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A money -saving expert has revealed her top six money-saving methods for staying warm during chilly nights without switching on the central heating. With temperatures dropping and winter approaching, maintaining warmth and comfort throughout the night without relying on central heating can prove challenging. While there are lots of ways to keep warm during daylight hours, keeping your body temperature regulated while lying in bed presents a greater challenge. However, there are some ingenious techniques to help you stay toasty without splashing out on heating bills. A woman called Kat, who regularly posts videos showcasing various money -saving techniques, has shared her six methods for staying warm during colder months on TikTok, all without touching the thermostat. "Six ways to stay warm at night without central heating," Kat's TikTok post read. For her initial tip, Kat suggested opting for flannel sheets and fleece bedding, as these materials perform far better at keeping you snug in bed compared to alternatives such as cotton or linen bedding and sheets. Bedding and sheets made from these fabrics can make your bed feel cosier when you climb in, without needing any electrical gadgets. However, if you're still feeling the chill, Kat suggests using electric or weighted blankets. Electric blankets are a cost-effective way to stay warm without cranking up the central heating. On average, an electric blanket costs just a few pence per hour to run, compared to central heating which can set you back between £1.44 and £1.78 per hour, depending on your home. A weighted blanket, on the other hand, fits snugly around you, trapping warmth inside the duvet rather than letting it escape. Kat also recommends opting for a higher tog duvet. Generally, a 1.0-4.5 tog is suitable for summer, a 7.5-10.5 tog for spring and autumn, and a 12.0-15.0 tog for winter. A 10.5 tog duvet should be enough if your bedroom maintains a steady temperature of between 18 and 21 degrees, but a 13.5 tog duvet is advised for colder rooms or for those who feel the cold more easily. For a versatile all-year-round option, a 10.5 tog duvet strikes a good balance, keeping you cosy in the colder months without overheating when temperatures begin to climb. Just as with your bedding, choosing pyjamas made from warmer fabrics like fleece or wool can help keep the cold at bay. These types of pyjamas come in a range of prices and are often available in shops like Primark during the winter season. As a significant amount of body heat can escape through your feet, so donning a pair of warm socks before bed can ensure you stay snug and warm. Hot water bottles are an affordable and effective way to keep warm, or to preheat your bed. However, it's crucial to use them safely. Manufacturers, backed by accident prevention charities and medical professionals, generally advise replacing your hot water bottle every two to three years, likely for safety reasons. An Australian study on hot water bottle safety found that more than 80 per cent of more than 100 hospital admissions due to burns from a hot water bottle were because the bottle had burst, split, or leaked. Therefore, it's recommended to mix hot and cold water in the water bottle as a precaution against bursting or spilling. Lastly, Kat suggests introducing carpet or a large rug into your bedroom. While this may seem like a substantial expense, it can help retain heat in your room instead of it escaping through the floorboards. Carpet acts as an insulator, trapping air in its fibres to slow heat loss from the floor and prevent drafts. This is especially true when combined with a good underlay, which further reduces heat loss and provides a warmer feel underfoot compared to hard surfaces like tile or hardwood.
