The temperature is dropping, the price of energy bills is rising. Here are some straightforward ways to cut costs and stay cosy

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Understand us here - we are loth to condescend to you, as the nation faces ever-escalating electricity and gas costs, by saying âput an extra jumper onâ or, even worse - âtrying buying a new kettle, itâll save you ÂŁ10 on your bills.â
But the distressing fact remains that Ofgem has announced typical household energy bills will skyrocket in October - with further climbs expected next year. Naturally, people are looking to cut their electricity bills however they can.
And as the temperatures are due to drop over the coming months, heating the household is one of the primary electricity or gas drains.
So, what can you do to limit your outgoings and remain toasty?
(Some of these you may rightly dismiss as common sense, but weâd like to be thorough).
Ensure your heating is on intermittently throughout the day, not on 24/7 - use your timer to keep it off when youâre in bed, so it switches on half an hour before the household rises.
Make sure you have well insulated curtains/or blinds.
Double glazing costs a small fortune, so itâs far more cost effective to change your blinds or curtains to reduce heat loss.
Switch any curtains with thin materials for thicker fabrics or ones made with thermal fibres.
Dunelm have an excellent range of thermal curtains that start from ÂŁ35, while Wayfair offers Blackout Thermal curtains that start at ÂŁ20.99.
The thermal curtain range at The Range is impressive, or if youâre looking for something a little ritzier the velvet range at Made.com is utterly sumptuous.
Make sure the floor is covered, too
Remember how your mum always told you you lost heat through your head, as a means to encourage you to put a woolly hat on when you left the house? Well, houses lose an estimated 10% of their heat through their propertyâs floor.
If you want to curb that, making your house more energy efficient, cover any solid hardwood floors with soft rugs to ensure the gaps
If you have suspended flooring - that is, itâs raised off the ground - it needs to be insulated with a batt of insulation or spray expanding foam, which a professional can install for you.
The range of thermal rugs at Wayfair are very reasonably priced, as are the lush, thick carpets from Made, available here.
Cosy up with a good olâ fashioned hot water bottle
Hot water bottles are good for shaking off a chill - the lush White Company option, ÂŁ35, is covered with faux fur and ideal for helping keep you toasty.
Additionally, applying heat of more than 40C to the skin where an ache is felt blocks the bodyâs ability to detect pain, so it will alleviate any muscle discomfort associated with cold weather.
For a budget option, the Wilko hot water bottle will get the job done for ÂŁ6.50, while if you want to invest in a hot water bottle you can wear - great for walking around, the This is Silk hot water bottle will keep you cosy on the move - for a pricy ÂŁ74.99 (yes, we realised that suggesting an expensive hot water bottle during a cost of living crisis is a bit of a contradiction - but if it saves you turning the heating on all day, it could be a sound long-term strategy).
Keep the chill out with a draught excluder
Youâll likely heard a lot of chat of late about draught excluders - they are essential for keeping the house warm if you donât have a properly insulated property. They will keep the cold air at bay and the warm air in the house.
You can buy cost effective, stylish draught excluders from the likes of Wayfair, or lovely velvet options from Dunelm.
Invest in a heated throw
Heated throws cost blessedly little to run, but can keep you snuggly while youâre on the couch watching telly, or drapped across your lap as you work in a home office.
There are many on the market - weâve listed our favourite below.
Make sure you have thermals on under your clothing
Fleecy clothing may feel cuddly, but you need more than that to properly insulate your body if youâre trying to stay warm while working. Thermals, long johns, base layers â whatever you want to call them, thereâs nothing like a warm layer worn next to the skin to help keep the chill of colder weather at bay.
Weâve covered our favourite thermals for women and men in the gallery below.
Once you have that crucial base layer to aid insulation, then seal it in with a cosy fleece - our favourite for men and women are in the gallery below.
