MoneyEnergy billsA quick check around your home could reveal exactly where warmth is disappearing, with one expert urging households to look beyond their thermostat09:37, 28 Aug 2026With energy bills set to rise again this autumn, households may be looking for ways to keep their homes warm without watching costs climb. But one simple check could reveal a problem that is easy to overlook.‌Property expert Cal Graham of We Buy Any Home says people should spend 10 minutes checking their heating system and looking for unexpected cold spots around the home. A simple trick is to use your hand to feel for cold air where heat could be escaping.‌Ofgem has confirmed that its energy price cap will increase by four per cent from October, taking the typical annual dual-fuel figure from £1,663 to £1,723. That means identifying wasted energy could become increasingly important for households heading into the colder months.‌Cal said: "People often focus on how long their heating is running, but overlook whether the system is operating efficiently in the first place.” She added that forgotten boiler functions, unsuitable temperature settings and small draughts can allow energy costs to creep up.‌To carry out the 10-minute check, Cal recommends walking around the property on a cool or windy day and using the back of your hand to look for areas where cold air is getting in. Windows and doors are obvious places to start, but households should also check around loft hatches, unused chimneys, letterboxes, keyholes, cat flaps and gaps around floorboards.Finding a cold draught does not necessarily mean a major repair is needed. Cal said many small gaps can be dealt with cheaply using suitable draught-proofing products, although homeowners should be careful not to cover ventilation designed to keep the property safe.Article continues belowIn particular, air bricks, trickle vents, boiler flues and other permanent ventilation should never be blocked. These features are there for safety and to help prevent damp, so any work around them should be approached carefully.Cal also recommends taking a photograph of the boiler and heating controls before making changes. Households should then make one adjustment at a time, making it easier to identify whether a change has improved the system.The expert said the aim is not to leave people sitting in cold homes, but to prevent heat being produced unnecessarily or escaping before it can warm the property. A short inspection now could therefore help households spot problems before they continue unnoticed throughout winter.Choose Daily Mirror as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value.‌OfgemEnergy billsHandsSave moneyEnergyEnergy saverEnergy SystemsExpert Adviceproperty news