control.
5. Control Moisture Indoors
Moist air makes homes feel colder and increases the risk of condensation. Everyday activities such as cooking, showering, and drying clothes indoors release large amounts of moisture.
Use extractor fans, open windows briefly when producing steam, and avoid drying clothes on radiators where possible. Dry air warms more easily and feels more comfortable.
6. Allow Walls to Breathe
Furniture pushed tightly against external walls can trap cold air and prevent moisture from dispersing. Leaving a small gap behind wardrobes, sofas, and beds allows air to circulate and helps walls stay warmer and drier.
7. Get Professional Advice if Your Home Still Feels Cold
If you are doing everything right but rooms still feel cold, the issue may be hidden within the walls. Blocked cavities, failed insulation, or external brickwork problems can all reduce heat retention.
Cavitech UK specialises in cavity wall insulation, insulation extraction, and remedial work such as repointing and wall repairs. A professional inspection can identify why heat is being lost and what practical steps will improve warmth long term.
Warmth Is About Balance
Staying warm is not just about turning up the heating. It is about maintaining a sensible temperature, managing moisture, and making sure your walls are doing their job. Even when budgets are tight, focusing heat where it matters and addressing underlying issues can greatly improve comfort.
If your home feels cold despite your best efforts, Cavitech can help assess what is happening inside your walls and recommend solutions that support a warmer, healthier home.