WITH the weather all over the place and fears over rising energy bills, it’s important we know how to keep our homes warm on a budget.
So if your purse is feeling tighter than ever before and you’re worried about the cost of putting the heating on this winter, then don’t worry, you’ve come to the right place.
From getting yourself a hot water bottle and an electric blanket, to draught-proofing your space, if you want to save cash on heating, you’ll need to check this out[/caption]
The pros stressed the importance of layering bedding and getting thermal curtains[/caption]
They also stressed the importance of ensuring furniture or curtains do not block radiators[/caption]
It turns out that there’s plenty you can do to winter-proof your bedroom – without needing to turn the heating on.
Thanks to bedroom furnishings experts at Bed Kingdom, there are seven simple ways you can create a warm home without using the heating.
Not only is layering your bedding key, but there’s a cheap buy from Temu that you’ll need to nab if you want a warm and cosy sleep, whatever the weather.
Curtains are key
According to the experts, thermal curtains are perfect for ‘trapping heat’ in your room.
The bedroom pros said: “Opt for insulated thermal curtains to trap heat in the room.
“They act as a barrier, preventing cold drafts from entering and reducing heat loss through windows.”
Love to layer
As well as this, the experts explained that layering your bedding is another way to keep warm at night.
They stressed that layering materials traps body heat effectively, which can be done with weighted blankets, throws or quilts over a duvet.
Materials matter
According to the experts, choosing your materials wisely is extremely important.
They highlighted: “Flannel, fleece and wool are top choices for retaining heat, while down and down-alternative duvets offer lightweight warmth.
“For warm, vegan and eco-friendly options, consider materials like organic cotton, bamboo, recycled polyester, hemp and kapok.”
Plugging in
Not only is layering your bedding key, but an electric blanket should be on your shopping list if you want to keep your bedroom cosy.
If you decide to use electric blankets, opt for one with an automatic shutoff feature to prevent overheating and fires.
5 ways to keep your house warm in winter
Property expert Joshua Houston shared his tips.
1. Curtains
“Windows are a common place for the outside cold to get into your home, this is because of small gaps that can let in air so always close your curtains as soon as it gets dark,” he said.
This simple method gives you an extra layer of warmth as it can provide a kind of “insulation” between your window and curtain.
2. Rugs
“Your floor is another area of your home where heat can be lost and can make your home feel chilly,” he continued. “You might notice on cold days, that your floor is not nice to walk on due to it freezing your feet.
“Add rugs to areas that don’t already have a carpet, this provides a layer of insulation between your bare floor and the room above.”
3. Check your insulation
Check your pipes, loft space, crawlspaces and underneath floorboards.
“Loose-fill insulation is very good for this, and is a more affordable type of insulation, with a big bag being able to be picked up for around £30,” Joshua explained.
4. Keep your internal doors closed
“Household members often gather in one room in the evening, and this is usually either the kitchen or living room,” Joshua said.
“This means you only have to heat a small area of your home, and closing the doors keeps the heat in and the cold out.”
5. Block drafts
Don’t forget to check cat flaps, chimneys and letterboxes, as they can let in cold air if they aren’t secure.
That’s hot
Many of us may already have a hot water bottle in a cupboard somewhere, but according to the pros, these cheap buys, which you can nab from Temu from just £2, are a great winter essential.
The experts advised that a simple hot water bottle placed in your bed before you sleep can warm it up effectively.
It’s important to note that you should make sure to not overfill a hot water bottle with boiling water to avoid spillages and leaks.
Make it draught-proof
As well as layering your bedroom and getting a hot water bottle, the experts recommended installing draft stoppers under doors and sealing window gaps with adhesive strips to keep the cold air out.
Simple actions like layering bedding, using draft excluders, and choosing the right heating devices can make a significant difference
Ashley Hainsworth, from Bed Kingdom
Rugs can also help to insulate the floor and reduce heat loss, which is particularly ideal if you have hardwood or tile flooring.
Be clear with your radiator
In addition to this, the experts stressed that it’s important to ensure that furniture or curtains do not block heat sources like radiators or floor vents.
These will help to distribute warmth more effectively, so it is advised to leave curtains open if possible and move items away from radiators.
What is the Winter Fuel Payment?
Consumer reporter Sam Walker explains all you need to know about the payment.
The Winter Fuel Payment is an annual tax-free benefit designed to help cover the cost of heating through the colder months.
Most who are eligible receive the payment automatically.
Those who qualify are usually told via a letter sent in October or November each year.
If you do meet the criteria but don’t automatically get the Winter Fuel Payment, you will have to apply on the government’s website.
You’ll qualify for a Winter Fuel Payment this winter if:
- you were born on or before September 23, 1958
- you lived in the UK for at least one day during the week of September 16 to 22, 2024, known as the “qualifying week”
- you receive Pension Credit, Universal Credit, ESA, JSA, Income Support, Child Tax Credit or Working Tax Credit
If you did not live in the UK during the qualifying week, you might still get the payment if both the following apply:
- you live in Switzerland or a EEA country
- you have a “genuine and sufficient” link with the UK social security system, such as having lived or worked in the UK and having a family in the UK
But there are exclusions – you can’t get the payment if you live in Cyprus, France, Gibraltar, Greece, Malta, Portugal or Spain.
This is because the average winter temperature is higher than the warmest region of the UK.
You will also not qualify if you:
- are in hospital getting free treatment for more than a year
- need permission to enter the UK and your granted leave states that you can not claim public funds
- were in prison for the whole “qualifying week”
- lived in a care home for the whole time between 26 June to 24 September 2023, and got Pension Credit, Income Support, income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance or income-related Employment and Support Allowance
Payments are usually made between November and December, with some made up until the end of January the following year.
Staying warm safety
Ashley Hainsworth, a spokesperson for the company, commented: “Staying warm in your bedroom during colder months is essential, but it’s important to do so safely.
“Many people are unaware of the fire hazards that can come from improper heating methods or over-reliance on certain appliances.
“Simple actions like layering bedding, using draft excluders, and choosing the right heating devices can make a significant difference. It’s all about finding that balance between comfort and safety.
“We always recommend taking a proactive approach by regularly inspecting your heating equipment, avoiding overloading sockets, and being mindful of fire risks.
“Following these easy steps can help ensure that you stay warm throughout the winter months without compromising your home’s safety.”
