Why draught excluders are out in the cold

THEIR grandparents kept out the cold by layering up, filling hot water bottles, and other tricks like coating their windows in cling film.

But it would appear today’s youth have inherited none of the energy-saving savvy of past generations – and some do not even know what a draught excluder is.

Young people are not confident enough to use traditional methods to stay warm, according to a survey of ages 18 to 34, by energy charity Nesta.

The charity found one in five adults said they would not feel confident turning down their thermostat (19pc), while more than one in three (36pc) would not be comfortable bleeding radiators.

And, according to the BBC, students are more oblivious to easy ways to improve energy efficiency, with several telling the Today programme that they did not know how to use a draught excluder. Draught excluders can reduce heat loss under doors by as much as a third. A basic draught excluder sells on Amazon for around £10.99, although they can also be made by hand, using rice or lentils as stuffing.

Draught-proofing windows and doors could save households approximately £60 a year, according to the Energy Saving Trust. Nesta found one in three across all age ranges did not feel confident turning down boiler flow temperature despite it providing one of the highest energy savings.

This can save around 6 to 8 per cent on gas bills, according to a report by the Heating and Hot Water Council.

Energy experts have said reducing the flow rate on a combination boiler could slash more than £100 off heating bills.

The survey, of 2,000 people, also revealed 28pc said they did not feel confident putting foil or reflectors behind radiators, compared to just 10pc of over-55s.