Stay warm this winter without breaking the bank with these expert-approved tips.
Ofgem's latest energy price cap came into force on October 1, rising from £1,568 to £1,717 for the typical person paying by direct debit. The energy regulator says the 10 per cent hike will equate to an extra £12 on the average monthly bill in yet another blow to cash-strapped Brits.
Meanwhile, households in the UK are bracing for an icy chill as temperatures in singles figured are expected to hit. It's clear this winter will be just as bleak as the last - meaning thousands will face the ultimatum of staying warm or having their energy bills go through the roof. Most experts agree that the home should be kept between 18C - 21C to keep mould away and prevent issues like frozen pipes.
If you're still feeling the chill, there are several things you can do to stay warm this winter without constantly reaching for the thermostat.
Move furniture
It might sound silly, but if your sofa is pushed right to the wall, the heat from your radiator may get lost. Moving your furniture so they're not suffocating the heater can help you feel the benefit when your heating is on, and can also help reduce mould.
"Moisture can get trapped behind your furniture, and without proper ventilation and airflow, the moisture can create mould and mildew on your furniture," experts over at Wayfair UK explained. "Simply moving your furniture an inch away from the wall can create enough airflow to minimise the formation of mould within your home."
Heat the body
The popular mantra 'heat the body not the home' doesn't mean you should turn the heating off completely, as this can cause costly problems in the home. However, using gadgets like electric blankets and hot water bottles for a boost of extra warmth can help you stay comfortable without spending a fortune.
Chelsea Brown at Opera Beds calculates under the current price cap that running a 100W electric blanket for one hour would only cost 2.5p. If you leave this on overnight for eight hours, that adds up to just 20p a night.
"Electric blankets can improve your overall sleep quality by helping maintain body temperature between sleep cycles," she said. "They have varied shut-off times ranging from six to 12 hours, and by finding your preferred timing, you can keep your body warm and stay in a deep sleep cycle for longer. The heat will stay in the bed even after the blanket has been turned off."
You can pick up an electric blanket from most supermarkets, bedding stores, and online retailers. For example, Amazon is currently selling a Silentnight Comfort Control Electric Blanket for a double bed for £25.
Image:
Amazon)Draught-proof the home
Putting the heating on can feel counterproductive if the hot air gets expelled from the house straight away. A good way to check for 'leaky spots' in the house where hot air can escape, or cold air can enter is to go around with a candle and bring it close to the edges of your window.
If the flame flickers or is blown out, you've just spotted a draught. To draught-proof the home, you can pick up special tape that keeps the cold out. A 15m strip of the insulator tape will set you back around £8 from Toolstation.
You can also place draught excluders at the bottom of your door to prevent certain rooms from getting too cold. These can be picked up from a slew of retailers including Dunelm for around £10.
Image:
Dunelm)Insulation
Insulation may be a little more expensive than draught-proofing but it can save you a lot of money in the long run. According to pros from Funeral Guide, having your loft properly insulated can save you around £150 a year on your energy bills.
"Investing in proper insulation pays off by reducing energy consumption and keeping your home warmer for longer," a spokesman from the company said in a statement sent to the Mirror. "It's a wise move, especially in the face of rising energy prices."
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Optimise your heating system
Keeping the home energy efficient requires regular maintenance. Make sure you bleed your radiators often to remove any trapped air, which allows hot water to circulate properly.
Having a smart thermostat installed can also help you manage your heating more precisely. With this technology, you can schedule your heating to come on when you prefer - and can turn the heating down when you're away from the comfort of your phone.
Curtain hack
One way to maximise the natural heat we get (yes, even in window) is to take advantage of sunlight. On those rare sunny days, make sure your curtains are open to allow the warmth to enter - especially in south-facing rooms where the sunlight will be at its strongest.
"Once the sun sets, close your curtains to trap the heat inside," Funeral Guides recommends. "Thick, thermal curtains provide better insulation than standard ones and can prevent heat loss through windows. Even simple adjustments like this can make your home feel noticeably warmer without increasing your energy consumption."
Sweater weather
If you grew up in a household that told you to 'put a jumper on then' whenever you complained about being cold - you probably won't like this tip. If you're a bit more sensitive to the drop in temperatures than most, wearing warm clothing like fluffy socks and wool jumpers can help you feel a little more comfortable. When you're watching films on the sofa, add a soft throw or blanket to keep warm.
We recommend: Silentnight Snugsie Giant Blanket Charcoal, £32.99 here
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