Ways to protect your home and stay warm when temperatures drop to below zero

The Met Office says Arctic air is sweeping across the UK this week and temperatures are set to plunge. Frosts are expected in many areas, and homes could get bitterly cold. But staying warm and protecting your home doesn’t have to cost a fortune. With a few simple steps and small purchases, most under £25, you can keep cosy and avoid costly winter damage.

Protect your pipes

Winter is the time when pipes are most at risk. Exposed pipes in lofts, garages, or under sinks can freeze and burst, leaving you with a soggy mess and hefty repair bills. Wrapping pipes in foam insulation is cheap and effective. You can pick up rolls for £5-£10 at B&Q, Wickes, or Screwfix. Simply cut to size, snap it around your pipes, and secure with tape.

Other things that can help include opening cabinet doors under sinks to let warm air circulate. And letting a small trickle of water run from taps on outside walls to prevent freezing. Even leaving your heating on low – around 13°C - while away keeps the whole house at a safe temperature and protects pipes from bursting.

Keep the heat inside

Cold air sneaking in through doors and windows can make a warm room feel freezing. Weatherstripping and caulk are inexpensive ways to seal gaps, costing £5-£10, and can save up to £50 a year on heating bills. Draughts at the bottom of doors can be blocked with door snakes, brush panels, or homemade versions from old socks filled with rice. These cost just a few pounds and make a noticeable difference.

Thermal liners or even cheap shower curtain liners tucked behind curtains trap heat inside. You can find these for under £10 at DIY stores or online, and they could cut £20-£40 off your heating bills. Adding a rug to bare floors also prevents heat loss and keeps your feet warm. A small rug under £15 works wonders.

Block heat escaping up the chimney

If you have an unused fireplace, a chimney balloon is a good investment. These cost around £17-£18 and prevent warm air from escaping up the flue. You can buy them from Amazon, DIY stores, or eco-focused shops. Make sure to remove it before lighting a fire, though. As leaving it in place blocks the flue and prevents smoke and dangerous gases from escaping, which could cause a fire hazard or carbon monoxide build-up

Protect your car from frost

A frosty morning can ruin your day, but you don’t need expensive gadgets to deal with it. Placing an old towel, blanket, or piece of fabric over your car’s windscreen overnight stops frost from forming. It costs nothing if you already have a spare and saves time scraping ice in the morning. You can also tuck it under the wipers so it stays in place.

General maintenance that saves money

Little maintenance tasks can help avoid expensive damage. Clearing leaves and debris from gutters stops water pooling and forming ice dams, which could cost hundreds in repairs.

Finally, know where your main stopcock is. If a pipe bursts, acting quickly can save thousands in damage. Just make sure everyone in your home knows how to turn it off.

With a bit of foresight, some inexpensive products, and simple preventative steps, you can stay warm and avoid winter mishaps. Spending under £25 on the right items now could save you a lot more later - and keep your home cosy during the first cold spell of the year.