Unbeknownst to many, draughty windows can let in cold air and cause our heating systems to work overtime. This makes our homes colder and allows warm air to escape, leading to higher energy costs.

I think people know that a big, old property is draughty and costs more to heat…compared with a new-build project' ...

The Irish Times visited a decade ago, finding homes in the same condition as this week – smelling and feeling damp, mouldy throughout, cold, draughty and without safe fire escapes from bedrooms.