Many people are trying to stay warm without putting their central heating on (stock image) (Image: Getty)
As the UK waves goodbye to a mild start to November, a chilling Arctic blast has draped a blanket of snow across the country, sending us headfirst into a frosty winter wonderland.
Meteorological experts from the Met Office have escalated weather warnings, issuing a vast 430-mile snow caution as the icy grip tightens its hold on the UK.
Britons are experiencing the deep freeze firsthand, venturing online to voice their astonishment and woes about the premature snowfall.
One UK resident was awestruck, exlaiming on X: “It’s snowing! I know this phenomenon is common in other areas of the UK but we do not get snow in Devon and Cornwall.” Meanwhile, another individual expressed disbelief, writing: “I actually can’t believe all the snow in the UK in November! “.
Forecasts suggest British grit will be tested once more, with predictions of a fresh snow and ice onslaught set to arrive from the Arctic in early December. As temperatures plummet, how can we safeguard against the cold?
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In these trying times, with a cost of living crisis that shows no sign of abating, many are cranking up their heating systems despite soaring energy bills. Others, determined to protect their purses, are resisting the lure of central heating, seeking out more economical ways to fend off the frost.
Stepping in to provide crucial insight, Emily Caloe, Senior Buyer for Vonhaus, reveals three ingenious items designed to snip those energy bills while keeping you cosy and warm.
With heating gobbling over half of the household energy budget, an average three-bedroom home sees monthly bills hovering between £1,650 to £1,950. This pinch is felt even more acutely by remote workers who, tethered to their home offices, require constant warmth throughout their day.
Emily noted: “As remote working continues to be the norm, many will find themselves juggling productivity with cost-consciousness. However, keeping warm during working hours without breaking the bank can be a delicate balance.
“Heating the whole house can be a very inefficient way of beating the chill and it’s often better to create a personal warmth zone to keep costs down.”
Discover the must-have items for a snug, wallet-friendly winter.
Snow has hit many parts of the UK (Image: Getty)
Heated blankets and throws
Turn up the comfort but not the cost as temperatures dip, by embracing a heated blanket the snuggly, energy-saving augmentation for your bed.
Heated blankets and throws are yet another savvy solution for staying toasty without needing to heat the entire abode or even a complete room.
These snug allies are expressly engineered to channel warmth right where needed, ideal for lounging on the couch or keeping cosy during intense work sessions at your desk.
Heated blankets rank amongst the top economical means to ward off the cold. They are designed to use a mere 100 to 150 watts, amounting to approximately 2 to 3 pence per hour on your energy bill.
This is a significantly more affordable option compared to cranking up the central heating, particularly if you’re confined to a singular space. For instance, utilising a heated blanket for a continuous eight hours may only set you back around 16p to 24p.
Stove heaters
Given that UK homes are notorious for their chilly drafts and subpar insulation, strategically heating one room at a time with a heater emerges as a financially shrewd choice.
For those with spacious rooms, opting for a freestanding electric stove could be the smart move, offering sustained warmth and adding a touch of class and sophistication to your decor.
Electric stove heaters are a nod to tradition, providing the aesthetic allure of a classic wood burner but without any of the smoke or fumes.
Caloe suggests: “If you’re really looking to cut costs, choose a stove with thermostatically controlled smart features to ensure your heater automatically switches off or on according to room temperature.
“For best results, pair your stove heater with a bespoke stove fan to maximise your log burner’s heat and ensure an even distribution throughout your living spaces.”
Oil-filled radiators
An oil-filled radiator is another savvy choice for those seeking snug warmth at the flick of a switch. These devices use thermal oil to produce heat, which then circulates to warm up the room.
They’re also cost-effective, with running costs around 49p per hour. Plus, unlike conventional radiators, oil-filled models continue to radiate heat even after they’ve been switched off.
These radiators are highly portable, allowing you to easily move them to wherever you need a bit of extra warmth.
With options for high/low heat settings, you can tailor the temperature to your comfort level, making them perfect for quick, no-fuss heating in rooms that lack built-in radiators an ideal solution as we transition through autumn.
