Whether you\u2019re considering an electric blanket or looking to warm your feet while working at your desk, it\u2019s important to use them in the most effective way. Energy Saving Trust\u2019s<\/a> knowledge manager, Joanna O\u2019Loan, has a word of warning. \u201cWe\u2019re all looking for ways to save money on our heating bills but relying on gadgets instead of the central heating can increase the risk of condensation,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n \u201cCooking, washing and breathing all add moisture to the air that could condense onto cold surfaces, including walls. This may lead to damp<\/a>, which could damage your home\u2019s structure or cause mould. It\u2019s therefore advisable to turn on the heating more frequently in the colder months to keep your walls warm and prevent condensation.<\/p>\n New FeatureIn ShortQuick Stories. Same trusted journalism.<\/p>\n \u201cUsing heated products from time to time, to help take the chill off the coldest days, isn\u2019t a problem, however.\u201d<\/p>\n We spoke to experts for recommendations on things you can buy to keep you warm at home this winter without breaking the bank.<\/p>\n A boiler \u201cjacket\u201d could save you \u00a3200 a year<\/p>\n Jack Coles, a heating specialist from MyBuilder.com<\/a> says water cylinder jackets are simply insulation for your boiler\u2019s water cylinder \u2013 trapping the heat inside and preventing wastage. DIY installation of a jacket starts from just \u00a320, depending on the thickness of the material used. If you install a jacket you can reduce heat loss by over 75 per cent, saving up to \u00a3200 per year (based on the recent energy prices).<\/p>\n Recommendation: Four panel cylinder jackets<\/a>, \u00a319.98 from Toolstation<\/p>\n A simple key for hassle-free radiator bleeding<\/p>\n Switching on the heating<\/a> to find your radiators are still stone cold is so frustrating. In many cases, this might just be caused by air bubbles that block up the pipework.<\/p>\n Bleeding a radiator simply involves releasing the valve and letting the excess air out. Coles says: \u201cMake sure the heating is turned off for this process. You may need a radiator key, which you can pick up for less than a tenner. Release the valve with a tissue or rag underneath to catch any water after the air has stopped hissing out, and close the valve as soon as water starts to come out.\u201d<\/p>\n Recommendation: Rothenberger Brass Multi-Purpose 4 Way Key<\/a>, \u00a36.98<\/p>\n Window film can warm rooms up<\/p>\n Jason Paterson, managing director of Trinity Glazing says the 3M indoor window insulator kit reduces heat loss in draft-heavy rooms with a simple install that anyone can manage. Paterson said: \u201cThe clear film tightens across the frame when heated with a hairdryer which creates a firm barrier that cuts cold air movement and raises room temperature without touching the thermostat. I have watched this kit lift the temperature in a room by about three degrees within the first afternoon. People with older homes often stack two layers which gives even stronger insulation.\u201d<\/p>\n Recommendation: 3M Interior Shrink Film Window Kit<\/a>, \u00a332.14 for five windows<\/p>\n Portable heaters are popular for a reason<\/p>\n Coles say portable heaters are becoming increasingly popular, as they\u2019re easy to set up, and effective at heating specific areas, making them especially useful for remote workers<\/a> who spend most of their time in one room. \u201cThey\u2019re also cost-effective, and they can cost as little as 8p an hour to run. However, they typically run on electricity, so consider the long-term costs. It\u2019s recommended that you find a heater that provides the most heating output on the lowest electricity usage.\u201d<\/p>\n According to Coles, halogen heaters provide instant, directional heat and are repeatedly cited as one of the cheapest plug-in heating options for warming a single person or area. Ideal for WFH desks or bedroom spot-heating to avoid putting the central heating on.<\/p>\n Recommendation: Status Oscillating Halogen Heater<\/a>, \u00a325<\/p>\n The fleece blanket the expert swears by<\/p>\n Giuseppe Capanna, product safety engineer at Electrical Safety First says: \u201cElectric blankets are a cheap and effective way to keep warm in the colder months. They work by using thin, insulated wires embedded within the fabric to generate heat when electricity flows through them. This teddy fleece blanket lining traps and retains heat, meaning people can stay warm without heating the whole room. With a running cost of 2p her hour, it\u2019s a wise investment.\u201d<\/p>\n Recommendation: The Dunelm Teddy Bear Supersoft Electric Blanket<\/a> \u2013 \u00a335 single, \u00a340 double, \u00a345 king-size, \u00a350 super king-size<\/p>\n Try a self-adhesive draft stopper on your front door<\/p>\n Mike Bowman, technical product manager at Patio Productions, recommends a self-adhesive outdoor door draft stopper because it stops heat loss at a weak point that most homes ignore. Bowman says: \u201cA door gap of even 6 millimetres can leak enough warm air to force a heater to run an extra thirty minutes per day, which drives up winter bills fast. I have seen a single unit cut heat escape by roughly 20 per cent in those areas.\u201d<\/p>\n Recommendation: Self-Adhesive Draught Excluder<\/a> \u2013 \u00a38.99<\/p>\n Warm yourself, not the home with these thermals<\/p>\n Layers are key to keeping warm when the temperature drops. The layers trap little pockets of warm air between them all the way around your body. And warm air makes all the difference.<\/p>\n Award-winning personal stylist Amanda Munden<\/a> recommends the Uniqlo HEATTECH Thermal Innerwear. \u201cI wear the long sleeve extra warm cashmere blend long sleeve crew neck on repeat. Less than \u00a320, with an inclusive sizing range, and you can pop in the washing machine \u2013 what\u2019s not to love. It\u2019s recommended down to a temperature of -5 degrees, although let\u2019s hope it\u2019s not getting that cold!\u201d<\/p>\n Recommendation: HEATTECH Extra Warm Cashmere Blend Crew Neck T-Shirt<\/a>, Uniqlo, \u00a319.90<\/p>\n \t\tYour next read<\/p>\n Don\u2019t forget your feet<\/p>\n Munden says there\u2019s a simple, natural fix for cold feet that most people overlook: sheepskin insoles.<\/p>\n \u201cLightweight, breathable and luxuriously soft, they turn any pair of shoes into a personal cocoon of warmth. Whether you\u2019re trudging through snow or just padding around the house, these insoles make a world of difference \u2014 and once you try them, you\u2019ll never go back,\u201d says Munden.<\/p>\n Recommendation: Sheepskin insoles<\/a>, House of Bruar, \u00a38.95<\/p>\n
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