While the weather's cold and we're at home more than normal, draft-proofing your home is one of the cheapest and most effective ways to save money and energy. It also helps to reduce condensation and damp patches within the home.

Ways to draught-proof your home

• Seal any gaps using weather-stripping tape, brush strips and draught excluders

• Thermal curtains and blinds

• Carpet/rugs with underlay

• Letterbox brush or cover

Where to find draughts

Draughts from outside can make their way into your house through gaps under doors, loft hatches and even keyholes. Finding these uncovered gaps will help you stop the warm air from escaping. Here are some common areas to check:

• Windows

• Doors

• Floorboards

• Letterboxes

Draught-proofing your windows

Self-adhesive foam or rubber strips can be easily attached to window frames. Rubber strips are stronger and therefore more hard-wearing than self-adhesive foam but you can pick up both at your local DIY store.

Self-adhesive strips

There are different types available which have different thicknesses and quality, so make sure you choose the right type for your window. These are easy to attach to the inside of your window frames, and don't require any tools to fit:

• Make sure your window is clean and dry

• Taking a single strip, ensure it's long enough for one side of the window frame. You can cut this to size to make sure it doesn't get caught when the window closes. Be careful not to cut it too short; it'll leave a gap for the draught to get through

• Peel the backing paper off and gradually stick it to the frame as you go

• Avoid stretching the strip as this affects its efficiency

• Repeat for the other side of the window frame

Draught-proofing your doors

Make external doors your main priority; this is likely where the majority of the cold air will enter your property.

• Brush strip: measure the length of the bottom of your door when it's closed. Cut the strip to size so that the bristles touch the floor but don't drag too much and screw into place

• Self-adhesive strips: ensure the door frame is clean and dry, cut the strips to size and fit in place by peeling off the backing and pressing the strip into place as you go

• Use a 'sausage' draft excluder: for a temporary fix to your internal doors, fabric excluders will work

Draught-proofing your floorboards

You can block cracks in your floorboards by squirting filler into any gaps. As floorboards often contract, expand or move with everyday use, it's important to use a filler that tolerates movement - these are usually silicone-based. Look for:

• Flexible fillers

• Decorator's caulk

• Mastic-type products

Fillers come in a variety of colours, as well as for indoor and outdoor use and block gaps permanently so be careful when you apply them. Wipe off excess filler with a damp cloth before it dries. Fillers may break down over time but can be easily reapplied.

Draught-proofing your letterbox

Fit your letterbox with a spring-mounted flap. An additional interior flap or brush unit can also be fitted to neaten its appearance and further reduce draughts.