I tested gadgets to keep me warm during WFH. On a £15 purchase I don’t need heating
IF you’re looking for ways to stay warm this winter, you’ve come to the right place.
It may be tempting to turn on the heating as temperatures drop and our homes start to get cold, but if you’re worried about rising energy bills, don’t worry, we have the solution for you.
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There’s nothing worse than getting a huge energy bill, but it’s just as annoying having to work from home with fingers that hurt from the cold.
But luckily for you, there are many useful gadgets you can use to keep your home warm and toasty this season.
From electric scarves and plug-in heaters to hot water bottles designed especially for your feet, here Senior Digital Writer Abigail Wilson tests a selection of affordable high street buys.
Abigail gives honest opinions about the latest gadgets, including the ones you should buy quickly and the ones you should leave on the shelf.
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Robert Dyas Heated Scarf, £14.99
Who knew an electric scarf existed? I have to admit, I don’t.
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I’m a big fan of scarves, so the thought of wrapping a heated scarf around my neck immediately filled me with joy.
This smart scarf has a built-in heater to keep you warm, and even better, it has adjustable temperature settings so you can turn it up if you get cold, and down if you get too hot.
It’s one Nice fabric and the back of my neck was warm within minutes.
I can’t say this is the most stylish piece of clothing I’ve ever worn, but for quick warmth without having to plug in, this affordable purchase gets a thumbs up from me.
Winter rating: 8/10
Dunelm Microwave Monoslipper, £15
I don’t go anywhere without my slippers, especially in winter, but this Dunelm foot warmer is now my latest game changer.
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The deposit purchase, which costs just £15, has done a great job of keeping my feet warm.
All you have to do is simply place the little pouch in the microwave and then place it back in this handy gadget, and your toes will be feeling warm and cozy in no time.
Cheap gadgets to keep you warm
MARTIN Lewis’ MoneySavingExpert shared six gadgets that can help you keep the heating off but still stay warm.
Heating “the person, not the house” means that you heat yourself instead of turning on the heat and heating the whole house.
This allows you to save money on your heating costs and you don’t have to be out in the cold.
- USB Gloves – initial cost £10, cost to use less than 1p per hour
- Heated insoles – initial cost £10, running costs less than 1p per hour
- USB hand warmers – initial cost £15, cost to use less than 1p per hour
- Electric vest – initial cost £50 (including battery pack), running costs less than 1p per hour
- Microwaveable wheat bag – initial cost £4, running cost less than 1p per hour
- Reusable hand warmers – initial cost £5 for a pair, running costs less than 1p per hour
The mono slipper fits comfortably on both my feet and the non-slip base is incredibly convenient and provides stability and softness.
In fact, the removable, machine-washable cover makes cleaning a breeze and it was so nice and cozy that I definitely won’t be turning the heat on thanks to this great value purchase.
Winter rating: 9/10
B&Q Mini Desktop Space Heater, £24.99
Instead of turning on the heater, I thought I’d give this mini plug-in heater a try.
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I have to say I was surprised at how powerful this handy gadget actually was.
But the heat was slightly claustrophobic for me – maybe I had it too close, but the short line doesn’t offer much flexibility.
As the space heater spins and radiates heat throughout your room, it is incredibly loud.
I’m not sure how my colleagues would react to the annoying sound of this winter purchase when they call over Zoom – and at £24.99, while it’s affordable, it’s not something I’d buy again.
Winter rating: 4/10
Argos Beurer Wellbeing Heating Pad, £30
I’m a big fan of hot water bottles and of course have a heated blanket on my bed for cold nights.
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But thanks to this heating pad, which you can buy from Argosyou can say goodbye to the old-fashioned ways of staying warm.
I was in disbelief at how quickly this heating pad heated up and while they are often used by people with arthritis to relieve pain, this is a great purchase if you are looking for something to keep you warm during WFH.
5 ways to keep your house warm in winter
Real estate expert Joshua Houston shared his tips.
1. Curtains
“Windows are a common place for the cold from outside to enter your home, this is due to small openings that can let air in, so always close your curtains as soon as it gets dark,” he said.
This simple method gives you an extra layer of warmth because it can provide a kind of “insulation” between your window and curtain.
2. Rugs
“Your floor is another part of your home where heat can be lost and make your home feel cold,” he continued. “On cold days you may notice that your floor is not pleasant to walk on because your feet are freezing.
“Add rugs to areas that don’t already have carpet. This will provide a layer of insulation between your bare floor and the room above.”
3. Check your insulation
Check your pipes, attic space, crawl spaces and under floorboards.
“Loose insulation is great for this, and it is a more affordable form of insulation, with a large bag being picked up for around £30,” explains Joshua.
4. Keep your interior doors closed
“Household members often congregate in one room in the evening, which is usually the kitchen or living room,” says Joshua.
“This means you only need to heat a small part of your home and closing the doors keeps the heat in and the cold out.”
5. Block drafts
Don’t forget to check cat flaps, chimneys and mailboxes as these can let in cold air if they are not properly secured.
In my opinion, it is much better than a hot water bottle – yes, it is more expensive, but thanks to this useful gadget there is no more hassle with boiling water.
You can sit on it or have it on your lap, whichever you prefer, and in addition to the three heat settings, there’s also an auto shut-off after 90 minutes, so you stay safe and toasty while you’re busy working.
Winter rating: 8/10
Boots HotHands hand warmers, £1
These HotHands warmers are everywhere and people are raving about them on social media.
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For just £1 you can’t really go wrong with these handy buys, which claim to provide up to 10 hours of heat.
For a cheap, quick fix, these are pretty good, but for those who work from home, I’m not entirely sure they’re a hit with me.
If you’re typing all day, I can’t see how efficient these will be.
However, when you’re in and out of Teams meetings, these little warmers are perfect to hold as they provide instant warmth right out of the pack.
Winter rating: 6/10
