As freezing temperatures sweep across the UK, Sarah Smith, a 56-year-old resident from Bournemouth, remains comfortably warm in her home without turning on her central heating for the past three decades. Instead, she relies on energy-efficient gadgets and clever techniques to keep her three-bedroom maisonette cozy during the winter months.
Sarah, who works as a director at the Aphantasia Academy, has lived in her home for 25 years. Before that, she spent five years in an art deco flat that also lacked central heating. While many people would consider heating a necessity, Sarah and her family have embraced a lifestyle that prioritizes energy conservation. “Our family has regularly said we should put heating in, and it’s become a bit of a longstanding joke that we don’t want to,” she remarked.
Innovative Solutions for Staying Warm
Sarah’s strategy includes a combination of a gas fire in her lounge, which costs approximately £0.50 per hour to operate, and an oil-filled radiator used mainly for warming towels. Her total winter heating expenses amount to around £150 each year. In comparison, the average three-bedroom household in the UK spends about £1,200 on heating, according to data from British Gas. This means Sarah saves approximately £1,000 annually while enjoying a toasty home.
At night, she employs an electric blanket, two duvets, and fleece sheets to stay warm. Sarah has adjusted to this lifestyle so well that she does not feel the lack of central heating. “I know it’s not for everyone, particularly if you have children, older family members, or someone vulnerable living in your home,” she added.
Cost-Effective Tips for Energy Savings
To maintain warmth without relying on central heating, Sarah layers her clothing with thermals, particularly enjoying the M&S Heatgen range for their soft fabric and attractive designs. She also invests in affordable fleece-lined leggings from Primark, which cost around £7.
In addition to clothing, Sarah uses a portable electric snuggle blanket, specifically a Monhouse heated throw, purchased from Amazon for £49.99 but currently on sale for £34.99. Operating at about 5p per hour, this blanket allows her to stay warm while minimizing heating usage. Sarah even gifted one to her 84-year-old mother, who has found it helpful in delaying the need to turn on her heating.
“I want to inspire others to incorporate some of my ways of living to cut down their energy bills,” she expressed. For her, adding an extra duvet during the winter is a simple yet effective method to stay warm. She has two duvets with snap buttons, allowing her to detach one for storage in warmer months.
Sarah also recommends switching to fleece or brushed cotton bedding, which can provide extra warmth. Her current choice is the Slumberdown All Seasons 3-in-1 duvet, which can be adjusted based on the season, priced from £27 for a double.
“People often ask me if I miss heating, and I really don’t,” Sarah stated, reflecting on her unique heating approach. While she acknowledges that this method might not suit everyone, she hopes that sharing her tips can help others save money while staying comfortable.
