Brits Seek Heat Hacks to Beat Skyrocketing Energy Bills This Winter

Stay Warm While Wallets Stay Empty: What Brits Are Doing When Energy Bills Bump Up

With energy costs climbing like a window‑shopping ladder, flat‑owners and housewives alike are getting savvy and buying their way out of the chilly future. A recent e‑Bay Ads survey of 1,000 Brits gives us a peek into the fight to keep cozy without blowing the budget.

Key Takeaways — In Plain English

37% of respondents are already lining up purchases that will help them survive long stretches without heating.
25% are hunting for items that will keep them warm on the body.
18% are buying gear to make their homes more energy‑efficient.

The Buying Trend: Why October is the March Madness of Cozy‑Tech

When the air turns frosty, shopping sprees for temperature gadgets shoot through the roof:

Heated blankets: In October 2021, searches on eBay jumped 147% versus September.
Hot water bottles: A 121% rise, proving we still love the old‑school way of staying toasty.
Loft insulation: Eager homeowners increased studies by 80%, a direct hit on heat loss.

But Some Punks Started Early

Even before November, people were bracing themselves. July 2022 saw:

Heated blankets up 132% compared to last year.
Loft insulation searches up 37% — a sign that “cold winter” already sits on the shopping list.

What This Means for Your Wallet

Think of it as a “warm‑up” strategy: snag a hot‑blanket or a loft insulation kit, and you’ll likely see fewer spikes on your bill when the thermostat refuses to cooperate. It’s a no‑frills way to fight the chill without paying the price of a next‑day energy bill.

Bottom Line: Plan, Grab, Stay Toasty

Energy prices are on a steep slope, but with the right gear and early planning, you can keep your home cozy and your finances intact. It’s all about buying smart—so you’re not left with a freezer‑cold bedroom in a time of need.

Hunkering down at home to save money

How Rising Prices Are Turning Us Into Home‑Bound Socialites

The cost of living is hitting the single digits, and it’s not just causing wallets to feel the squeeze—it’s reshaping how we spend our time and money.

Changing Consumer Mindsets

58% of people say they’ll be watching their spending closely this winter.
36% plan to keep the social calendar at home to save a buck.
49% will dine in more often for the same reason.

Online Search Boom

When the price tags go up, what do we do? We look online for the next big home upgrade.

“Dinner set” searches spiked by 61% last October.
“Wine glass” + “carafe” jumped by 47% and 40% respectively.
With Brits staying home more, these trends are likely to keep climbing.

Home‑Focused Spending

28% will buy items to make their living space feel like a personal retreat.
21% aim to add comfort and coziness to their home environment.

Short on cash? Long on comfort? Either way, the home is becoming the new social hub, and our search queries and purchases reflect that shift.

Shoppers’ priorities this season

Retailers, Grab the Wallet‑Smart Deals!

Retailers and sellers, if you want your sales to soar this season, it’s crystal clear: value for money is the ticket. Think sharp bargains, budget‑friendly picks, and second‑hand steals that keep shoppers glued to the cart.

According to an eBay Ads survey, shoppers are zeroing in on:

Sales / deals (32%)
Budget items (28%)
Good quality, long‑lasting gear (28%)
Second‑hand treasures (20%)
Price‑locked exclusives (17%)

From the eBay Ads HQ

Upasana Gupta, GM of eBay Ads UK, shared the newest pulse: the rising cost‑of‑living is reshaping shopper behavior this winter. Consumers are looking for ways to stretch cash, stay snug at home, and pick items that deliver real value.

“Keeping warm and cozy feels like a top priority for folks ahead of the festivities. They want products that give them more bang for their buck,” says Upasana. “Let’s align our product lines to these wallets, so we help customers thrive and ace the holiday season.”

Why This Matters

With the chill in the air and the price tags on up, brands must adapt. Offer pocket‑friendly deals, highlight robust quality, and showcase sustainable second‑hand options. Doing so not only brings in sales, but also builds loyalty and positions you as a budget‑savvy champion.