As the cost of living crisis continues to put high financial pressure on households across the UK, thousands of people are seeking for ways to save money and stay warm this winter. Although we may not have control over the rising cost of living, we are here to help you in any way that we can, receive help and advice with the cost of living crisis here.
There are several things that you can do to stay warm, and reduce costs this winter:
Consider A Heated Blanket
As the cold evenings begin, thousands of households are trying to limit energy use in order to combat rising energy prices. By using an electric blanket, you can avoid turning on the heating and still stay warm. This will cost you substantially less than running your heating throughout the winter.
Many electric blankets are designed to heat up in under 30 minutes and maintain their heat for extended periods of time. Just remember not to charge the blanket all day! Given the current rising cost of living crisis, electric blankets can also make a great Christmas gift this year!
Save Heat In Your Home
Draught-proof your windows and doors. Particularly if your home contains a chimney, old houses typically do a poor job of keeping warm air inside and preventing cold air from coming in. Sealing cracks, doors, and windows can reduce draughts and save you a sum of money in annual energy costs. Investing in a few draught excluders to stop airflow between the gaps under your door is an even more affordable choice.
You can also save heat in your home by closing your curtains and blinds at night. By doing so, you decrease the amount of warm air that escapes through the windows, which could also result in lower heating bills.
Electric Heaters
If you only need to heat one room in your house, it can be less expensive to use a portable electric heater and keep the thermostat set at a low setting. If you’re a single person or work from home, investing in an electric heater could save your heating costs as you won’t have to heat the entire house.
Turn-Off Appliances
Did you know that even after devices have completed charging, your chargers continue to use energy? Make sure to turn off any standby appliances, this is a tip that you have most probably heard before, but can be easy to forget! Along with this, and the festive season approaching, don’t forget to turn your Christmas lights off overnight!
Free Water-Saving Gadgets
Several UK water companies are providing free water saving devices that can lower your energy costs. To guarantee they give you equipment that will meet your needs, some water companies will ask you to apply directly, while others will ask you to complete a brief survey. It’s worthwhile to take the time and do the research as you may be able to save a significant amount of water, and money as a result!
Get Free (Or Cheap) Food
Food banks have warned that the increasing cost of living crisis has prompted more and more people to visit them, but supplies are running out. There are apps that can help you receive free food or donate extra food that you don’t need before it expires, which relieves the burden on food banks.
Joining apps such as Too Good To Go is a great way to get food for a very low price. This app connects you with restaurants, cafes, and stores that offer food that hasn’t been bought by the end of the day, at a discounted price. Food retailers sell bags of food for as little as £2!
Check What You’re Entitled To
There may be grants or benefits that you are eligible for to help you during the rising cost of living crisis. You may be unaware if you’re eligible for specific advantages, grants, and assistance provided by the government and energy providers. Visit our website here to find out more on grants and benefits to help you pay your energy bills.
Here at Citizens Advice Cardiff & Vale, we provide free, confidential and impartial information and advice to residents throughout the whole of Wales. Please visit us at Citizens Advice or Contact Us for jargon free help and advice.
