MARTIN Lewis has revealed some clever ways to help you keep warm without reaching for the thermostat.
From electric gadgets and hot water bottles to layering up – here’s what he recommends.
1
Martin shared the Money Saving Expert (MSE) guide, heat the human not the home, to help vulnerable households stay warm without raising bills.
It comes as energy bills saw a 54% increase at the beginning of this month when the price cap was increased.
This meant the limit rose from £1,277 to £1,971 for a year – an increase of £693 for the average household, though the exact cost can vary depending on your use.
And these aren’t the only price rises the UK has faced – food costs are also rocketing due to inflation, meaning some people are forced to make choices between heating or eating.
Most read in Money
The money expert prefaces the guide with a warning though.
Staying warm is vital for our health, and vulnerable people like those who are elderly or sick should do all they can to prioritise their warmth.
If you have health issues or conditions, there are charities that can support you financially like Macmillan.
Not heating your home often enough can cause issues surrounding dampness and frozen pipes, which can result in costly repairs.
When it’s very cold out, putting the heating on to maintain your property becomes essential.
MSE points out that this is especially the case for renters who may be required to heat their accommodation due to a contractual agreement.
Otherwise, here’s Martin’s tips on how to stay warm without relying on the heating.
Layer up
Naturally, the more clothes you have on, the warmer you should feel.
You can wear as many layers as feels comfortable for you, but aim for a minimum of two when indoors and three when outdoors in cold conditions.
Thermals tend to be the best choice when it comes to your first layer as they contain your body heat efficiently.
Sports clothing is also a good choice as a base layer because it’s designed to soak up sweat, meaning it will help you avoid feeling damp and uncomfortable.
Check out Decathlon for your kit as they have budget-friendly prices starting from a fiver for both men and women.
Your local charity shop may be worth checking for cheap layers too.
But always make sure to shop around for a better deal to ensure you’re getting the best price.
Then follow up with a jumper or fleece to capture any heat that has escaped the first layer.
Keep your lower half toasty by wearing thermal leggings or tights underneath any bottoms you put on too.
Don’t forget about your feet
After you’ve wrapped your body up, make sure you put something on your feet.
Walking around the house barefoot can counteract your others attempts to warm up.
It’s as simple as putting on a pair of socks or using your slippers around the house.
Bargain retailer Primark sells women’s and men’s slippers starting from £2.50 but you’ll have to pick them up from store as you can’t order online.
It also sells regular socks from £1.80 for a pack of five, making it just 36p a pair.
If you want something a little warmer, M&S sells a pack of two thermal ankle high socks for a fiver, making it £2.50 a pair.
MSE’s guide recommends changing your socks throughout the day if your feet start to feel cold too.
This could be because they’ve been absorbing moisture from your feet, making them feel damp.
Eat regular meals
The guide reminds people that eating and drinking warm things regularly helps us stay healthy, according to the NHS.
You can opt for low-cost hot foods and drinks like tinned soups, beans, and teas, some examples are as follows:
If you can’t afford the cost of food prices, there is support available.
You can use an online benefits calculator to check you’re getting all the money you’re entitled to.
The Household Support Scheme has also been extended for another six months, and councils are offering struggling residents with food vouchers in some cases.
There are also food banks across the UK that you can claim help from, though you may need to be referred – speak to them directly to find out how.
Get techy
Another tip from the MSE guide is to grab gadgets like electric blankets and hot water bottles.
The Sun has previously revealed the top deals on wearable tech to keep you warm and save money on heating bills.
But before you buy any, make sure to factor in the cost of the items.
We found some examples currently on the market to give you an indication of the costs.
Hot water bottles are pretty self-explanatory, but for those who are unfamiliar, you fill the rubber bottle with warm water and hold it.
Wilko sells a hot water bottle without a cover for £5.50, or £6.50 with a cover which may be safer to prevent burning.
Dunelm is selling a single electric blanket for a tenner, and we recently worked out how much it costs to run this gadget on average.
Amazon is selling a pack of two reusable hand warmers from Lifesystems for £3.54.
The Online Home Shop is selling heated oversized hoodie blankets for £25 each which you wear.
The MSE guide has a handy table explaining how much its costs to use each gadget.
Meanwhile, we reveal the exact temperature to set your thermostat to save on energy bills.
If you need help with your finances, The Sun’s Squeeze Team are on hand to help you save money.
And this money saving expert explains the things in your kitchen that are increasing your bills.
If you click on a link in this story we may earn affiliate revenue.
We pay for your stories!
Do you have a story for The Sun Online Money team?
