MoneySavingExpert (MSE), the consumer advice website founded by Martin Lewis, has published a guide to 'heating items' that could cost as little as 1p an hour to run. The initiative aims to provide practical solutions for households struggling with elevated energy bills, particularly as colder weather approaches across the UK.
The recommendations focus on personal heating methods rather than the costly endeavour of warming an entire home. Among the items highlighted are electric blankets, which MSE suggests can cost from 3p an hour to run, offering a more economical alternative to central heating for individual warmth. Hot water bottles, a traditional method, are also championed for their minimal running costs, alongside more modern options like heated gilets and USB-powered hand warmers.
The advice comes at a time when many UK households are still facing significant financial pressure from the cost of living crisis, with energy prices remaining a key concern despite recent fluctuations. By advocating for targeted heating solutions, MSE hopes to empower consumers to maintain comfort without incurring prohibitive expenses on their energy bills.
For instance, an electric gilet, which is essentially a heated bodywarmer, is listed as potentially costing just 1p an hour. Similarly, USB gloves, designed to keep hands warm while working or relaxing, are also cited as having extremely low running costs. These suggestions underscore a shift towards more localised heating strategies as a means of managing household budgets during colder periods.
The guidance also includes tips on maximising the efficiency of these items, such as using electric blankets to pre-warm beds before getting in, thereby reducing the need for longer periods of central heating. This comprehensive approach reflects MSE's ongoing commitment to providing actionable financial advice to the British public.