With soaring fuel costs and plummeting temperatures, we’re all looking for ways to keep toasty without hiking up the heating
With the cost of gas and electricity use rising to £1,928 this year – a hike of £94 from last year, we’re all looking for ways to keep warm. More than one million of the UK's vulnerable adults live in cold and damp homes.
“Switching off the heating could seem like a good idea, but it’s not always the best option,” says Mark Bradley, from the British Red Cross. “If you have a bronchial condition, or breathing difficulties, cold air can worsen these.” You may be entitled to certain benefits during cold weather – so contact citizensadvice.org.uk to check.
However, there are steps that we can all take when it comes to making sure we remain warm and safe. Here are Mark’s tips.
Be prepared
Make a winter box for important items that you can quickly grab in an emergency. This could include a flask, blankets, hot water bottles and heat packs that activate when opened. Place it somewhere which can be easily accessed.
Draughtproof
Exclude draughts by lining your windows with rubber seals and use a homemade draught excluder by doors. Hardwood or laminate floors are colder than carpeted areas so put down rugs. Open your curtains during the day – the sun still provides warmth – and close when it’s dark, to keep the warm air in. Investing in thicker curtains, or thermal curtain liners, helps keep the cold air out and prevent heat loss.
