As the winter months roll in, rising heating costs will understandably be at the forefront of many people’s minds. Bills going up can mean that finances get tight, but when temperatures drop it’s still important to keep safe and warm at home. With that in mind, we wanted to look at ways that you can keep warm while keeping your energy costs in check this year.

From implementing energy-saving habits to finding alternative ways to stay warm, we’ll show you how just a few small tweaks can make a huge difference when it comes to one of the heftiest household bills.

In this guide:

Heat the human, not the home
When to turn your heating on in the UK
Energy-saving habits
DIY heating hacks
Government support schemes

Heat the human, not the home

You might have heard the phrase ‘heat the human, not the home’ discussed before, especially in relation to finance expert Martin Lewis of Money Saving Expert – a man on a mission to help look after money here in the UK. We’d really recommend checking out the MSE guide on keeping warm in winter too – they have plenty of safety tips and additional resources that can be helpful.

But what does ‘heat the human’ look like? And is it always a good idea to hold off heating your home? Let’s discuss.

Do you need the heating on?

We might have made fun of our parents for saying ‘if you’re cold, put a jumper on!’ but perhaps they knew best after all. When temperatures drop, it can be tempting to turn the thermostat up, but sometimes heating your entire home can be wasteful, especially with energy prices having been so volatile since 2020.

We’re not here to be patronising - if you’re already on a strict budget, a pre-paid meter, or trying to save money then this will seem pretty obvious. But if you’re used to having a cosy home it can be tempting to whack the heating on for a few hours, especially if you’re new to paying bills or if you’re living on your own for the first time. Particularly in autumn months, or on the odd chillier day, it can pay to sense-check your impulse before you reach for the thermostat.

Of course, there are reasons to make sure your heating is on – keep reading to find out why it’s important – and remember, always look after your health and wellbeing first. We’ll also cover the government help available if you genuinely can’t afford to pay your heating bills. But if you’re looking for some simple ways to keep costs down by keeping yourself cosy, here are a few options:

1. Heated blankets

If you’re wondering how to keep warm without heating, then heated throws and blankets are a great option. A 150W blanket costs just 3p an hour to run, making it a low-cost alternative to heating your entire home. Whether you’re relaxing on the sofa or hopping into bed after a long day, plugging in an electric blanket for a couple of hours will provide you with plenty of warmth.

You’ll find options ranging from lightweight throws to underblankets for beds, many of which come with adjustable, energy-efficient settings. So, instead of cranking up the thermostat, enjoy cosying up underneath a warm blanket in a cooler room.

And if you don’t have an electric blanket, try asking family and friends if they have a spare, or keep your eyes peeled for discounted options online (But always make sure they're compliant with safety standards). If you can’t afford a heated blanket, then look into options like polar fleece or wool, which can still help keep you cosy.

2. Hot water bottles

Hot water bottles are true winter essentials, providing you with instant warmth on those colder nights. They heat up quickly and stay warm for hours, making them an affordable alternative to an electric blanket (but never use them together, even if the electric blanket’s not switched on) . It costs around 2p to boil a litre of water in a kettle – a small price to pay for a couple of hours of warmth.

They’re great if you’re working from home, lying in bed, or lounging on the sofa. And to make the most of the heat, we’d recommend wrapping yourself up in a regular blanket too. Just remember to look out for any cracks in the rubber, and if you’ve had your hot water bottle for longer than 2–3 years, it might be time to look for a replacement.

3. Layering up

If you’re still wondering how to stay warm without heating, adding a few extra layers of clothing can help significantly. While you’ll probably already do this when heading outside in the winter, it can be hugely beneficial when inside too.

You certainly don’t need expensive thermals to keep warm – just a close-fitting base layer, a midlayer, and a final outer layer to trap your body heat in. Have a look in your wardrobe, and dig out any leggings, long-sleeve tops, and jumpers, and ensure you pop them on when you’re relaxing at home. Using the clothes you already have in your wardrobe is one of the cheapest ways to stay warm in winter.

