Millions of households across the UK are being forced to make difficult choices about their heating as winter tightens its grip and energy bills remain high. Customers of major suppliers like British Gas, EDF, EON, Ovo, and Octopus are actively searching for ways to stay warm without facing crippling costs, with some considering the drastic step of turning their heating off entirely in December.
The 'Heat the Human, Not the Home' Trend
Faced with rising costs following Ofgem's energy price adjustments, a growing trend has emerged where people focus on keeping themselves warm rather than heating their entire property. This has led to a surge in online searches for affordable and unconventional methods to retain heat indoors.
One surprisingly effective and low-cost solution gaining traction involves using bubble wrap as a form of window insulation. Mark McShane from Boiler Cover UK advocates for this simple hack, explaining that the air pockets within the bubble wrap create an additional barrier that significantly reduces heat loss through glass.
"It is particularly popular for greenhouse windows but works just as well in homes," Ms McShane noted. The application process is straightforward: cut the bubble wrap to fit your window pane, spray a light mist of water onto the glass, and then press the wrap against the damp surface with the bubbles facing the window. The water acts as a temporary adhesive.
While this method does obscure the clarity of your view, it still allows ample natural light to filter through. A key advantage is that the material is non-damaging; it can be peeled off easily once the colder months have passed without leaving any residue or marks on the windows.
Severe Health and Safety Warnings
However, energy and health experts are issuing stern warnings to households contemplating switching their heating off completely in the lead-up to Christmas. The consequences for both health and property can be severe and far-reaching.
According to safety specialists Mirrorstone, allowing your home's temperature to drop too low poses a direct threat to your wellbeing. If your indoor temperature falls to 15°C, you risk lowering your resistance to respiratory diseases. The danger escalates significantly if the temperature drops further. At 13°C and below, there is a real risk of increased blood pressure, elevating the threat of dangerous cardiovascular diseases.
These risks are not confined to the vulnerable. While older people, young children, and those with pre-existing health conditions are in the greatest danger, fit and healthy individuals can also be adversely affected by prolonged exposure to a cold home environment.
The Hidden Dangers to Your Property
Beyond the immediate health concerns, a cold house is a breeding ground for other problems. Damp and mould thrive in cold, unventilated spaces. This isn't just a potential health hazard; it can also cause long-term structural damage to your property.
Remedying serious damp issues can be costly, with repairs frequently exceeding £300. In extreme scenarios, persistent damp can compromise the very fabric of a building.
The most significant property risk, however, comes from frozen pipes. Frozen pipes themselves can often be thawed carefully, but the real peril is them bursting. A burst pipe is as catastrophic as a major flood, capable of causing immense damage in a short period.
Fixing the aftermath of a burst pipe is an expensive endeavour, with restoration costs potentially reaching £1500 per square foot. This figure does not even account for the ruin of priceless personal belongings, furnishings, and keepsakes. This is precisely why homeowners are frequently advised to drain their water systems entirely if they plan to be away from home during the winter.
The message from experts is clear: while finding ways to reduce energy consumption is sensible, turning off your heating completely is a high-risk strategy that could end up costing far more than it saves.
