Wickes has launched five affordable home improvement products designed to reduce heat loss and lower energy costs as the UK braces for winter. The initiative, developed in collaboration with property specialist Phil Spencer, targets often-overlooked areas where warmth escapes, providing budget-friendly solutions that demand little effort to install.
Spencer pinpointed five key areas in homes where heat is commonly wasted, each paired with a practical and inexpensive fix available through Wickes. The first issue involves inactive fireplaces, which can still pull warm air upward through the chimney even when not in use. A chimney draught excluder, priced at £18.50, could cut annual heating expenses by roughly £45, according to calculations from the Energy Saving Trust. The product is easily removable and must be taken down before lighting a fire to ensure proper ventilation remains intact.
Another major source of energy waste is poorly insulated hot water tanks. Upgrading from a standard 25mm insulation jacket to a thicker 80mm version delivers comparable yearly savings, the trust estimates. Wickes stocks a British Standard-compliant hot water cylinder jacket for £25, which may fully offset its cost within a single year by better retaining heat in the system.
Radiators positioned against external walls can lose significant heat through the wall behind them. Reflector panels help redirect warmth back into the living space, potentially saving households around £18 annually. Wickes’ SuperFOIL Rad-Foam Radiator Reflector, available for £20, offers a simple retrofit solution for compatible radiators.
Loft hatches frequently leak heat through gaps, even in homes with well-insulated lofts. A snug fit, combined with additional draught-proofing and insulation, can seal these leaks effectively. Wickes suggests its White Soft Foam Draught Seal (£8) alongside its Knauf Loft Insulation Roll (£2.44 per square metre) to address the problem. Exposed pipes in unheated spaces, such as lofts or garages, pose another risk, as they can lose heat and even freeze without protection. Wickes’ Pipe Insulation, sold for £1, provides an economical way to cover vulnerable pipes.
Spencer emphasized that many homeowners mistakenly believe energy efficiency requires extensive renovations. In reality, modest adjustments, such as sealing unused fireplaces or upgrading hot water tank insulation, can produce meaningful results without requiring a substantial financial commitment. These targeted measures deliver an accessible way to improve comfort during colder weather while keeping costs low.
