Winter in the UK is typically cold or wet, sometimes both. With energy prices rising constantly, the choice between heating and eating is so much more than just a slogan.
It’s a genuine choice being faced by millions of families across the country.
These tips won’t make the choice all that much easier, but every little helps, right?
If you try any of these, or have any suggestions to help others, let us know in the comments.
Drop by 1 degree
This heating tip is an oldie but a goodie. I have used this for years to keep heating costs sensible. As my house is over 100 years old, it isn’t the most insulated or most efficient.
My heating is set at a firm 18C.
I’m fortunate enough to be in good health and not too susceptible to the cold so this is manageable for me and my family.
It’s much cheaper than having it set to 20C and you don’t even notice it after a while.
Your boiler doesn’t have to work so hard and won’t burn so much gas so it’s definitely worth trying.
If 18C is too chilly, just try dropping your current temperature down 1 degree. It will definitely save you money!
Heat the person not the home
Heat the person not the home is something Martin Lewis has been going on about for a while now and it’s so very true.
The larger the home, the higher the heating bill.
You can only be in one room at a time so why not heat yourself and not your entire home?
Dress appropriately for the temperature, don’t sit around in t shirts in January and layer up.
If that’s not enough, there’s a huge range of USB-powered heated clothing around. From jackets to gloves, blankets to gilets, there has been a huge boom in heated clothing this year.
As long as the clothing you buy has a CE mark and good reviews, it should be safe enough.
Powering something by USB costs pennies per hour, which is far cheaper than running your gas boiler!
Hot water bottles
Hot water bottles are the unsung heroes of winter. Simple, cheap and now come in a range of designs with or without covers.
Fill it up with hot, (not boiling) water, empty the air out and seal it up for hours of heat.
Use a hot water bottle to preheat your bed at night or keep it with you under a blanket during the day.
Kettles are high wattage but are only powered for a short time, so hot water bottles are very inexpensive to use.
Removing the air from the hot water bottle keeps it warmer for longer as water holds heat much better than air.
Microwaveable wheat bags are a good alternative to hot water bottles. Microwave them for the recommended time and they will provide heat for a good couple of hours.
Use blankets or sleeping bags on the sofa
Even if you layer up properly, you may still get cold when winter bites. Sitting under a blanket on the sofa can help a lot with that.
Use faux fur blankets, airline blankets, sleeping bags or whatever you have around.
Snuggle under on the sofa and add a hot water bottle or wheat bag for a little extra cosiness.
The only problem is, you might find yourself holding on until the very last minute to make a cup of tea or have a bathroom break!
Saving money on your heating
Most people know most, or all, of these hacks but we tend to forget the basics when we’re not used to living frugally.
The good thing about all these things as they are cheap to do (heated clothing will cost) and easy to repeat all through winter.
That makes them well worth trying, especially if you’re one of the millions that really are having to choose between heating and eating!
