Top 10 Innovative Hacks to Identify and Fix Draughts Around Your Home

Draughts can make your home uncomfortable and increase your energy bills without you even realizing it. Cold air sneaking in through gaps and cracks can lower indoor temperatures and force your heating system to work harder. Finding and fixing these leaks is one of the simplest ways to improve comfort and save money. This article shares ten practical and creative methods to detect draughts around your home and easy solutions to seal them effectively.

Applying draught seal to window frame

1. Use a Candle or Incense Stick to Detect Air Movement

A classic and simple method to find draughts is to use a candle or incense stick. Light the candle or incense and slowly move it around suspected areas such as window frames, door edges, skirting boards, and electrical outlets. Watch the flame or smoke carefully. If it flickers or the smoke wavers, that indicates air movement caused by a draught.

Tip: Do this test on a windy day or when heating is on to maximize the chance of detecting leaks.

2. Feel for Cold Spots with Your Hand

Sometimes the easiest way is the most effective. Run your hand slowly along walls, window frames, door seals, and floor edges. You may feel a noticeable chill where cold air enters. This method works best when the indoor temperature is warm and the outside is cold.

Example: Check around letterboxes and keyholes, which often have small gaps that let in cold air.

3. Use a Thermal Imaging Camera

Thermal cameras detect temperature differences and can visually show where cold air is entering your home. These cameras are becoming more affordable and can be rented or borrowed from some hardware stores or libraries.

How it works: The camera displays a color map where cooler areas stand out, highlighting draughty spots invisible to the naked eye.

Learn more: Energy Saving Trust on thermal imaging

4. Check for Gaps Around Electrical Outlets and Switches

Electrical outlets and switches on external walls are common draught sources. Remove the cover plates carefully and feel inside for cold air. You can also use the candle or incense method here.

Fix: Use foam gaskets behind the outlet covers or seal gaps with fire-resistant sealant designed for electrical fittings.

5. Inspect Chimneys and Fireplace Dampers

Even when not in use, chimneys can let in cold air if the damper is open or poorly sealed. Check the damper and close it tightly. If you don’t use the fireplace, consider installing a chimney balloon, an inflatable device that blocks airflow.

More info: Chimney balloon installation guide

6. Use Plastic Film Insulation on Windows

Windows are a major source of heat loss and draughts. Applying clear plastic film insulation kits during colder months creates an extra barrier against cold air. These kits are inexpensive and easy to install with double-sided tape and a hairdryer to shrink the film tight.

Benefit: This method reduces draughts and improves window insulation without replacing windows.

7. Seal Gaps Under Doors with Draft Excluders

Gaps under external doors can let in cold air and dust. Use draft excluders such as door sweeps or fabric draft snakes to block these gaps. For a DIY option, roll up a towel or use weatherstripping tape.

Example: Attach a rubber or brush door sweep to the bottom of the door for a long-lasting seal.

8. Inspect and Seal Loft Hatches and Attic Access Points

Loft hatches and attic doors are often overlooked but can be a significant source of draughts. Check the edges for gaps and seal them with weatherstripping or foam tape. Adding insulation around the hatch can also improve energy efficiency.

Tip: Use magnetic strips for easy-to-remove loft hatch seals.

9. Use Smoke Pens or Incense for Hard-to-Reach Areas

For tricky spots like behind radiators or around complex window frames, smoke pens or incense sticks provide a visual way to detect airflow. The smoke will drift toward any gaps, revealing hidden draughts.

Safety note: Always use smoke sources in well-ventilated areas and away from flammable materials.

10. Apply Expanding Foam Sealant for Large Gaps

For bigger cracks around pipes, vents, or wall joints, expanding foam sealant is a strong and effective solution. It fills irregular spaces and hardens to block air leaks. Use carefully and follow manufacturer instructions to avoid overfilling.

Example: Seal gaps around plumbing pipes entering the house to prevent cold air and pests from entering.

Finding and fixing draughts around your home can make a noticeable difference in comfort and energy bills. Start with simple tests like the candle or hand method, then move on to more advanced tools like thermal cameras if needed. Use appropriate sealing materials for each type of gap, from weatherstripping and draft excluders to foam sealants and plastic films.