'I bought £60 item and now I save up to £300 on energy bills each year'

A woman has shared the straightforward change she has implemented to slash her energy bills in winter. Temperatures nationwide have dropped dramatically in recent weeks, leaving Brits questioning whether it's time to fire up their central heating.

However, the ongoing surge in living costs means many will be hesitant about turning up the heat on their radiators. Ofgem's price cap has risen from £1,720 annually to £1,755 for a typical household between October 1 and December 31 this year. With virtually every other element of daily life also becoming pricier - from grocery shopping to travel and clothing - most of us are looking to slash expenses wherever possible.

This is where TikTok user Sarah's advice comes in handy.

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Posting on the platform, Sarah revealed she'd bought one item that enabled her to reduce winter expenses over time.

In text overlaying her video, Sarah questioned: "Paying to heat empty rooms?"

"Most of the time, you're only sitting in one spot, but the heating is everywhere," she explained in the footage.

Rather than warming your entire property and paying the price, Sarah explained that she prefers using an electric blanket.

"It heats up fast, keeps the warmth right where you are, and costs pennies to run compared to central heating."

Sarah recommended the Mia and Coco electric blanket, featuring 10 settings and a timer function.

However, there are no shortage of options on the market, with electric blankets typically costing around £60. OVO Energy has even launched a £56million support package which will see the company distribute free electric blankets and other energy-saving products to qualifying Boost customers.

To secure the complimentary blankets, visit the OVO website and complete the two-minute application form.

You'll need to share your monthly disposable income so the company can verify whether you are eligible.

Octopus Energy runs a comparable scheme, where "customers most in need" including "people with really specific vulnerabilities and medical needs" can access additional support - including electric blankets.

Further details are available on the company's website.

"If you can, do think about buying an electric blanket yourself: they tend to cost around £60 and our research shows the typical home could save £300 by using an electric blanket to keep warm rather than always heating the whole house," the website states.

Should you use an electric blanket, you must follow proper safety precautions to reduce the risk of house fires.

Staffordshire Fire and Rescue shared a video outlining the correct measures to take to ensure you stay safe.

"Electric blankets are a very cost effective way to keep warm this winter," a spokesperson said in a TikTok video.

"However, it is important to make sure that we use these correctly."

Around 43 house fires each year are caused by incorrect use of electric blankets nationwide, according to government statistics. The fire service advises people to "make sure you check for any damaged cables" before using their electric blankets.

They also stressed the importance of plugging the blanket directly into a wall socket rather than an extension cable, and always turning off and unplugging the device before going to sleep.