How To Keep Warm Indoors With No Heating

As the temperatures remain low, it’s important to make sure you stay warm indoors, especially if you don’t have access to heating – or are trying to keep your fuel bills low by not using your heating as much as possible.

Or maybe disaster has struck and energy is simply not available.

Help with energy costs

Energy bills have risen sharply in recent years, so it is worth checking what support you may be entitled to:

the Warm Home Discount scheme, which gives eligible households money off their electricity bill each winter
your energy network operator’s free Priority Services Register, which gives extra help during power cuts if you are older, disabled, have young children or rely on medical equipment
local warm spaces (warm banks) run by councils, libraries and community groups during the winter

How can you beat the cold?

Rising energy prices in the UK have left people wondering whether they can actually afford to put their heating on. Fortunately, there are several ways to try and stay cosy in the British chill – without heating.

Wear a hat: Wearing a hat can help to keep your head and ears warm during the cold winter months.
One of the best ways to stay warm indoors is to layer up. Thick jumpers, blankets, and other items of clothing will help to trap your own body heat and keep you toasty. If you have access to heated blankets, these can be a great way to stay warm while you rest.
Another great way to keep warm indoors is to make use of the sun. Open up any curtains or blinds during the day to let the sunshine in and warm up the air. This can be a great way to make the most of the natural warmth and light
If you have access to a fire or stove, this can be a great way to keep your home warm. Make sure to stock up on fuel, such as logs or coal, and ensure the area is ventilated properly. Fit a carbon monoxide alarm in any room with a fire, stove or boiler, have your chimney swept at least once a year, and never use a gas oven or hob, BBQ, patio heater or camping heater to heat a room – they can produce deadly carbon monoxide.
Use a hot water bottle: Hot water bottles can be a great way to stay warm at night and can be a great way to help relax and relieve any aches and pains. Fill it with hot – not boiling – water, replace rubber bottles every couple of years (check the date mark), and never use one in bed together with an electric blanket.
Drink hot drinks: Hot drinks, such as tea and coffee, can be a great way to warm up from the inside.
Close the curtains at night: Closing the curtains at night can help to keep the warmth in and the cold out.
Invest in thermal curtains: Thermal curtains can help to keep the heat in and the cold out, while also blocking out any unwanted light.
Exercise regularly: Exercising can help to increase your body temperature, making you feel warmer.
Make use of rugs and carpets: Rugs and carpets can help to keep your feet warm and can provide some extra insulation.
Avoid draughts: Draughts can make your home feel cold, so make sure to block up any areas where cold air can enter.
Cover windows with clingfilm to keep cold air out.
Close off unused rooms to keep heat from escaping.
Spend time in the sunniest room in the house – and if you can, heat at least one room to 18°C, as the NHS advises.

In summary, there are many ways you can try and stay a bit warmer indoors in the UK, even without access to a heater. Layering up with extra clothes and blankets, using heated products where you have power (electric blankets need electricity, so won’t help in a power cut – check them for damage before use), and making the most of natural warmth and hot drinks for example can all help to keep you cosy during the winter months. Amazon offer a range of heat saving product ideas that you may be interested in too. And if you have older or vulnerable neighbours, check in on them during cold spells.

About The Author

Article by the Prepper Weekly editor. Prepper Weekly covers practical, UK-focused preparedness – from emergency planning, power cuts and flooding to food, water, kit and outdoor skills – without the fear-mongering. Find out more about Prepper Weekly.