How to Keep Your House Warm on a Budget (Without Touching the Thermostat)

Last Updated on: 4th December 2025, 08:18 am

There’s something about a chilly British winter that makes me want to hibernate — preferably with a blanket, a hot cuppa, and the heating on full blast. But with energy prices being what they are, cranking up the thermostat just isn’t an option for most of us right now.

The good news is, there are loads of clever, low-cost tricks to keep your home cosy and your bills under control. Here are my tried-and-tested tips for staying warm this winter — no fleece-lined wallpaper required.

1. Stop the Heat Escaping

Let’s start with the basics: keeping the warmth you already have inside.

Draught-proof your doors and windows. A simple roll of draught tape (a few pounds on Amazon or at B&Q) can make a huge difference. For older doors, a cute sausage dog draught excluder adds both charm and function.
Close curtains before dark. As soon as the sun starts setting, draw your curtains to trap the warmth in. Lined or thermal curtains work wonders — or you can even add a cheap fleece blanket as an inner lining.
Block unused chimneys. If you’ve got an old fireplace you don’t use, pop a draught stopper or balloon inside to prevent cold air sneaking in.

These little tweaks can save you more than you think — and they make your house feel instantly cosier.

2. Layer, Don’t Blast

You don’t have to freeze, but before touching the thermostat, try layering up.

Thermal base layers aren’t just for skiing — they’re brilliant for wearing under your normal clothes at home.
Slippers and fluffy socks make a world of difference on cold floors.
Throws and blankets are your best friends. I keep a couple draped over the sofa so they’re easy to grab when we settle in for a film.

Heating your body, not your whole house, is one of the simplest ways to save.

3. Focus on the Rooms You Actually Use

It sounds obvious, but heating the whole house when you’re only in a couple of rooms is a waste.

If you can, turn down radiators in unused spaces like spare bedrooms or hallways. Keep the doors closed so the warm air stays where you need it most.

You can also use thermal curtains or door curtains to block off colder parts of the house — especially if you’ve got an open-plan space that doesn’t hold heat well.

4. Get the Most Out of Your Radiators

Make your radiators work harder without spending extra.

Bleed them regularly to make sure they’re heating properly.
Use radiator reflectors (or even just a bit of foil) behind radiators on external walls — it pushes heat back into the room instead of letting it escape through the wall.
Don’t block them with furniture or drying racks — that lovely warm air needs room to circulate!

And if you’re drying laundry indoors, try doing it in the same room you’re already heating. That way, at least you’re getting double use from the energy.

5. Cook and Cosy Up

There’s something very comforting about a warm kitchen on a cold day. Baking, slow-cooking, or even boiling pasta helps heat the space naturally — plus, you get a delicious meal at the end of it.

After cooking, leave the oven door open once it’s switched off to let the leftover warmth escape (as long as it’s safe to do so).

In the evenings, warm drinks and hot water bottles are underrated heroes. They heat you from the inside out — and cost pennies compared to running the heating for an extra hour.

6. Try Budget-Friendly DIY Insulation

If your home’s a bit older or drafty, a few budget insulation hacks can make a big difference:

Rugs and mats over hard floors stop heat escaping downwards.
Self-adhesive foam strips around windows keep draughts out.
Window film kits (about £10 for a set) create an invisible insulating layer — surprisingly effective on single glazing.

7. Keep Warm at Night

Bedrooms can get chilly, especially in older houses. To stay warm without keeping the heating on all night:

Use flannel bedding instead of cotton — it feels warmer instantly.
Add an extra blanket or throw at the foot of the bed.
Consider an electric blanket or heated mattress topper — they’re far cheaper to run than central heating and make bedtime heavenly.

Final Thoughts

Keeping warm on a budget is all about being clever, not cold. A few small changes can make your home feel cosier, your heating more efficient, and your energy bills a little less painful.

So grab your slippers, pop the kettle on, and remember — it’s not about having the hottest house, it’s about having the cosiest one.