One relatively easy way to make some savings in that department is to buy a certain £60 item.
This can contribute to cutting off around £300 from your usual energy bills in a year.
Electric blankets are a potential option for households to make an investment in, for relatively little cost.
How can electric blankets make savings on your energy bills?
The way electric blankets can help is that they can keep an individual person warm far more cheaply in comparison to heating the entire home.
Octopus Energy found that it costs around £4 to heat the whole home, but an energy-efficient electric blanket can heat a person for just 2-4p an hour.
Overall, this meant it was a vastly more cost-effective way to stay warm, particularly for people with mobility issues who may stay in one spot for the majority of a day.
They added: “We ran some analysis on customers who got an electric blanket and found that they saved up to 10-20% on their bills on average in the Winter months after getting their blanket. Over a year, that’s a massive £300 saving.”
How to get an electric blanket
Electric blankets can be bought for around £40-£60, but Octopus Energy also has a scheme to give customers a free one if they are in need.
They have 10,000 to give away this winter, which you can apply for on the website here.
The Octo Assist scheme offers grants, standing charge holidays and debt write-offs, and is tailored to meet individual needs.
Other energy companies, such as OVO Energy, also offer free electric blankets through their support scheme, which can be applied for on the website here.
An Octopus Energy spokesperson said: “We’re obsessed with driving down bills for our customers while ensuring support is always available to those who need it – whether that’s practical help like financial aid or clever tech that spots draughts early.
“Electric blankets are a brilliant short-term solution, especially for those with limited mobility, that helps customers save hundreds over the winter months.
“That said, we won’t stop fighting to overhaul the system that pushes up bills as we strive to unlock affordable energy for everyone.”
How to use an electric blanket
It is recommended to use it as a throw over your body to keep you warm, rather than as a mattress topper.
Heat the blanket up at the highest setting for a few minutes and then reduce the setting down to a medium setting for longer use.
Octopus Energy adds: “The heat may appear ‘patchy’ to the touch but the blanket works by creating a halo of heat around you and is working effectively.”
In terms of safety, the London Fire Brigade recommends replacing an electric blanket if any of the fabric is worn or frayed or if scorch marks are visible on the fabric.
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Additionally, you should never use a hot water bottle at the same time as using your electric blanket.
When using the blanket, avoid folding it, as it may impact its functionality, and store it loosely or in a flat position.
Remember to position the connector of the blanket at your feet and keep it unobstructed to avoid overheating.
