Martin Lewis’s 2p hack to keeping warm without turning the heating on

Martin Lewis has come in clutch once again to share a handy 2p hack to help you keep warm without having to turn the heating on.

Now, many Brits have been up against some pretty chilly weather recently with the Arctic blast currently sweeping across the UK - so it makes sense why we want to feel cosied up and warm in our homes.

At the start of this year, energy prices rose an average 5 per cent at the start of this year (1 January) and many people will be struggling to pay and will need to drastically cut energy usage.

And we're all looking for ways to stay warm as the weather gets colder without racking up our energy bills as the cost of living crisis rages on.

Back in October, the popular finance expert shared some advice on how we can all stay warm without breaking the bank.

Heated throws and blankets are one of the solutions that Martin and the Money Saving Expert team have suggested in their 'heat the human not the home' article.

According to the MSE website’s latest advice, heated gadgets that are cheapest to run are the ones that can be charged via a USB.

"There are lots of options out there – we can't vouch for which will keep you warmest, but we have tried to work out which is cheapest to run," the website explained.

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"Generally we found it was those which could be charged via USB, but these items tend to be smaller, and may only warm part of your body (such as hands or feet)."

Martin and his team recently explained on the website that instead of reaching for the thermostat, plugging in a heated blanket would cost you just 2p per hour.

"It's also worth factoring in the initial cost, if you don't already own one of the items below," the website points out.

"Of course, the cheapest option may not be the best quality.

"Do your own research, read reviews before buying and check safety advice before using any of the options."

Chalffy / Getty Images

And a number of MoneySavers found the tip handy after revealing it had helped them reduce the amount of time they have the heating on.

One said: "I experienced the delight of an electric blanket for the first time.

"It saved me a lot on heating costs and there is nothing quite like getting into a toasty warm bed in a chilly room."

There sure isn't.

"I swear by heated throws!" penned a second. "I use mine all the time for whenever I'm sat down for any period of time. I rarely use my central heating, and find I can do without when I'm under one of these."

Lewis also previously shared a recommendation for drying your clothes that is ‘far, far cheaper' than putting the heating on or using a tumble dryer - which can cost up to a £1 an hour to run.

While chatting on his podcast, the Money Saving Expert said that using a dehumidifier is a cheaper alternative to putting the heating on.

Topics: UK News, News, Money, Hacks, Weather, Martin Lewis, Home

Rhiannon Ingle

Rhiannon Ingle is a Journalist at LADbible Group. She graduated from the University of Manchester in 2021 in English Literature. Alongside her studies, she was the Lifestyle Editor of The Mancunian, the largest student newspaper in the United Kingdom. Her favourite topics to write about include sex and relationships, bizarre lifestyle trends and all things travel.