As Britain waves goodbye to a mild start to November, a chilly Arctic blast has draped a blanket of snow across the country, sending us headlong into a frosty winter landscape.

Meteorological experts from the Met Office have escalated weather warnings and issued a major caution for 430 miles of snow as the icy grip tightens its grip on Britain.

Britons are experiencing the deep freeze first-hand, venturing online to express their surprise and misery at the untimely snowfall.

A UK resident was impressed and exclaimed that X: “It’s snowing! I know this phenomenon is common in other parts of the UK but we don’t get snow in Devon and Cornwall.” Meanwhile, another person expressed disbelief, writing: “I actually can’t believe all the snow in the UK in November!”.

Forecasts suggest Britain’s gravel will be tested once again, with predictions of an onslaught of fresh snow and ice coming from the Arctic in early December. How can we protect ourselves from the cold when the temperature drops?

In these difficult times, with a cost of living crisis that shows no signs of abating, many are turning on their heating systems despite sky-high energy bills. Others, determined to protect their wallets, are resisting the lure of central heating and looking for more economical ways to stave off the frost.

Stepping in to provide critical insight, Emily Caloe, Senior Buyer for Vonhausreveals three ingenious items designed to cut those energy bills while keeping you cozy and warm.

With heating eating up over half of the household’s energy budget, the average three-bedroom home sees monthly bills hovering between £1,650 to £1,950. This pinch is felt even more acutely by remote workers who, tied to their home offices, require constant warmth throughout the day.

Emily noted: “As telecommuting continues to be the norm, many will find themselves juggling productivity with cost consciousness. But staying warm during working hours without breaking the bank can be a delicate balance.

“Heating the whole house can be a very inefficient way to beat the cold and it’s often better to create a personal heating zone to keep costs down.”

Discover the must-haves for a cozy, wallet-friendly winter.

Heated blankets and garments

Increase the comfort but not the cost when the temperatures drop, by embracing a heated blanket, the cozy, energy-saving reinforcement for your bed.

Heated blankets and garments are yet another smart solution to stay toasty without having to heat up the entire home or even an entire room.

These cozy allies are expressly engineered to channel heat exactly where it’s needed, perfect for lounging on the couch or staying cozy during intense work sessions at your desk.

Heated blankets rank among the best economical ways to ward off the cold. They are designed to use just 100 to 150 watts, which equates to around 2 to 3 pence per hour on your energy bill.

This is a significantly cheaper option compared to turning on the central heating, especially if you are confined to a single space. For example, if you use a heated blanket for eight hours straight, you can only set back around 16p to 24p.

Stove heater

Given that UK houses are notorious for their chilly drafts and substandard insulation, strategically heating one room at a time with a heater appears to be an economically smart choice.

For those with spacious rooms, it can be smart to choose a freestanding electric stove, which offers lasting heat and adds a touch of class and sophistication to your interior.

Electric stove heaters are a nod to tradition, providing the aesthetic appeal of a classic wood stove but without any of the smoke or fumes.

Caloe suggests: “If you really want to cut costs, choose a stove with thermostatically controlled smart features to ensure your heater automatically turns off or on according to room temperature.

“For best results, pair your stove heater with a bespoke range hood to maximize your wood burner’s heat and ensure even distribution throughout your living spaces.”

Oil filled radiators

An oil-filled radiator is another smart choice for those looking for comfortable warmth at the touch of a button. These units use thermal oil to produce heat, which then circulates to heat the room.

They are also cost effective, with running costs around 49p per hour. Also, unlike conventional radiators, oil-filled models continue to radiate heat even after they have been turned off.

These radiators are very portable, allowing you to easily move them to wherever you need some extra heat.

With high/low heat setting options, you can tailor the temperature to your comfort level, making them perfect for quick, hassle-free heating in rooms without built-in radiators, an ideal solution as we head into autumn.