The last thing anyone wants in the depths of winter is for our homes to be sapped of warmth.

With energy costs on the rise, it's more important than ever to conserve heat.

Windows and doors are notorious for allowing draughts in, but the home experts have pointed out culprits you may not have considered like bare floors.

To help people stay warm and keep the bills down, Hiatt Hardware has shared into how households can improve heat retention as winter's icy grip takes hold.

Ryan Calvert, product expert at Hiatt Hardware, said: "By making small and cost-effective changes such as sealing your floorboards, insulating your chimney, and upgrading windows, you can significantly improve your home’s heat retention and save hundreds per year."

Top 5 ways to keep your home warm and save money on energy

1. Upgrade your windows

You'll get the most out of your money by stopping heat loss from windows and doors. Windows alone account for 18% of heat loss in the average home, according to the Department of Energy & Climate Change.

"Winter naturally leads to homes losing more heat, which drives energy bills higher," Ryan said. "Heat loss through gaps around the windows and doors in your home, which can account for up to 20% of overall heat loss, is often the easiest and most cost-effective issue to address."

Single-glazed windows will lose heat twice as quickly as double-glazing, so investing in a second pane can help reduce heat loss and energy costs in the long run.

For a quick and cost-effective solution, try a window insulation kit to help retain heat in your home.

2. Layer up your floors

Floors can feel icy cold during winter, even if your heating is on. Adding rugs or carpets creates an extra layer of insulation, reducing heat loss and increasing comfort during the colder months whilst adding some character to your home.

Skirting boards and floorboards are another culprit as they can expand and contract with temperature changes, leading to gaps that let in cold air.

To keep the cold air out, we recommend applying hard-setting fillers that are also flexible enough to tolerate movement such as mastic sealant or decorator’s caulk.

3. Seal gaps in your home

Gaps around windows, doors, and even floorboards can let warm air escape, forcing your heating system to work harder.

For an immediate fix, using weatherstrips on all doors and windows offers an easy and budget-friendly option Hiatt Hardwear says can reduce heat loss by up to 30%.

4. Draught-proof your chimney

An open fireplace can be a major source of heat loss, even when not in use. Adding a chimney draught excluder prevents warm air from escaping, keeping your home cosy and lowering your energy bills by reducing the need for prolonged central heating use.

But that doesn't mean you can't use your fireplace. Chimney draught excluders are not permanent and are simple to install and remove at your convenience.

5. Close off unused rooms

Heating rooms that are rarely used can be an unnecessary addition to your energy bill. While a boiler will use the same amount of energy regardless of how many radiators are on, turning off radiators in unused spaces allows the boiler to work more efficiently. This not only helps heat your home faster but also reduces overall gas consumption and costs.

To make this effective, ensure doors are closed to avoid cold air seeping through to the areas of your home you use most. We’d also suggest using door draught stoppers to block airflow under doors and maintain a consistent temperature in your primary living spaces.