Flats can be expensive to heat and slow to warm up, particularly in older buildings or where you cannot change the heating system as a renter. Small, targeted changes — draught-proofing, heating the right space at the right time, and keeping warmth in — can make a real difference to comfort and running costs. This hub gathers practical, renter-friendly ways to stay warm for less.
QUICK ANSWER
To keep a UK flat warm without big bills, focus on three things: stop draughts around doors and windows, heat the room you are actually using rather than the whole flat, and keep heat in with curtains and simple insulation. Smart controls and efficient electric heaters help you avoid heating empty rooms.
Common problems this hub solves
Pick what you want to fix:
- Cold draughts from doors and windows Coming soon
- Rooms that cost too much to heat Coming soon
- Cold surfaces causing condensation
Buying guides
Practical, UK-focused buying guides to help you choose the right product for a small flat. We are expanding this hub — guides marked as coming soon are in progress.
- Best Smart Thermostats for UK Flats
- Best Electric Heaters for Flats
- Best Oil-Filled Radiators
- Best Draught Excluders
- Best Thermal Curtains
- Best Heated Throws
Practical advice
Problem-solving guides to go alongside the product recommendations.
Explore related topics
Frequently asked questions
What is the cheapest way to heat a flat?
Generally, heating only the room you are using with an efficient heater, while draught-proofing and keeping doors closed, costs less than heating the whole flat. The best value depends on your tariff and whether you have gas central heating or electric heating. Smart controls help by avoiding heating empty rooms.
Are electric heaters expensive to run?
Electric heaters convert all their energy to heat, but electricity costs more per unit than gas, so running a large electric heater for long periods can be costly. Use them for short, targeted warmth in one room rather than as whole-flat heating, and choose a model with a thermostat and timer.
Do thermal curtains and draught excluders actually help?
Yes, modestly. Thick or thermally lined curtains reduce heat loss through windows, and draught excluders stop cold air sneaking under doors. They are inexpensive, renter-friendly and work best combined with other measures.
BetterFlat is an independent UK home advice website. Some links on BetterFlat are affiliate links: if you buy through them, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.