Get cosy under a high-tog duvet
âA warm duvet? For winter? Ground-breaking,â you say and we hear you - but a high-tog duvet can stop you reaching for a comparably costly electric blanket. We rounded up our favourite cosy comforters in this article on the best duvet sets for winter, and there is a review posted below of our all-round favourite - the Simbra Hybrid Duvet.
Install a smart thermostat to cut energy bills
Obviously, many of us will still want to rely on heating to keep warm when the artic blasts hits. A smart thermostat tracks your movements and helps limit your usage but turning and and off based on your standard heating habits. Our favourite - the Google Nest - is reviewed below.
Stay warm for less this winter
For even more winter warmers for your home, check out our guides to the top weighted blankets, the best winter duvets for your bed, and also our guide to the best portable heaters.
You can keep the heat in your house with these insulated curtains, and cut heating bills further with an energy-efficient dehumidifier to cut moisture levels in your house. In case of a power cut - these are the essentials you need this winter.
For those of you who plan on installing your own smart thermostat, the Google Nest Thermostat E would be a really sound choice. This smart thermostat is particularly easy to install and uncomplicated to set up, with no smart hub or specialist knowhow required.
Nest is good for helping to cut your energy costs - it predicts when you want the house to warm up. Install it, and use it as normal - adjust the temperature when youâre too warm, or too cold.
Give Nest a week or so and it will start adjusting itself based on tracking your habits - so it will pre-warm your house as you are coming home from work, or shut the radiators off just as you leave the house in the morning. It sends updates about your energy usage, so you can track your habits and adjust to try and save energy wherever you can.
Remotely controlling the temperature via the connected Nest app is a breeze, and thereâs also a handy option to control the thermostat by voice.
One downside is that thereâs only one smart assistant you can use to operate the Thermostat E: namely, Google Assistant. However, if youâre happy with that limitation, we think youâll find the Thermostat E to be both highly effective and easy-to-use.
You will not require an engineer to set up.
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{{/hasItems}}{{#items}}Simba are manufacturers of some of the finest mattresses on the market, so it comes as little surprise that theyâre equally adept at making duvets that are great for keeping you comfortable.
This duvet is double-sided - one side has âStratosâ fabric - initially created by NASA to help astronauts regulate their temperature at night.
The other side has a breathable 300-thread-count cotton - a breathable material. Cannily, these two materials envelope a duck down filling.
What you end up with, then, is a 10.5 tog, extremely toasty duvet thatâs nevertheless breathable and luxuriant.
Opulent, toasty, machine washable, and available in four sizes - this is a seriously impressive winter duvet.
Base layers are what Icebreaker do best, and theyâre always some of the top-performing designs when we test out base layers.
ÂŁ75 (top), ÂŁ60 (bottoms)
If you want to invest in a great set of thermal underwear, our pick of the pack are their Oasis base layer top and their Everyday Thermal leggings.
Slip them on and the first thing youâll notice is how deliciously soft their 100% Merino wool make-up feels against the skin.
The Oasisâ 200g weight is a good warmth to weight ratio for most outdoor adventures, and the Thermal leggings live up to their name, keeping you delightfully warm even on winter hikes and ski adventures.
Icebreakerâs merino layers are worth the spend, and will last you for years without losing their shape or their warming abilities.
The bottoms are available here.
This set of quality, Columbian-made garments are what you need when the temperature really starts to plummet.
Favoured by mountain guides and outdoor instructors, these garments are constructed from Nikwax Paramenta G fabric which is woven into a distinctive gridded pattern for maximum wicking proficiency.
Worn under another garment and youâll feel the immediate benefit from its warm fleece-like material, but more surprising is the high degree of wind protection it offers worn as a single layer.
We also love the extra long, thumb looped sleeves and high rise collar for maximum, neck to knuckle protection. The long johns also feature a handy âold-schoolâ fly pocket for rapid access should you get caught short in the cold.
One of Finisterreâs original products nearly 20 years ago was a fleece, so this new 1/4 zip Hegen option is likely to be popular, made with new GRS certified recycled wool and recycled polyester.
