The cost of living is still increasing with the energy price cap expected to increase on October 1.
And because of this, people have been taking to the internet in a bid to get help as well as sharing tips on how they are saving money.
However whilst people are avoiding reaching for the heating, many are looking to Google to see what they can do with the search for 'how to keep warm without heating' soaring by 7,900 per cent.
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Not only has this seen an increase but according to retailer Studio, they have seen a 350 per cent increase in sales for electric blankets whilst they have seen a similar rise of 372 per cent for fleece pyjamas.
Comparing sales over a three-week period both before and after the announcement, the online retailer has also seen sales for oversized Sherpa fleece hoodies (598 per cent) fleece bedding (144 per cent), and onesies (706 per cent) surge.
Because of this, Leanne O'Malley at Studio has shared some tips on how to keep warm without turning on the heating. Here's what they had to say.
How to keep warm without heating
Opt for Flannel or Fleece Bedding
One of the easiest ways to avoid feeling the chill at night is to replace your bedding with a warmer alternative.
Flannel and fleece are great options for winter bedding, with both materials available for a reasonable price. These thick alternatives are effective insulators, not to mention cosy, keeping you warm and comfortable during the colder winter nights.
Try an Electric or Weighted Blanket
Electric blankets are great for keeping you warm in a cost-effective way this winter.
An electric blanket is significantly cheaper to run than keeping your central heating on, which runs up the electric bill by heating rooms not in use overnight. Many electric blankets also come with self-timers, so you can set them to be on for just an hour or two while you drift off, which will help you to reduce costs even further.
Weighted blankets are another way to stay warm on a budget this winter. Known for helping reduce feelings of anxiety and even improving sleep issues, these blankets are great at insulating heat and keeping sleepers warm.
Pick a Warm but Versatile Duvet
This year, as many try to avoid turning their heating on at night, we expect to see lots of people shopping for a duvet that can withstand the cold of winter.
And while it might be tempting to swap your current duvet for the thickest one possible, it’s not necessarily the best option.
Instead, you’ll want a versatile duvet that will be appropriate, once paired with appropriate bedding and blankets, for the coldest nights throughout the season, as well as the milder evenings too. Then, once we transition into spring, you don’t have to shell out for another duvet.
The ‘tog’ of a duvet is a rating between the range of 2.5 to 15 which indicates its warmth. So, a tog of 10.5 to 12.5 is a good place to start when picking a duvet for this winter.
Wear the Right Type of Pyjamas
When it comes to keeping warm in the evenings, the same fabrics you want for your bedding apply to your own clothing, too. Spending a little money now on more suitable pyjamas will go a long way this winter, insulating heat overnight and hopefully reducing the amount of time you need your heating on.
Fleece or wool pyjamas that fit well and are comfortable are ideal to sleep in during the colder seasons, while dressing gowns, hooded blankets, and oversized hoodies are great for around the house as well as to sleep in on particularly cold evenings. If you’re someone who struggles with poor circulation or simply often finds that your feet have escaped the duvet, then don’t forget to keep covered with thick, cosy socks.
Reseal your Windows
It’s not just your bed that plays a role in keeping you warm at night. You should also check your windows for cracks and leaks, as this could be the cause of draughts or pesky condensation. Using a silicone-based caulk or sealant, you can reseal your windows yourself and save cash on hiring a professional to boot.
Don’t just focus on your bedroom, either. You need to ensure that your entire home is insulating as much heat as possible.
Rearrange your Furniture
As simple as it sounds, you may not have thought about how the layout of your room is impacting your sleep.
Make sure your bed is positioned away from windows and doors to avoid any draught. You also want your bed to be as close to the room’s radiator as possible without obstructing it, as this will impact the overall temperature of the room. Allow enough space for the radiator’s heat to circulate so that the entire bedroom is nice and toasty at night.
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