One small change can soften that bite.
As evenings draw in and thermostats edge up, many households want a quick win that warms rooms without wrecking the budget. A simple draught excluder can cut that icy flow under internal doors, lift comfort fast, and trim energy use. Home Bargains now sells a seasonal option for under a tenner that does all three while looking the part on an autumn mantelpiece.
Why draughts cost you money
Cold air sneaking under a door forces your boiler or heater to work harder. Thermostats detect the drop and call for heat more often. That means more gas or electricity, longer run times, and a higher bill. Warm air you paid for gets chased away by a steady stream of outside chill or hallway cold.
Plug the gap and radiators cycle less. The room feels more stable, so you nudge the dial later in the day and sometimes down by a notch. Across a season, even small reductions add up to real savings.
A low-cost “door snake” that blocks a 5–10 mm gap can noticeably steady room temperature and reduce boiler cycling.
What Home Bargains is selling
The retailer’s seasonal pick is The Lifestyle Edit Draft Excluder Pumpkin at £9.99. It’s a soft, fabric draught stopper styled as a neat row of mini pumpkins. There are two colourways: a classic deep orange and a calmer cream. It sits flush along the base of your door to block the breeze and doubles as a playful nod to autumn.
Price: £9.99 at Home Bargains. Look: pumpkin-themed soft draught excluder in orange or cream. Job: keep warm air in, cold air out.
Key details at a glance
- Soft-filled tube designed to sit along the threshold of internal doors.
- Lightweight and easy to move; no screws, glue or tools required.
- Seasonal look that works for October decor yet stays useful all winter.
- Suitable for doors and can rest on deep window sills with gaps.
- Best for smooth floors or short-pile carpets to ensure a snug seal.
Does it actually work?
Place it tight against the door and you cut cross‑drafts that sweep heat away from ankles and toes. The temperature feels more even, and that comfort arrives quickly. Many homes lose a surprising amount of warmth to under‑door gaps in hallways where cold air pools. A well-fitted draught excluder interrupts that flow, so a lounge, nursery or home office warms faster and stays cosy longer.
It’s also flexible. Move it from the living room by day to the bedroom at night. No fixings means no marks on paint or woodwork in rented homes.
How to check if you need one
- Tissue test: hold a strip at the base of a closed door; if it flutters, you have a draught.
- Torch test: shine a light from the other side at night; any beam under the door shows a gap.
- Feel test: run the back of your hand along the threshold; cold spots signal airflow.
- Measure the gap: if you can slide a pencil under the door, a stopper will help.
How this £9.99 buy could pay for itself
Think about a typical winter month. If your heating bill sits around £120, trimming demand by just 5% saves £6. That’s the cost of a couple of coffees. A simple draught fix can achieve that by letting you switch on later, turn off earlier, or drop the thermostat a fraction. Use it for a few weeks and the purchase starts to wash its face.
On cold snaps, many families delay firing the boiler by 30–60 minutes once rooms feel more stable. That delay, repeated over a season, can shave tens of pounds from total spend. Results vary by home, door fit, and exposure, but the principle is solid: fewer draughts, fewer heating cycles.
Small change, steady gain: block the gap today and your next bill can be fractionally lower without sacrificing comfort.
Alternatives and how they compare
| Option | Typical price | Time to fit | What it’s best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Soft draught excluder (like the pumpkin) | £8–£15 | 10 seconds | Renters, quick fixes, moving between rooms |
| Self‑adhesive door seal tape | £5–£12 | 10–20 minutes | Small gaps around door frames |
| Under‑door brush strip | £8–£20 | 15–30 minutes | Permanent fit on internal doors |
| Thermal door curtain | £20–£50 | 5–10 minutes | Back doors and draughty hallways |
Make it work harder
Pair the excluder with thick socks and a throw on the sofa. Close internal doors to zone off warm areas. Bleed radiators before the first cold week to improve output. A two-minute routine can shift comfort more than you expect.
Safety, pets and kids
Soft stoppers can look like toys. Dogs and toddlers love a cuddle with anything plush. If you have chewers at home, consider a heavier, plain style for busy rooms or park this one in a child‑free, pet‑free space. Keep fabric well away from open flames, candles and direct heater fronts. Avoid blocking fire doors that must close and seal properly.
If your household includes curious pets, pick a weighted draught excluder for hallways and keep plush versions for low‑traffic rooms.
Who will benefit most
- Renters who can’t drill into doors but want a warmer lounge now.
- Period homes with noticeable gaps and chilly hallways.
- Home offices where cold feet ruin focus on long calls.
- Nurseries where a stable temperature helps naps and bedtime.
Set‑up and care tips
Place the excluder so it overlaps the frame on both sides by a few centimetres. If your floor is uneven, angle it slightly to meet the lowest point. When not in use, store it in a dry cupboard. Give it a shake weekly to fluff the filling. Spot clean with a damp cloth and mild soap; allow to dry fully before putting it back.
Final practical touches
Measure first. Standard internal doors vary, and a stopper that’s too short leaks cold at the edges. If your threshold is unusually high, a brush strip may serve better. For external doors, a curtain plus brush strip blocks stronger gusts. Use the soft pumpkin excluder where it excels: fast comfort boosts on internal doors, especially in living spaces where you’ll notice the difference all evening.
One last thought: pair the draught excluder with a 1°C thermostat reduction if you’re comfortable. That single notch can trim energy use meaningfully in many homes. Combined with a £9.99 fix at floor level, it’s a gentle way to keep warm while holding the line on costs through the long, dark months ahead.
