With the cost of heating a home becoming increasingly unaffordable for many, financial guru Martin Lewis and his Money Saving Expert (MSE) team have issued urgent advice on how to stay warm for a fraction of the price. Their key strategy? Focus on "heating the human, not the home."
The Desperate Need for Affordable Warmth
Following a two per cent rise in energy tariffs on October 1 last year, the MSE website warned that switching on the central heating has become "even more unaffordable" for countless families across the UK. Martin Lewis explained the motivation behind the new guide, stating he wished it wasn't necessary. He cited an "overflowing email bag of desperation" from people struggling to pay their energy bills as the driving force.
"So don't see this as an 'MSE or Martin says you should do this'," Lewis clarified. "It's more that we're trying to help provide some options and information for those that may need to drastically cut down on energy usage due to financial desperation."
Top Picks: Gadgets Under 1p Per Hour to Run
The MSE team has compiled a list of the most economical products currently available to help keep the chill at bay. They emphasised that while they cannot vouch for which item keeps you warmest, they have calculated which are cheapest to operate. USB-chargeable devices often came out on top, though they tend to be smaller and warm only specific body parts.
The initial recommendations feature four USB-rechargeable products, all costing under 1p per hour to run:
- USB-Powered Gloves: Priced at around £10, they cost roughly 4p per week based on five hours of daily use.
- Heated Shoe or Slipper Insoles: Also £10, with identical running costs to the gloves.
- USB Hand Warmers: Cost-effective at under 1p per hour (4p weekly), though the initial purchase is slightly higher at £15.
- Electric Gilet: Retailing at £50 including a battery pack, it similarly costs under 1p hourly to run.
Traditional and Mains-Powered Alternatives
For those preferring more conventional methods, the analysis also covered other options:
- Microwaveable Wheat Bag: Approximately £4 to buy. It requires 60 seconds in the microwave, costs under 1p per hour to run, but only retains heat for 20 to 40 minutes.
- Standard Hot Water Bottle (1.5 litre): Costs about £5.50. Using it twice daily works out at around 4p per hour or 69p per week.
- Reusable Hand Warmers: A pair costs roughly £5. Heating them on a gas hob costs under 1p per hour (49p weekly), but using electricity raises the weekly cost to about £2.15.
- Electric Heat Pad: Around £20 to buy, with a running cost of 2p per hour or 92p weekly.
- Electric Footwarmers & Blankets: These have similar running costs to the heat pad but are priced at £25 and £35 respectively. MSE strongly cautions against buying second-hand electric blankets due to safety concerns raised by fire services.
Free and Simple Strategies to Conserve Heat
Beyond gadgets, the Money Saving Expert team advocates for several no-cost behavioural changes to help stay warm:
- Dressing in multiple layers to trap body heat.
- Eating regularly and ensuring at least one hot meal each day.
- Keeping feet cosy with rugs and slippers, and choosing the right socks—consider changing them during the day if they become damp.
- Staying physically active to generate your own body warmth.
The guide serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing cost-of-living pressures facing households. For anyone struggling to manage energy bills, the MSE website offers further guidance and support.
