As the UK braces for another chilly winter, new data reveals that the average British home could reach temperatures as low as 12.8°C, well below the recommended healthy living temperature of 18°C. With 21% of Brits struggling to keep their homes warm despite their best efforts, home heating expert Wouter Heuterman, CEO of SpeedComfort, has shared seven unconventional yet effective ways to stay warm while keeping heating bills low.
Heuterman’s tips provide creative and cost-effective solutions to combat the winter cold. Below are his top suggestions for staying warm without breaking the bank.
1. Raid Your Sock Drawer
One of the most surprising tips is to use old socks to create homemade draught stoppers. Heuterman explains, “If you have gaps underneath your doors, you’re letting heat escape. But there’s no need to buy expensive draught excluders. Simply cut an old pair of tights and stuff them with socks, rice, or lentils. It’s an inexpensive solution, and it can even become a fun craft project for the family.”
2. Create a ‘Warm Room’
Rather than heating the entire house, focus on creating a ‘warm room.’ “Most people spend the majority of their time in one room, whether it’s working in the kitchen or watching TV in the living room. By heating just one room and keeping doors closed, you can concentrate your energy and resources in a smaller area,” says Heuterman. Additionally, to prevent radiators in unused rooms from freezing, he recommends adjusting the thermostat to the ‘star’ position.
3. Use a Fan
Just as fans circulate cool air in the summer, radiator fans can help distribute warm air in the winter. These devices improve heat circulation, meaning your home heats up faster and more efficiently. Heuterman explains that using a radiator fan can save both energy and money by reducing the need to overheat your home.
4. Keep Your Furry Friends Close
For a warm and cosy winter evening, Heuterman suggests snuggling up with your pets. “Cats and dogs can act as natural hot water bottles,” he says. “Not only does this offer warmth, but the companionship can make those cold winter nights even more enjoyable.”
5. Change Your Curtains
Windows are often a major source of heat loss, especially in homes with single-glazed windows. Heuterman recommends installing thermal curtains to reduce heat escape. “These curtains work by creating a barrier of air between the window and the room, preventing cold from coming in and heat from escaping.”
6. Leave Your Oven Door Open
After you’ve finished cooking, consider leaving your oven door open to let the residual heat warm the room. “Ovens provide a free heat source that would otherwise go to waste,” says Heuterman. “By leaving the door open, the oven’s fan works more efficiently, using less energy to extract heat from the appliance.”
7. DIY Double Glazing
For those unable to replace single-glazed windows, Heuterman recommends using window film or foil as an affordable alternative. “Window film adds an extra layer of insulation, helping to trap heat inside. Window foil, though it can block natural light, is especially effective at reflecting heat back into the room, ensuring warmth is retained.”
SpeedComfort, the company behind these insights, has also published a comprehensive guide to help homeowners save energy and stay warm this winter. These creative hacks not only promise to keep homes cosy but also encourage sustainable energy use in the colder months.
