Think of winter and you may picture a cosy scene. But let’s be real! The colder season can be an uncomfortable experience, especially when it comes to expenses. Fortunately, there are affordable ways to stay snug during winter.

Use these easy tips to warm up on a budget.

Regulate heat with everyday items

• Place rugs over any tiled areas in your home and add a layer of felt under any thin carpets.
• Hang your washing indoors, even if it’s not raining outside. The moisture from the damp washing will pick up the humidity in your house, which will raise the temperature.

Deal with the draught

• Seal up your fireplace with a protector or fireplace cover to prevent warm air from escaping.
• Attach thick sheets of plastic to your windowpanes. You can find the plastic at most hardware stores.
• Some built-in cupboards have gaps underneath the floor, which may cause draughts. Prevent the cold from getting in by slotting pieces of board in cupboard and roof gaps.

Get cosy before bedtime

• Skip the heater and warm up your bed with a hot-water bottle instead. It uses less electricity, but packs a lot of heat. Place it under your blanket just before bedtime.
• Invest in a blanket made of feathers or down, which will warm you up far more than a regular cotton duvet.
• Wear loose clothing to bed, preferably flannel material, which retains body heat.
• Soak in a bath before bed. You’ll use less water and electricity than if you took a shower!
• Drink some warm tea, hot chocolate or warm water before bed.

Be smart with your heater

• Stick tinfoil behind any wall-mounted heaters. This will help prevent heat from being absorbed by the cold walls.
• Move furniture or other objects away from the walls to prevent them from blocking any heating vents.
• Close the doors of any unoccupied rooms so that your immediate space absorbs all the warmth. Closed doors will also help trap heat in your room.
• If possible, place your heater or radiator under a shelf to create a flow of warm air.

Good to know

• Avoid using paraffin or propane heaters indoors, as they are highly flammable.
• Don’t drink alcohol before bed. It can lower your body temperature quicker.
• Manage your electricity bill by only heating one room at a time, if possible.
• Invest in a heater that has a built-in thermostat. This type of heater can automatically switch off once it’s reached an ideal temperature.

Find more winter-related finance tips in these blog articles:

• 4 tips to cut your electricity bill this winter
• Staying active during winter