UK households urged to 'cover keyhole' before next week
Experts have urged households to make one check to their doors this week.
UK households have been warned to "cover their keyholes" next week as even more cold weather is on its way. Last month, Storm Goretti battered the nation as temperatures took a nosedive.
The Met Office has warned there's more unsettled weather to come, including rain, wind and even snow. Looking to next week, they predict: "The weather will remain unsettled throughout the period. All areas will have further rain at times, some heavy. "Often rather windy, with further snow and ice possible in the north."
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Households have been told to prepare for the cold blast of strong winds and wintry conditions by protecting their homes.
There are simple measures you can take at home to keep warm. The Energy Saving Trust has laid out the importance of draught proofing homes to protect both the property and your health.
Draughts happen when unwanted cold air enters the home through gaps and cracks in the building. You can block these by draught proofing, which will mean you will use less energy to heat up the home.
The experts recommend looking for any gaps in the home and pointed out looking for light around doors and windows is a good place to start. You should also listen for whistling noises on windy days and see if you can feel any air coming in.
For many homes, the front door is a good place to start draught proofing. You can cover up the keyhole to stop draughts by buying a purpose-made cover that holds a metal disc over the hole.
This will prevent cold air getting in and the loss of hot air from inside the home. Keyhold covers can be found in DIY stores and online, with them costing around £2.
Homeowners can cover letterboxes with a flap or brush to stop more draughts. Gaps at the bottom of the front door should be covered with a brush or hinged flap draught excluder. Any gaps around the edges can be fixed with foam, brush or wiper strips.
The Energy Saving Trust cautioned: "Internal doors should not be draught proofed. There should be a gap beneath internal doors to make sure you get sufficient air flow throughout your home."
You shouldn't draught proof gaps in rooms where ventilation is important, such as rooms with open fires or where lots of moisture is produced such as kitchens and bathrooms.
