Here are some tips to keep warm this winter without turning on the heating all that much
As energy costs continue to soar, British households are bracing themselves for a challenging winter following this week’s update to the energy price cap. Ofgem raised the cap by 2% on October 1, leading to typical dual-fuel households paying by Direct Debit facing annual costs of £1,755.
While this may seem daunting, there are measures you can take to mitigate the financial impact. Here, we delve into various strategies to stay cosy without relying heavily on central heating.
Those worried about heating their homes this winter should also seek guidance from charities and organisations that can assist in navigating the often complicated process of securing fuel funding. This particularly applies for those using a prepayment meter.
11 ways to stay warm without relying on the heating
Avoid heating unused spaces
There’s no point in spending money on heating rooms that aren’t used regularly. So, close doors around your home and dial down the radiators in seldom-used spaces. This will let you focus on keeping your bedroom or other frequently used rooms toasty.
Adjust your boiler settings
If you have a condensing combi boiler, you can lower the flow temperature. This might mean that water takes slightly longer to heat up, but it could save you between £100-£200 each year, according to the Daily Record.
Utilise blankets
Rather than cranking up the heating and warming the whole house, including vacant rooms, snuggle up in a blanket. Better yet, grab your duvet and bask in the warmth.
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Consume plenty of hot drinks
If you have a flask, fill it with hot water after boiling the kettle to save money on every cup of tea you make. Drinking lots of hot liquids will keep your blood circulating and your hands warm while holding the mug.
Use hot water bottles
If you’ve got one stashed away in a drawer or cupboard, now might be the time to dust it off and put it to good use as a handy source of heat. This is especially beneficial if you’re working from home or sitting for long stretches.
Go to bed earlier than usual
Create your own warm haven under the covers and begin a new book to help you relax and forget about the cold. The dark nights provide an opportunity to start going to bed a bit earlier, with the added benefit of waking up rested and rejuvenated for the day ahead.
Layer up
Wearing an extra jumper, thick socks, long johns or a base layer under your clothes can help keep you warm during colder days. The British Heart Foundation says layering up is often more effective than wearing one thick garment.
It recommends opting for wool, cotton, or fleece fabrics and suggests a hat and scarf if you’re feeling particularly chilly.
Inspect your windows and doors
After using costly gas to heat your home, it’s crucial to ensure that warmth remains indoors and doesn’t leak out. Sealing any gaps in your windows or doors can help, as can identifying other potential draught sources where heat might escape.
Drawing your curtains can also aid in maintaining a warm interior, though they should be left open when the sun is shining in.
Stay active
Staying active can help generate body heat by burning more energy. Even if it feels cosy under your covers, a brief jog around the kitchen or living room – if possible – could warm you up more than remaining stationary.
Focus on warming yourself, not the entire room
As long as you’re warm, the temperature of the surrounding air is less critical. Using hot water bottles and electric blankets to stay warm at night can be far more efficient than heating your entire house while everyone is asleep.
Use your central heating wisely
Setting your thermostat too low can pose risks, particularly if vulnerable people are present in your home. Be careful to prevent your house from becoming excessively cold.
However, simply lowering your thermostat by one degree could save you some money this winter, and it’s likely you won’t even notice the difference.