It feels sturdy, durable and like it could easily withstand a range of conditions and situations - itâs also one of the warmest fleeces we tested and comes in two earthy, attractive colourways too.
Swedish outdoor brand Fjallraven have applied their know-how to fleece and made a basic hoody into a seriously covetable jacket.
The Ăvik is made with recycled polyester, and has a deliciously soft brushed inner layer and a bobble-resistant knitted outer.
Zipped pockets and a well-cut hood make it easy to wear anywhere, and we found it one of the most wind-resistant models we tried out.
The Ăvik was not the most breathable fleece on test, but it is very warm â ideal for everything from casual winter walks to wearing down the pub, and this fleece is also thick enough to work alone as a jacket in warmer weather.
This fabulously decadent faux fur throw heats up in less than 5 minutes and gets seriously toasty. With 6 heating settings, you can make it as toasty as you fancy.
Thankfully, thereâs an auto-shut off feature (choose between 1 and 9 hours), so you donât need to fret if you fall asleep - or, indeed, you want to use it overnight on your bed.
The cover is machine washable for easy cleaning. A great buy
It make not look as thick as some fleecy blankets, but this thermal blanket from cult brand Heat Holders is seriously cosy. With a tog of 1.7, its slouchy and large (180 x 200cm ), ideal for stretching across multiple people on a couch.
Itâs incredibly soft and very easy to look after, as itâs fully machine washable.
FAQs
How can I keep my house warm without heating? âș
- Rejig your furniture. ...
- Use a terracotta heater. ...
- Invest in insulation. ...
- Think about your habits. ...
- Put a shelf above a radiator. ...
- Bleed your radiators. ...
- Analyse any draughts. ...
- Block your chimney up.
- Use your curtains. ...
- Use timers on your central heating. ...
- Move your sofa. ...
- Maximise your insulation. ...
- Wrap up warm. ...
- Turn down the dial. ...
- Block out the draughts. ...
- Install thermostatic radiator valves.
- Open your curtains in the day and close them in the evening. Sounds obvious, but this is a great measure to heat your home. ...
- Place tinfoil behind your radiators. ...
- Set your central heating timers accordingly. ...
- Use pipe-lagging. ...
- Move your sofa. ...
- Don't keep clothes on the radiator for long. ...
- Bleed your radiators. ...
- Roof insulation.
- Opt for Plug-In Energy Saving Electric Radiators. Let me be sharply clear â NOT storage heaters. ...
- Dry Clothes with a Heated Airer. ...
- Use Electric Blankets & Heated Throws. ...
- A Winter Duvet is a Must. ...
- Add Fire! ...
- Draught-Proof the Home. ...
- Insulate! ...
- Choose Carpets & Rugs Over Solid Floors.
1. Fiberglass Insulation. Fiberglass is the most common insulation used in modern times. Because of how it is made, by effectively weaving fine strands of glass into an insulation material, fiberglass is able to minimize heat transfer.
Do candles heat a room? âșA candle can only produce very little heat. In fact, it produces a twentieth of what a space heater can produce. The heating capacity of a candle is just enough to keep a tea hot. A space heater can keep a whole room toasty.
Does closing curtains keep heat in? âșAbsolutely. Curtains reduce the amount of air exchange between a cold window and the rest of the room. For keeping heat inside the home, high-quality curtains can reduce heat loss by around 40%, particularly if they are floor length and close to the wall and window panes.
How do you insulate a cold room? âș- Apply weatherstripping or caulking around the edges of your windows to close up any gaps. ...
- Cover your windows with thermal draperies. ...
- Insulate your windows with bubble wrap. ...
- Hang heavy tapestries on your walls. ...
- Keep the cold air from coming in through your electrical outlets.
- Draught-proof your home. ...
- Insulate your pipework. ...
- Invest in a smart thermostat. ...
- Change your curtains or blinds. ...
- Fit carpets with underlay. ...
- Move your furniture around. ...
- Increase your roof and loft insulation. ...
