WITH snow on it’s way and energy prices rising keeping warm can really start to add up this winter.
Aldi and Lidl have some bargains on the shelves that could help you keep the cost of heating your home down though.
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Aldi’s famous Special Buys and Lidl’s popular middle aisle have brought shoppers many cheap and useful items – like this dupe of the Hotel Chocolate Velvetiser that’s half the price.
Plus, fun must-haves like this sausage roll maker that gives Greggs a run for its money.
The latest drops from the discount supermarkets could help you keep on top of energy costs.
Generally you can shave money off your energy bill by turning the thermostat down or avoiding the need to put your heating on at altogether.
Turning your thermostat down just a single degree could save you as much as £80, according to energy experts.
Instead, you can try heating yourself instead of the whole room or house, using a heated blanket or hot water bottle, or other warming devices.
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That’s where Aldi and Lidl step in – and the prices start from just £7.99.
Don’t forget that if you’re buying any of these items online then yopu’ll have to pay delivery on top.
And of course, check around first if it’s the cheapest available so you kow you’re getting the best deal.
Aldi and Lidl are both well known for their low prices, but it’s always worth checking shopping comparison sites like Google Shopping, Price Spy, or Idealo.
Heated blanket, £34.99 – buy now
Aldi is selling a heated blanket that you can wraparound you to keep cosy in store and online.
There’s two colour choices – grey or cream – and nine different settings to find your perfect temperature.
The cover has 160w power, measures 130cm by 180cm and is made of fleece.
It has already gained several five star reviews, and one shopper called it nice and toasty and another said is was perfect for working from home.
Aldi’s heated blanket was among the cheapest we spotted online, but we did see this similar one on Amazon for slightly less at £29.99, though it is not as highly rated based on recent reviews.
Electric blanket, from £14.99
At Lidl you can buy an electric blanket from the well known brand SilentNight.
Prices start from £14.99 for a single, then £19.99 for a double and £24.99 for a king size.
You can’t by middle of Lidl items online, only in stores and you can find your nearest one using the store locator tool on its website.
The electric blankets will be available from this Thursday, February 3.
It could cost from as little as 21p to run an electric blanket for an hour a day – or less than £1.50 a week.
The exact amount you can save depends on the wattage of your blanket and how much you pay for energy of course.
An electric blanket sits on top of a mattress and underneath you, while a heated blanket or throw is one you can wrap around you.
This is the cheapest we could find SilentNight electric blankets, with the next closest for a single priced at £22 from the Silentnight Store on Amazon.
Heated dressing gown £34.99 – buy now
If wrapping up warm is more your thing then you could go for Aldi’s heated dressing gown instead.
Unfortunately it has already sold out online but it is available in stores too and you can find your nearest using Aldi’s store locator tool.
Shoppers have raved about garment and we couldn’t find any other heated dressing gowns that were cheaper than Aldi’s version – and there aren’t many on the market at all.
The dressing gown is made from soft flannel fleece with a 28cm by 55cm heating area.
It has nine temperature levels and in-built controls to stop it overheating – but you should always follow the safety advice.
For example, you should never get it wet unless you have completely removed the detachable lead cable and hand controller.
The same goes for all heating devices -always follow instructions.
Hot water bottles, £7.99 – buy now
A classic hot water bottle is a tried and tested way to keep yourself warm in the depths of winter.
Aldi has these unusual long version that can keep you warm from nearly head to toe.
They come in either blue or pink, measure 14cm x 5cm x 78cm and have a faux fur cover for extra cosiness.
Another hit with shoppers these have nearly 50 five star reviews, and you can use it to keep you warm directly or heat up your bed before you get in.
This is the cheapest we could find this particular style of hot water bottle.
We did spot these traditional sized ones for cheaper at £5 in Wilko, but it doesn’t appear to come with a cover. Or there’s this “teddy bear” covered one for £6 from Dunelm.
According to Which? you can get around three hours of heat from a hot water bottle and you’ll be paying only for boiling the kettle.
To put that in context, boiling water for one cuppa a day for a year is going to add around £2.56 to your energy bill, Uswitch says.
Foot hot water bottle, £7.99 – buy now
If there are not enough socks in the world to keep your feet warm then this hot water bottle, also from Aldi, could be the answer.
Coming in a plush looking navy blue faux fur, the water bottle is shaped like any other but has cozy flap to tuck your toes in.
You can pre-order it now online for delivery from February 6, the date it’s also available in stores.
We couldn’t spot a cheaper hot water bottle just for your feet online.
Insulation, £69.99 – buy now
Aldi is also selling foil insulation wrap, which can be used to insulate lofts and sheds, or put behind radiators to reflect heat back into the room.
You get 12m² of coverage and shoppers have said that it’s easy to install and that it’s a good price.
Aldi’s insulation was among the cheapest we spotted, but prices can depend on the size and how well it insulates, so check the items are the same when comparing prices and before making your purchase.
Lack of proper insulation in homes can add £246 to energy bills every year.
Of course when you’re working out any energy saving, don’t forget to deduct to the initial outlay, but the savings could really add up over the years.
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