Heating accounts for over half of the monthly energy bill for the average household but there are some cost-effective ways to keep warm without breaking the bank
As the chill starts to bite, folks across the UK are thinking twice about how to stay snug without racking up massive energy bills – especially the work-from-homers.
The typical British home dedicates more than half of its energy bill to heating but Emily Caloe, a top buyer for homeware gurus Vonhaus, has let slip about some top-notch items guaranteed to keep you toasty as we wave goodbye to the warmer weather, with one even clocking in at just 2p per hour on your electricity tariff.
“As remote working continues to be the norm, many will find themselves juggling productivity with cost-consciousness,” said Emily. “However, keeping warm during working hours without breaking the bank can be a delicate balance. As we transition into the autumn, heating the whole house can be a very inefficient way of beating the chill and it’s often better to create a personal warmth zone to keep costs down,” reports the Daily Record. Emily points to three budget-friendly essentials perfect for the winter wipe out:
Heated blankets
Top of the list are heated blankets and throws a snug and efficient fix for keeping the cold at bay that means there’s no need to crank up the heat for your whole home or even an entire room. These brilliant blankets deliver heat straight to your body, making them just the ticket for cosying up on your couch or keeping the frost off while you grind out the 9-to-5 from your home office.
They are also one of the most cost-effective ways to keep warm, typically using between 100 to 150 watts of power, which translates to 2 to 3 pence per hour in energy costs. This is substantially cheaper than using central heating, especially if you’re just working in one room. If you used a heated blanket for eight hours a day, it would cost you between 16 and 24 pence.
Stove heaters
Many homes in the UK can be draughty and poorly insulated so only warming one room at a time through the use of a heater is an economical alternative. For bigger rooms, a freestanding electric stove can be a savvy solution which keeps your home warm for extended periods while also looking elegant and aesthetic in the process. Electric stove heaters can bring rustic charm without the hassle, mimicking the look of a traditional wood burner without the smoke fumes.
Caloe advises: “If you’re really looking to cut costs, choose a stove with thermostatically controlled smart features to ensure your heater automatically switches off or on according to room temperature. For best results, pair your stove heater with a bespoke stove fan to maximise your log burner’s heat and ensure an even distribution throughout your living spaces.”
Oil-filled radiators
An oil-filled radiator is another way of getting instant cosy warmth at the touch of a button. They use thermal oil to generate heat which then warms up the room. As another fantastic cost-effective choice, these operate at approximately 49p per hour of use. Unlike traditional radiators, oil-filled radiators continue to emit heat even after they’ve been switched off.
They’re also easily movable and can be lifted and placed next to your chosen workstation. Many radiators come with high/low heat settings, allowing you to adjust the temperature based on conditions. They provide a hassle-free method of rapidly heating rooms without radiators, which is particularly handy during the autumn months.
