Financial experts have disclosed some of the most cost-effective tactics for staying safe this winter, noting that certain strategies can cost less than a penny per hour. In light of recent energy price increases at the beginning of the year, individuals are being urged to consider different approaches to keep warm.
Money Saving Expert (MSE), the consumer help site founded by Martin Lewis, highlighted that turning on the heating has become “even more unaffordable” for many Brits following a 1.2 percent rise in prices on January 1. Its advice is therefore centred around the principle of “heating the human not the home”.
Martin Lewis remarked on these suggestions, saying: “This is a guide I really wish we needn’t be publishing. The reason I asked Sarah and the team to put this together is due to my overflowing email bag of desperation from people who can’t afford their energy bills.”
He added: “So don’t see this as an ‘MSE or Martin says you should do this’. It’s more that we’re trying to help provide some options and information for those that may need to drastically cut down on energy usage due to financial desperation and some help for others who may want to do it out of a commitment to green issues.”
MSE compiled a list of the most cost-effective products to help you stay warm, such as electric blankets, heat pads, and footwarmers. The site clarified: “There are lots of options out there – we can’t vouch for which will keep you warmest, but we have tried to work out which is cheapest to run. Generally we found it was those which could be charged via USB, but these items tend to be smaller, and may only warm part of your body (such as hands or feet).
“It’s also worth factoring in the initial cost, if you don’t already own one of the items below. We’ve given a rough price of the cheapest options we found (at Amazon*, Dunelm, Superdrug and so on).
“Of course, the cheapest option may not be the best quality. Do your own research, read reviews before buying and check safety advice before using any of the options below.”
They first suggested four items that can be powered through a USB cable. These include USB gloves, which have an upfront cost of £10. They’re incredibly economical to run, costing less than 1p per hour, or 4p per week based on five hours of daily charging.
Heated insoles for shoes or slippers also carry a £10 initial price tag and the same running costs. Similarly, USB hand warmers run at less than 1p per hour and 4p per week, but come with a £15 purchase price.
An electric gilet, including a battery pack, can be bought for £50, and it too costs less than 1p an hour and 4p per week to operate. Following these, they reviewed some more traditional heating products.
A microwaveable wheat bag costs around £4 to buy. Based on needing to microwave it for 60 seconds it costs less than 1p per hour or 14p per week.
However, this will only stay warm for about 20 to 40 minutes. The average hot water bottle (1.5 litre) costs around £5.50 and around 4p for one hour or 70p for the week – based on being used twice a day.
They also advocated for reusable hand warmers that cost £5 for a pair and less than 1p an hour, or £1 a week (if heated on a gas hob) or £3 (electric). Finally they looked at products that need to be plugged into the mains.
An electric heat pad costs around £20 to buy but 2p to run for an hour and 87p a week. Electric footwarmers and electric blankets also cost the same to run but £25 and £35 to buy respectively.
And when it comes to electric blankets, they added that fire brigades generally advise that you do not buy second-hand. Other methods to stay warm as listed by MSE include:
- Choose the right socks, and consider changing them during the day
- Warm up by moving around
- Eat regularly and have at least one hot meal a day
- Layer clothes to keep in the heat
- Keep your feet warm with rugs & slippers
If you are struggling to pay your energy bills and need some guidance, visit moneysavingexpert.com/utilities/how-to-get-help-if-you-re-struggling-with-your-energy-bills.