DIAL IT DOWN
We tried all the alternatives to putting the heating on, from heated airers to electric blankets – what’s worth buying
All the devices come in at £42 or under too
DITCHING the heating and buying yourself an energy-saving gadget can save you hundreds of pounds a year.
Nifty devices such as electric blankets, heated throws, hot water bottles and winged airers all help the bank account.
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But there are so many on the market it can seem an impossible task knowing which ones to buy.
Luckily, Sun reporters James Flanders, Sam Walker, Lynsey Hope, Ellie Smitherman, Hayley Minn and Lyndsey Young put a range of gadgets to the test so you don't have to.
And all-in-all, the winners in each category could save you hundreds of pounds overall on your bills.
Here's what's worth a buy...
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Hot water bottles
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Hot water bottles are one of the cheapest ways to get warm for less, but that doesn't mean it's an easy process knowing which one to buy.
The nifty devices come in all shapes and sizes, from long and thin to round and fluffy - there's something for everyone.
Reporter Lyndsey Young tested four wearable hot water bottles ranging from retailers such as M&S and Amazon.
But it was one from Argos which left the biggest impression - the £25 price point is well worth the extra cash if you can afford it, she said.
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Heated airers
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Heated airers are all the rage, with models from Aldi and Argos regularly selling out fast.
The useful devices work much like normal airers, except they come with bars that heat up when plugged in and cost just pennies to run.
But which to choose from, you say?
Well, a model from Dunelm, according to reporters Ellie Smitherman and Hayley Minn.
They said it is a decent size, with two wings on either side featuring an additional five bars.
The £40 price point isn't too shabby either - coming in joint cheapest out of the six tested.
Electric blankets
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Electric blankets fit seamlessly on to your bed and act just like a heated mattress topper.
But there's so many sizes, and versions, to choose from, it can be hard knowing where to start.
Reporter Sam Walker put six from major retailers including Dreamland and Currys to the test.
And while they all cost a maximum of 4p an hour to run, there were some big differences in quality.
But overall, the Robert Dyas Cozy Night blanket came out on top, scoring an impressive eight out of 10 for performance and at a £42 price point.
Heated throws
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Heated throws can be used on the sofa and in bed, making them much more versatile than electric blankets.
They work in a similar way, by using cables inside the material which warm up when the device is plugged in.
Most of them cost just a few pence to run per hour as well, ideal if you're looking to save on bills.
James Flanders put five through the ringer, to see which stood up best - with the Novaris electric blanket coming out on top.
It comes with three heat settings and at a £37 price point, scoring five out of five for price and size.
Electric heaters
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Electric indoor heaters can be a cheaper alternative to blasting on the heating, but the cost of running them can vary dramatically.
Reporter Lynsey Hope put eight of the gizmos to the test, with prices ranging between £16 to £40.
But one had to come out top trump - well two, actually.
The Homcom oscillating heater and John Lewis square fan heater both received five out of five scores.
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She said the first doesn't take up too much room due to its narrow design, while still giving off plenty of warmth.
Meanwhile, the John Lewis heater heats up quickly, has a sleek design and comes in at just £30 too. Nice.
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