As fuel bills rise and the nights draw in, increasingly we are all looking for ways to keep warm that keep our bills to a minimum. If you work from home or spend lots of time at home, ways to keep warm whilst keeping the thermostat lower become a priority.
For the sick, elderly or frail, living room temperatures should ideally be kept at 21C (70F) or above, and bedroom temperatures should be kept at a minimum of 18C (64F).
For those of us who can cope with a lower thermostat or if this becomes unaffordable to maintain all day long, there are things we can do to maintain body temperature.
Below we look at some ways to keep warm which use little or no energy.
- Heated throws: Heated throws are electric blankets that you can wrap around during the day. They cost less than a penny and hour to run (at current rates September 22, 1 penny for 4 hours). If you are sitting still for long periods at a desk, or on a sofa, wrapping up in one of these can keep you extra snug and warm. They also come with a timer just in case you nod off, or forget to turn it off. The blanket bit can also be laundered in a washing machine.
- Hot Water bottle: Tried and trusted warmer, a thick cover can stop them being too hat next to the body when freshly filled. Look out for hot water bottles with slots for feet. Toasty!
- Foot warmer: Similar to a heated throw, but just for feet. If feet get cold it can be hard to warm them up, so just keeping this bit warm can help a lot.
- Microwave wheat pack: like a hot water bottle, but no hassles with filling a bottle with scalding water. Reheat as necessary, good for stiff necks, aches and pains too.
Energy free
- Thick fleece or wool blankets: keep the heat in and draw moisture out.
- Sheepskin slippers
- Wooly hat: heat escapes through the head, so a wooly hat or cap – think nightcap pre central heating can help keep the heat in.
- Thermal undies: long johns, thermal vests, socks, thermals come in all shapes and materials from synthetics to silk.