Overview

• Over 11 million households expect to buy at least one warming item this winter, with two-fifths planning to pick up clothes or appliances and about one in 10 eyeing electric blankets, fleece-lined throws or thermal clothing.
• Existing ownership is widespread: hot water bottles are in 61% of homes, thermal clothing in 48%, heated slippers in 30% and electric blankets in 30%, with weighted throws reported by 38%.
• Home heat-retention measures are also common, including draught excluders in 40% of properties (with 7% planning to buy), thermal curtains in 30% and radiator reflectors in 26%.
• Uswitch highlights running-cost savings, noting electric blankets typically cost about 3p per hour to use, with some models reported on sale for as little as £14.99.
• Uswitch advises keeping indoor temperatures between 18C and 21C, reducing draughts and checking fixed energy deals, and urges consumers worried about bills to contact their energy supplier for support.