My 1p an-hour hack keeps me warm all night so I don’t need the heating on – I don’t know how I survived without it
WITH the weather taking a turn for the worst, if you’re looking for ways to keep warm without breaking the bank, we’ve got you covered.
Particularly if you’re reluctant to turn on your central heating as a result of rising costs, then fear not, you’ve come to the right place.
As temperatures plummet and an amber warning is set to hit the UK with a -10C blast and up to 16 inches of snow, you’ll need to check out this new buy if you want to battle the chill.
And don’t worry if the cost of living crisis has meant that you’re on a tight budget, as this bargain buy is super cheap.
Not only is the handy gadget incredibly affordable, but it’s perfect for snuggly nights in bed too.
The EMtronics Heated Electric Under Blanket, which you can order online from B&Q now, is just £13.99 and does a ‘superb job of keeping your bed warm’.
Not only this, but it has three interchangeable heat settings to achieve your optimum body temperature and costs around just 1.2p per hour to run.
This works out to be just over 3p per day or around 25p per week if used for three hours a day.
It is super soft and is made from 100% polyester, providing quick and efficient heat.
And don’t worry, you won’t need to worry about falling asleep with it on at night, as the overheat protection will automatically shut off the blanket if you forget to turn it off before you go to bed.
If that wasn’t enough, it also comes with a one year guarantee.
One B&Q shopper was keen to share her rave review of the affordable find, as she penned: “I bought this for winter months. Very efficient little under blanket.
“Three heat settings if you don’t want it too hot. It’s toasty warm. Much better than a hot water bottle.
“Switch it on an hour before you go to bed and it’s so welcoming when you get in. Very pleased with my purchase which is also low wattage. Just 35 watts. So it keeps the running price down too.
5 ways to keep your house warm in winter
Property expert Joshua Houston shared his tips.
1. Curtains
“Windows are a common place for the outside cold to get into your home, this is because of small gaps that can let in air so always close your curtains as soon as it gets dark,” he said.
This simple method gives you an extra layer of warmth as it can provide a kind of “insulation” between your window and curtain.
2. Rugs
“Your floor is another area of your home where heat can be lost and can make your home feel chilly,” he continued. “You might notice on cold days, that your floor is not nice to walk on due to it freezing your feet.
“Add rugs to areas that don’t already have a carpet, this provides a layer of insulation between your bare floor and the room above.”
3. Check your insulation
Check your pipes, loft space, crawlspaces and underneath floorboards.
“Loose-fill insulation is very good for this, and is a more affordable type of insulation, with a big bag being able to be picked up for around £30,” Joshua explained.
4. Keep your internal doors closed
“Household members often gather in one room in the evening, and this is usually either the kitchen or living room,” Joshua said.
“This means you only have to heat a small area of your home, and closing the doors keeps the heat in and the cold out.”
5. Block drafts
Don’t forget to check cat flaps, chimneys and letterboxes, as they can let in cold air if they aren’t secure.
“It costs as much to boil the kettle for a hot water bottle. Really good price too. Once secured in place it doesn’t move.”
Not only this, but many took to social media to share their rave reviews of heated blankets.
No idea how the f**k I survived without it
On Reddit, on the r/AskUK/ thread, social media users were eager to reveal how they keep warm in winter – with many raving about electric blankets such as this bargain buy from B&Q.
One person said: “I got my first electric blanket last week, no idea how the f**k I survived without it.”
Cheap gadgets to help you stay warm
MARTIN Lewis' MoneySavingExpert shared six gadgets that can help you keep the heating off but stay warm.
Heating “the human not the home” means you warm yourself instead of turning on the heating and heating the whole house.
This can save money on your heating bill and means you don’t have to sit in the cold.
- USB gloves – initial cost £10, cost to run less than 1p an hour
- Heated insoles – initial cost £10, cost to run less than 1p an hour
- USB hand warmers – initial cost £15, cost to run less than 1p an hour
- Electric gilet – initial cost £50 (including battery pack), cost to run less than 1p an hour
- Microwaveable wheat bag – initial cost £4, cost to run less than 1p per hours
- Reusable hand warmers – initial cost £5 for a pair, cost to run less than 1p per hour
Another replied and added: “Me too! I bought it after people on here were talking about small things they had purchased that changed their life (or something similar).
“It’s wrapped around me 90% of the time I’m home.”
A third commented: “It’s good but it has made my bed my favourite place in the whole house. I chill in bed now to read, play games, nap, cuddle the dog. Never spent so much time here!”
Not only this, but another claimed: “Total game changer. Love mine. And it doesn’t use too much electricity.”