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How to Heat Your Home Without Turning on the Heating

Experts share tips to keep homes warm and cost-effective during colder months, including wearing layers, using blankets, and opening curtains.

Oct 23·bbc.co.uk·2 min read

Intelligence analysis by Qwen 2.5 (3B)

Cora Harrison, a woman with short brown hair and glasses in a navy jumper, adjusts the temperature on a thermostat to 18 degrees
Cora Harrison, a woman with short brown hair and glasses in a navy jumper, adjusts the temperature on a thermostat to 18 degreesImage: bbc.co.uk

Families and experts share tips to keep homes warm and cost-effective during colder months, including wearing layers, using blankets, and opening curtains.

Why it matters

This story is important for people looking to save money on heating costs and stay warm during colder months.

To keep your home warm and save money, you can wear layers, use blankets, open curtains, and use a hot water bottle or log burner. Don't forget to let some air in to prevent damp.

Analysis

Layering Up

Wearing multiple thin layers can help trap heat, according to the British Heart Foundation. Natalie, 29, replaced her usual clothes with thermal leggings and tops, which she says has made a significant difference. Amber Waring, 27, from Devon, eats warm meals like stews and pasta bakes, and dances with her toddler to keep warm. Rebecca, 44, from Hertfordshire, places a blanket under her mattress to keep warm.

Using Blankets and Curtains

Supermarkets sell winter duvets for under £20, and some people use blankets above the mattress under the bedsheet. Rebecca also uses a blanket under her mattress, which she says stops draughts. The NHS Scotland guide recommends letting the water from the kettle cool for a few minutes before filling a hot water bottle.

Heating Your Bed

Emily Seymour, energy editor at consumer organization Which?, recommends using a hot water bottle to heat your bed before getting in. The London Fire Brigade advises unplugging your blanket before getting into bed unless it has a thermostat control.

Saving Energy

Elin Davis, 30, from South Wales, uses her log burner to warm her kitchen, which she says is more economical than turning on her central heating. Sophie Burr of charity National Energy Action suggests investing in secondary glazing or thermal curtains for single-glazed windows.

Smart Heating

Experts recommend checking if your energy supplier offers cheaper prices at off-peak times, bleeding your radiators, and turning your heating up in small increments until you reach the right temperature. Rebecca also notes the importance of allowing some ventilation in your house to prevent damp.

Key points

  • Wear multiple thin layers to trap heat
  • Use blankets and curtains to keep warm
  • Open curtains to let sunlight in during the day
  • Use a hot water bottle or log burner to heat your bed
  • Invest in secondary glazing or thermal curtains for single-glazed windows
The Upside

If you follow these tips, you can save money on heating costs and stay warm during colder months. Investing in secondary glazing or thermal curtains can also help keep your home warm and save money.

The Downside

If you don't follow these tips, you might end up spending more money on heating and risk freezing during colder months. Using a hot water bottle or log burner can also be dangerous if you're not careful.

Market signals

XAU
  • XAU The article mentions the use of hot water bottles and blankets, which can be seen as a safe-haven asset during colder months.

AI-generated analysis of potential market relevance. Not financial advice.

Originally reported at

bbc.co.uk

Discernion covers the story. Read the full piece at the source.

Tagseconomyenergy-savingwinterheatingsafety

Intelligence analysis by

Qwen 2.5 (3B)

Published

Oct 23, 2026

Source

bbc.co.uk

Share

Topics

economyenergy-savingwinterheatingsafety

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