Homeowners can identify potential heat loss in their properties through several indicators, according to experts. Cold draughts around windows, doors, and loft hatches are a common sign, which can be detected using a candle, smoke pen, or a thermal leak detector.
Misting or water trapped between the panes of double glazing can point to a failed sealed unit, potentially reducing the window's insulating effectiveness, according to Antony Heath, marketing and development director at Glevum Windows.
Condensation on the inside of windows, especially in the morning, may signal cold surfaces where heat is escaping, notes Oliver Novakovic, technical and innovation director at Barratt Redrow. This can be exacerbated by poor ventilation or older single-glazed windows.
If a home consistently struggles to maintain a comfortable temperature despite the heating being on, it could be losing heat through walls, floors, or the roof. Uneven room temperatures may also indicate that radiators are not functioning correctly or that heat is escaping faster in certain areas.
A roof where snow melts quickly compared to neighbouring properties, or which is a hotspot for birds, can suggest heat is escaping. An older or uninsulated home may lose as much as 25% of its heat through the roof.