Follow our simple ventilation solution guide and enjoy a warmer and more comfortable home.

In the most basic sense, windbreak is to fill the gaps in the building, where heat dissipation and cold air enter. Some people turn up the heating to offset the cold wind; this can warm your home, but the escaped heating costs will increase your costs and will emit carbon dioxide (CO2) unnecessarily.

Properly windproof and insulated houses can help reduce your energy needs and carbon dioxide emissions, and save bills. Windbreaking alone is not enough. The thermal performance of a house is also affected by how we use the house.

The following are useful tips and tricks for wind protection and ventilation, including for owners of older and listed properties.

In England, Scotland or Wales, the windproof doors and windows of a typical gas-fueled semi-detached house can save you about £20 a year.

Windproof when not using an open chimney can save approximately £15 a year.

Windless houses are more comfortable at lower temperatures, so you can turn down the thermostat to save more energy bills.

If you are happy to perform simple DIY tasks, you can complete many of our windproof techniques by yourself. Installing foam strips and metal or plastic strips with a brush will greatly help isolate many parts of your home.

Older buildings also require additional care and specific materials. Consider calling a professional and always check if your building is on the list-see below for more information.

If you are not sure about anything, the best way is to seek expert advice from an installer who can assess the needs of your home.

Before closing every gap you find, it is important to remember that every property needs adequate ventilation. Proper ventilation can release moisture, keep our home fresh and dry, and prevent moisture and condensation.

Learn more about moisture and condensation solutions.

Ventilation is especially important for kitchens and bathrooms. Any room with open flames and flues must be adequately ventilated.

Do not seal or prevent:

Houses with internal gas appliances require special care. All smoke-free equipment requires ventilation to operate safely. The fixed vents required by the flueless ducts and open flue gas heaters must not be blocked.

Learn more by watching this video.

Air flows into your house through crevices and cracks. First, look for any obvious gaps-visible light under and around doors and windows is a good clue.

Listen for rattles and whistles, especially during high winds. Take a moment to feel the flowing air-the air around doors, windows, floors, beams, skirting boards, and any air conditioning units. Also check the stairs and fireplace. Usually, you can see the curtains moving, which must be a sign of draught.

The windbreaker is suitable for open windows.

Self-adhesive foam strips are cheap and easy to install, but may not last long. A long-term but slightly more costly solution is a metal or plastic strip with brushes or wipers.

Sliding window sashes need to be brushed. If you have any questions, please consult a professional.

Make sure you measure the window well; too much material, the window may not close, too little, may leave gaps.

Silicone sealant is best for windows that cannot be opened.

To replace windows, please check our information on energy-saving windows

If windproof, outdoor doors can save a lot of heat and money.

The metal disc cover of the keyhole is indispensable. Measure your letter box and install a flap or brush.

Need to fill in the gaps-use a hinged flap windshield or brush to cover the bottom of the door, and use foam, brushes or wiper strips on the edges.

The windshield is also suitable for inner doors-you can make a simple windshield out of a bag filled with spare materials. If the interior door leading to the unheated room is kept closed to prevent cold air from mixing with warm air and flowing around the house. The door between the two heating rooms does not need to be protected from wind, because no energy is lost when the hot air circulates.

With the increase of age and use, floors and skirting boards often expand, contract, and even move slightly.

Silicon-based fillers can plug any holes well-also check the gap between the skirting board and the floor.

Fillings can block permanently, so be careful how and where you use them, and wipe off any excess before they dry out. Look for:

Learn more in our guide to floor insulation.

If the chimney vent eliminator is not installed during the installation process, please ask a professional to install it. If you start a fire, remember to remove the eliminator. If you are not using a fireplace, ask a professional to put a lid on the chimney.

Silica gel packing is suitable for small gaps around pipes. Use expanded polyurethane foam to fill more significant gaps. We provide more information about insulated tanks, pipes and radiators here.

Old exhaust fan outlets may need to be filled with bricks or concrete blocks and then sealed from the inside and outside.

During the inspection, if you find a large crack on the wall, please check with a professional for possible structural problems. Fill small cracks with cement or hard filler-suitable for electrical fittings on walls and ceilings and ceiling-to-wall joists.

The attic and cellar may be colder than the rest of the house. Check whether the cold air has not entered your living space from the inside. Consider insulation, if you haven't already.

Your house is well sealed, and it is important to consider where the energy you use is generated from. Homeowners can reduce carbon dioxide emissions and lower bills by investing in renewable energy for their properties.

You can save the following CO2 emissions, depending on the existing system you replace:

Their operating costs are also much cheaper than other heating systems.

If you are considering greater investment in household energy efficiency measures, the Green Family Grant Program recently announced by the British government will provide up to £5,000 in subsidies for household energy efficiency measures. Low-income families will be eligible for grants of up to £10,000.

Learn more about the Green Home Grant Program.

Homeowners can further reduce their bills by applying for the Renewable Heat Incentive Program (RHI), which is valid until April 2021.

Older buildings offer great opportunities for energy conservation, but there are also conditions attached, especially if your house is listed as a protected area or built before 1919. The good news is that you can increase the energy efficiency of your house without compromising its historical characteristics.

The modification and addition of the listed buildings requires the approval of the listed buildings from the local planning authority.

Always check before starting any work; consent is required for buildings and their mansions or surrounding areas. A mansion can include gardens, land, and other buildings related to your home, such as stables or lawns. Agree is essential for large projects such as solar energy, water pumps, and biomass boilers-you can't simply install solar panels in your garden.

Not seeking the necessary consent is a criminal offence, and ignorance is not a viable defense. You may also need planning permission. Your local authority can advise you.

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