Cosy Hacks – How To Stay Warm Without Hefty Bills

Last Updated on: 26th September 2025, 08:21 am

As the days turn in to dark evenings and cold nights it is easy to turn up the heating. But of course, that comes with a cost. In our house, we always put a jumper on because we put the heaters on. You do not need to compromise between comfort and cost, especially when you think about old fashioned ways to heat your home and try to do them yourselves. Here are some awesome cosy hacks to keep you warm.

Cosy Hacks Always Start With The Basics

heavy, lined curtains will help to keep the cold out of your home and will keep the heat in. Especially if you live in an older house with single glazing or draughty frames. You can even add a thermal layer to your old curtains or you can buy some thermal curtains from most places like B & M or Home Bargains and Amazon. If you cannot afford thermal lined curtains, you can add a fleece blanket to the back of your curtains.

Make it a habit to close curtains as soon as dusk falls—heat loss can double once it’s dark outside. For extra insulation, tuck curtains behind radiators or use magnetic or Velcro strips to ensure they sit flush against the wall. In bedrooms, blackout curtains not only help with warmth but improve sleep quality too.

Rugs On Bare Floors

Floorboards and tiles can make a room feel cold, even when the heating is on. If money is tight, you can look around charity shops, car boot sales and Facebook marketplace. You can also layer rugs to make it warmer. In kids’ rooms or play areas, foam play mats double as insulation and a soft landing for little knees. Don’t forget hallways and landings because heat escapes fast through these high-traffic areas. So a cosy runner or even a bath mat can be a good heat saver.

Draught Excluders

These have been around for so long! Our parents used them and our grandparents did too. Even the are the unsung heroes of a warm home. Even the tiniest gap under a door or around a window can let cold air pour in and let the warmth leak out. For windows, self-adhesive foam strips are cheap and easy to fit, you can get them from places like Poundland. Pay special attention to letterboxes and keyholes; you can pick up covers for a couple of quid at any DIY shop

If you’re renting or can’t make permanent changes, use some rolled-up towels or even a folded blanket can fill the gap in a pinch. For a weekend project, try making your own draught excluders with leftover fabric and old tights. You can even get the kids involved and let them decorate their own.

Hot Water Bottle Cosy Hacks

The great british classic of hot water bottles work great as a way to keep warm. In my work at Superdrug, we recommend these to the elderley who are too scared to put their heating on. If you move around the house, you can also take the water bottle with you. When it comes to little ones, you might not want to use a hot water bottle, because of the safety aspect. So try out some Warmies, they are cuddly toys that you can warm up in your microwave. then they stay warm for an hour or so. I have written more about them here. If you work from home like me, you can also heat a water bottle and pop it down your jumper or under your cardigan to keep warm and stop putting the heating on.

But what about electric blankets?

These were really popular in the 70s and 80s with our grandparents. Now they are making a comeback and they are much more safwer than they ever were. They cost about 5 to 10p and hour to run, and you only need it on for an hour or so, to warm your bed up. These are great for people with circulation problems and joint pain.

If you’re choosing between a hot-water bottle and an electric blanket, consider your routine: if you want warmth on the go, stick with the bottle. If you need consistent, all-night heat (especially for older relatives or anyone with arthritis), an electric blanket is a smart investment. Always follow the manufacturer’s safety advice, and never use a hot-water bottle and an electric blanket at the same time.

Layer Up At Home

Layering up is another time-honoured trick. Encourage everyone to wear an extra jumper or thermal base layer indoors. They can wear thick socks or slippers that can make a huge difference to how warm they feel. For movie nights or story time, keep a basket of blankets in the living room, kids love making “nests,” and it’s an easy way to get cosy without touching the thermostat.

Extra Cosy Hacks To Keep You Warm

Beyond these core hacks, there are a few more ways to keep the chill at bay. Move furniture away from radiators so heat can circulate freely. Blocking a radiator with a sofa can waste up to a third of its output. If you have radiators on external walls, pop some reflective foil (or even kitchen foil in a pinch) behind them to bounce more warmth back into the room. Shut doors to unused rooms to contain heat where you need it most. If you have a loft hatch, lay an old duvet or blanket over it to stop warmth escaping upwards.

Finally, remember that warmth isn’t just about temperature, it’s also about comfort, routine, and a sense of security. Lighting a candle, brewing a pot of tea, or gathering everyone for a slow-cooked one-pot dinner (see my last post!) can make even the darkest evenings feel softer. With a little planning and a few well-chosen hacks, you can make your home a haven all winter long. Without dreading the next few bills.