Panicking about bills - how to keep house warm in winter?

[Bibbetyboo]

I am so much luckier than many in that I will still be able to not worry about eating even with increases in bills etc. Increase in mortgage once current deal is up not so much (trying not to think about that right now).

My problems are a husband that likes it ‘toasty’ and children that like to run around in few clothes. Come the winter we are just not going to be able to have the heating whacked up to support that.

suggestions?! Hot water bottles in beds I have thought of but beyond just trying to get everyone to wear more clothes and socks, what can we do to keep costs down once it gets chilly? May have another vulnerable family member with us too.

i turn off radiators in rooms not in use. What else really makes a difference?

Thermal underwear - my teens were resistant but there's lots of nice soft garments out there - tops and leggings - and sitting in classrooms with windows open they now really like them.

They also like zip up jackets rather than jumpers and cardigans and fun slippers.

Blankets around in room we watch TV and them having own blankets they carry round. I have a heated blanket which is often also down in that room.

When they were younger they did HW in kitchen with me - so oven cooking heated the room up.

Thick lined curtains at windows and doors - draft excluders at bottom of doors or round windows - closing doors an issue we have as cats complain.

Thank you. I need a curtain covering the external door as you can feel the heat being sucked out of there, as we are a flat on second floor. Downstairs flat unoccupied so can’t count on residual heat!

Proper winter clothes to be non negotiable. Warm top, socks and slippers at the very least.

Close the curtains as soon as it gets dark. I find this a big help in winter.

Move around to keep warm. If you're sitting for a while and get cold, go out for a walk or do some exercise in the house.

Also go through budget with DH, cut costs where you can and make sure he knows that 'toasty' is no longer affordable. Although he could always get a second job to earn extra money and spend time where someone else is paying for the heating.

As others have pointed out - heat the person (warm clothes) and insulate /draught block as much as possible. Then you get very strict and say no to the heating, maybe point out that they can be warm, but go without something else, because the money will only buy one thing.
Horrible as it is, sometimes you just have to be the ‘bad guy’ and point out the bare facts.