Smart money-saving 2p hack to keep heating costs low this winter

With summer 2024 upon us and colder weather upon us, many will be wondering how to best heat their homes in the most cost-effective way.

For the average British home heating accounts for more than half of the monthly energy bill, with the average total energy costs for a three-bedroom house being between £1650 and £1950.

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One area that will exacerbate this further is working from home.

Emily Caloe, senior buyer at homeware experts, Vonhaus, explains: “As remote working remains the norm, many will find they need to balance productivity with cost consciousness.

“However, staying warm during work hours without spending a lot of money can be a delicate balance.

“As we move into autumn, heating the whole house can be a very inefficient way to beat the cold and it is often better to create a personal heating zone to keep costs down.”

Here we reveal the essential products you need to enjoy a cozy, cost-effective winter.

Keeping it cheap

When the mercury drops below zero, you can snuggle up and save money with a heated blanket: a cozy, energy-efficient addition to your bedspread.

Heated blankets and throws once again provide an excellent way to stay warm without having to heat an entire house, or even an entire room.

These cozy companions are designed to deliver warmth directly to your body, making them perfect for snuggling up on the couch or staying warm while working at your desk.

Heated blankets are one of the most cost-effective ways to stay warm.

They typically use between 100 and 150 watts currentwhich translates to round 2 to 3 cents per hour in energy costs.

This is considerably cheaper than using central heating, especially if you work in one room.

For example, if you use a heated blanket for eight hours a day, it will cost you between 16 and 24 cents.

For the best results

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British homes are notoriously drafty and poorly insulated, so heating only one room at a time through the use of a heater is an economical alternative.

For larger rooms, a freestanding electric heater can be a smart solution, keeping your home warm for longer while looking stylish and elegant.

Some electric stoves provide rustic charm without the fuss, mimicking the look of a traditional wood-burning stove without the fumes.

Emily advises: “If you really want to save costs, choose a heater with thermostatically controlled smart functions to ensure that your heating switches on or off automatically based on the room temperature.

“For best results, pair your stove heater with a custom-built stove fan to maximize the heat from your wood stove and ensure even distribution throughout your living areas.”

Good value for money

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Another option is an oil-filled radiator that provides comfortable warmth at the touch of a button.

These use thermal oil to generate heat which then releases heat throughout the room.

These also offer good value for money, while keeping running costs close 49p per hour of use. Unlike traditional radiators, oil-filled radiators continue to emit heat even after they are turned off.

Oil-filled radiators are also easy to carry and can be picked up and put down in place next to your designated workstation.

Many radiators have a high/low heat setting that allows you to adjust the temperature to suit the conditions.

This makes them ideal for quickly and easily heating rooms without radiators, making them a useful emergency solution in autumn.

When it comes to staying warm while working from home, there is no one-size-fits-all solution.

Your choice of heating device should depend on your specific needs, such as the size of your workspace, budget and the level of heat required.

For those who want a personal heating solution at minimal cost, heated blankets and desk heaters are excellent choices.

If you’re looking for something that combines efficiency with aesthetic appeal, a wood-burning stove is a sensible choice.