As energy prices rise, inflation increases, and the winter months roll in, many of us are feeling the tightening of our pocketbooks. Or worse, we’re fearful about staying warm this winter.
Here at our favourite Bristol estate agency, Brunt and Fussell, we wanted to take the time to put together a list of our favourite ways to be frugal to ensure you stay warm this year. Whether you’re a homeowner, tenant, or landlord, we want everyone to stay warm and save money.
Use a Hot Water Bottle Or Electric Blanket
Rather than turning the heat on, which many of us are fearful to do this year, use a hot water bottle. You can even buy hot water bottles for your feet these days! Another option is to use an electric blanket, while this is still using electricity, it’s significantly less costly but will keep you incredibly warm and toasty.
Get Moving
When you’re feeling cold, warm yourself by moving around. Kill two birds with one stone by doing some chores around the house to warm up as well. Do the dishes, fold laundry, dust, hoover, mop, and get the blood flowing to keep you warm.
Layer Up The House
During winter, a lot of people mention wearing layers. You should wear a shirt, a cardigan, a jumper, and a jacket.
But what about layering your house up?
Have extra throw blankets around the sofa or your work-from-home desk.
Load the bed up with extra duvets and thick blankets.
Buy some simple rugs to throw down on the floors you’re standing on regularly like in the kitchen or under your desk.
Purchase A Dehumidifier
If your home is cold and damp, purchasing a dehumidifier is a great way to dry out your home which will lead to a warmer home. Dehumidifiers aren’t as costly as space heaters or turning your radiators on, but you can make your home just as warm with them.
Dehumidifiers are especially helpful for people who dry their clothes inside at home.
Wear House Shoes
Wearing house shoes is a effective way to keep your body warm, but also protect your feet from the chilly floors.
Use The Windows Effectively
When the sun is shining, open your curtains to let all that warm golden light flood into your house. Before the sunsets, close them again to trap that warmth in.
Ensure you’re using thermal curtains to keep the cold out and the warm in.
If you have older windows that are not double-glazed, you can easily seal them as a great way to keep your home insulated.
Rearrange The House
If you find that your bed, sofa, and desk are pushed against exterior walls, it might be a good idea to rearrange them away from those walls. If you’re spending a lot of time in these areas, get away from the cold, and damp and closer to the interior walls to stay warmer.
If You Turn The Heating On…
If you turn the heating on, make sure you’re keeping doors closed to rooms you aren’t using. You don’t want to waste money heating rooms you’re not in.
Reflect The Heat
If you use your radiator, cover a large piece of cardboard (from one of those Amazon purchases) with aluminium foil. Put this covered cardboard before the radiator and fasten it to your wall. This will reflect the heat into the room rather than losing it to the outside.
Open the Oven Doors
After you’ve used the oven, open the doors to release the heat into the kitchen. This is a way to cook dinner and heat your house on a budget! Please don’t do this if you have young children or nosy pets.
