With winter around the corner and temperatures gradually decreasing, it's that time of year when many internally debate whether to put the heating on. But in light of the cost-of-living crisis with energy bills soaring, this decision has a lot more weight on it this year.
Black Friday is on the horizon, falling on November 25, meaning many products that could keep you warm are likely to be on sale for reduced prices. The Manchester Evening News reviewed some products that could help to keep your costs down this winter.
USB Gloves
One of money saving expert Martin Lewis' suggestions in his 'heat the human not the home' guide was using USB gloves to combat soaring energy costs. They were one of the cheapest suggestions on the list, with an initial investment of around £5, costing less than 1p an hour to run, and around 4p a week to use, based on being used for five hours a day.
After connecting from the gloves to your USB port, they warm up as quickly as five seconds, providing heat to the knuckles and palm of the hand. They cool down just as quickly, reducing any potential hazards for those with young children at home.
Foot hot water bottle
After pouring hot water into the hot water bottle, one simply places each foot into the pouch connected to warm up their feet. The hot water bottle itself lays underneath the slots for each foot, meaning that all parts of your feet will feel the warmth.
The heat lasts for roughly three hours, at which point you can empty and refill for more warmth.
HotCup Kettle
Particularly helpful for those that work from home and find themselves making a hot cup of coffee or tea throughout the day. It boils just the right amount of water, preventing energy from being wasted on boiling.
It takes less time to boil water, and can fill up to six mugs. Its £39.99 price tag may induce a cringe, but for its longevity and bill-saving, it is well worth the investment.
Hooded blanket
The 'Oodie' is the most popular hooded blanket on the market, but it would set you back £89, which would be foolish bearing in mind there are cheaper alternatives that warm you up just as well. Less expensive options can be found for as little at £11.99 on Amazon to keep you heated throughout the winter.
USB Slipper
Works similarly to the USB gloves, with the user simply having to plug into a USB port before slipping on. The slipper heats up in around 20 minutes, providing warmth to the entire foot.
Wowcher currently have a deal for USB slippers for £8.99, which is a very good bargain for those that find their feet transitioning into ice blocks in the winter months.
Aldi heated airer
The airer is easy to set up, and takes up minimal storage space, folding back up flat after use. It costs less than 7p per hour to run, providing you with fast driving for a significantly lower price than 30p+ per hour tumble dryers.
The airer has 20 bars which are evenly spaced and also heats up whatever room it is placed in, which perhaps delays turning on the central heating just a little bit longer.
Faux fur duvet
For those that struggle to feel snug in the cold of winter and don't want to have their heating on overnight, this item is an absolute must-have. The double set should cost £59.99, but can be found for as little as £29.99 on deal sites such as Wowcher.
Air fryer
The air fryer has dramatically become a must-have for kitchens in recent years, best known for cooking quickly, with less fat or oil and by using up to 75% less energy than a traditional oven. It's easy to set up, and comes with a rotating basket, rotisserie split, retrieval tool, drip tray, silicone glove and brush.
The item admittedly costs nearly £150, but the price is justifiable due to its energy saving and speed and quality of cooking.
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