- Install better floor insulation.
- 1) Block Out Draughts. The best way to keep your home warm without turning up the heating is to stop the current heat from escaping. ...
- 2) Use Your Curtains. ...
- 3) Lay Down Rugs. ...
- 4) Layering Up. ...
- 5) Socks & Slippers. ...
- 6) Hot Food & Hot Drinks. ...
- 7) Hot Water Bottles. ...
- 8) Keep Moving.
How cold is too cold for a house? âș
What Temperature is Too Cold for a House? While everyone has a different tolerance to cold, ideal winter heat settings should generally be at or above 63 °F (17 °C). Excessive cold (anything below 62 °F or 16 °C) in your home can actually raise your blood pressure as your blood âthickensâ in the chilly temperatures.
Is it better to leave heat on low or turn off? âșIf you're going to be gone for several hours, instead of turning the system completely off, the U.S. Department of Energy recommends turning your heat down by seven to 10 degrees. They also suggest doing this at night, using blankets to make up the difference in temperature.
How long can you stay in a house with no heat? âșAs winter storms become more intense and unpredictable, you may be wondering, âhow long will my house stay warm without power?â The average home will stay warm for 8-12 hours after the power goes out. After the first 8-12 hours, most homes will experience a gradual cooling over the course of the next couple of days.
Can you get ill from no heating? âșLow temperatures cause blood vessels to narrow, putting stress on the circulatory system. â[This] can lead to cardiovascular effects, including ischaemic heart disease (IHD), coronary heart disease, strokes, subarachnoid haemorrhage and death,â according to the World Health Organization's housing and health guidelines.
What material keeps heat the longest? âșWool and nylon had the highest temperatures throughout the tests while the control, cotton and silk had lower temperatures. It is best to wear either wool or nylon clothing during cold weather because they will retain a body's heat better than cotton or silk.
How do Japanese keep their homes warm? âșJapanese people usually heat their homes one room at a time. In general, homes do not have central heating in Japan, because many Japanese believe it is better to keep yourself warm than heating a whole house. In old times people had one hearth in a central place called an irori (ăăă).
What insulators keep something hot? âșPolystyrene and plastic foam are both used as insulators as they have small air bubbles trapped inside them. This makes them very good insulators because heat energy can't flow through them.
How can I make my bedroom warmer? âș- Close up any cracks in your window frame. ...
- Reverse the direction of your ceiling fan. ...
- Invest in the best blankets. ...
- Make your curtains work harder. ...
- Use draft stoppers on your doors. ...
- Cover your floors with rugs. ...
- Prevent drafts around electric outlets.
So boiling water will heat the room more slowly than simply turning on the gas stove. That said, there is a way in which boiling water might feel like it heats the room faster: it increases the humidity in the room. Increased humidity inhibits evaporation of sweat and makes a room feel hotter even when it isn't.
Can an oil lamp heat a room? âșOil Lamps. Oil lamps give both light and heat when the grid is down. You can burn kerosene in them but they tend to smell like the space heater when you do. If you have an old leaky metal five-gallon bucket, you can punch some air holes in it and turn it over on top of the lantern to make a passable space heater.
How do you stop heat escaping behind curtains? âș
Fit a deep sill or shelf over the radiator, and position your curtains so that they touch the shelf. By touching the shelf your curtains will minimise draught from your windows, and the shelf will act to push the radiator heat out into your room, rather than into the void between the curtains and window.
Do curtains or blinds keep heat in better? âșBecause blinds leak more heat from a room, they also decrease indoor heat gain more efficiently in the summer, by around 45 percent, which can lower your AC bills. Curtains, which leak less heat, reduce indoor heat gain by only 33 percent in the summer.
Can my curtains touch my heater? âșYou should never allow draperies/curtains to touch the heater. Short drapes or curtains need a minimum of 8 inches from bottom of fabric to top of heater.
