Woman by fire
Keep active – Going for a brisk walk is a great way to generate heat, keep warm and improve circulation. Plus, it’s free and who could fail to be moved by the fine winter views?
Towel clever – OK, it is not a glamorous solution, but old towels are a great way to stop draughts under doors and around windows. They can also save on de-icer if you drape them over car windscreens. It’ll keep the worst of the frost off – and save time when you want to go out.
'Re-use' heat – Open your oven when you’ve finished cooking to release the heat into the kitchen.
Think ahead – Try to take fewer trips when bringing groceries or other shopping indoors. The less time you open doors to the outside, the less heat will escape.
Fan-tastic – If you have a ceiling fan installed to keep your rooms cool in the summer, reverse the direction so the blades turn forward in a clockwise motion. Hot air rises and this will bring it down into the room where it can be of more use.
Foil heat loss – Grab your roll of aluminium foil from the kitchen cupboard and attach it to the wall behind radiators, shiny side up. It will reflect heat back into the room and, according to British Gas, will save as much as £14 a year on bills. While you are borrowing materials from the kitchen, you might like to consider attaching cling film to the inside of your windows as a cheap alternative to double-glazing.
Air dry – Keep your wet laundry off the radiators and let them do the job they were designed for. But, don’t turn to the tumble drier. Instead, consider investing in a clotheshorse, or even a heated tower airer (available from www.lakeland.co.uk), which can cost less than 3p per hour to run.
Wrap up – Blankets are a great weapon against the winter chill. If your supply is looking a bit threadbare, pick up a bundle at your local pound store. They cost virtually nothing and there is nothing better than snuggling down under a thick layer of blankets.
Spice it up – Everyone knows the warming qualities of a hot cup of tea, but how about adding some extra spice to your cooking too? There is no scientific reasoning behind adding some chilli or pepper, but those who have tried it swear it makes them feel hotter.
Sleep well – End the day with a hot bath before bed and snuggle up with your loved one under a pile of blankets for a long night's sleep. Getting enough rest does wonders for your circulation and keeping you warm. It's not quite hibernation, but at least spring will be nearer when you wake up.
Written by Teena Lyons, this article was first published on December 8, 2010. Teena's opinions are her own and for general information only. Always seek independent, professional, financial advice.