Heat or eat? Often you can do both
Every winter there are stories of older people sitting in the cold because they're afraid of the energy bill, or skipping hot meals to save money. Being cold isn't just uncomfortable: it raises the risk of heart attacks, strokes, chest infections and falls. The good news is that some ways of keeping warm and cooking cost far less than others, and knowing the difference can save a lot.
Warm the person, not the room
Heating a whole house means warming the air in every room, much of which escapes through windows and walls. Warming yourself directly is far cheaper. An electric blanket uses about 60 watts, a fan heater about 2,000. That means a fan heater costs over 30 times as much to run for the same hour.
- An electric blanket or heated throw while you sit in the evening, or to warm the bed before you get in.
- Several thin layers rather than one thick jumper, plus warm socks, slippers and a hat indoors if you feel the cold.
- A hot water bottle (with a cover, and never with boiling water).
- Hot drinks and at least one hot meal a day. Food is fuel for keeping warm.
But don't let your home get too cold
Health services generally advise keeping the room you spend most time in at around 18°C (64°F) or warmer, especially if you're over 65 or have a health condition. Living in a very cold home can make damp and mould worse, too. Try to heat the main room you use during the day and your bedroom before bed, and close the doors to rooms you don't use.
Cheaper ways to cook
A full-size oven heats a large box of air for every meal. Smaller appliances that heat only the food usually cost less:
- Microwave: often the cheapest way to heat a meal or cook vegetables, because it runs for just a few minutes.
- Air fryer: heats up fast and uses less energy than an oven for small portions.
- Slow cooker: uses about as much power as a light bulb or two, and turns cheap cuts and vegetables into warming stews.
- Kettle: only boil the water you need. A full kettle uses about three times the energy of one mug's worth.
- Oven: if you use it, cook several things at once, or batch-cook and freeze portions for later.
Getting help with energy bills
Many countries offer extra help with heating for older people: winter fuel or energy payments, discounts on bills, and grants for insulation or a new boiler. Some are paid automatically, but many have to be claimed. See our guide to money you might be missing for your country. If you're struggling to pay, contact your energy supplier: they often have hardship funds and payment plans, and must treat older customers fairly.
Beware of energy scams
Scammers often pretend to be energy companies or government schemes, offering "rebates", "grants" or "smart meter upgrades" and asking for bank details. Real energy help is never offered by a cold call that asks for payment. If in doubt, hang up and call your supplier on the number on your bill, or try our scam call checker.