Autumn is here and you can tell.

The days are shorter, the mood is grimmer and the temperatures have dropped. Summer is but a bitter memory.

As we get closer and closer to Christmas - sounds crazy to think that - a lot of us are already being put in the difficult position of considering putting the heating on.

We all know how expensive the heating can be, so a lot of us try and leave it till the very last minute.

However, did you know there are several ways of staying warm without using it

7 ways to stay warm without heating 

1. Consider an electric blanket

Even though the cost of electricity has risen, an electric blanket is an alternative to staying warm. With prices starting from £20 and the lowest running cost being 1.7p an hour (sourced October 2022), if putting your heating on isn’t an option, these blankets will keep you warm for less.

2. Open your oven after cooking

If you’re making a meal in the oven, after you’ve finished turn your oven off and open the doors. This will heat your kitchen with the excess heat from your oven and it will not cost you anything extra.

3. Use your curtains

Shutting your curtains at night will help shield the cold from entering through your windows when temperatures are at their lowest. However, opening your curtains on a sunny day can give your home some extra warmth for free.

4. Block any draughts

Draughts can reduce the temperature in your home. A cost-effective way to seal any draughts coming through windows or doors is to install adhesive foam tape and draught excluder strips.

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5. Shrinkwrap windows

A window insulation kit is wrapping you can install yourself over windows. This wrapping creates a second barrier to limit the cold from entering your home.

6. Drink lots of warm drinks

Even though boiling your kettle does come at a cost, drinking a warm drink can increase your body temperature by 2.5 C. The hot mug will also give extra warmth to your hands.

7. Keep your feet warm

Your feet play an essential role in regulating your body temperature. Therefore, having warm feet can make a big difference if you’re looking to stay warm without heating. Having some extra warm slippers or thick socks is a great way to insulate your feet from the cold.