LEAVE the heating off this autumn with Wilko’s handy gadget, that costs just 1p an hour to run.
With the weather turning, and the night’s becoming dark and grey, you may be tempted to reach for the thermostat in the evening.
It can be tricky to keep warm in winter[/caption]
Electric blankets are a great budget-friendly way of keeping warm[/caption]
However, with energy bills set to rise again from October 1st. turning the heating on is not an option for many Brits.
There are many things you can do to keep yourself warm without the heating, from wearing extra layers, to using a hot water bottle.
However, one of the most effective ways to make sure you keep cosy on the cheap, is to invest in an electric blanket.
The Slumberdown Sleepy Nights Electric Blanket has three clever heat settings, to keep you as toasty and warm as you like.
The clever device has straps so that you can fasten it onto your mattress and enjoy cosy heat all night long.
It also comes with a handy 2m long cable, so you can plug it in wherever is convenient, and has a two-year guarantee, so you can be sure to have a great night’s sleep for years to come.
Slumberdown said: “Envelop yourself in warm comfort with the Slumberdown Sleepy Nights Electric Blanket.
“It’s designed with easy-fit straps to securely fit on your single mattress to a depth of 30cm.
“Featuring three adjustable heat settings, you can set the warmth to the perfect level using the handy controller.
“Machine washable, it’s easy to clean and comes along with a storage bag for convenient storage.
“Unfurl this blanket on your bed and indulge in a warm and comforting sleep on those chilly nights.”
Priced at £18.89, the blanket is an absolute steal, and it’s so cheap to run as well, costing you just pennies to have it on all night.
What to look out for when buying an electric blanket
Isabella Forgione, small appliance expert at AO.com, told The Sun the there are a few features to look out for when buying an electric blanket.
You should ensure your blanket has three or more settings you can adjust, she said.
5 ways to keep your house warm in winter
Property expert Joshua Houston shared his tips.
1. Curtains
“Windows are a common place for the outside cold to get into your home, this is because of small gaps that can let in air so always close your curtains as soon as it gets dark,” he said.
This simple method gives you an extra layer of warmth as it can provide a kind of “insulation” between your window and curtain.
2. Rugs
“Your floor is another area of your home where heat can be lost and can make your home feel chilly,” he continued. “You might notice on cold days, that your floor is not nice to walk on due to it freezing your feet.
“Add rugs to areas that don’t already have a carpet, this provides a layer of insulation between your bare floor and the room above.”
3. Check your insulation
Check your pipes, loft space, crawlspaces and underneath floorboards.
“Loose-fill insulation is very good for this, and is a more affordable type of insulation, with a big bag being able to be picked up for around £30,” Joshua explained.
4. Keep your internal doors closed
“Household members often gather in one room in the evening, and this is usually either the kitchen or living room,” Joshua said.
“This means you only have to heat a small area of your home, and closing the doors keeps the heat in and the cold out.”
5. Block drafts
Don’t forget to check cat flaps, chimneys and letterboxes, as they can let in cold air if they aren’t secure.
This is so you can control how much you want the blanket to heat your bed.
She added: “Similarly, a timer function can be a lifesaver – letting you set to switch it off after a certain time, saving your electricity and adding peace of mind.”
Another tip the expert shares is ensuring that the blanket you are eyeing up is “washing machine friendly”.
In most cases, washing machine friendly electric blankets should have detachable controllers.
This allows you to safely pop your blanket in your washing machine.
It is important to note that if your blanket is not safe to go in the washing machine you should avoid doing this.
This is to prevent it from breaking and avoid any hazards.
