With an Arctic blast on the way to the UK, many households will be turning to their central heating – but there’s a cheap way to stay warm without breaking the bank
Winter is well underway with the UK weather forecast looking rather bleak. As weather maps predict a 4-day Arctic snow blast is heading right around the corner, it can be tempting to crank up the heating at home.
But turning to central heating comes at a price, and not a cheap one at all. Now with Brits struggling with soaring energy bills, consumer website Which? has offered a budget-friendly solution to keep cosy this November without emptying your wallet. In a post shared with their 429,000 Instagram followers, the company revealed two cost-effective methods of staying warm, one of which costs 2p per hour to operate.
The caption stated: “We’ve tested heated throws and electric blankets ranging in price from around £25 to £115, so we can bring you the best for warmth and value this winter.
“Comment ‘DEALS’ to see all the best deals we’ve seen on models that performed well in our lab tests.”
According to Which?, an electric radiator can heat a medium-sized room for about 37p an hour and offers mobility.
On the other hand, an electric throw can warm one person for just 2p per hour, providing a comforting, warm embrace.
Both options are fantastic ways to stay snug this winter, particularly if you’re trying to avoid overusing the central heating.
The ideal electric radiator will depend on your specific needs, with a range of appliances available that excel at retaining heat and providing long-lasting warmth, especially in larger spaces.
You can manage your heating remotely, with certain models boasting built-in WiFi or app control. For enduring warmth, oil-filled (thermal fluid) radiators are a good choice.
Electric throws offer comfort and therapeutic benefits, such as pain relief, while providing consistent, adjustable heat.
They’re also energy-efficient and cheaper to run than central heating because they warm the person directly, not the whole room.
Additional perks include improved sleep quality, portability, and handy safety features like automatic shut-off.
Other cost-effective methods to keep cosy:
- Layer your clothing: Make sure to wear multiple thin layers of warm clothing made from wool or fleece, as well as thick socks, slippers or even a hat and gloves indoors.
- Use personal heating: Use a hot water bottle, electric blanket or microwavable wheat bag to provide direct warmth without heating the whole house.
- Stay active: Walking around or stretching every so often can generate body heat to help you feel warmer.
- Grab a blanket: Keep blankets on the couch or use extra layers of bedding at night to stay cozy.
