Study Finds Britain’s Homes Are More Airtight Than Expected

Researchers analysed over 5,000 airtightness tests and found that, on average, homes lose less warm air through gaps and leaks than earlier studies suggested. Properties built between 1965 and 1980 were found to be the most airtight, while newer homes built after 1990 were surprisingly less so. Flats were generally tighter than houses, and homes with solid, uninsulated walls were the most likely to leak heat.

The research shows that making homes more airtight could save households money and help cut carbon emissions. If every home in Britain was upgraded to reduce heat loss through draughts, heating energy use could fall by around 15 terawatt-hours a year — roughly 7% of the UK’s total home heating demand. That would save households an estimated £840 million a year on energy bills and prevent almost 3 million tonnes of carbon emissions, supporting the UK’s target to reach net zero by 2050.