Why this basket
- The target temperature is the NHS one: at least 18°C in the rooms you use regularly, if you can.
- Safety notes for the electric blanket come from London Fire Brigade, and those for the hot water bottle from the Children's Burns Trust.
- The draught proofing follows the gov.uk draught proofing factsheet and Which?'s advice for renters, starting with things you can take with you when you move.
- No bill savings are claimed here: the published figures are old and depend on the home.
Tonight
Room thermometers for the rooms you use most
4.6 on Amazon · 27,664 ratings · 1K+ bought last month · #1 in Weather Thermometers · recorded 27 Sept 2026
The NHS says to heat the rooms you use regularly to at least 18°C if you can. A room thermometer shows whether they get there. This TempPro pack has three small digital monitors, the listing says, enough for the living room, the bedroom and one more.
What buyers say
Buyers like
- Readings are accurate, often matching the home thermostat(9 of 13 reviews)
- The display is clear and easy to read at a glance(5 of 13 reviews)
- Shows humidity as well as temperature in each room(8 of 13 reviews)
Our summary of the 13 reviews Amazon showed on 27 Sept 2026, counted by us.
More about this pick
- Weight
- 105 g
From the Amazon listing, recorded 27 Sept 2026. Sizes are the listing's own.
A 2 litre hot water bottle with a cover
BOLEi hot water bottle with cover
4.4 on Amazon · 2,164 ratings · 2K+ bought last month · #1 in Hot Water Bottles · recorded 27 Sept 2026
The Children's Burns Trust says never to put a hot water bottle straight on the skin, so the cover matters. This BOLEi is a 2 litre bottle with a faux fur cover, per the listing. Fill it no more than two thirds, with boiled water left to cool for about five minutes, and replace it after two years.
What buyers say
Buyers like
- Stays warm for hours, often right through the night(7 of 13 reviews)
- The faux fur cover feels very soft and cosy(8 of 13 reviews)
- The front pocket is handy for warming cold hands(4 of 13 reviews)
Our summary of the 13 reviews Amazon showed on 27 Sept 2026, counted by us.
More about this pick
- Material
- Rubber
From the Amazon listing, recorded 27 Sept 2026. Sizes are the listing's own.
Also recommended on: Christmas.
An electric under blanket with a timer
Morphy Richards EverCosy, double
4.4 on Amazon · 141 ratings · 600+ bought last month · #4 in Electric Bed Blankets · recorded 27 Sept 2026
Limited time deal
London Fire Brigade says to unplug an electric blanket before getting into bed unless it has a thermostat control for safe all-night use, and to replace it at least every 10 years. This Morphy Richards under blanket is a double with nine heat settings and a 9 hour timer, and is BEAB approved, the listing says.
What buyers say
Buyers like
- Good value for an under blanket at this price(3 of 9 reviews)
Watch out for
- Slow to heat up, and some find it never gets very hot(2 of 9 reviews)
Our summary of the 9 reviews Amazon showed on 27 Sept 2026, counted by us.
More about this pick
- Material
- Polyester
- Care
- Machine Wash, Tumble Dry Low
From the Amazon listing, recorded 27 Sept 2026. Sizes are the listing's own.
Also recommended on: Electric blanket or heated throw?.
This weekend
Stop warm air leaking out, starting with the draughtiest room.
Thermal curtains for the coldest window
4.5 on Amazon · 170 ratings · #3 in Curtain Panel, Tier & Valance Sets · recorded 27 Sept 2026
The gov.uk draught proofing factsheet says curtains made with heavy material can reduce heat loss through a window at night, and Which? notes that thermal curtains have extra insulating layers. This APEX pair is a triple-weave blackout fabric sold as thermal insulated, with a 72 inch drop, per the listing. The listing also calls it lightweight, so expect less than a heavy lined curtain. Measure the window first.
What buyers say
Buyers like
- Block daylight well once drawn(4 of 8 reviews)
- Good quality material for the price paid(6 of 8 reviews)
- Look smart once hung, with a rich colour true to the photos(4 of 8 reviews)
Our summary of the 8 reviews Amazon showed on 27 Sept 2026, counted by us.
More about this pick
- Material
- Polyester
- Pack
- pack of 2
- In the box
- Eyelet, Tie Back
- Care
- Machine Wash
From the Amazon listing, recorded 27 Sept 2026. Sizes are the listing's own.
A draught snake for an inside door
Marwood draught excluder, 91 cm
4.6 on Amazon · 5,376 ratings · 50+ bought last month · #1 in Draught Stoppers · recorded 27 Sept 2026
For a gap under a door between a heated and an unheated room, the gov.uk factsheet suggests a sausage-shaped draught excluder. Which? lists a door snake among the fixes renters can use, because it simply lies across the gap. The Marwood is 91 cm long and weighted, the listing says.
What buyers say
Buyers like
- Stops the draught coming under the door(8 of 13 reviews)
- Weighted enough to stay put against the door(6 of 13 reviews)
- Loops at each end let you hang it up when not needed(3 of 13 reviews)
Watch out for
- No adhesive strip is included for fixing it to the door(2 of 13 reviews)
Our summary of the 13 reviews Amazon showed on 27 Sept 2026, counted by us.
More about this pick
- Weight
- 998 g
- Material
- Polyester
From the Amazon listing, recorded 27 Sept 2026. Sizes are the listing's own.
