Poll exposes worrying statistics over damp and cold conditions in UK homes

17th November 2022

A shocking 34% of the population who took part in a recent poll said they are living with damp in their homes – a cause of potentially serious respiratory health conditions.

The poll of 1,000 home owners, conducted by the Glass and Glazing Federation (GGF), also found that 1 in 5 people who responded said they only have single glazing, meaning their homes are more prone to heat loss and condensation.

The poll also found:

• 26% of those surveyed have poor ventilation in their homes
• 15% lose sleep due to home security concerns
• 22% say their windows are not fit for purpose
• 34% say their homes have condensation
• 25% said their homes have draughty windows

Quick fix cheap solutions to heat loss in the home

There are simple and cheap ways that families can improve the overall warmth of their home, such as:

• Plugging any gaps between draughty floorboards with sealant, or adding a thick underlay beneath your carpet
• Gaps around doors and windows can also be filled with silicone to stop cold air coming in
• Buy door draught-excluders (available in most high street home stores) and use with front doors and internal doors
• Buy a thick curtain for your hallway, which can help prevent chills coming through front doors
• Insulate attics

Long-term solutions to creating a warmer, more energy-efficient home

Buying A-rated windows – which means they’re among the most energy-efficient on the market, will protect your home against heat loss, condensation, and damp.

The GGF say that the average house will save around £1,800 over ten years by replacing old pre-2002 windows with A-rated double glazed windows.

In addition, buying a composite front door guarantees your home will be cosy and draught-proof.

Our doors have undergone rigorous independent testing to ensure they withstand simulated rain tests and wind speeds of up to 80mph – without any ill-effects.

They are also 17% more energy efficient than standard competitor doors.

EYG has finance options available, including a ‘buy now and pay in 12 months’ finance deal for home improvements.

Improve the overall energy performance of your home

As well as lowering your bills and creating a warmer and healthier environment, improving the energy performance of your home helps towards cutting carbon emissions.

With the Government’s pledge to cut carbon emissions by 2050, home owners are expected to do their bit to contribute.

There is already now a legal requirement, introduced in June 2022, for all new windows to include trickle vents to improve air flow and quality in homes, and reduce mould and condensation.

Other energy-efficiency tips from the GGF include:

• Switch traditional halogen bulbs to LEDs
• Defrost the ice in your freezer if it is more than ¼ inches thick.
• Track and control energy usage on your phone to keep up-to-date
• Switch off appliances and devices when you’re away
• Fix leaky taps to prevent wasting water

EYG is a member of GGF- the industry’s body for upholding standards in the home improvement industry.

For more details about improving your home’s energy performance with EYG’s finance options click here.

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