WINTER is quickly approaching, but with energy bills on the rise many households will be cautious about turning on their central heating.
Ofgem‘s latest price cap means bills have risen by £35.14 per year for households using a typical amount of energy.
The move marks a hike of £2.93 a month, leaving a home on a default tariff paying £102 for what currently costs £100 per month.
However, using gadgets such as electric blankets and plug-in heaters can be an efficient way to shave down costs.
These devices are typically cheaper to run than leaving your central heating on for hours at a time.
However, it is worth noting that costs can vary depending on who your supplier is and how long you leave the device running.
Below, our guide shares where you can snap up the best bargains on these items from popular retailers such as Amazon and Dunelm.
Electric blankets
Electric blankets can be a handy tool for cutting electricity costs, with a single size cover just using between 40 to 60 watts.
Larger blankets, which would cover a double or king size bed, may use more electricity but still cost only pennies to run, when compared to your central heating.
There are a number of models and makes out there so it is always important to read reviews to see what other shoppers think of the make you have your eye on.
Silentnight Comfort Control Electric Blanket comes highly recommended by other customers.
Amazon has slashed the price of the device by 16%, with the product now scanning for £25.16, if you go for the single bed option.
That’s compared to Boots which is charging £31 for the product.
The Range has also slashed the price of the Silentnight Teddy Fleece Electric Blanket to £24.49 down from £35.
Better yet, this product is free to click and collect in store so you could save on delivery costs too.
Thermal curtains
Using thermal curtains can help you save on your eclecticity bill[/caption]
Thermal curtains can be a great investment to help you save on your electricity bill.
These clever devices trap heating inside your home, using multiple layers of dense fabric, reducing drafts and acting as an insulator.
And in the summer, the curtains block heat from entering the room, and they can even reduce noise as well.
B&Q is also selling a pair of Eyelet Blackout Curtains for £9.99, making them one of the cheapest on the market.
The Range is also currently selling a pair of Dreamscene Pencil Pleat Blackout Thermal Curtains for £10.99, making it another bargain find.
But it is important to know what measurement you need and ensure the size you choose is not too large or small to hang over your windows.
Plug in heaters
Plug-in heaters can be a great way to heat your home for less.
These devices are usually portable and compact in size, so you can move it from room to room with ease without switching on the heating.
Screwfix is selling is selling a 2,000W Flat Fan Heater for £9.99, making it one of the cheapest available.
B&Q is also flogging a Geepas Portable Electric Fan Heater for £14.99.
Other bargain options could include Dunelm’s 2000W flat fan heater for £16.
This product costs just 45p per hour to run, which could help you save compared to using your central heating.
Radiator reflector foil
And if you do decide to turn your heating on, investing in some radiator reflector foil can help your pounds stretch.
This sits behind your radiator and bounces heat back into the room rather than letting it escape through cold walls.
Experts have said adding radiator reflector foil can save around £20–£50 a year on energy bills in an average UK home, with bigger savings possible if your radiators are on uninsulated external walls.
DIY store screw fix is selling a roll for £6.38, marked down from £7.51.
B&Q is also selling a version of the product for £10.99.
How to get the best deal on heating gadgets.
When on the hunt for gadgets to keep you warm, it is important to shop around to avoid paying more than you need to.
Websites like PriceSpy UK let you compare prices on products across all the major chains to see if you’re getting the best deal.
Better yet, keep an eye out for deals this Black Friday, which takes place on November 28.
This is an event where shops and retailers temporarily lower some of their prices to encourage shoppers to buy more products.
4 ways to keep your energy bills low
Laura Court-Jones, Small Business Editor at Bionic shared her tips.
1. Turn your heating down by one degree
You probably won’t even notice this tiny temperature difference, but what you will notice is a saving on your energy bills as a result. Just taking your thermostat down a notch is a quick way to start saving fast. This one small action only takes seconds to carry out and could potentially slash your heating bills by £171.70.
2. Switch appliances and lights off
It sounds simple, but fully turning off appliances and lights that are not in use can reduce your energy bills, especially in winter. Turning off lights and appliances when they are not in use, can save you up to £20 a year on your energy bills
3. Install a smart meter
Smart meters are a great way to keep control over your energy use, largely because they allow you to see where and when your gas and electricity is being used.
4. Consider switching energy supplier
No matter how happy you are with your current energy supplier, they may not be providing you with the best deals, especially if you’ve let a fixed-rate contract expire without arranging a new one. If you haven’t browsed any alternative tariffs lately, then you may not be aware that there are better options out there.
