A SAVVY woman told how she hasn’t turned the heating on for TWO YEARS.
Caroline Duddridge, 68, a retired teacher from South Wales who survives on a widow’s pension, said it was “too expensive” to pop it on.
“Being on my own I couldn’t afford it,” she told Fabulous.
“Instead I use an electric blanket to keep and wear plenty of clothes.”
But her family has moaned – saying her home is too chilly.
“That’s tough,” the widow said. “Over the past two years I have toughened up but I do spend time outside the home and use other places' heating.”
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Caroline dances to keep warm
Caroline, whose husband Brian, 67 died of cancer in 2015, has also found a nifty hack to keep cosy.
She explained: “I've started back dancing again as this keeps me warm. I definitely won't be putting the heating on this year.”
Asked why she wouldn’t put the heating on she said: “The first is I was brought up by my maternal grandparents.
“They were of the principle you suffered the cold and wrapped up and kept moving.
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“It was character building and some of that has rubbed off on me."
Caroline dares herself to keep the heating off
She continued: “Secondly it's like a dare to myself.
“How long can I go without heating? It's good to boast a bit to people that I don't need heating to keep warm.
“Thirdly I am tight. It's the principle of it. Why should I pay my good money to the fat cat energy companies? It's a small stand, but a stand all the same.”
Caroline revealed her hacks to keep warm as December approaches.
“I keep all the indoor jobs for the cold winter months like decorating and DIY,” she said.
“This keeps me physically occupied when I'm in and hence warm.
“I'm planning to take the carpet up off the stairs and paint them. This involves cleaning and sanding and painting. This activity will keep me warm.”
She also splashed out on a heated throw last year. “I use this when I watch TV and I do get cold,” she said. “With an ordinary throw over the top it's nice and snug.”
Caroline goes to the gym to warm up
She also recommended going to the gym. “It builds up my inner heat and I am warm for hours afterwards.”
Meanwhile she always uses a smart metre. “It helps control hot water usage although I tend to shower in the gym and use their hot water.”
Even though it’s winter she dries all her clothes on a high line outside.
“It catches the wind and dries quickly," she said.
“When it's raining I put clothes in my garage and leave the door open. If things are really damp I take it to the launderette to dry. It’s like pay as you go. It means I don't run up a big bill at home.”
Although you might be tempted to save as much money as possible, it's also key to remember to look after yourself.
According to the NHS, Age UK and the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), you should be heating your home to at least 18C.
This is particularly more important for those who aren't very mobile, are aged 65 or over, or have a long-term health condition, such as heart or lung disease.
The health service also warned that that families with babies should heat rooms between 16C and 20C while they sleep to help reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome.
For more information on how to save money head to helpsavemoney.net
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