Why Does My House Feel Cold Even When the Heating Is On?

(And what you can do about it - without turning the thermostat up)

There’s a particular kind of frustration that comes with being cold while the heating is running. You’ve got the radiators on, your boiler (or heat pump) is working, and yet the house still feels… chilly. Sometimes it’s a draughty feeling. Sometimes it’s cold floors. Sometimes it’s that “can’t quite get comfortable” sensation that makes you reach for a blanket even though the thermostat says 20°C.

Here are the most common reasons your home might feel cold even when you’re heating it and what you can do to fix them.

Where is my home losing heat?

These are the most common easy to fix places where we find homes across Surrey, Berkshire, Hampshire, and West London are losing heat:

• poorly insulated lofts

• draughty windows and doors

• gaps around pipes, letterboxes, and loft hatches

  
  

Start with the simplest wins: draught-proofing and loft insulation. They’re relatively low disruption and have a big impact on comfort. Here's how:

Draughts are cooling you down (even if the room temperature is “fine”)

Here’s something most people don’t realise: draughts change how you feel, not just the room temperature. Even at 20°C, moving air can make the space feel colder because it increases heat loss from your skin.

Common sneaky draught sources:

• gaps around front/back doors

• letterboxes

• old window seals (can be replaced even without replacing windows)

• unused fireplaces/chimneys

• loft hatches

• cracks in skirting boards or floorboards

What it feels like

You’re cold even though the thermostat is reading “normal”.

Best next step 

Draught-proofing is often the most immediately noticeable improvement. (Check out our Blog: Draught-Proofing in 60 Minutes.)

Loft Insulation

The recommended depth of loft insulation is 30cm/1 ft. This is higher than the height of the average joists, so here's how to do it without squashing the insulation and reducing its effectiveness.

1. Run one set of insulation between the joists.

2. Then install loft pillars.

3. Then run one set of insulation at right angles to the joists.

4. Put your boarding back down.

These are the easiest measures, but what if you want to go further, where should you look next?

Cold surfaces are “stealing” warmth from you

This one is all about radiant temperature (the temperature of the surfaces around you).

If your walls, floors, or windows are cold, they absorb heat from your body and you feel chilly even if the air temperature is okay. It’s why a poorly insulated room can feel uncomfortable at 20°C, while a well-insulated one can feel cosy at 18 -19°C.

What it feels like

The air feels warm-ish, but you still feel cold, especially near walls, windows, and floors.

Best next step 

improve insulation where you can, and focus on the “big surface areas” first:

• cavity wall insulation (if suitable)

• solid wall insulation (internal or external)

• floor insulation / thick carpet underlay

• thermal curtains or new double glazing.

Your heating isn’t distributing warmth evenly

Sometimes the home itself is fine, but the heating isn’t delivering warmth where it needs to.

Common causes include:

• radiators that need bleeding (air trapped inside)

• radiators that need balancing

• sludge or blockages in the system

• radiator size not matched to the room

• furniture blocking heat circulation

• thermostat placement (e.g., hallway is warm, living room stays cold)

What it feels like

Some rooms are cosy, others never quite warm up.

Best next step

• Check radiators: are they cold at the top? That’s usually trapped air.

• Are they cold at the bottom? This could be sludge.

• Is your thermostat in a warm area (like a hallway)? That can cause the heating to switch off before living spaces are comfortable.

Eskimo radiator installed for a customer in Richmond

You’re Heating the Air, Not the Building

If you heat your home in bursts (e.g., “blast for an hour then off”), you may be warming the air quickly but not warming the structure of the building.

This is especially common in homes with:

• high ceilings

• solid walls

• older construction

• low insulation levels

They take longer to “soak up” heat, but once warm, they hold it better.

Best next step

Consider steady, moderate heating rather than sharp spikes. This matters even more for heat pumps, which work best at consistent lower temperatures.

Humidity and Damp Can Make Your Home Feel Colder

This one surprises people: damp air often feels colder. High humidity can make it harder to feel comfortable, and it can also contribute to that clammy, chilly sensation.

It can also be a sign that moisture is building up because the home isn’t ventilating properly.

Best next step

• Use extractor fans

• Ventilate kitchens/bathrooms

• Keep trickle vents open where possible

• Consider a dehumidifier if you’re dealing with persistent damp

Furniture Placement Matters: Give Your Radiators Space

Something many homeowners overlook is how furniture placement can block heat circulation and that can actually make a room feel colder even when the heating is on.

Experts recommend leaving at least about 30 cm (around a foot) of clear space between large pieces of furniture (like sofas, armchairs, beds or bookcases) and your radiators. When furniture is pushed right up against a radiator, it traps the warm air behind it instead of letting it flow freely into the room. This can reduce how effectively heat spreads throughout the space and make your heating work harder than it needs to.

A simple reshuffle - just moving bulky items a little further away - can improve airflow and help the warmth reach you more easily. It’s a quick-win that’s totally free, and in many homes it’s one of those small changes that homeowners notice right away.

Quick comfort checklist (the “start here” version)

If your home feels cold even with the heating on, start with:

1. Draught-proofing (quick win & immediate comfort)

2. Loft insulation check (should typically be ~30cm)

3. Radiator health (bleed & check cold spots)

4. Thermostat sanity check (placement and settings)

5. Curtains, rugs, and underlay (simple surface warmth boosts)

A warm home is about more than the thermostat

When homes feel cold, people often blame the heating system, but comfort is usually about the full picture: insulation, draught control, heat distribution, and moisture.

Comfort comes from the whole home working together - insulation, draught control, heat distribution, and ventilation.

Understanding why your home feels cold is the first step to fixing it properly and is often more simple than people expect.

If you’re exploring a more efficient, lower-carbon way to heat your home, a heat pump could be a great fit. We work with homeowners across Greater London, Surrey, Hampshire, Berkshire, and surrounding counties, helping them make confident, informed decisions about heat pump installations.

Reach out to learn more and see whether your home is suitable.

What others say:

• Read our customer reviews

• See what local media and partners say about us

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my house feel cold even when the thermostat says 20°C?

Because comfort isn’t just about air temperature. Draughts, cold walls or floors, poor insulation, and uneven heat distribution can all make a home feel chilly even when the heating is technically “on”.

What’s the quickest way to make my home feel warmer?

Draught-proofing. Sealing gaps around doors, windows, and loft hatches is often the fastest and most noticeable improvement you can make.

Should I turn the heating up if my house feels cold?

Not always. Turning the thermostat up may warm the air, but it won’t fix heat loss, cold surfaces, or blocked radiators. Addressing those issues usually improves comfort more effectively and can save energy.

Why are some rooms warm while others stay cold?

This is usually down to radiator issues (air, sludge, or sizing), furniture blocking heat, or thermostat placement. A warm hallway thermostat can cause the heating to switch off before living spaces are comfortable.

Is it better to heat my home steadily or in short bursts?

In many homes, especially older or less insulated ones, steady, moderate heating works better. It allows the building itself to warm up, not just the air, improving comfort and efficiency.

Can damp or humidity really make my home feel colder?

Yes. High humidity can create a clammy feeling and make it harder to feel warm. Good ventilation and moisture control can make a noticeable difference to comfort.