As a single mum raising a lively three-year-old, I understand the struggles of how to keep warm in winter without heater, especially when the winter months hit hard and the heating costs soar. June brings colder nights and higher electricity bills, and using a heater around the clock just isn’t realistic for many of us.
If you’ve been wondering the same, this article is for you. These easy ways will help you stay cozy indoors, reduce your heating bill, and still make your home feel toasty. Whether you're working from home, wrangling toddlers, or just trying to stay snug without a central heating system, these practical tips can make a real difference.
Further Reading: How to avoid energy bill shock this winter
How To Keep Warm in Winter Without Heater
Close off unused rooms
A great way to stay warm without a heating system is by containing the warm air to one room. Keep bedroom doors shut during the day and avoid leaving any door open. This simple trick helps to keep the heat where you need it, minimising heat loss throughout your home.
Layer your clothing smartly
Your first line of defence in keeping your body warm is what you wear. Thermal undergarments, flannel pyjamas, scarves, and even gloves can help you stay warm without having to turn on the heater. I always keep a thick jumper and warm slipper socks handy to keep my feet warm around the house.
Use rugs to trap heat
Hard floors may look stylish, but they steal warmth fast. Adding a rug—even a small one—on tile or timber floors will help to warm your home and keep your feet from freezing. It’s one of the most affordable ways to keep your home warm in winter.
Insulate your windows and doors
Insulating your home can be as simple as using bubble wrap or plastic film on windows and weather strips under doors. These hacks avoid heat loss and retain heat, making your rooms feel warmer without the need for a space heater or other source of heat.
Invest in thermal curtains
Thermal or blackout curtain panels can keep the warm air in and the cold weather out. Open them during sunny hours, then close them at dusk to stop heat escaping. This easy change can drastically reduce heating costs and help you keep warm without using extra electricity.
How To Keep Warm in Winter Without Heater (cont.)
Drink warm beverages often
A steady supply of warm drinks like tea, coffee, or hot water with ginger or lemon is a soothing way to stay warm. On cold days, sipping from a warm mug helps keep your body warm and lifts your spirits too.
Hot water bottles are gold
A hot water bottle is a low-cost miracle during colder months. Place it under the blanket at night or tuck it near your back when sitting. If you don’t have one, a tightly sealed boiling water bottle wrapped in a towel does the trick.
Heated throws or electric blankets
When used sparingly, a heated throw or electric blanket can keep you warm for hours using less power than a gas heating system or reverse-cycle unit. Use an electric blanket to pre-warm your bed, then switch it off when you sleep. Check out affordable electric blankets on Best Deals AU!
Block draughts
Even the smallest gap can let cold air conditioning-like breezes in. Use door snakes or rolled towels to prevent heat loss under doors. This helps keep your home warm and reduces the temptation to reach for the heater.
Layer your bedding
Thicker quilts, flannel sheets, and fleece blankets all contribute to better warmth at night. The trick is in the layers—each one helps retain heat and keep you warm without a costly heating system.
How To Keep Warm in Winter Without Heater (cont.)
Cook warm meals at home
Cooking warms both body and room. A bubbling pot of stew or a tray of baked veg not only provides a nourishing meal but also releases hot air into your kitchen, helping you stay warm during the meal prep and beyond.
Move around frequently
When you’re cold, it’s tempting to stay curled up. But light movement—tidying up, dancing with your toddler, or even marching in place—will raise your body temperature and help warm your core. A little activity goes a long way in keeping your and your child's bodies warm.
Keep your feet warm
Never underestimate the power of warm feet. I always warm my feet with fuzzy slipper socks or even wool insoles in my house shoes. Cold toes are often the first sign that you’re losing body heat, so look after them!
Sleep in one room
Sleeping in the warmest room without drafts can help you keep your family warm without needing a central heating system. Sharing a bed with your little one (on the coldest days) safely can also make use of shared body heat.
Reverse your ceiling fan
Yes, use a ceiling fan in winter! If it has a reverse switch, set it to spin clockwise on low. This will push the warm air trapped near the ceiling back down, helping to heat better and keep your room warm in winter.
How To Keep Warm in Winter Without Heater (cont.)
Take warm showers before bed
A hot shower boosts your body temperature before tucking in, making it easier to stay toasty under your covers. It’s a perfect nighttime ritual to stay comfortable with no need for a heating system.
Use door snakes or rolled towels
This old-school trick is still one of the best hacks to keep a room warm. A simple rolled towel can stop heat from slipping away and help to keep the warm air circulating.
Snuggle under layers during the day
Even if you’re just watching TV or working from home, layering with throws and doonas is one of the cosiest ways to warm up. Keep them close to your desk or sofa so you can stay comfortable on cold days.
Let in the sun during the day
The sun is the cheapest source of heat around. Let it shine in during the day to help warm your space naturally. Once the sun goes down, shut everything tight to retain heat.
Focus on hands and feet
These extremities lose body heat fast. Keep them covered with gloves, socks, or even fingerless gloves when typing. Hands and feet that are warm tell the brain you’re still warm this winter even if the room is still a little chilly.
Conclusion: How To Keep Warm in Winter Without Heater
Learning how to keep your home warm without heater can seem overwhelming at first, especially if you’re juggling parenting, work, and a tight budget. But there are many ways to warm your space and help you be warm that don’t rely on expensive electricity or gas. From sipping warm drinks to layering up and plugging drafts, each small step adds up.
These tips to keep your family warm this winter are all about comfort, creativity, and care—values we single mums already live by every day. So pull on those slippers, cuddle up with your little one, and let these hacks keep you warm, minus the worries of high electric bills.
