Why some homes are harder to heat, and what that means for you
If your home sometimes seems to take longer to warm up, or to cool down quickly, you’re probably not imagining it. Research from the Ordnance Survey shows that certain types of homes naturally lose heat faster than others. And many of them are in rural or off-gas areas. That doesn’t mean something is wrong. It simply means your home may need a little more energy to stay comfortable, especially in colder months.
What Makes a Home Harder to Heat?
According to analysis from Ordnance Survey, a few key things can affect how well a property keeps heat in:
Age of the building
Older homes were built before modern insulation standards. Solid walls, older windows and traditional construction can allow more heat to escape.
Construction type
Stone cottages, timber frames and some older materials do not hold warmth in the same way as newer builds.
Detached layouts
Detached homes lose heat from all sides. Flats and terraced homes share walls, which can help retain warmth.
Rural and coastal locations
Rural areas tend to have more older and detached properties. Exposure to wind and open land can also increase heat loss.
Source: Ordnance Survey, 2024.
Why This Matters in Off-Gas Areas
Many of the homes identified as harder to heat are not connected to the mains gas grid.
If you live in a rural bungalow, farmhouse or detached property, your heating system may simply need to work harder to maintain a steady temperature.
Understanding how your home is built can help you:
- Plan ahead for winter
- Make informed decisions about insulation
- Choose a heating solution suited to your property
- Avoid unexpected spikes in energy use
It is about being prepared, not alarmed.
Heating Options for Rural and Detached Homes
For homes outside the mains gas network, LPG remains a widely used option. It provides reliable, controllable heat and works well in larger or detached properties.
For anyone wanting to reduce their carbon footprint, BioLPG blend packages are also now available from Flogas. BioLPG is a renewable alternative chemically identical to conventional LPG, supplied using a certified mass-balance approach, meaning it can be used in existing LPG systems without any changes to equipment.At Flogas, we support thousands of rural households across Great Britain with dependable LPG and BioLPG supply.
Practical Steps to Help Your Home Stay Warmer
Small changes can make a noticeable difference:
- Check loft insulation levels
- Seal gaps around windows and doors
- Service your boiler annually
- Monitor usage during colder periods
- Consider tank monitoring for added peace of mind
Even modest improvements can help reduce the energy needed to keep your home comfortable.
Every Home Is Different
The Ordnance Survey research is a useful reminder that not all properties behave the same way.
If you live in a rural or detached home, your heating needs may simply be different from a newer estate property.
The key is having a heating setup that suits your home, your lifestyle and your location.
If you would like to explore your options or review your current supply, our team is always happy to help.
Speak to our team about heating for your home