Also recommended on: a dog lover.
A brush strip for the bottom of the front door
4.5 on Amazon · 2,818 ratings · 500+ bought last month · #10 in Draught Excluders & Seals · recorded 27 Sept 2026
The gov.uk factsheet suggests brush or hinged-flap draught excluders fitted along the bottom of outside doors. This Stormguard strip is a brush draught excluder for the bottom of a door, per the listing. It has to be fixed to the door, so in a rented home check with the landlord before fitting it.
What buyers say
Buyers like
- Easy to cut down to the door width and screw on(8 of 13 reviews)
- Noticeably cuts the draught under the door(6 of 13 reviews)
- Feels strong, and the bristles stay in after trimming(6 of 13 reviews)
Watch out for
- The supplied screws are tiny and awkward, so use your own(2 of 13 reviews)
Our summary of the 13 reviews Amazon showed on 27 Sept 2026, counted by us.
More about this pick
- Material
- Aluminium
- In the box
- 1 x Brush Seal And Fixings
From the Amazon listing, recorded 27 Sept 2026. Sizes are the listing's own.
A brush cover for the letterbox
Stormguard letterbox brush cover
4.4 on Amazon · 1,810 ratings · 100+ bought last month · #10 in Door Letterboxes · recorded 27 Sept 2026
Letterboxes are on the gov.uk factsheet's list of draught points, with covers in the form of flaps or brushes. This Stormguard cover fits on the inside of the door; the listing gives an aperture of 279 x 45 mm, so measure your letterbox first.
What buyers say
Buyers like
- Easy to fit, and swaps straight in for an old cover(6 of 13 reviews)
- The brushes stop cold air blowing in through the letterbox(4 of 13 reviews)
Watch out for
- Post is harder to push through, and thin envelopes can catch(2 of 13 reviews)
Our summary of the 13 reviews Amazon showed on 27 Sept 2026, counted by us.
More about this pick
- Size
- about 7.5 x 7.5 x 7.5 cm
- Weight
- 104 g
- Material
- Polyvinyl Chloride
From the Amazon listing, recorded 27 Sept 2026. Sizes are the listing's own.
Foam draught strip for window frames
Self-adhesive foam draught strip, 6 m
4.4 on Amazon · 2,383 ratings · 1K+ bought last month · #1 in Foam Tape · recorded 27 Sept 2026
Around windows, the gov.uk factsheet suggests foam, metal or plastic draught strips. This is a 6 m roll of self-adhesive D-profile foam, per the listing. Which? lists weatherstrips among the draught fixes renters can use.
What buyers say
Buyers like
- Noticeably cuts the draught round windows and doors(4 of 13 reviews)
- Easy to cut to length and stick on by yourself(6 of 13 reviews)
- The foam is thick and soft enough to fill uneven gaps(4 of 13 reviews)
Watch out for
- The adhesive can lose its grip sooner than hoped(2 of 13 reviews)
Our summary of the 13 reviews Amazon showed on 27 Sept 2026, counted by us.
More about this pick
- Material
- Rubber Foam
From the Amazon listing, recorded 27 Sept 2026. Sizes are the listing's own.
Can wait
- A heated throw. It warms you on the sofa rather than in bed, and the electric blanket and hot water bottle already cover the nights.
- A chimney balloon. Only for an unused open chimney. The gov.uk factsheet says to remove it and let the air circulate in summer.
Skip it
- SkipSecond-hand electric blanketsLondon Fire Brigade says not to buy second-hand electric blankets.
- SkipTape over trickle ventsThe Manchester NHS trust damp leaflet says to keep trickle vents open to help prevent condensation, damp and mould.
Quick questions
What temperature should my home be in winter?
At least 18°C in the rooms you use regularly, if you can, according to the NHS. It says to heat your home to a temperature that is comfortable for you and to keep bedroom windows closed at night. A room thermometer shows whether each room reaches 18°C.
Can I leave an electric blanket on all night?
Only if it has a thermostat control for safe all-night use, says London Fire Brigade; otherwise unplug it before you get into bed. Check the instructions for your model. Never use it at the same time as a hot water bottle, and do not use one with an air flow pressure relief mattress or with emollient creams.
How old is too old for a hot water bottle?
Two years. The Children's Burns Trust advises against using bottles more than two years old, because rubber deteriorates and old bottles can burst or leak. Look for the flower symbol near the neck: the number in the middle is the year it was made, and the segments show the month.
How can I draught proof a rented home?
Start with things you can take away. Which? lists door snakes, curtains, rugs and weatherstrips as options for renters. Anything fixed with screws, such as a door brush strip, is worth checking with your landlord first.
Who is most at risk in a cold home?
The NHS lists people aged 65 and over, babies and children under 5, people on a low income, people with a long-term health condition or a disability, pregnant women and people with a mental health condition. If you or someone you look after feels unwell in the cold, speak to a GP or pharmacist.
Sources: NHS: Winter vaccinations and winter health (keep warm, keep well) (checked 26 September 2026); London Fire Brigade: Electric blankets (checked 26 September 2026); Children's Burns Trust: Hot water bottles (checked 26 September 2026); GOV.UK: Draught proofing, it's a breeze (factsheet) (checked 26 September 2026); Which?: Staying warm in chilly or draughty rented accommodation (checked 26 September 2026); Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust: Damp and mould in the home (checked 26 September 2026).
