Struggling to afford your heating? Here’s what support is available – and some ways to keep warm on the cheap
Temperatures are well below freezing, but the cost of putting on the heating is at record levels – so what support is out there, and how likely are you to be disconnected if you can’t pay?
Snow can be fun, but amid a cost of living crisis it can also cause problems for some.
The government recommends you heat your home to a temperature that is comfortable to you, and to keep the rooms you use the most (such as the living room and bedroom) above 18C if you can.
This is particularly important if you have a pre-existing medical condition.
What help is available?
Firstly, if you are sitting at home in the freezing cold, there is help available.
The Department for Work and Pensions has launched a top-up scheme, called the Cold Weather Payment, to help some people through the winter.
There are grants, benefits and sources of advice available to make your home more energy efficient, improve your heating or help with bills.
There are also support measures in place to help with the cost of living.
More information can be found on Age UK’s website.
Local councils often have support available, including discretionary grants, so contact them to see what is available.
Let your energy supplier know
It is important to contact your supplier as soon as you have any change in circumstances, including if you are unable to pay your bill. They may be able to help you.
Some energy companies have trust funds and hardship funds which can make payments to help clear energy debts.
Your supplier may also be able to help you with the cost of a more efficient boiler, or other energy efficiency measures.
If you have a medical or mental health condition which makes it harder for you to manage, ask your supplier to put you on their Priority Services Register so that you get extra help.
Reasons you can be added to the Priority Services Register are varied – from being a pensioner to being recently bereaved or pregnant.
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Check you are receiving the energy discount
Every household in England, Scotland and Wales that is connected to the electricity grid will be eligible for the grant, which will provide £400 to help towards energy bills.
Check this amount is being credited to your account – it works out as around £67 a month, every month, from October until March.
If you are on a prepayment meter, you will either be sent redeemable vouchers by text, email or post, or you will be given an automatic credit when you top up as usual.
Double-check with your energy supplier to make sure you are receiving the money.
Disconnections are rare
If you miss a payment, the supplier will first send you a reminder. If they still don’t hear from you, they may try to visit you at home to work out the best way to pay – but some could add the cost of this visit to your account.
If you don’t agree to a repayment plan, they may try to force you to have a prepayment meter installed. This means you would have to pay for your energy upfront, as well as a weekly amount to cover any debt.
If you haven’t paid your bill after 28 days, you may be threatened with disconnection of your supply.
While this is rare – with one campaign group claiming as few as eight people were disconnected in 2018 – it could still happen.
How to keep yourself warm on the cheap
Amid a cost of living crisis, it is not always practical or realistic to stick the heating on if you are cold.
If you have a spare room that is rarely used, make sure the radiator is turned off (or turned right down) to make sure you aren’t heating an empty room. Don’t forget to bleed your radiators too, to make sure they are working at their best.
Also check what time your heating is coming on. There is not much point it being on during the day if you are out at work.
If bills are still a struggle, heat one room of your house and try to spend most of your time there.
Electric blankets and throws can also work out as a cheaper alternative.
One big jumper can seem cosy, but wearing lots of layers works better to trap heat. Base layers, including thermal vests, are fairly inexpensive. Keep an eye out for clothing made from wool, cotton or a fleecy fabric.
Draught-proof your house
If you are drying clothes inside, it may be worth leaving that one room ventilated (with the door shut) to prevent damp and mould. Shutting doors throughout your home is a good way to keep the heat in.
Try to block any areas in your home that are particularly draughty, including around window frames, keyholes and under doors.
Keep your curtains open during the day to let light and warmth in, but draw them just before it gets dark to avoid losing any extra heat gained during the day.
Warm food and drinks
The British Heart Foundation recommends trying to stick to a balanced diet of fruit and veg to keep your immune system working during winter.
Regular hot drinks and food including porridge, soups and stews can also help keep you warm.
Frozen or tinned fruit and vegetables (if there’s no added salt or sugar) are just as healthy as fresh and can be more affordable if they’re out of season in winter.
If you are trying to keep cooking costs down, an air fryer or slow cooker might be a cheaper way to reduce costs, although you have the initial outlay.
Opening the oven door after you’ve finished cooking will also funnel any leftover hot air into your home.