Why Draught Proofing Your Sash Windows Can Cut Energy Bills

Sash windows are a bespoke feature in many London homes, known for their classic design and historical charm. However, while they add significant aesthetic value, traditional sash windows can often be a major source of draughts, leading to unnecessary heat loss and inflated energy bills. Fortunately, there’s a simple, cost-effective solution that doesn’t require replacing your beloved windows, draught proofing.

At Mortice & Green, we specialise in sash window repair, refurbishment, and draught proofing. Our goal is to help homeowners preserve the elegance of their original sash windows while improving their energy efficiency. Let’s explore how draught proofing your sash windows can dramatically reduce heat loss, enhance comfort, and cut down on energy bills.

1. Understanding the Impact of Draughty Sash Windows

Traditional sash windows, especially those found in period properties, were designed long before modern insulation standards. Over time, gaps between the sashes, frames, and parting beads can widen due to wear and natural wood movement, leading to draughts. Even the smallest gaps can allow cold air to seep in and warm air to escape, forcing your heating system to work harder to maintain a comfortable temperature.

According to the Energy Saving Trust, up to 20% of a home’s heat can be lost through draughty windows and doors. In a city like London, where heating costs can be high during colder months, this kind of energy loss can significantly inflate utility bills.

2. How Draught Proofing Works

Draught proofing involves sealing the gaps and openings around your sash windows while still allowing them to function properly. At Mortice & Green, we install discreet brush pile seals within the parting and staff beads that frame the sashes. These seals create an effective barrier against cold air and prevent heat from escaping.

The beauty of draught proofing is that it’s minimally invasive. It doesn’t alter the appearance of your windows and can be completed without replacing the original frames or sashes, perfect for conservation areas and listed buildings where maintaining historical integrity is essential.

3. The Energy-Saving Benefits of Draught Proofing

1. Reduced Heat Loss
Draught-proofing eliminates the gaps that let warm air escape and cold air enter, making your home easier and cheaper to heat. With better insulation, your heating system doesn’t have to work as hard, leading to noticeable savings on your energy bills.

2. Lower Energy Consumption
By reducing the workload on your heating system, you also reduce your home’s overall energy consumption. In today’s environmentally conscious world, this is a great way to lower your carbon footprint without making drastic changes to your home.

3. Improved Thermal Comfort
Draught-proofing creates a more stable indoor temperature, eliminating cold spots and uncomfortable draughts. You’ll feel warmer in winter without needing to turn up the thermostat.

4. Noise Reduction
As an added bonus, draught-proofing can also help reduce external noise. The same seals that block cold air also act as a sound barrier, which is particularly beneficial for homes located in busy London streets.

5. Cost-Effective Energy Efficiency
Compared to full window replacement or installing secondary glazing, draught proofing is a far more affordable way to improve your home’s energy efficiency. In many cases, homeowners can recoup the cost of draught proofing through energy savings within just a few years.

4. Will Draught Proofing Affect the Look or Operation of My Windows?

Absolutely not. One of the reasons homeowners choose Mortice & Green for draught-proofing services is our attention to detail. The brush pile seals we install are slim, discreet, and colour-matched to blend seamlessly with your existing windows. We ensure that your windows remain fully functional, so you can continue to slide them open and closed with ease.

For listed properties and homes in conservation areas, our draught-proofing solutions meet all relevant guidelines, so there’s no risk of compromising the historical character of your home.

5. Combine Draught Proofing with Double Glazing for Maximum Efficiency

For homeowners looking to maximise energy savings, draught proofing can be combined with double glazing existing sash windows. This approach retains the original frames while adding modern glazing, significantly improving insulation and further reducing heat loss.

At Mortice & Green, we can retrofit double glazing into your existing sash windows, pairing it with draught-proofing for a comprehensive energy-efficiency upgrade.

Cut Your Energy Bills with Mortice & Green

Draught-proofing is one of the simplest yet most effective ways to improve the energy efficiency of your sash windows. Not only will you enjoy a warmer, quieter home, but you’ll also reduce your carbon footprint and see real savings on your energy bills. At Mortice & Green, we combine traditional craftsmanship with modern energy-saving techniques to deliver the best sash window services in London. Get in touch with our expert team today and get a quote.