GIVEN how expensive it now is, we're all trying our best to avoid switching the central heating on until we really need it.

This means we're all on the look out for clever heating hacks we can use to save money while staying warm instead and avoid astronomical heating bills.

For mum-of-two Maddy Alexander Grout, 38, her aim is to only turn up the thermostat when Christmas day arrives.

Here, Maddy – who is also CEO of money saving app My VIP Awards – shares her best tips for staying toasty on the cheap…

'It never used to be a luxury to heat your home'

Ordinarily, Maddy would have the heating on by now, and would think nothing of having it on when needed through to March.

Maddy says: "Last year however we didn’t turn it on until late November, and this year we are going to aim for Christmas day! 

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"Christmas needs to be cosy, it’s a day where you are supposed to feel comfortable.

"It never used to be a luxury heating your home.

"It was a basic human right, now it is a lot more difficult and it’s a conscious decision to put it on rather than just a flippant thing. 

"But we are going to try not to put it on at all unless we really have to."

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Hot desking

For Maddy, one of the main challenges is staying warm during the day – but she's adopted a range of techniques to minimise the impact of the cold.

She says: "Working from home will be a challenge for me, I have already started to feel chilly.

"We bought draught excluders last year for the doors.

"We bleed the radiators yearly to make sure that if we do put the heating on it circulates and heats rooms efficiently.

"When we do finally put the heating on it will be for first thing in the morning and in the evening."

Money saving solutions

While Maddy has been stocking up on warm blankets and fleecy throws, she also has a more fun recommendation too.

She says: "The best thing I have bought so far is a Warmies cuddly penguin that I got from Amazon last year , it was £15!

"There are plenty of different ones to choose from and I have just invested in a second one too, so I can pop one in my bed before I go to sleep to warm up and one to sit with downstairs watching TV.

"You heat them in the microwave for a couple of minutes and they last for a good couple of hours.

"A lot more affordable than putting the heating on."

Heat yourself, not your home

One key tactic a lot of us are adopting is to focus on heating ourselves, instead of the house.

Maddy says: "I wrap up warm, layers are a must! I couldn't live without my slippers.

"I do spend a little more on these but they last for ages – Fat Face ones are the best.

"I save using My VIP Rewards by buying discounted vouchers saving me 10 per cent.

"While slippers help keep you nice and toasty, remember heat escapes from your head, so don’t be embarrassed to put a hat on inside.

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"I also keep the curtains drawn, and don’t leave doors open any longer than I have to. 

"If you do need to turn on the heating use a timer and remember to turn it off."

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