In an resourceful bid, Brits are embracing heated clothes airers and stylish blanket hoodies to tackle the surging but with soaring causing sleepless nights, the question on everyone's minds remains - can you really keep your house warm without cranking up the heat?

What's the ideal house temperature?

First thing's first - let's settle that infamous thermostat tiff once and for all. Whether you're locking horns with a chilly housemate or a partner who loves the cold, the magic number to aim for is a comfy 21C. Keep your house between 18-22C to strike the right balance.

How to make your room warmer

It's all too easy to succumb to the lure of the heating dial when the winter bites, but there are far craftier ways to increase your room's warmth. Good insulation of your walls and floors are key, but there are some instant hacks that can boost your warmth without sending your heating bills sky-high.

1. Rethink your room layout

A simple furniture shuffle can make heating your home more efficient. "Any furniture which covers radiators will prevent heat from travelling around the room," says Michael. He warns, "Even just a partial blocking will limit the amount of heat omitted." In the chilly months, experts suggest rearranging your living space to avoid the chill from external walls. "You will notice the colder air more if you are sat against an external wall, so try and keep furniture against internal walls. You will feel more comfortable and less obliged to turn the heating on."

2. Embrace a terracotta heater

A nifty and energy-free method to stay cosy is to use a terracotta heater. These heaters warm up gradually and hold heat effectively, allowing a single candle to heat up to three pots. "A terracotta heater can be a great DIY alternative to turning the heating on, as all you need are a few clay pots and candles," Michael suggests.

3. Prioritise insulation

Though it might hit your wallet initially, insulating your home is a long-term money-saver. "Insulating walls is a key part of having a thermal-efficient, and therefore more eco-friendly home, as heat is retained inside. While the average budget for renovating a full house can be up to £7,000, the savings that come from doing this are worthwhile."

4. Reconsider your routines

It's tempting to crank up the heat with the first signs of winter, but that habit can cost you. "If possible, try and see whether or not you really need to turn the heating on, especially when it's earlier in the autumn months," Michael recommends. If you're considering cranking up the heat, think twice about the thermostat setting. Experts reckon that "It is estimated that turning the thermostat down by just one degree can save up to 10 per cent on a fuel bill, not to mention the amount of energy."

5. Install a shelf above your radiator

A nifty trick to maximise your heating is to place a shelf above the radiator. This simple addition can enhance the warmth in your room as "By hanging a shelf just above a radiator, the shelf acts almost like a shield, helping to shift heat outwards from the radiator, rather than letting the heat rise up to the ceiling," Michael advises.

6. Bleed your radiators

Cold spots on your radiator? It's time to bleed it. Michael points out that "When radiators have cold spots present, this is a sign that air is trapped inside them," which hampers the circulation of warm water and slows down the heating process. This quick fix not only heats your home faster but also cuts down on costs so why not tackle it today?

7. Check for draughts around the house

Many older homes, with their single glazed windows and creaky doors, can unintentionally invite the chilly air in and let precious warmth slip away. "Assess all of your windows and doors and see whether there are gaps in the frame which allow draughts to move freely. If there are significant draughts which can't be easily covered, then it would be worth investing in stronger doors with at least double glazing," suggests Michael.

On a tighter budget or constrained by rental agreements that bar major renovations? Michael has a solution for that too: "If your budget doesn't permit replacing doors and windows, or if you are renting and aren't allowed to make substantial changes, then invest in draught stoppers which can be used to cover up holes in frameworks. This, however, is not a long-term solution."

8. Block your chimney up

Witness an unwelcome, icy breeze sneaking through the chimney? Despite its central role in making living rooms cosy, an open chimney might just be a gateway for gusts, letting heat escape. "Blocking a chimney can be the only viable option in these circumstances, however, you must be careful to do this properly," Michael cautions. "Never seal off the top of the chimney, especially if you do use your fireplace, as this will seal the heat inside the chimney and can cause extreme overheating.

9. Add rugs

Did you realise that if your floor isn't insulated, it can be a massive leak for heat in your home? It can account for a whopping 10 per cent of your heat loss! "If you have wooden flooring, with considerable gaps between the planks, then thick rugs can prevent the warm air from escaping," Michael advises. Plus, a statement rug can elevate your room's style while making it feel ultra-cosy too.

10. Use curtains

Your windows might be letting out more heat than you think, but curtains are here to save the day. "Curtains aid in heat retention, working to restrict the flow of air between the warmth of your home to the cold outside," Michael explains. "Heavier curtains will act as a barrier, preventing air from flowing from the window." As well as chasing away the chill, curtains add a touch of elegance to your space too.

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