How to keep warm without heating or radiators

Tips to ‘Heat the Human, Not the Home’ – effective, budget-friendly ways to keep warm while saving on heating bills.

There’s a definite chill in the air, and people are thinking about turning on their central heating but keeping their costs down.

Yet we’re bombarded with news about rising energy prices and the increased cost of living.

Heat the human, not the home

Heating the person, not the home, is about making sure you stay warm and not heating space you’re not using.

By focusing on personal warmth, you can keep cosy and cut down on those heating bills.

Try out these tips and feel the difference without feeling the pinch.

Layer up

Layering is key. Start with a thermal vest or a long-sleeved cotton top, then add a jumper or fleece.

Layers trap body heat better than one thick garment, and removing a layer is easy if you start to warm up.

Try to choose the right materials for your clothing. Pick clothes made from wool or fleece. These materials are better at retaining heat compared to cotton or linen alone.

Warm feet, warm heart

Cold feet can make your whole body feel chilly. We have laminate flooring at home, and it can get cold in the winter, even with socks on.

So, beat the chill and slip into some thermal socks or sheepskin slippers. They’re like a warm hug for your feet!

You can even pick up electric feet warmers, but if you want to save on electric costs, you can get a foot warmer with a built in hot water bottle (and it works out cheaper to buy, too).

Heated blankets and pads

Consider an electric heated throw or a heating pad. These items can be much more energy-efficient than heating an entire room.

According to Octopus, it costs around £4 a day to heat your home. However, it only costs 2 – 4p per hour to use an energy-efficient electric blanket.

This electric blanket has 10 heat settings, a timer and an auto-off function. It can also be popped into the washing machine.

If you are an Octopus Energy customer, they offer free electric blankets to vulnerable customers.

Handy warmers

Invest in reusable hand warmers. When needed, just pop them in your pockets for a quick, portable heat source.

You can get single-use ones that can be handy on the go, or there are rechargeable pods which also doubles as a phone bank charger.

The magic of accessories

Don’t forget hats, scarves, and gloves – even indoors.

They’re not just for outside; they can significantly increase your comfort level at home.

Hot drinks

Sip on a cup of tea, coffee, or hot chocolate.

Holding the warm mug can help heat your hands, and the drink will warm you from the inside.

And you could always get out and about and get a free coffee or hot drink. Being an IKEA Family Member (their loyalty card) gets you a free tea or coffee during the week, or Waitrose also offers a free hot drink for their loyalty card holders.

Move around

Staying active is a great way to get your blood pumping and keep you warm.

Even light exercise, like stretching, walking around your house or even household chores, can boost your body temperature.

Insulated seating

Use a cushion or blanket on your chair or sofa.

It’s a simple idea to help prevent heat loss and make your sitting area more comfortable.

Bedtime warmth

Before bed, slip a hot water bottle under the covers.

It’s a tried-and-tested method to warm your bed quickly and efficiently.

Eat for warmth

Eating regular, warm meals can help raise your body temperature.

Foods high in fat and carbohydrates, like stews or pasta dishes, are particularly good at generating body heat.

Read next: Cold Weather Payments: check your postcode to see if you can get £25

The drawbacks

Yes, you will save on your gas or electric bill if you switch off your radiators or skip using electric heaters. (Take a look at the cheapest electric heater to run).

While “heating the human” is a great way to save money, balancing it with the need to keep your home environment healthy and safe is important.

You need to be aware that it can cause harm in other ways and find a happy medium.

• Risk of hypothermia in vulnerable individuals
  Older people, young children, and those with certain health conditions may not be able to stay warm enough just by layering clothing or using hot water bottles. Inadequate heating in the home can increase the risk of hypothermia, a serious condition where the body’s temperature drops too low.
• Condensation and dampness
  Without enough heating, your home can become cold and damp. This environment is ideal for the growth of mould and mildew, which can lead to health problems, particularly for those with respiratory issues like asthma. Open windows for a short period each day to let fresh air in and moisture out.
  If you’re renting privately and struggling with serious damp or mould, your landlord may be responsible for putting it right. The government is also proposing stricter repair deadlines for private landlords in England. Find out what’s being proposed under Awaab’s Law and what rights renters already have.
• Strain on physical comfort
  Constantly wearing heavy layers or relying on hot water bottles and blankets can be bulky and uncomfortable, especially over long periods. It may restrict movement and can be impractical for daily activities around the house.
• Reduced social interaction
  If you’re avoiding heating communal areas of the home, this might lead to spending more time alone in a single heated room. This can impact family interaction and might lead to feelings of isolation.
• Potential overuse of electric blankets or heaters
  There’s a temptation to over-rely on electric blankets or portable heaters as a quick fix. These can pose safety risks, like fire hazards, if not used properly and might not be as energy-efficient as central heating systems when used extensively.

If you still need to use your central heating, it’s worth checking whether your boiler is running efficiently. New research suggests some households could save around £57 a year by changing one combi boiler setting.