With the cost of living rising and wages lagging behind, it’s frustrating to see energy prices going up so dramatically. The Telegraph highlights that recently, energy prices have increased by as much as 11.1%, even though data from energy regulator Ofgem shows that wholesale prices went up by only 1.7% over the past year. Understandably, the public is outraged. However, former Tory minister Angela Knight points out that the profits of energy companies aren’t as large as they seem, equating to just “four or five pence in the pound.”
As politicians and energy company leaders argue, everyday people are stuck dealing with soaring energy bills. With a price hike of over 10%, many Brits are worried about staying warm this coming winter. But there are several ways to keep cozy without cranking up the heat.
**Keep Your Feet Warm**
Trent, a contributor to the money-saving blog The Simple Dollar, shared some tips for staying warm while working from home in the winter. After checking for drafts and insulation gaps, he emphasizes the importance of having a good pair of socks. Though it may seem minor, he explains that “feet are one of the primary thermal indicators for the body and often have poor circulation. Keep your feet warm, and you’ll feel warm overall.”
Andy from the blog A Site About Nothing recommends Wigwam’s merino-silk combination socks as the best way to keep feet warm after trying various options. He cautions against overly bulky socks, as they can restrict blood flow, which is essential to keeping your toes warm.
**Enjoy Hot Drinks**
Another tip from Trent is to keep hot beverages handy. Working long hours at a computer can make you feel chilly, so having a hot cup of tea or coffee nearby can help keep you warm.
**Stay Active**
If you’re feeling cold, try going for a brisk walk or starting your workout early. As Casey Slide from Money Crashers suggests, staying active is free and has long-lasting warming effects. Sitting for long periods can make you colder, so spread out activities throughout the day. Simple movements like squats, lunges, and push-ups or even housework can help keep you warm.
**Utilize Your Kitchen**
Using the oven in winter is more energy-efficient since it helps warm your home rather than cooling it down in the summer. Plus, it’s a great excuse to enjoy homemade meals. Casey advises keeping the oven door slightly open after turning it off to let the heat contribute to warming your house.
**Find the Right Balance**
It’s important not to let your house get too cold, as it can damage pipes and increase the risk of illness, particularly for the elderly. Energy Choices suggest that lowering your thermostat by just one degree Celsius can save about 6% on your heating bills, around £30 a year. Instead of turning the gas up when you’re cold, set your boiler to come on a bit earlier so your home is warm when you need it. They also recommend shopping around for energy suppliers, as switching can save you up to £200 a year.
**Sleep Well**
Despite what you might think, you don’t need to heat your house at night. Warm bedding can keep you cozy, and you can set the heating to come on about half an hour before you get up. Wearing bedclothes and socks also helps. While fresh air is nice, keeping bedroom windows closed at night is important, as cold air on the head can increase blood pressure.
By following these tips, you can stay warm this winter without breaking the bank on heating bills.