Technology to help you stay warm this winter

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As the winter months approach, people across the UK are wondering how to stay warm without having to constantly turn on the heating.

According to Plumr, the average cost of heating a home in the UK is typically around £400-500 a month, so it’s a huge expense for people across the country. Thankfully, technology has come to the rescue, helping people stay warm and cosy without having to pay huge bills.

Why is heating so expensive in the UK?

The cost of heating in the UK depends on many factors. Some of these include:

Dependence on natural gas

According to The Guardian, around 85% of homes in the UK use gas boilers for heating. Over the years, gas prices have risen and fallen depending on global politics, market trends and the amount of gas produced in the UK. When the price of gas rises around the world, this cost is passed on directly to homeowners, causing heating costs to rise.

In addition, as the UK tries to move towards net zero emissions, higher taxes have been imposed on fossil fuels, including natural gas. This has also contributed to rising prices.

Residential insulation

Many homes in the UK, especially in older city centres, are poorly insulated because they were built many years ago. According to the English Housing Survey, 48% of English homes have an EPC rating of A to C. This means that the buildings we live in lose a lot of heat due to poor insulation.

Monopoly on the market

Although competitors are starting to emerge for the country’s largest energy suppliers, large corporations have long topped the list.

This meant reduced competition and an incentive to lower prices. Again, these rising costs – used to drive up profits – were absorbed by the consumer, increasing bills.

Technology that will keep you warm

Thankfully, technology has come to the rescue. As Britons prepare for the winter months, there are a number of technological innovations that are helping to combat the cold. Let’s take a look at them.

Heating blankets

Electrically heated blankets or rugs are ideal for keeping you warm while you’re lounging on the couch or sleeping. Many of these are powered by electricity, meaning they use less energy than central heating. And because many of them have adjustable heat settings and safety features like automatic shut-off, these blankets are a great way to keep yourself warm and cosy, especially at night.

Examples:

The Cosi Home heated blanket is a washable, remote-controlled fleece that has a 10-hour timer and 10 temperature settings. It also has protective features that prevent overheating, so you can sleep soundly.

The Beurer HD75 electric blanket is a blanket equipped with 6 settings and an automatic safety system, so there is no risk of overheating.

The TLGREEN electric heated blanket has 3 head positions and comes with a washable blanket for maximum comfort. It can be used as a seat or cushion and is perfectly portable around the house.

*Please note, there are other products available, so please take a look around and find the one that suits you.

Heated socks

Heated slippers or electric socks, often battery or USB powered, do a great job of keeping your feet warm both indoors and outdoors.

Many of them have multiple heat levels and are great for warming your limbs.

Examples:

MUTOUHE electric, battery-powered, heated socks can be used both indoors and outdoors. These innovative gadgets have 3 temperature levels and a battery, so you can be sure to stay warm all winter long.

BARCHI HEAT Heated Socks is another company that makes heated socks that offer indoor and outdoor options. Adjustable via the app, they’re perfect for keeping warm on the go.

XIAXIA heated socks are perfect for both men and women and have 3 heat settings. They can be used for indoor wear or outdoor adventures, keeping you warm on the go.

*Please note, there are other products available, so please take a look around and find the one that suits you.

Hand warmers

Hands can get cold quickly, so a hand warmer is the perfect pocket accessory to keep you warm.

These little gadgets can be used both at home and on the go; they are usually rechargeable.

Examples:

OCOOPA UT3 Lite Magnetic Hand Warmers are pocket-sized pebbles that split into 2 hand warmers. Warming for 4-8 hours, these little gadgets are perfect for warming your hands both at home and on the go.

Wothfav hand warmers are rechargeable hand warmers with 3 heating levels, ideal for people who want to stay warm both indoors and outdoors.

*Please note, there are other products available, so please take a look around and find the one that suits you.

Electric heaters

Electric heaters can ensure that a room remains warm without having to turn on the boiler. Particularly useful in homes that only have one or two bedrooms, these devices can ensure that only the rooms that need it remain warm.

By using an oil radiator you can achieve maximum efficiency with minimum power consumption, which will help you reduce your bills and keep you warm at the same time.

Examples:

The Ometa Oil Filled Radiator is a standalone plug-in radiator that can heat a room up to 35 degrees. Situated on wheels to maximise portability, the unit can be remote controlled for efficient use. It is also powered by electricity, meaning you can heat the rooms you need without wasting energy throughout your home.

Amazon Basics ECO Oscillating Portable Tower Heater is a compact fan heater with 3 heat settings and a remote control. The device can provide rapid heating up to 35 degrees, perfect for cold nights.

The PELONIS oil radiator is another oil radiator equipped with a remote control, 24-hour timer and overheating protection.

*Please note, there are other products available, so please take a look around and find the one that suits you.

Heated pillows

Like electric blankets, you can sit, sleep or lie down on these pillows to keep warm.

They have the ability to regulate temperature and help ensure comfortable sleep without unnecessary energy consumption.

Examples:

Dreamland Revive Me is a heated mat designed with temperature control technology. It is also machine washable, so you can keep it clean without worrying about damage. The mat is flexible and comfortable, so you can stay warm wherever you are.

The Vofuoti Cordless Heating Pad is designed to be placed around a person’s neck and shoulders, warming them from the head down. It can be worn around the house, making it both comfortable and practical for fighting the cold.

The Letitwell Electric Heating Pad can go anywhere from your lap to your stool. Its lightweight design makes it perfect for keeping warm anywhere in your home.

*Please note, there are other products available, so please take a look around and find the one that suits you.