More than half of households (54%) are unable to afford heating this winter, citing rising living costs, leading many to rely on methods like wearing extra layers, hot water bottles, heated blankets, portable heaters, or open fires.

Solo dwellers and households with young children are particularly affected, with many choosing alternative heating methods such as wearing layers and using portable heaters to stay warm.

The government is supporting vulnerable households through schemes like the Warm Home Discount and investing billions in home energy efficiency improvements to help reduce bills over the long term.

The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero is aiding over six million households with expanded financial support and initiatives to improve home insulation and reduce energy costs.

The typical household plans to turn on their heating around October 1, earlier than last year, with the average thermostat setting decreasing from 19.4°C to 18.9°C, and four million people have already activated their heating in mid-September.

This year, the average thermostat setting is lower, and nearly a quarter of households plan to set their thermostats colder than the recommended 18-21°C range.

Energy experts advise turning on heating when feeling cold, especially for vulnerable groups, and recommend maintaining indoor temperatures between 18°C and 21°C, along with measures like sealing draughts and improving insulation.

Over two million UK households plan to avoid using central heating this winter due to fears of rising energy bills, marking a 22% increase from last year.

Retired individual Raquel Griffiths uses five small ceramic heaters in specific rooms to cut energy bills significantly, though this method may risk dampness in unheated areas.

A survey shows 77% of households worry about being cold this winter, with many only turning on heating when they feel truly cold or heating only some rooms, due to high energy prices.

About 54% of those unable to heat their homes adequately blame high costs, and 16% are 'very worried' about the cold this winter.