Money Saving Expert (MSE) has published a guide urging UK households to "heat the human, not the home" this winter, with a simple hot water bottle costing around £2.99 among the recommended ways to cut energy bills without touching the thermostat.
Martin Lewis, founder and chair of MSE, said he was gutted such guidance was needed. He explained: "This is a guide I really wish we needn't be publishing. The reason I asked Sarah and the team to put this together is due to my overflowing email bag of desperation from people who can't afford their energy bills."
Why the guide was published
Lewis stressed the guide is not about telling people what to do, but about providing options. He said: "So don't see this as an 'MSE or Martin says you should do this'. It's more that we're trying to help provide some options and information for those that may need to drastically cut down on energy usage due to financial desperation and some help for others who may want to do it out of a commitment to green issues."
MSE suggests that while the right clothing can make a big difference in a cooler home, extra warmth can be added with a hot water bottle, electric blanket, heat pad, foot warmer and similar items.
Where to buy a hot water bottle
There are many options available. For example, local B&M stores sell a hot water bottle for just £2.99. Asda sells them for as little as £3.25, while Primark sells some for around £5.
Safety check before use
Before purchasing or using a hot water bottle, one key check is needed. Boots stresses that while "hot water bottles are a cosy companion during chilly months", people need to ensure they're safe to use and in date, or they could risk injuries such as scalds or burns.
Boots says hot water bottles don't have a fixed expiry date, and their lifespan depends on how they're used and cared for. In general, they tend to last around two years from purchase, or for the period stated in the manufacturer's instructions.
After this period, the material can degrade, increasing the risk of weakened seams, brittleness (especially in rubber bottles), and leaks or bursts which can lead to burns or scalding injuries. The retailer adds: "It's also important to note that misuse or excessive use can lead to a shorter lifespan."
How to check the daisy wheel
The daisy wheel (sometimes called a dial) provides a simple way to check when a hot water bottle was made, though it's mainly included for the manufacturer's traceability. The number in the centre indicates the year of manufacture. The surrounding segments – or petals – correspond to the 12 months of the year, with January being the first segment from 12 o'clock going clockwise. The final segment containing dots is the month of manufacture, and the number of dots in that segment indicates the week of manufacture.
Boots explains: "A bottle marked with '22' in the centre of the daisy wheel, no dots in the first segment (starting at 12 o'clock) and 3 dots in the second segment, indicates the bottle was made in the third week of February 2022 (with no production in January 2022). However, it's important to note that degradation of rubber or plastic is usually minimal prior to the date of purchase of your hot water bottle."
Factors that affect the lifespan of a hot water bottle include over filling, storing near a heat source like an airing cupboard or radiator, damage from something sharp, storing it full of water, not storing flat, filling with boiling water, and regular use.
The advice concludes: "Your hot water bottle should be warm, but never too hot. After boiling water, let it cool for at least five minutes before filling. For children and those with sensitive skin, keep the water temperature below 40C (104F) and always use a cover."
