Money Saving Expert (MSE), founded by Martin Lewis, has published a guide to affordable winter warmth solutions, with some options costing less than 1p per hour to run. The advice comes after energy prices rose by 2% on October 1, making heating 'even more unaffordable' for many households.
Lewis said: '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.' He emphasised that the guide is for those who need to drastically cut energy use due to financial hardship or environmental concerns.
The cheapest options are USB-powered items. USB gloves, heated insoles, and hand warmers cost less than 1p per hour to run, with weekly costs of around 4p based on five hours daily use. An electric gilet with a battery pack costs under 1p per hour and 4p weekly, though it retails at £50.
Other low-cost items include a microwaveable wheat bag (£4, less than 1p per hour but only stays warm for 20-40 minutes) and reusable hand warmers (£5, less than 1p per hour). A standard hot water bottle costs about 4p per hour or 69p weekly if used twice daily.
For mains-powered products, an electric heat pad costs 2p per hour and 92p weekly, while electric footwarmers and blankets have similar running costs but higher purchase prices (£25 and £35 respectively). MSE advises against buying second-hand electric blankets due to fire safety concerns.
MSE's website provides further details and safety advice. Those struggling with energy bills are encouraged to visit the site for additional support.
