To start a 'practical warmth tips' thread for the fuel-squeezed

[TirisfalPumpkin]

Hello. Gas/electic/oil are horrendously expensive, and it looks like it's going to get worse. I make a normal junior management wage and live pretty frugally, but central heating is not something I can afford any more. There are many worse off than me, many in the same boat.

So, given this is the situation we're in, and that it's not likely to change before next winter, wondered if we could share practical tips. I know not all of these are cost-accessible to all (they weren't to me, all at once) but we've got the summer to plan for the winter, and doing something is better than doing nothing.

Things that have worked for me:

• Wool leggings. A lot of places have them reduced as loungewear pandemic chic isn't a thing any more. Was surprised at the difference these made.

• Uniqlo - I am not receiving any commission for shilling their products in this way, but layering a heattech turtleneck, wool jumper and down jacket - warm. And you don't really feel like you're wearing a coat indoors, even though you are. You can often get the down items second hand on eBay and they regularly have sales.

• Insulated mug for my tea, I use the Stanley one, about twenty quid on Amazon.

• Hot water bottle. Make sure you get one with the British Standard mark and don't burn yourself. If you wrap it well it will hold heat for a long time.

• my expensive, particulate-polluting, middle-class affectation (log burner) - 3 loads of oak logs (about £350) would heat the room I use through winter. This used to be way more than my gas bill, but it's not any more!

I'm mostly focused on 'heat the people not the space', but for when it gets really cold, would be especially interested in any house insulation tips. I can't have cavity wall cos of brick ties and I can't afford proper loft treatment (was quoted 5k) - is there anything that can be DIY'd?

For me, if my feet are cold the rest of me is cold, so I'm eyeing up some microwavable bootie slippers on Amazon. Also noticed homebargains are doing different shaped hotwater bottles, long thin ones, and ones that sit round your neck and shoulders. I do any essential ironing at strategic times to warm me up.

I drink hot ribena and so do the kids.

At least we are coming towards summer.

IME being in an unheated house in winter chills you to the bone and it is so difficult to get warm once you get cold. However, if you really wrap up in fleeces and duvets to keep warm, you can end up feeling sleepy. It is horrible being in an unheated home in winter and this kind of thing is essentially living below the poverty line - and dangerous for kids like a 2yo with a chest infection etc.

www.gowallpaper.co.uk/wallrock-thermal-liner.html?utm_source=google_shopping&gclid=CjwKCAiA4KaRBhBdEiwAZi1zzp0uU1HHqxkZ5VYjpyyNNX3JbqDAZbwVLFdlP3Cxp6XbBxHT85dBGBoCsfwQAvD_BwE I’m thinking of putting this on the outside walls it’s breathable so meant to be appropriate for old houses. - I need to redecorate anyway. Grew up in a house with no heating - we used to all sit in one room with the fire blazing. Hot water bottle - no special clothing though, I remember being very cold in bed as a child, ice on the windows and getting dressed very quickly in the morning.

@Neighbours87

Used to work in an auctioneer old mahogany furniture goes for nothing think 1970s wardrobes for £2. People would buy them and kindling for the fire

Needs to be solid though. Hardwood burns slow but steady

This one is to make it a bit more affordable to keep the heating on:

www.theheatinghub.co.uk/articles/turn-down-the-boiler-flow-temperature

But wouldn't that type of furniture have been treated and varnished over many years. Burning wood like that doesn't sound like a great idea.

Dreamland heated faux fur throw. I can often go without putting the heating on in the evenings. Might seem a bit expensive, but it’s definitely worth it. Me and a couple of relatives decided not to do presents one Christmas and each bought one of these instead - we’ve all said it’s one of the best things we’ve spent money on.

well i have an open fire and took a good deal on 2 builder bags of hardwood and 40 25kg bags of coal so im ok for now and next winter and more with a predicted 3-4months with no use

total for all £400 add the sweep and makes it 500

if anyboddy wants a link to the coal 40 x 25kg £314 of coal let me know national disribution it isnot smokless though but may have a deal on that