Cold Living Room

[kstandsteve]

My living room has always been the coldest room in the house but this week has been terrible.

The house is a newish house built by Crosby homes around 18 years ago and will have cavity wall and some insulation altho not to todays std.

The room measures approx 22' x 14' and has one large double fin radiator 5.5' x 2'. We do have our setee up against the rad.

There is a large bay window single glazed to one end of the room and a double glazed patio door to the other.

We have an open gas fire with traditional chimney.

Firstly I can feel a draught coming down the chimney - what can I do about this?

Where should I start with trying to improve the situation?

Cheers

 

[Bodgeit and scarper ltd]

Cold house! all I have is one small fire to heat the whole place. I have to go outside to warm up.

 

[tapir]

If you're not using the fireplace, get yourself a chimney balloon - we have one in our bathroom, and the difference it makes is great. If you don't want to spend money on a chimney balloon, you can always stuff the flue with newspaper and rags - just make sure you remember they're up there should you ever think of lighting a fire

 

[ColJack]

get the bay window double glazed for a start... fitted with "k-glass" as well ( the stuff that reflects heat back into the room.. )
a pair of heavy and lined curtains for the patio doors..
and move the sofa.. it's called a radiator for a reason.. a lot of the heat is being radiated into the back of the sofa...

 

[kstandsteve]

Cheers for replies.

I have heard something about chimney balloons but sure as eggs are eggs someone would light the fire with it up there!

Yes I was sure the setee wasnt helping. Bit difficult to rearrange due to room layout. I have pulled the settee away to leave about a foot gap.

For sure we need to replace the windows at some point - cant afford to do the whole house so maybe just do the living room but then I could have to match them when we can afford the rest.

How efficient is secondary glazing?

We have pretty havy curtains but doesnt help during the day.