If your house feels cold even though the heating is running, something is stopping the warmth from circulating properly. This usually comes down to airflow, insulation, or a heating system fault.
Common causes
- Cold air escaping or warm air leaking out
- Radiators not heating evenly
- Thermostat issues
- Poor insulation
- Boiler not running efficiently
1. Heat escaping through gaps
Small drafts can make a warm house feel freezing.
Quick fixes:
- Check for gaps around windows and doors
- Close trickle vents temporarily
- Use draft excluders on doors
- Close unused rooms to keep heat contained
2. Radiators not heating properly
Cold spots mean heat isn’t circulating.
Quick fixes:
- Bleed radiators
- Check valves are fully open
- Move furniture away from radiators
- Feel pipes to see if one radiator is failing
3. Thermostat misreading the temperature
If it’s in a cold hallway, it will shut the heating off too early.
Quick fixes:
- Move portable thermostats away from cold drafts
- Replace batteries
- Increase the set temperature slightly
4. Poor insulation
Heat rises — and escapes fast if your home isn’t insulated.
Quick fixes:
- Close curtains early
- Use thermal curtains
- Add draft stoppers
- Lay rugs on cold floors
What to try first
Bleed radiators and check for drafts — these two alone fix most cold‑house issues.
When to call a professional
If the boiler isn’t reaching temperature or radiators stay cold even after bleeding.