‘You can lose up to 35% of heat through the walls.’

It's starting to get a bit chilly up here in the frozen North. Maybe it's time to think about getting warm. Just crank the central heating thermostat up? Oh no—we can do better than that...

Windows

You can lose 20% of the heat from your house through single glazing, and through draughty windows too . A simple way to cut down on this is to fit heavy curtains (try eBay) or fit thermal linings, and draw them at night.

Double glazing is a very efficient way to cut this energy loss down, but it can be very costly. There are a number of DIY secondary glazing alternatives, some of which only last for a year, and some of which can be sued year after year:

• cling film (tip 15) (but be careful!)
• magnetic strips and rigid plastic sheets
• rigid plastic sheets fixed with clips or strips
• flexible sheets held on with Velcro

If you are going to have new windows fitted, try to find low-E glass, which will improve your energy saving, and fit reflective film to the glass, which reflects heat back into the room.

Loft

One third of your house's heat is lost through the roof, ceiling and walls, with up to 25% of the heat going through the roof, so it is vital to insulate the loft.

When I was a kid, my dad and I decided to try making our own loft insulation with newspapers. We sent off for a kit and instructions, and made buckets of yucky sludgy grey... sludge, that never really dried properly. You can also grind up newspaper and cardboard, but this involves having access to major farm machinery, so I would perhaps recommend using loft insulation already made from recycled newspaper. You can even insulate your loft with sheep's wool or a hemp derivative. But don't forget to lag the pipes and cold water tank to stop them freezing, as your house won't be keeping them warm any more.

Walls

You can lose up to 35% of heat through the walls. Cavity wall insulation, blown into the gaps between the two skins of bricks, can save a third of your heating costs. If you have solid walls, you can insulate the internal or external walls.

Draughts

Use a draught excluder on all outside doors to stop any howling gales—you can use a rolled up towel, your dog (if it's well-trained and amenable enough) or you can make your own. Keyholes and letterboxes can also create draughts, so keep them covered. Fill the gaps under skirting boards and block up your chimney (when you're not using it!) with paper, cardboard or bubble wrap to cut out draughts up the flue.

Floors

If you have stripped floorboards, make sure you block up all the gaps or insulate under the boards, and lay down rugs in the winter. If you have carpet, lay underlay.

Getting the most from your heating

To stop heat disappearing outside, or even just into the walls, fit silver foil or foam behind radiators, especially those on external walls. Make sure you lag your hot water tank too. To save energy, try turning your heating down by one degree, turn radiators off in unused rooms, fit thermostatic radiator valves and use the timer. Insulate your hot water tank.

You

Now you've insulated the house, what about insulating you? Put a jumper, have a throw for snuggling up under on the sofa, and pile an extra blanket on the bed. Slippers insulate your feet—knit or sew a pair, or make them from an old jumper.

And don't forget to look at the Christian Aid Eco-house for further eco tips.

• Visit our Ethical Living section