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WINTER is right around the corner.
And while millions of Brits feel like they were robbed of a good summer, it’s important for your purse not to be robbed by winter energy bills.
September usually marks a turning point in the weather as temperatures start to fall and the evenings get darker.
It’s also the same time that Brits get nifty with preparing for the cold weather, and ensuring they’re not spending needless money on energy bills when the chill kicks in.
Fortunately, this just got a lot easier thanks to a new gadget from Lidl.
Set for release in store on Sunday, the Livarno Home Draught Excluder will cost you a cool £4.99.
The product description reads: “Keeps out cold air – helps reduce heating costs.”
The nifty tool is also made partially with recycled polyester, with the whole interior stuffing being made of repurposed plastic.
It is designed to cover gaps around doors and windows to block cold air from seeping into your home.
Lidl’s new Livarno Home Draught Excluder is 90cm long, and it comes in two colours; cream or dark brown.
The most common door frame width is 76.2cm in England and Wales, or 72.6cm in Scotland.
That means the foamy gadget will likely cover the full width of your door, and thus any gaps underneath it that may let a draught in.
It is said draught excluders can reduce heat loss and save up to 30 per cent on energy bills in extreme cases, and 10–20 per cent in less extreme situations.
Cushion draught excluders like Lidl's are brilliant because they require no insulation, glue or drilling, are super cheap compared to replacing windows or doors, and are renter friendly.
They can also be washable for easy maintenance.
And depending on the design, they can be a festive decoration if you choose one in a seasonal design, such as Christmas-themed.
Lidl's draught excluder is also really well-priced - , for example, is £7.
.
If you're looking for a more permanent solution to a door or window draught, then consider draught excluder strips.
B&Q's 5m For Doors And Windows is only £4.99 and easy to apply.
Simply peel off the wrapper and stick around your window and door frames.
Property expert Joshua Houston shared his tips.
1. Curtains
"Windows are a common place for the outside cold to get into your home, this is because of small gaps that can let in air so always close your curtains as soon as it gets dark," he said.
This simple method gives you an extra layer of warmth as it can provide a kind of "insulation" between your window and curtain.
2. Rugs
"Your floor is another area of your home where heat can be lost and can make your home feel chilly," he continued. "You might notice on cold days, that your floor is not nice to walk on due to it freezing your feet.
"Add rugs to areas that don’t already have a carpet, this provides a layer of insulation between your bare floor and the room above."
3. Check your insulation
Check your pipes, loft space, crawlspaces and underneath floorboards.
"Loose-fill insulation is very good for this, and is a more affordable type of insulation, with a big bag being able to be picked up for around £30," Joshua explained.
4. Keep your internal doors closed
"Household members often gather in one room in the evening, and this is usually either the kitchen or living room," Joshua said.
"This means you only have to heat a small area of your home, and closing the doors keeps the heat in and the cold out."
5. Block drafts
Don't forget to check cat flaps, chimneys and letterboxes, as they can let in cold air if they aren't secure.
