Central heating is expensive, but insulating the first real step towards cheaper warmth can be comparatively cheap. Most of the heat escapes through the roof, so (if it has not already been tackled) this is the place to start. Short of foam injection of cavity walls (usually possible in newish houses, and very expensive at that)wall insulation and wall fabrics give more warmth than paint or paper. An alternative to double-glazing which, cost wise, is the highest in terms of value-for-money) is either to put old shutters back into working order or to have thick curtains lined and interlined, or two rows of curtaining. Whichever you choose, remember that a sound principle of insulation whether from heat, cold, or or noise is to trap a layer of air between two layers of material. ‘Material’ may mean anything from tweed to glass depending on the limits of your budget and your personal preferences.
