MARTIN Lewis’ MoneySavingExpert has revealed six gadgets that can help keep the heating off and cost less than 1p an hour to run.
The consumer champion’s website shared the list of energy-saving devices in its latest newsletter.
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It comes with the average household on a dual-fuel tariff paying £1,834 for energy bills, after they fell from £2,074.
But millions are still paying more compared to the same period in 2021, and will want to cut back on costs where possible.
In its latest newsletter, MoneySavingExpert.com revealed how to “heat the human not the home” – when you warm yourself instead of turning on the heating.
As part of the advice, it shared six gadgets that cost less than 1p an hour to run. Here is the full list:
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- USB gloves – initial cost to run, £10
- Heated insoles – initial cost to run, £10
- USB hand warmers – initial cost to run, £15
- Electric gilet – initial cost to run, £50 (including battery pack)
- Microwaveable wheat bag – initial cost to run, £4
- Reusable hand warmers – initial cost to run, £5 for a pair
The consumer website also revealed four other devices that can help you avoid putting the heating on and cost just pennies to run.
These included electric heat pads, blankets and footwear and a hot water bottle.
Of course, how much these cost you to run will depend on how much you use them on a daily basis.
And also bear in mind some of the gadgets will need to be plugged in continuously for them to work, such as the USB gloves.
How else to save on energy bills
If you’re willing to spend a bit more, there are other ways to avoid putting the heating on and save some cash in the process.
For example, Lidl’s sell-out energy-saving heated airer is back on sale and costs just 6p an hour to run.
Dunelm shoppers have been rushing to buy a £40 heated ladder airer for the bathroom which costs just 3p an hour to run too.
It’s worth switching up your old halogen light bulbs to LED ones if you can – that could save you £40 a year.
Meanwhile, six hacks could help you save hundreds a year.
You can also get direct support via vouchers and cash grants.
Thousands of households have received help via the Household Support Fund, which is worth £842million.
The fund has been distributed among councils in England who are then allocating their own unique share.
That means what you are entitled to varies from area to area, although in most cases you can get help if you’re on benefits such a as Universal Credit or a low income.
You should contact your local authority to see what help is on offer.
You can find what area you fall under by using the Government’s council locator tool.
Meanwhile, you might be able to get a grant if you’re struggling with energy bills – sometimes they’re worth up to £1,500.
British Gas, E.ON, Octopus Energy and Scottish Power all run schemes.
If you’re not with any of these, you can always try contacting your provider to see if any help is available.
Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing money-sm@news.co.uk.
You can also join our new Sun Money Facebook group to share stories and tips and engage with the consumer team and other group members.
