A woman who went for the whole of winter without turning on the heating has explained some of her top tips for keeping warm.
TikTok user Carolyn Anderson said she was fed up with people in a privileged position giving advice to vulnerable people about how to cut down on heating costs, as they have probably never had to do it themselves.
So, since she has been through it herself, she posted a video telling people about some things they must consider if they are thinking of keeping the heating off as reported by Liverpool Echo. With the rising costs of energy, many people may be struggling to afford their bills.
In the video caption, she explained: “I've been through no heating in winter, most people giving advice haven't and likely won't be this year either. Ask questions in the comments and I'll reply to all I can do as many folks as possible hear this. I'm also great with budgeting and being frugal advice."
Introducing the video, she spoke into the camera as she said: "I'm sick of hearing people who've never gone without heating in winter telling people how they're going to cope with it this winter. So here, from a person who has actually done it, are eight things you need to consider."
So, here is the full list of Carolyn’s tips for going without heating - including how to dry your clothes and keep as healthy as possible.
1. Dealing with condensation
Carolyn says that getting condensation is highly likely, especially in the room you sleep in, when the heating isn't turned on.
She said: "You need to clean this off every morning, or every time you see it." She explained why as she added: "Not only can it make the room colder but it can cause damp which gives you other problems."
2. Problems with your skin
Carolyn explained: "Your skin being in a very cold and damp environment all the time has a different effect. So your skin can get sore and crack, so you need to find a good way to deal with that for your skin type."
3. Cold causing headaches
The social media user explained that she suffers from headaches when it gets colder.
She pointed at her forehead as she said: "Remember to keep this bit of your head warm. Use either a scarf or a hat."
4. Chest and throat health issues
Being in a cold home can cause problems for your chest and throat.
Carolyn said: "You need to keep your chest warm, and your throat, because you're going to be breathing in cold and damp air all the time.
"That's not good for your throat or your chest so just keep them warm. Try to eat cough sweets and stuff because they're a little bit warming. And hot drinks - lots of hot drinks."
5. How to dry your clothes
Instead of switching on the tumble drier, which can be pricey if you use it often, Carolyn suggested opting for a small heater.
She said: "You're not going to have the option of putting clothes on a radiator. At least if you've got one room being heated you can have an airer in that room with your clothes on."
6. Damp towels after a shower
Carolyn also suggested to find another way to dry your towels, such as the airer in the heated room idea above.
She continued: "So when you come to have your next shower, your towel is going to be cold and damp. Find a way to dry that towel. It will make your life so much less miserable."
7. Storing foods
The TikTok user warned people to be mindful of how they store certain foods if the heating is staying off.
Some foods, if they require to be kept at 'room temperature', are at risk of 'solidifying' if they aren't stored correctly.
8. Be aware of breaking mugs and other tableware
Finally, Carolyn warned users that mugs are more likely to smash when they're kept in colder conditions. They can break when exposed to the heat of the boiling water, so you should take extra care when making a cuppa.
She also recommended a Thermos for hot drinks as it keeps your drink warmer for longer and won't shatter. It also helps to cut costs when boiling the kettle, as you can fill it with boiling water at the start of each day and not have to boil the kettle each time you want a drink.
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