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As the winter months approach, people all over the UK will be thinking about how they can stay warm without constantly running the heating.
According to Plumr, the average cost of heating a home in the UK is typically around £400-500 per month, so it’s a massive expense for people across the country. Luckily, technology has come to the rescue, helping people stay warm and cosy, without contending with massive bills.
Why Is Heating So Expensive In The UK?
Heating costs in the UK are driven by a number of factors. Some of these include:
Reliance On Natural Gas
According to The Guardian, about 85% of UK homes use gas boilers for heating. Over the years, gas prices have gone up and down based on global politics, market trends and how much gas the UK is producing. When the price of gas rises around the world, this cost is passed directly onto homeowners, driving up heating costs.
Additionally, as the UK tries to move towards net zero, higher taxes have been imposed on fossil fuels, including natural gas. This has also contributed to a price hike.
Housing Insulation
Many homes in the UK, especially in the centre of older cities are poorly insulated, this is because they were built many years ago. According to the English Housing Survey, 48% of English homes are rated EPC A to C. This means that the buildings we live in are losing a lot of heat due to poor insultation.
Monopoly On The Market
Whilst some competitors to the country’s biggest energy suppliers are starting to emerge, for a long time the top spots were taken by large corporations.
This meant limited competition and incentive to bring prices down. Again, these rising costs – used to fuel profits – were absorbed by the consumer, ramping up bills.
Tech To Keep You Warm
Luckily, tech has come to the rescue. As Brits gear up to face the winter months, a number of tech innovations exist to help combat the cold. Let’s take a look..
Heated Blankets
Electric heated blankets or throws are perfect for keeping warm while lounging on the couch or sleeping. Many of these are powered by electricity, meaning they use up less expensive energy than central heating. As many of them come with adjustable heat settings and safety features like automatic shut-off, these blankets are a great way to stay warm and cosy, especially at night.
Examples:
The Cosi Home heated blanket is a washable, remote controlled fleece that comes with a 10 hour timer and 10 heat settings. It also has protective features to stop it overheating, making sure you can sleep in peace.
Beurer HD75 Electric Blanket is a blanket that comes with 6 settings and has an automatic safety system, meaning there is no risk of overheating.
TLGREEN Electric Blanket Heated Throw has 3 heading levels and comes with a washable blanket, ensuring maximum comfort. It can be used as a seat or cushion, and is perfectly portable around the whole house.
*please note, other products do exist, so shop around for one that works for you.
Heated Socks
Heated slippers or electric socks, often powered by batteries or USB, are perfect for keeping your feet warm both indoors and outdoors.
Many of them come with a number of heat levels, and are great for warming up the extremities.
Examples:
MUTOUHE Electric Rechargeable Heated Socks can be used both inside and outside. These innovative gadgets come with 3 temperature levels and a rechargeable battery, so you can ensure you stay warm throughout the winter.
BARCHI HEAT Heated Socks are another heated socks company that provide options for indoor and outdoor wear. Adjustable on the app, they’re perfect for keeping you warm on the go.
XIAXIA Heated Socks are perfect for both men and women and come with 3 heating settings. They can be used for indoor wear or outdoor adventures, keeping you warm on the go.
*please note, other products do exist, so shop around for one that works for you.
Hand Warmers
Hands can get chilly quickly, so a hand warmer is the perfect pocket-sized accessory to keep things warm.
These small gadgets can be used both at home and on the go and are usually rechargable.
Examples:
OCOOPA UT3 Lite Magnetic Hand Warmers are pocket sized pebbles that split into 2 handwarmers. Heating for 4-8 hours, these little gadgets are perfect for hand warming both at home and on the go.
Wothfav Hand Warmers are rechargeable hand warmers that come with 3 heating levels, perfect for anyone looking to keep themselves warm both indoors and outdoors.
*please note, other products do exist, so shop around for one that works for you.
Electric Heaters
Electric heaters can ensure that a room stays warm, without needing to run a boiler. Especially useful for apartments that only have one or two bedrooms, these devices can ensure only the rooms that need it stay heated.
By using an oil based heater, you can ensure maximum efficiency for minimum power input, allowing you to lower bills whilst keeping warm.
Examples:
The Ometa Oil Filled Radiator is a stand-alone plug in radiator that can heat a room up to 35 degrees. Positioned on wheels to maximise portability, the device is able to be remote controlled to ensure efficient use. It is also powered by electricity, meaning you can heat up the rooms you need, without wasting energy in the whole house.
The Amazon Basics ECO Oscillating Portable Tower Heater is a compact fan heater that comes with 3 heat settings and is remote controlled. The device can provide quick heating up to 35 degrees, perfect for cold nights.
PELONIS Oil Filled Radiator is another oil radiator, equipped with a remote control, 24 hour timer and over-heating safety feature.
*please note, other products do exist, so shop around for one that works for you.
Heated Pads
Similar to heated blankets, these pads can be sat on, slept on, or laid on top of you to heat you up.
They come with adjustable temperature settings and help to provide a cosy night’s sleep, without using excess energy.
Examples:
The Dreamland Revive Me is a heated pad designed with temperature adjustment technology. It’s also machine washable, allowing you to keep it clean without worrying about damage. The pad is flexible and comfortable, allowing you to stay warm, wherever you are.
The Vofuoti Cordless Heating Pad is designed to sit on a person’s neck and shoulders, warming them up from the head down. This can be worn around the house, making it both comfortable and practical for beating the cold.
The Letitwell Electric heat pad can sit anywhere, from over your lap to around your waste. Its lightweight design makes it perfect for keeping you warm in all areas of your home.
*please note, other products do exist, so shop around for one that works for you.