When to turn your heating on in the UK

While the tips above are handy on chilly days and can help you keep your bills down, sometimes heating your home is a necessity. For example, it’s important to run your heating from time to time to avoid issues like burst pipes and damp – both of which can lead to hundreds of pounds worth of damage.

Every year, people debate how far into the year you should go before you turn your heating on, but making it to December without switching your radiators on isn’t always possible. Here are some popular options:

When the clocks go back: The nights get longer around the end of October each year with the end of Daylight Saving Time, meaning more light in the morning and less light in the evening – so your nights at home might feel chillier.
When outdoor temperatures are consistently below 15°C–16°C: When you hit those 15°C–16°C days, you’re likely to ‘feel’ cold and notice the chill more, and damp thrives when a house’s temperature is consistently below 15°C.
When you feel cold regularly: Your circumstances should dictate what you do. You may be vulnerable, unwell, or have poor circulation. It’s fine to listen to your body, no matter what time of year it is. Cold weather alone can’t make you ill, but it can increase your chances of becoming ill. Not to mention, constantly feeling cold can really drain your energy and mood.

Energy-saving habits to keep costs down

We appreciate that it’s all well and good saying ‘put the heating on whenever you’re cold’ but if you’re on a strict budget, how can you do that while keeping your energy bills low? Below we’ll explore some energy-saving habits you can implement.

1. Find the lowest comfortable temperature

Turning your heating down can have a significant impact on costs, and it’s been found that dropping the temperature by just one degree could save the average household around £90 yearly. Many people have their thermostats set in the 20s, and while reducing the temperature from 20°C to 19°C doesn’t seem like much, it can certainly save you some money.

The World Health Organisation recommends a minimum temperature of 18°C for healthy adults, while a slightly higher temperature may be required for older people or for those with certain health conditions.

2. Choose which rooms to heat

It’s important to avoid wasting energy by blasting the heating in rooms you rarely occupy. So, we’d recommend turning radiator valves down to their mid-way point to reduce heat output in spaces that don’t get much use or are less damp-prone, such as rooms in the middle of the house. Doing something as simple as this can save you around £40 a year – a large reduction for such a small task.

Finally, remember to keep the doors closed on the rooms you’re heating to trap warm air inside and move furniture away from radiators to ensure maximum heat circulation. This might just be the key to keeping warm at home without running up your heating bill.

3. Check heating system efficiency

If your radiators make gurgling noises when you turn your heating on, there might be air bubbles trapped inside. Air bubbles not only cause noises but cause heat to distribute unevenly too, meaning you’ll have a radiator that’s cold at the top and warm at the bottom. Not to worry though, as bleeding them should fix this, and it’s fairly straightforward:

First, make sure your heating is off and that your radiator is completely cool
Next, locate the bleed valve and place a plastic tray underneath it to catch any water
Insert your radiator key and turn the valve until you hear a hissing sound
Let the water escape, then secure the valve back in place

Also, we’d recommend checking your boiler pressure regularly to ensure maximum efficiency. While pressure levels vary from boiler to boiler, it’s usually best if it sits between 1.0 and 2.0. We’ve got a full guide on how to fix your central heating if you’re looking for more guidance.

DIY heating hacks to save you money

When it comes to saving money on your bills this winter, there are a variety of DIY hacks you can try too.

1. Place tinfoil behind your radiators

This simple, inexpensive trick is ideal for maximising radiator efficiency. The reflective surface of the tinfoil reduces the amount of heat that’s absorbed into the wall, and increases the amount thrown into the room.

It might only be a small increase, but even a few degrees can help in winter. Our bodies are sensitive to heat, so even if a room is only 0.5°C warmer, it can make all the difference.

