How to keep warm in cold weather when budgets are squeezed

Sub-zero temperatures are hitting the UK just as gas and electricity prices have risen for millions of households.

Energy bills are about 50% higher than pre-Covid levels, leaving many struggling to cover the cost alongside other financial demands.

So what can you do to stay warm while keeping costs down?

Keeping warm over the winter months can help to prevent colds, flu and more serious health problems such as heart attacks, strokes, pneumonia and depression, according to the NHS.

Pensioners, children under the age of five, people with health conditions and those who are pregnant are most at risk.

So, staying safe and healthy must take priority, even when it puts pressure on the finances. That extends to checking gas appliances are safe to use when they may rarely be switched on.

Family, friends and neighbours can play their part by ensuring anyone who is more vulnerable takes care when going out on icy pavements, or is well stocked up with food and medicines at home.

Many charities and councils run warm hubs in locations such as libraries, for those short of money to have somewhere to go – but it is important to take care if walking to these spots in icy or snowy weather.

Before having an argument between family or flatmates about the heating, try touring the property to work out how to save energy.

That may include turning off radiators in unused rooms, switching lights off when they are not needed, and not leaving electrical appliances on standby.

Curtains should be open during the day, then drawn at dusk.

Manage your draughts by putting a black bag with scrunched up paper up an unused chimney, or try limiting other draughts around the home. You can easily make your own draught excluders. Cold, hard floors can be covered by a rug if you have one.

Layer up with clothes, safely use a hot water bottle, and make sure you have warm nightwear.

When it comes to heating, there is much debate about whether it is more efficient to keep it permanently on low, rather than switch it on and off when needed.

Experts don’t have a clear answer on that, as it often depends on circumstances in the home, but it probably isn’t the best option for most people.

Generally, a room temperature between 18C and 21C is ideal for most, but turning it down one degree can save money.

For older people, and those with health conditions, it is best not to let temperatures drop below 18C in rooms used regularly.

Making sure curtains are not sitting in front of radiators will help ensure the heat stays in, as will pushing furniture away from radiators.

Consider fitting radiator reflector panels, although that may be a longer-term job.

It is more important than ever to eat and drink properly, even with little motivation while stuck at home.

Age UK says warming foods, like soup and stews, and hot drinks like tea can help keep you warm. People should try to have at least one hot meal a day and as many hot drinks as possible. Supermarket-branded tins may be cheaper, so keep a close eye on prices. Food banks can also help if you are short of money.

Take care not to overfill the kettle by measuring out what is needed to keep costs down. Batch cooking can also help. Don’t forget fruit and vegetables – the latter can be cooked with a steamer on one hob, rather than using different ones.

When washing up, if your hot water is too hot to wash your hands in, then your setting is probably too high so turn the boiler down. Wash clothes at 30C, not 40C.

Keep moving as much as you can between meals. That is likely to help your mental, as well as physical, health.

As tempting as it is to soak in the shower for ages, experts suggest limiting the time to four minutes. A playlist of four-minute songs may help.

If you are struggling financially, then local councils and energy suppliers should be able to offer some assistance.

In fact, a supplier is obliged to help if you are falling behind on your energy bill.

Anyone on a prepayment meter who can’t afford to top up, can ask for a fuel voucher from their supplier, or through their council.

Local authorities may also be able to provide cost-of-living assistance through the household support fund. You can find your local council here.

There are various other grants and benefits which people may be entitled to, but are not claiming. During an extended period of sub-zero temperatures, Cold Weather Payments will be made.

Making a claim might not bring an immediate fix during the current cold snap, but may help during the rest of the winter. Citizens Advice should help navigate what can be claimed.

Grants are available for longer-term work ranging from insulation to upgrading heating systems, but time should be taken researching such work and applicants should stay alert to scams.