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From bubble wrap to tape: seven household items you already have that can help you avoid heating and slash bills
Simple ways you can heat yourself AND your home
IF you're concerned about keeping warm this winter, turning the heating on doesn't have to be the only option.
Millions are predicting tough times this winter with an increased energy price cap and a raid on winter fuel payments for pensioners.
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But with some simple everyday household items, you could prolong having to splash out on bills.
We've put together a list of DIY ideas which could add some warmth to you and your home this winter for free.
However, remember that if you are vulnerable due to illness or old age and you're really cold, you should still turn on your heating.
You should reach out your local council or supplier, and some available schemes will also be detailed at the end of this article.
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It is also worth keeping in mind for all readers that the NHS currently advises to switch the heating on when temperatures dip below 15C.
But if you're simply looking for some new ways to adapt to the colder weather, here are a few basic items you can use.
You likely already have them around the house - meaning it won't cost you a penny.
Bubble wrap
Yes, bubble wrap. If you have this item lying around your home, you could be just steps away from some free insulation.
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DIY buffs have said that if you cut some bubble wrap to fit your window, spray the window with water, then press the bubble side of the wrap against the glass, you can make your own double-glazing.
Bubble wrap is a good insulator as the air gets trapped in the bubbles and reduces heat transfer, preventing it escaping your home.
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According to Urbane Eco, around 15% of heat is lost through windows.
And window insulation film can typically reduce heat loss by 35%, while double-glazing saves 70%.
By double glazing your windows, you could save £155 a year and 375kg of carbon dioxide.
While bubble wrap may not be as effective, it certainly helps the cause, and for free - the average cost of secondary glazing is £1,000 to £2,000 per window.
And if you don't have bubble wrap at home, you can buy 5m for just £1 at Wilko and Asda.
A blanket
Another trick which can help prevent heat from escaping through windows is doubling up your curtains.
Some people buy special thermal curtains for winter, such as a set on Dunelms website which is selling for £145.
However, if you have spare curtains lying around, those will work just as well - if not, you could simply hang up a blanket for extra insulation.
If you really want to block out the cold, you could hang a quilt and attach velcro to the curtain hanger to keep it from being too heavy and falling down.
You should also remember to close your curtains during the night and open them when the sun shines, so your house can soak up all the rays.
Any fabric you have lying around
Another culprit for heat escaping the home are gaps under doors, with heat rising through rooms and up and out the house.
Draft excluders are really useful, and there are some really simple instructions online on how you can make your own.
All you need to do is measure the length of your door or window and cut a piece of fabric, sew it together and fill with stuffing.
With your own creative input and fabric prints you could end up with a prettier product than one you would buy.
If you don’t have the sewing skills then stuffing tights with old T-shirts will do the trick and you can just tie up the ends.
Tape
Another unexpected place where heat may leave your home is your letter-box or cat flap.
Sometimes these are slightly opened without you noticing and bring in cold drafts.
A simple way to patch this problem up is to seal the flap with duct tape.
If you have a cat which likes to go outdoors, you can take this off and put it back on when you need, or just keep an extra eye on when they need to be let out over the colder months.
The same trick works on draughty keyholes too.
Move your rug
Over the winter 10-20% of heat loss happens through floors on average.
Insulating your floor is a good preventative method, but can cost as much as much as £3,000 for suspended insulation, and £80 per square meter on average for solid insulation.
While it may not make quite the same impact, you'll be surprised how much warmth could be locked in your home by covering drafty floorboards.
By moving your rug, or even your furniture, on top of these areas, you could stop a lot of precious warmth leaving the home.
Newspaper
If you have a chimney, you'll definitely be using it to stay cosy this winter - but when its not in use, it could actually be costing you money.
All you need is a bin bag filled stuffed newspaper to fill your fireplace to stop heat escaping.
According to the chimney draught excluder brand Chimney Sweep, preventing chimney draught can cost you around £90 per year and reduce bills by about 5%.
Aluminium foil
If you are turning your heating on, it really helps to make sure you're making the most of it.
DIY lovers have discovered they can attach aluminium foil to a large square of cardboard and place it behind their radiator so it reflects extra heat into the home and away from walls.
By enhancing your radiator use, you could have it on for less time over the day.
4 ways to keep your energy bills low
Laura Court-Jones, Small Business Editor at shared her tips.
1. Turn your heating down by one degree
You probably won't even notice this tiny temperature difference, but what you will notice is a saving on your energy bills as a result. Just taking your thermostat down a notch is a quick way to start saving fast. This one small action only takes seconds to carry out and could potentially slash your heating bills by £171.70.
2. Switch appliances and lights off
It sounds simple, but fully turning off appliances and lights that are not in use can reduce your energy bills, especially in winter. Turning off lights and appliances when they are not in use, can save you up to £20 a year on your energy bills
3. Install a smart meter
Smart meters are a great way to keep control over your energy use, largely because they allow you to see where and when your gas and electricity is being used.
4. Consider switching energy supplier
No matter how happy you are with your current energy supplier, they may not be providing you with the best deals, especially if you've let a fixed-rate contract expire without arranging a new one. If you haven't browsed any alternative tariffs lately, then you may not be aware that there are better options out there.
If you're really worried
We'd like to remind readers that while these hacks are useful, they won't always cut it if you're struggling with bills this winter.
If you are in this position you could be eligible for the Household Support Fund, and information is available via the Gov.uk website.
Plenty of energy suppliers are also offering support schemes for customers, such as Octopus Energy which is offering pensioners discretionary credit of between £50 and £200 this winter.
To find out what help your supplier is offering, ring their phone line or visit their website.
Some energy support funds are also offering free electric blankets to customers who are struggling this winter.
OVO and Octopus Energy are both suppliers who have aimed at "heating the human, not the home".
Octopus have said they will distribute 20,000 electric blankets from Dreamland to its most vulnerable customers, keeping them warm for "as little as 3p an hour".
While OVO Energy has launched a £50 million Extra Support Package which includes complimentary energy-conserving items.
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Electric blankets are also sometimes available from your council under the Household Support Fund, which renews a fresh pot of £421 million today.
To find out if this is available with your supplier or council, and whether you are eligible, go to their websites and read the terms and conditions of the scheme.
Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing [email protected].
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