Why does my house feel cold at 73? âșYour house could be cold due to an old air filter, a faulty furnace, improper insulation, or leaky ductwork. The simple fixes, like replacing an air filter, are relatively easy to complete. However, if the heater itself needs repairs, it's best to call in a professional to take a look and determine the problem.
What is the cheapest way to warm your house? âșOnce you have made sure that heat loss from a room is kept to a minimum, gas central heating is generally your cheapest option. If that's not possible, then consider using an oil-filled heater for larger rooms or an electric heater for small areas if you're willing to use it in short bursts.
How do you insulate a cold wall from the inside? âșInternal wall insulation is done by fitting rigid insulation boards to the wall, or by building a stud wall filled in with insulation material such as mineral wool fibre. Internal insulation: Is generally cheaper to install than external wall insulation.
Can you get your house insulated for free? âșBenefit Criteria
To qualify for free cavity, internal wall, loft or roof room insulation, someone living in the property needs to be in receipt of at least one of the benefits listed below: Child Tax Credit. Housing Benefit (not the single person's 25% Council Tax reduction) Income-Based Jobseekers Allowance.
Some stay at a bus or train station, and in some areas they are open 24 hours. Some sleep in their tent, or a cardboard box,or in their car, with lots of blankets, and some have a heater in their tent or car. If it gets below freezing, there are warming shelters set up, but it's only temporary.
How do people in cold countries keep their house warm? âșPeople compensate for temperature extremes by installing air conditioning. In remote areas air conditioning can cost as much as $25/day in summer. As part of the project existing houses were modified in a range of climates, to make them warmer in winter and cooler in summer.
How do seniors stay warm in the winter? âș- Keep the home properly heated at a temperature of 68 F to 70 F.
- Winterize windows and doors with weather stripping and caulk.
- Close heat vents and shut doors in rooms that are seldom used.
- Dress the senior in warm layers that can be removed if he or she gets too hot.
Can living in a cold house make you sick? âș
4Low indoor temperatures and insulation. Cold air inflames lungs and inhibits circulation, increasing the risk of respiratory conditions, such as asthma attacks or symptoms, worsening of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and infection.
Can sleeping in a cold room make you sick? âșâYou can't get sick from being cold in general, whether you are outside or inside,â Fecher says.
Is having a cold house bad for your health? âșCold homes are bad for health. If you're struggling to pay your heating bills and your home is cold and damp, your health may suffer. Problems and diseases linked to the cold range from blood pressure increases and common colds, to heart attacks and pneumonia.
How many hours a day should heating be on uk? âșOn average, UK homes are heated for about eight hours a day in winter â ten hours a day for homes that have one sustained heating period and seven hours a day for the more usual two heating periods.
Why should you not leave heating on low all day? âșSome amount of energy will constantly leak out of your home no matter what. Therefore, says the Energy Saving Trust, if you're keeping the heating on all day you're losing more energy all day â and therefore it's better to heat your home only when you need it.
What is the best setting to have your heating on? âșThe thermostat should be set to the lowest comfortable temperature, typically between 18°C and 21°C. You don't need to turn your room thermostat up when it is colder outside; the house will heat up to the set temperature whatever the weather, however it may take a little longer on colder days.
Will pipes freeze without heat? âșHowever, according to research conducted by the Building Research Council at the University of Illinois, the temperature threshold for pipes to freeze without heat is 20 degrees F.
How do people survive in a power outage in the winter? âș- Dress in Layers. Put on several layers of warm clothing. ...
- Keep Kids & Pets Safe. Put warm clothes on your kids and wrap up your furry family members in cozy blankets. ...
- Use Wood Burning Fireplace. ...
- Disconnect Your Electronic Devices. ...
- Keeps Doors & Windows Closed.
- Light Up The Room. Bulbs, lamps or lighting in warmer colours like yellow and red can add up to the heat released by them. ...
- Keep The Hot Beverages Coming. ...
- Shower With Bathroom Door Open. ...
- Use A Hot Water Bottle. ...
- Layer Up The Floor & The Bed.
