[Ricci]

Staying Warm on a Budget​

Like almost all of us I am totally over the rising costs of everything and am continually looking for ways to save.

The prospect of keeping warm this winter was filling me with dread as even though I have a reverse cycle air conditioner which all the experts say is the most economical form of heating, I could see the dollars clicking up, then I heard an expert talk on the matter.

I listened carefully to what he had to say and it seemed to make sense to me. His recommendation was to heat the person and not the room.

I already owned a heated throw and tried that. While it worked fine when I was sitting watching tv or whatever it was not conducive to visits to the loo or the kitchen for snacks. It needed more thought and a different perspective.

I landed on two long sleeve vests (one on and one in the wash) which I already had but can be bought from Kmart for $12 each, a pair of teddy fleece elastic cuff pj pants ($15 Kmart) and one of those oversized fleecy hoodie thingies (also from Kmart $25). So for $52 for a complete set I was ready to give it a go. I used my own house slippers and haven't included them in the costs as I would be wearing them anyway.

It is now almost a month since I've had my heating on and I can honestly say I've never been toastier, even though we've had a couple of polar blasts and temperatures have been way down. Now I will be the first to admit it's maybe not the most glamorous look I've ever rocked but warmth and comfort far outweigh high fashion as far as I'm concerned. I can get up and wander around and my warmth comes with me. Over the next couple of pension days I will buy a second set to ensure I've always got a clean set.

Ok, so my total outlay might be $104 which I'll agree is a fair amount, but I'm sure that's a lot less than my electricity bill would be for the winter and what's more I will already have them for future years use.

I hope this might help someone, you don't have to freeze if you are prepared to think outside the box.

 

[Luckyus]

you don't have to freeze if you are prepared to think outside the box. At my age thinking outside the box is all I've got?

 

[Veronica]

I agree. It’s easier to keep warm and save towards the summer heat where it’s harder to cool down
I have a heated throw and I wear my dressing gown and warm slippers Haven’t used the heating this winter hardly at all, I’m toastie warm even with bathroom breaks
I would recommend the heated throws to everyone they are real game changers. I bought mine 3 years ago, next winter I’m investing in a new one
Need to get in early round about April they start appearing in shops they sell out quickly, so that’s a good indication how good they are

 

[Singomate]

Thanks ,I also use a beany to keep the ears and head toasty.

 

[Cazz55]

I, too, rug up. Only myself in the house. I close doors to vacant rooms. I wear leggings under track pants. Warm socks in slippers. Long sleeved top and windcheater under my Oodie and a beanie on really cold days/nights. Electric throw great for watching T.V. too but toasting when doing other jobs. Heater comes on if family/visitors expected.

 

[Barbara V]

As I posted previously,invest in a infrared heater so cheap to run . No moving parts . No servicing, no exposed elements to catch on fire. Comes in different sizes for different sized areas and its moveable to any part of house. Had mine for 2 years now best thing I invested in . Cost me $340 and it's paid for itself in how much electricity it uses.