Four ways to keep warm without switching the heating on - and save yourself loads of cash

THE cost of living crisis is continuing for another winter, but before you switch the heating on, consider a few alternatives to warming your house.

Matthew Jenkins from My Job Quote shared the four ways to keep warm without turning the thermostat up just yet.

Use curtains

A significant amount of heat is leaves the property via its windows, luckily, there's an easy way to reduce the loss – curtains.

According to researchers from the University of Salford, drawing your curtains at dusk can reduce heat loss by around 15-17 percent.

Blinds, on the other, reduced heat loss by 13-14 percent.

Matthew said: “A home's windows let a lot of heat out, but curtains are a great method to prevent this from happening.

Install shelves above a radiator

The expert suggested: “Adding a shelf directly above a radiator enhances the radiator's ability to disperse heat more evenly.

“In addition, installing a shelf acts like a barrier, helping direct heat away from the radiator rather than rising to the ceiling when it is hung directly above a radiator.”

Terracotta heaters

Matthew said: “A terracotta heater is a terrific energy-free way to stay warm.

“One candle can heat up to three terracotta pots due to the material's slow heating and good heat retention.”

However, these heaters should be supervised at all times as the naked flames could be a safety hazard to small children or pets.

Buy better insulation

“Although this approach is more expensive, it is one of the most cost-effective ways to save money in the long term,” the guru noted.

“Insulating the walls is crucial when designing an environmentally friendly home since heat is trapped within.”

Sharing his expertise, Matthew added that one area to pay your attention to in particular is the loft – a shocking quart of the house's heat is lost through the roof.

If installed properly, loft insulation should pay for itself many times over in its lifetime of 40 years.

Use curtains

READ MORE HEATING HACKS

‘Best’ winter buy costs 4p an hour, keeps your house warm and prevents mould

I’ve got the answer to banishing condensation on windows – it’s an Amazon buy

Install shelves above a radiator

Terracotta heaters

Buy better insulation

Most read in Fabulous

If you’re in love, just one shared smile is all it takes to reset respect

I had boobs like Pamela Anderson but had a reduction – it’s my biggest regret

I’m a gypsy & people always ask why we go out in our PJs and dressing gowns

Paris Fury reveals nanny rejected working with family because the kids were wild

Interior Design expert advice