I’ve lived without turning on the heat for 5 years — here’s how to do it

If you’ve decided to give your heater the cold shoulder to save on bills — here’s how to stay warm.

British personal finance influencer Klaire de Lys posted a series of TikToks this week about the products you should buy when central heating is not an option for your home. 

“The whole point of this series isn’t to just get through by the skin of your teeth,” explained de Lys, who said she hasn’t used her heater for five years. “I actually want people to be able to be comfortable and not utterly miserable during the winter.”

Her top tip is to stock up on blankets for the bedroom, as well as the common areas in the home. 

“If you think you have enough blankets, no, you don’t, go and buy more,” she advised. 

The Post reached out to de Lys for comment.

Those who want to start their heater-free journey on the right foot should also buy more socks. 

“Any socks will do. But if possible, get some wool socks now,” she recommended. 

“Normally, I think in some cases, wool tends to be a little bit overblown. It is never overblown when it comes to your socks,” she added.

De Lys said some of her wool socks have lasted seven years. 

She also suggested people pick up two or three pairs of fingerless gloves because wearing gloves every day will lead to holes.

She said candles — “ideally the smokeless ones” — are a great way to naturally heat the home.

“When you can’t turn on the heating, it is amazing the difference these little things make,” she reasoned.

“Candles are a really good way to warm up, especially smaller areas, very quick.”

Another hack is to get two hot water bottles per person.

“That way you can have one for your chest and one for your feet,” she explained. 

“If you want to really, really, really be comfortable, you really do want to make sure that you have two because when your feet get cold, it’s horrible. When your chest gets cold, you get sick,” she continued.

Also consider adding clothing layers, like scarves and big puffy fleeces that make you look like “a massive sentient pillow.”

Those who can’t afford to buy scarves can cut up a pair of old leggings, de Lys noted.

Her followers thanked her for her suggestions and added some of their own. 

“People underestimate the power of curtains. I’ve had friends complain about the cold with absolutely bare windows. Add thermal liners from Dunelm too,” someone shared. 

“Cotton gloves that are usually worn for lotion etc are brilliant for wearing underneath as an extra layer. I have Raynauds & have been a lifesaver,” another offered. 

House Beautiful, meanwhile, recommends getting heating pads, electric blankets and heated clothing.

There are some downsides to not heating the home beyond the obvious ones.

“We’re all looking for ways to save money on our heating bills but relying on heated products entirely, instead of heating of homes, can increase the risk of condensation,” Joanna O’Loan, from Energy Saving Trust, told Good Housekeeping. 

“Cooking, washing and breathing all add moisture to the air that could condense onto cold surfaces, including walls. This may lead to damp, which could damage the structure of your home or cause mold,” she added.

“It’s therefore advisable to put some heating on more frequently in the colder months, to keep your walls warm and prevent condensation.”

As part of her series, de Lys shared a TikTok with tips for preventing black mold.

“Your biggest problem in winter is the mold, not the cold,” she wrote.