As the United Kingdom grapples with a severe cold snap, bringing sub-zero temperatures and weather warnings for snow and ice, households are seeking ways to stay warm without incurring soaring energy costs. On Tuesday 06 January 2026, experts provided a series of practical recommendations for maintaining a cosy home environment during the cooler months, all while minimising reliance on central heating.
Personal Warmth and Home Insulation Strategies
Stephen Hankinson, an energy efficiency expert at Electric Radiators Direct, emphasises the critical role of keeping your feet warm. "Warm feet play a major role in contributing towards your body temperature and blood flow," he explains. His advice includes layering thick socks, wearing supportive slippers indoors, and even using warm foot baths to boost circulation, provided feet are dried thoroughly afterwards.
Layering clothing is another vital defence against the cold. Hankinson warns that prolonged exposure to extreme cold risks serious illnesses like hypothermia, especially for those with weakened immune systems. He recommends wearing multiple layers made from insulating materials such as wool and thick cotton, and suggests wrapping up in warm pyjamas and a dressing gown during chilly evenings.
Sealing Heat Leaks and Smart Heating Choices
Preventing heat escape is a fundamental step. David Walter, chief growth officer at Utility Warehouse, urges homeowners to check windows, doors, and letterboxes for gaps. "Weatherstripping, draught-proofing tape, or even a good old-fashioned draught excluder can work wonders," he says. He also highlights the importance of proper loft and wall insulation, noting that without it, you are effectively "paying to heat the outside world."
Helen O’Connor, product manager at 247 Blinds, advises keeping curtains closed while out and using thermally lined blinds to trap warmth. For rooms with hard floors, David Walter suggests adding a rug to create a layer of thermal resistance and reduce heat loss.
Targeted Warmth and Efficient Solutions
For immediate, affordable warmth, a hot water bottle is highly effective. Hankinson points out they provide comforting, targeted heat to areas like the feet or lower back, reducing the need for whole-house heating.
For more active heating, modern electric heaters offer efficient 'zoned heating'. "Zoned heating allows you to control the temperature in specific areas of your home, tailoring comfort to your needs," Hankinson explains. Many models feature built-in thermostats for personalised room-by-room comfort.
A surprisingly simple tip is to reverse your ceiling fan. This circulates warm air that rises back down into the living space, which is particularly useful in rooms with high ceilings.
Finally, do not underestimate internal warmth. Consuming hot drinks and meals like soup or tea helps regulate your core body temperature, offering both comfort and practical warmth from the inside out as the mercury plummets across the UK.
