How to keep your rented accommodation warm this winter

Staying warm and keeping your energy bills affordable can be challenging in rented accommodation as many Oxford houses are old and poorly insulated.  

The following offers a list of affordable ways to improve the insulation in your house with temporary DIY fixes. These practical solutions can be easily implemented and will help you retain heat and reduce energy costs.  

Please note: Make sure to use your best judgment when applying the suggested steps. Be cautious while installing curtains and window glazing film to prevent injury. Check the obligations in your rental contract to avoid being charged for damage to your house.  

1. Set your heating on a timer and set the thermostat to 19°C. Turn radiators off in empty rooms and turn the heating off if you leave the house for an extended period. 

Top tip: Set your heating to come on at 19°C when you are at home and awake, for example, first thing in the morning and when you get home in the evening. For every degree, you can save about 8% of your heating costs. 

2. Use draught blockers around doors and windows

How to use: Draught blockers can be used around windows and doors to prevent heat from escaping and cold wind from entering. These come in different shapes, sizes and forms, usually with self-adhesive strips.  

You can also block gaps underneath your doors or in your sash windows with a rolled-up towel or rug depending on what you prefer and your budget. 

Top tip: Notice if there is wind blowing from the keyhole or letterbox flap on your door you might want to block it with tape or cover with a piece of cloth. 

3. Use a radiator reflector  

How to use: Radiator reflectors go behind your radiators to prevent the heat from being absorbed in the wall, particularly in outside facing walls.  

Top tip: To prevent damage to the wall when removing the reflectors you can use damage-free stickers instead of the self-adhesive strips on the reflector or no sticker at all.  

4. Install secondary glazing film onto your windows (if not already double glazed) 

How to use: Secondary glazing film is applied to your windows using self-adhesive tape. It is available as a kit from several brands in various sizes and usually comes with clear instruction video on how to install. The air caught between the window and the film offers added insulation to the window.  

Top tip: Make sure to clean the window before applying the film. 

5. Put in a rug in your room and make sure your curtains are thick enough. Close the curtains at dusk. 

How to use: Rugs are useful on cold floors like tiles, stone, or wood. Thermal curtain liners are an easy and affordable way to double-up your curtains if these are not thick enough. The curtains will block the heat from escaping out the windows and keep cold air out.  

Top tips: You can buy cheap second-hand curtains from charity shops or get creative. You can use simple pieces of cloth, like an old bed sheet to double up the curtains you already have. 

6. Although you may not have access to your loft, it’s worth asking your landlord if they have installed or can provide any improvements to the loft insulation, as this makes a significant improvement to your energy efficiency by keeping heat in. This may be particularly useful if your rent goes up. 

7. When house hunting, check the Energy Performance Certificate which marks the efficiency of your house from A, the best, to G, the worst 

Take this into account the expected heating costs when deciding on a place to buy or rent. Buildings with an EPC rating A-C can save hundreds of £ a year on your heating bills.  

A note about condensation and mould

Regular air ventilation is important to avoid condensation, damp and mould. Ventilate your house whenever possible, even for a short period. Most properties have extractor fans in bathrooms and kitchens to help with air ventilation. Make sure that these are working properly to prevent mould and subsequent ill health. If the extractor fans are not working properly, contact your landlord and request that they be repaired or replaced. 

Estimated costs:  

Draught blockers £10 

Radiator reflector £5-£10 (per reflector) 

Secondary glazing: £5-£20 (subject to size and number of windows)  

Curtains and rugs start from £5-£10 on second hand shops   

Potential savings: 

Up to 20% of you winter heating bill 

Your five key steps to save energy: