Nov 184 min read

Winter Heating Tips....without the Central Heating?

A pair of hands holding a red cup full of hot chocolate with whipped cream on top and red sprinkles

As living costs rise, energy concerns grow, and fuel prices soar, we've compiled a helpful guide to staying warm without using your heating.

Here are 10 ways to keep warm without using central heating:

Layer Up

Wearing multiple layers of clothing traps heat effectively, keeping you warm without needing the heating. Start with a thin, moisture-wicking base layer, followed by insulating mid-layers like sweaters or fleeces, and finish with a warm outer layer. Accessories like scarves, hats, and gloves can provide extra warmth, especially for your extremities. Thick socks or thermal tights are also great additions to keep your legs and feet warm. By layering, you can regulate body temperature more easily and adjust as needed based on activity level or temperature changes.

A couple cuddling on the sofa underneath a blanket

Use a Hot Water Bottle

Hot water bottles are a simple yet effective way to keep warm. Fill a bottle with hot water and place it in your bed or under a blanket to provide localized heat. They're also handy when you're sitting on the couch or working from home. Choose a well-made, leak-proof bottle to avoid any spills, and use a cover for safety and comfort. Hot water bottles can provide consistent warmth for hours, helping to keep you warm without cranking up the thermostat.

A hot water bottle in a woolly case that resembles a knitted jumper

Block Drafts

Drafts from windows and doors can make a room feel much colder. Sealing these gaps with draft excluders or weatherstripping helps to prevent warm air from escaping and cold air from sneaking in. You can also use heavy curtains to block drafts at night and ensure warmth stays inside. For an inexpensive solution, roll up a towel or blanket and place it at the base of doors or windows. Blocking drafts effectively maintains a warmer indoor environment.

A person sat on the floor next to a dog shaped draught excluder which is sat in front of a door.

Maximize Sunlight

During the day, take advantage of the Sun’s natural heat. Open curtains and blinds to let in as much sunlight as possible, allowing the Sun's warmth to naturally heat your home. South-facing windows typically get the most Sun, so make sure they're unobstructed. Once the Sun sets, close your curtains again to keep the warmth in. You can also use reflective materials on windows to enhance sunlight exposure and reduce the need for turning the heating on.

A view from a window with the sun shining into the camera

Cuddle Up With a Blanket

Using a thick, warm blanket is a simple way to stay warm & cosy. Whether you're sitting on the couch or working from home, having a soft and fluffy blanket nearby can keep you warm without any effort. Consider investing in heated throws or wool blankets for extra warmth. Throw blankets are easy to drape over furniture or your legs when you're reading or watching TV. They’re an affordable and comfortable solution for staying warm during chilly days.

A brother and sister sat on the sofa hugging under a blanket.

Exercise to Generate Heat

Staying active is one of the best ways to naturally warm up your body. Physical activity generates heat through muscle movement, so even light exercise like walking around your home, stretching, or doing a few star jumps can get your blood pumping. If you have the space, try a quick indoor workout, such as yoga or dancing, to boost your body temperature. Keeping your body moving will help you stay warm without needing to rely on heating.

Cook and Bake

Cooking and baking not only keep you fed but can also help heat up your home. Use your oven to prepare meals and bake treats, as the heat from these appliances can warm up a kitchen or nearby rooms - particularly if you leave the oven door open once you're finished. Roasting vegetables or making soups can add comfort to your meals while keeping the home warmer. If you’re using a stovetop, try making hot drinks like tea, coffee, or hot chocolate to enjoy something warm while benefiting from the heat in the kitchen.

Baked christmas biscuits surrounded by baking implements and ingredients

Use Rugs and Carpets

Floors can get cold, especially during the winter months. Adding rugs and carpets to your home can provide insulation, helping to keep the heat from escaping through the floor. Opt for thicker rugs or carpets in areas where you spend a lot of time, like the living room or bedroom. This will make walking around barefoot much more comfortable and help retain warmth. Layering smaller rugs on cold floors is an easy and cost-effective way to improve your home’s overall warmth.

Choose Flannel Sheets and Fleece Bedding

Consider swapping your bedding for cosy alternatives like fleece or flannel to stay warm during winter nights. These materials are affordable and unlike regular cotton sheets are great at trapping your body heat. The insulation properties of fleece and flannel help keep you snug and comfortable through the chill, ensuring you stay warm even on the coldest nights. The same can be said for your pyjamas too, with fleece/flannel offerings providing extra protection from the chill.

A closeup shot of flannel and fleece material

Close Off Unused Rooms

If you have rooms in your home that you don’t use regularly, consider keeping their doors shut to conserve heat in the rooms you do use. Close doors and shut vents to avoid wasting energy and heat in areas that aren’t necessary to heat. This will direct the warmth to the rooms you spend the most time in, like the living room or bedroom. By focusing your heating efforts on smaller areas, you can keep things warmer without running the heating system.