Martin Lewis has shared a list of some of the most cost-effective ways to stay warm this winter, with certain options costing less than 1p to run. His MoneySavingExpert (MSE) website team identified several choices that are among "the cheapest to run" for those on a tight budget.
This follows predictions that temperatures will fall further, with households across the UK bracing for significantly colder conditions in the weeks ahead. Although October began with milder-than-average weather, chillier spells are approaching.
Forecast and price cap context
The most recent forecasts from the Met Office suggest "a smorgasbord of weather types", with transitions from "relatively balmy conditions to relatively cool". Following the price cap increase at the start of the month, keeping costs down could be a key concern for many households.
Martin Lewis said: "This is a guide I really wish we didn't need to publish. The reason I asked the team to put this together is due to my overflowing email bag of desperation from people who can't afford their energy bills.
"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," reports Wales Online.
How can I stay warm without using the central heating?
As winter drives up both heating and electricity consumption, typical bills during the colder months tend to be considerably higher than the annual average. The headline advice from personal finance specialists is to focus on keeping yourself warm rather than heating the entire home if monthly bills are a pressing concern.
The MSE report said: "There are lots of options out there – we can't vouch for which will keep you warmest, but we've tried to work out which is cheapest to run. Generally, we found it was those which could be charged via USB, but these items tend to be smaller, and may only warm part of your body (such as hands or feet)."
Personal heating methods (ranked by cheapest to run per hour)
- USB gloves: Cost initially - £13 | Cost per hour: Less than 1p
- Heated insoles: Cost initially - £11 | Cost per hour: Less than 1p
- USB hand warmers: Cost initially - £15 | Cost per hour: Less than 1p
- Electric gilet: Cost initially - £41 + battery pack | Cost per hour: Less than 1p
- Microwaveable wheat bag: Cost initially - £4 | Cost per hour: Less than 1p
- Electric heat pad: Cost initially - £20 | Cost per hour: 2.6p
- Electric footwarmer: Cost initially - £25 | Cost per hour: 2.6p
- Electric blanket, single: Cost initially - £35 | Cost per hour: 2.6p
- Reusable hand warmers: Cost initially - £10 for 5-pack | Cost per hour: Less than 1p (gas hob), 4p (electric hob)
- Hot Water Bottle, 1.5L: Cost initially - £5.50 | Cost per hour: 5.3p
Beyond direct heating devices, Martin's MSE team recommends a range of methods to help maintain warmth that likely use items households already have and require no additional cost.
Layering your clothing to trap body heat can prove beneficial. People may wish to purchase thermal tops and leggings, or simply add extra layers using garments they already own.
When layering, don't overlook your feet with a pair of socks or slippers. The MSE team said: "It's said that if your feet are cold, the rest of you will feel cold too. So wearing slippers can be essential to staying warm inside, particularly if you have hard floors."
When thinking about your floors, consider putting some covers on cold materials like wood, laminate or tiles. Invest in some small rugs or bathmats to stop your feet from getting cold when entering these rooms.
