![](\"https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/picture-shows-caroline-duddridge-62-718319864-1.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
\u201cBeing on my own I couldn\u2019t afford it,\u201d she told Fabulous.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cInstead I use an electric blanket to keep and wear plenty of clothes.\u201d<\/p>\n
But her family has moaned – saying her home is too chilly.<\/p>\n
\u201cThat\u2019s tough,\u201d the widow said. \u201cOver the past two\u00a0 years I have toughened up but I do spend time outside the home and use other places' heating.\u201d<\/p>\n
More on heating hacks<\/h2>\n
Caroline, whose husband Brian, 67 died of cancer in 2015, has also found a nifty hack to keep cosy. <\/p>\n She explained: \u201cI've started back dancing again as this keeps me warm. I definitely won't be putting the heating on this year.\u201d<\/p>\n Asked why she wouldn\u2019t put the heating on she said: \u201cThe first is I was brought up by my maternal grandparents.<\/p>\n \u201cThey were of the principle you suffered the cold and wrapped up and kept moving.\u00a0<\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n \u201cIt was character building and some of that has rubbed off on me."<\/p>\n She continued: \u201cSecondly it's like a dare to myself.<\/p>\n \u201cHow long can I go without heating? It's good to boast a bit to people that I don't need heating to keep warm.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cThirdly I am tight. It's the principle of it. Why should I pay my good\u00a0 money<\/span> to the fat cat energy<\/span> companies?\u00a0 It's a small stand, but a stand all the same.\u201d<\/p>\n Caroline revealed her hacks to keep warm as December approaches.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cI keep all the indoor jobs<\/span> for the cold winter months like decorating and DIY,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n \u201cThis keeps me physically occupied when I'm in and hence warm.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cI'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.\u201d<\/p>\n She also splashed out on a heated throw last year. \u201cI use this when I watch TV and I do get cold,\u201d she said. \u201cWith an ordinary throw over the top it's nice<\/span> and snug.\u201d<\/p>\n She also recommended going to the gym. \u201cIt builds up my inner heat and I am warm for hours afterwards.\u201d<\/p>\n Meanwhile she always uses a smart metre. \u201cIt helps control hot water usage although I tend to shower in the gym and use their hot water.\u201d<\/p>\n Even though it\u2019s winter she dries all her clothes on a high line outside. <\/p>\n \u201cIt catches the wind and dries quickly," she said.<\/p>\n \u201cWhen 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\u2019s like pay as you go. It means I don't run up a big bill at home.\u201d<\/p>\n Although you might be tempted to save as much money as possible, it's also key to remember to look after yourself.<\/p>\n According to the\u00a0NHS,\u00a0Age UK\u00a0and the\u00a0UK Health Security Agency\u00a0(UKHSA), you should be heating your home to at least 18C.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n The health service also warned that that families with babies should heat rooms between 16C and 20C while they\u00a0sleep\u00a0to help reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome.<\/p>\n For more information on how to save money head to\u00a0helpsavemoney.net<\/p>\n![](\"https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/newspress-collage-24781799-1700339561756.jpg\")
<\/picture>WARM UP <\/span><\/p>\nB&M shoppers rush to buy \u00a35 winter warmer to avoid putting heating on<\/h3>\n
![](\"https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/TOB-COMBO-heated-gilet-v2-1.jpg\")
<\/picture>BILL BOOST <\/span><\/p>\nI tried a cheap gadget for keeping warm – it'll save me \u00a3420 on my heating bills<\/h3>\n
Caroline dances to keep warm<\/h2>\n
Most read in Fabulous<\/h2>\n
![](\"https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/ac-horoscope-daily-01-monday.jpg\")
<\/picture>MYSTIC MEG <\/span><\/p>\nThe try-anything temptation of Uranus is strong and you\u2019re ready to experiment<\/h3>\n
![](\"https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/newspress-collage-24786563-1700411757247.jpg\")
<\/picture>NAME SHAME <\/span><\/p>\nMum who \u2018offends\u2019 people with her son\u2019s ‘romantic’ name bites back at trolls<\/h3>\n
![](\"https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/newspress-collage-24784605-1700394364886.jpg\")
<\/picture>OH DEER <\/span><\/p>\nShoppers left mortified after spotting a VERY rude detail on reindeer ornaments<\/h3>\n
![](\"https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/newspress-collage-24761198-1700159786480.jpg\")
<\/picture>Make-Over <\/span><\/p>\nI’m 42 but people think I’m decades young thanks to this unusual beauty hack<\/h3>\n
Caroline dares herself to keep the heating off<\/h2>\n
Caroline goes to the gym to warm up<\/h2>\n