How to Keep a Rental Home Warm and Efficient

By How to Prepare for a Successful Rental Viewing
Comments 35
21 Jun 2026

How to Keep a Rental Home Warm and Efficient

When the temperature drops, a rental home that is cold, draughty, or expensive to heat becomes a source of stress for tenants and landlords alike. Tenants worry about bills and comfort; landlords worry about condensation, damp, and complaints. The good news is that many of the most effective improvements are straightforward, low-cost, and can be carried out without a major renovation. From topping up loft insulation to bleeding a radiator and sealing a draught, these practical steps will help keep a property warm, efficient, and pleasant to live in throughout the colder months.

Check and Improve Insulation

Insulation is the foundation of an energy-efficient home. Start in the loft: if the insulation is thinner than 270mm, it is worth topping it up. Landlords should note that the current minimum energy efficiency standard for most private rented homes in England and Wales is an EPC rating of E, and improving insulation is one of the most reliable ways to meet it. Cavity walls can be filled by a registered installer, while solid walls may benefit from internal or external insulation, though this is a bigger investment.

For windows, especially older single-glazed units, secondary glazing or heavy thermal curtains can reduce heat loss significantly. Don't forget gaps around window frames and where pipes enter the property. A simple tube of silicone sealant or expanding foam can make a real difference. Tenants should report any obvious insulation problems, such as a freezing cold wall or a loft hatch that lets in a gale, to the landlord or letting agent.

Bleed Radiators and Balance the System

If your radiators are warm at the bottom but cold at the top, trapped air is the likely culprit. Bleeding them is a simple job that any tenant can do. Turn off the heating and let the system cool, then use a radiator key to open the bleed valve at the top of the radiator. Hold a cloth underneath, and close the valve as soon as water trickles out steadily. Repeat for every radiator.

Balancing the system is the next step. If some radiators get hot while others stay lukewarm, the flow of water may be uneven. Adjusting the lockshield valve on each radiator (usually under the protective cap on the opposite end to the thermostat) can help. Start with the radiator furthest from the boiler, and open the valves gradually. Thermostatic radiator valves (TRVs) should be fitted on most radiators so that each room can be controlled individually. If radiators are cold at the bottom, sludge may be the problem, and a power flush by a qualified heating engineer is the answer.

Seal Draughts Without Blocking Ventilation

Draughts waste heat, but you must not seal a property so tightly that damp air cannot escape. The trick is to block unwanted draughts while keeping purposeful ventilation, such as trickle vents, air bricks, and extractor fans, clear. Fit brush or draught excluders to the bottom of internal and external doors, and use self-adhesive foam or rubber seals around window frames that open. A letterbox flap and a keyhole cover are cheap and effective. For open chimneys, a chimney balloon or draught excluder can stop warm air disappearing up the flue, but remove it if you use the fireplace.

Pay attention to gaps around pipework under sinks and behind kitchen units, as these are often overlooked. If you live in a flat, check the front door—a simple seal can make a surprising difference in a communal hallway.

Use Heating Controls Wisely

The way you use your heating can matter as much as the equipment itself. Set the room thermostat to a comfortable but efficient temperature, typically between 18°C and 21°C. Program the heating to come on only when needed, and use the timer or programmer to match your daily routine. Avoid leaving the heating on constantly at a low level; in most homes, a well-timed burst of heat is more efficient.

Use TRVs to keep bedrooms cooler and living areas warmer. Turn down radiators in unused rooms, but don't let those rooms get cold enough to risk damp or frozen pipes—aim for a minimum of around 12°C. If you have a condensing boiler, check the flow temperature: setting it to around 55–60°C can improve efficiency, as the boiler condenses more effectively. Smart thermostats and smart meters can help you see where energy is going, but they are only useful if you act on the information.

Quick Wins and Everyday Habits

Small changes add up. Try these practical habits:

Close curtains at dusk to trap heat, but keep them away from radiators.
Place reflective foil behind radiators on external walls to bounce heat back into the room.
Move furniture away from radiators so heat can circulate.
Bleed radiators at the start of the heating season, and check them again if they become noisy.
Report persistent problems—such as a boiler that keeps losing pressure or a radiator that never heats up—to your landlord or letting agent promptly.
Keep internal doors closed in rooms you are not using to stop heat drifting away.

A warm rental home is not just about comfort. It protects the building from condensation and mould, keeps tenants healthy and happy, and reduces the risk of costly repairs. Whether you are a tenant or a landlord, a few hours spent on insulation, radiators, draughts, and controls will pay you back all winter long.

Property Care

Understanding Holding Deposits When Renting a Home

Take meter readings on moving day and inform suppliers of your new address. Compare tariffs, set up council tax, and update your electoral roll details.

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5 Comments

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- John Abraham says Jul 21, 2024 at 10:00am
  
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  - Robert Sonnysays Jul 21, 2024 at 10:00am
    
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Robert Sonny says Jul 21, 2024 at 10:00am

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