You can buy specialised radiator reflector foil, but regular kitchen foil is effective too. To install, cut out a rectangle that is slightly smaller than your radiator, then attach double-sided tape to the top of it. Finally, apply wallpaper paste to the back of the foil and slide it down the back of the radiator.

2. Effective insulation

Many homes lack adequate insulation, meaning heat escapes through cracks in windows, doors, and floorboards. And while big projects like cavity wall insulation require professional knowledge, there are plenty of smaller, DIY fixes you can do to prepare your home for winter.

For instance, when done effectively, draught-proofing can save you around £40 a year on energy bills. So, we’d recommend focusing on the following areas:

Windows: You can purchase self-adhesive foam strips that are cheap and easy to install. Alternatively, there are plastic and metal options (however these are a little pricier).
External doors: You’ll need to draught-proof external doors to stop internal heat from escaping. You can buy keyhole and letterbox cover-ups, as well as strips that stick around the edges.
Internal doors: The gaps found at the bottom of internal doors can be easily blocked with a traditional draught excluder.

All homes are unique, and you may have areas such as loft hatches, floorboards, and chimneys that need draught proofing too. So, do some investigating, and ensure heat isn’t escaping unnecessarily.

3. Dehumidify your home

This isn’t strictly speaking DIY. A dehumidifier can be expensive, so we’re not suggesting this as a simple solution for everyone. But if your home is prone to damp and you want to keep bills down, then a dehumidifier could help. Generally speaking, they’re cheaper to run than a portable heater, add a little bit of extra warmth, and can really help to keep damp at bay if you’re trying to use the heating less.

Look out for a dehumidifier on social media marketplaces and buy-and-sell sites, or ask in your local community groups – you never know if someone has an unused dehumidifier sitting around. Alternatively, keep your eyes peeled for a deal from places like Argos, Amazon, or B&Q – just make sure you don’t get stung by bogus Black Friday deals that aren’t worth it.

Explore government support schemes

If you’re struggling with energy costs, you may be eligible for one of the many government schemes that offer support in the colder months:

1. Free insulation and boiler grants

If you receive certain benefits, you might be eligible for free insulation or a grant to replace an older boiler. For instance, The Great British Insulation Scheme offers new and improved roof, loft, and cavity wall insulation, as well as new boilers should you need one. To see if you qualify, you’ll need to use the government’s eligibility checker.

There are other options too, including the Home Upgrade grant. If you’re off a main gas grid, are on low income, and have an EPC rating from D to G (something that signals the energy performance of your home), you may be eligible to apply. Again, check your eligibility online, and if you qualify, apply through your local council.

2. Warm Home Discount

The Warm Home Discount is available to millions of households across the UK. It requires energy suppliers with more than 1,000 customers to help those who are vulnerable pay for their energy costs.

The discount is a one-off £150 rebate that’s applied to your electricity or gas bill over the winter months. In England and Wales, you’ll qualify if you get the guarantee element of Pension Credit, you’re on certain benefits, and have high energy costs. You can read more about the Warm Home Discount on the GOV.UK website.

3. The Winter Fuel Payment

Some pensioners in the UK will be entitled to the government’s Winter Fuel Scheme – a payment of between £200-£300. To be eligible, you’ll need to have been born before 23rd September 1958, and also receive one of the following:

Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
Income Support
Child Tax Credit
Working Tax Credit
Pension Credit
Universal Credit
Income-related Employment and Support Allowance

If you’re eligible, you’ll be sent a letter outlining the amount you’ll receive plus the date it will be paid.

So, there we have it: our top tips on cheap ways to stay warm and avoid soaring energy bills this winter. From DIY insulation hacks to making use of alternative heat sources, keeping warm doesn’t require drastic changes or costly investments.

And remember, if you’re struggling, make sure to check your eligibility for assistance from the government or your local council.

Next, for more handy advice on managing winter costs, why not check out what else we have on the Moneyboat blog? There you’ll find guides on helpful topics in the chilly season, such as how to avoid winter car repairs.