If you’ve ever lived in a London garden flat, you’ll know the drill. November rolls around, the heating’s cranked up, and you’re still huddled on the sofa in two jumpers and a blanket. Basement and garden-level flats can be especially difficult to keep warm. So what actually works when your flat sits half below street level?
Why Garden Flats Get So Cold
The ground is the main problem. Garden flats press right up against cold earth on at least one or two sides, and that contact can contribute to heat loss through the walls and floors. Most older London conversions were never properly insulated, so heat disappears before it even gets a chance to do its job.
Single-glazed sash windows only add to the misery. You’ll notice cold air sneaking in around the frames, especially on windy nights. On top of that, garden flats barely get any direct sunlight, so there’s almost no natural warmth coming in during the day to offset what you’re losing.
Quick Fixes That Make a Real Difference
- Secondary glazing is one of the best upgrades you can make in a period conversion. It won’t change the look of your windows, but it can reduce draughts, make your home quieter and help retain more heat.
- Draught-proofing strips around doors and windows are dirt cheap and you can fit them yourself in an afternoon. Stick a thick door curtain up as well and you’ll notice the difference within a day.
- Layered rugs on bare floorboards will trap more warmth than you’d expect. Wooden and tiled floors in garden flats basically act like cold sinks, so covering them up is one of the easiest wins.
When the Boiler Is the Real Problem
Garden flats in London conversions often come with their own boiler, separate from the rest of the building. That’s great for independence, but it also means the upkeep falls entirely on you.
If yours is over 10 years old or can’t seem to heat the flat evenly, a new boiler may be worth considering, particularly if the existing system is inefficient or no longer performing well. A newer, correctly sized system can improve heating performance and efficiency, which matters when you’re up against cold walls and floors pulling the temperature back down.
This article is a paid guest contribution. The views and information expressed are those of the contributor and not of Homegirl London.