Apply Foil To The Wall Behind Your Radiators
Poorly insulated walls give the heat a fast escape route from your house. A way to combat this is to use foil behind the radiators. This will reflect the heat from the radiator back into the room instead of allowing it to escape through the walls.
Is 16 degrees cold for a house? âș
Everyone is different if you're comfortable at 16 degrees then that is great - when visitors come around you may need to up the thermostat a bit though, most people would find that chilly for sitting around in.
How can I keep my house warm without gas or electricity? âș- Block up cracks and crevices.
- Consider double or triple glazing.
- Invest in thick curtains.
- Let sunlight in during the day.
- Check on the efficiency of your chimney.
- Close unused rooms.
- Consider solar heating.
- Pull out the blankets and layers.
Especially knowing that it is possible to live without heating or air conditioning, even though it is not easy. One of the main keys to achieving this lies in changing the distribution of our home, a decision that can help us greatly reduce our gas and electricity bills.
How can I heat my house without electricity or fire? âș- Close Off Rooms that You Don't Use. ...
- Open Your Curtains During the Day. ...
- Use Fans to Circulate Warm Air Upward. ...
- Install Storm Windows. ...
- Insulate Your Windows. ...
- Keep Your Water Heater Well-Maintained. ...
- Insulate Your Pipes. ...
- Consider Purchasing a Gas Generator.
- If You Can, Get a Generator. Even if you've already lost power, it's not too late to look for a portable generator. ...
- Stay in a Southern-Facing Room. ...
- Seal Window and Door Leaks. ...
- Use a Fireplace or Another Heat Source. ...
- Camp Out Indoors.
- Tips for Staying Warm and Getting Better Sleep.
- Use a Space Heater: If you don't have central heating, a space heater is an ideal substitute. ...
- Use a Hot Water Bottle or Electric Blanket: ...
- Layer Up: ...
- Drink Warming Tea: ...
- Wear Socks: ...
- Do Some Light Stretching: ...
- Soak in a Hot Bath:
Once you have made sure that heat loss from a room is kept to a minimum, gas central heating is generally your cheapest option. If that's not possible, then consider using an oil-filled heater for larger rooms or an electric heater for small areas if you're willing to use it in short bursts.
How cold can you survive in your house? âșThe World Health Organization (WHO) recommends indoor temperatures of at least 64°F (you can drop that down to 62°F at night if you're really looking to save on your heating bill). But if you have infants, sick or elderly people in your household, then it's recommended that you keep the thermostat set at 70°F.
How do you make an emergency heater? âșMetal Can, Alcohol and Toilet Paper Emergency Heater
Just put a roll of toilet paper into a tin can. Pour the alcohol over the toilet paper, so it is just saturated. Then light the alcohol on fire. The alcohol is the fuel, and the toilet paper is like a wick in a candle.
- Indoor Kerosene Heater. Kerosene heaters can make great alternative heat sources during power outages. ...
- Opt for a Propane Heater. ...
- Use a Pellet Stove. ...
- Go for Catalytic Heaters. ...
- Soapstone Heaters. ...
- DIY Your Heater. ...
- Use Burner Can. ...
- Utilize Rocks for Heating.
What can I replace electric heat with? âș
Heat pumps are a top choice for many people looking to switch their heating source because they are an energy-efficient alternative. With the help of electricity, heat pumps move heat from cool spaces to warm spaces, and vice versa, making it a great year-round temperature controlling tool.
How do people survive winter in a cold house? âș- Use blinds and curtains to trap in heat. ...
- Try space heaters. ...
- Use draft stoppers with exterior doors. ...
- Warm up with a heating pad or heated blankets. ...
- Add fresh weather stripping to doors and windows. ...
- Use your fireplace. ...
- Or block off your fireplace.
- Pick a Room and Stick Together. ...
- Bundle up and Break Out Other Heating Options. ...
- Eliminate Drafts as Best as You Can. ...
- Don't WaitâCall for Furnace Repair Service Right Away.