The DIY draught excluder that won’t cost you a penny to make but will reduce your energy bills and keep your home warm

IT'S been a freezing cold start to the year, with icy fog and snow sweeping the nation.

Temperatures in parts of the UK dropped to -18.9°C on Saturday morning, marking our coldest January night in 15 years.

With the UK Health and Security Agency (UKHSA) and Met Office issuing health and cold weather warnings, thousands of homes have been eligible for DWP cold weather payments.

And there are plenty of us across the nation worrying about increasing energy bills.

Luckily, one heating expert has on how to draught-proof your home.

If you've noticed certain areas of your rooms feel colder than others, it's likely thanks to a draught.

They're an uncomfortable inconvenience that could even be pushing your energy bills up.

Draught-proofing is an easy and effective way to keep your home warm in the colder season - and banish those chilly spots for good.

Wouter Heuterman is the CEO at , and he's offered a handy DIY hack that won't cost you a penny - but will reduce your energy bills.

Heuterman's method tackles those pesky draughts and keeps you warm and cosy without having to crank the heating up.

All you'll need to do is rummage through your sock draws and pull out some old socks and tights.

So it's also the perfect opportunity to finally make use of those odd socks you've been too stubborn to throw out.

Heuterman told Derbyshire Live: “Try cutting an old pair of tights and stuffing them with socks, or even rice or lentils.


"This homemade draught stopper can even be a fun family craft project if you get your children involved to help decorate them!”

All you need to do is cut the tights in half, using one leg per excluder.

Then you can stuff the tights with other socks or non-perishable dry goods from the kitchen cupboard.

You can also use spare pieces of fabric or polyester pellets, if you have some laying around.

Even better - it's a 'no-sew' project, as you simply tie the end of the tights up to secure them.

Like Heuterman says, you can get the children involved and turn it into a family craft project for some entertainment too.

And it's a win for the planet, as you'll be recycling your old socks instead of chucking them away.

In addition to this, you'll be cutting your emissions from your heating bills that contribute towards climate change.