State pensioners told 'use bubble wrap' to replace Winter Fuel Payment

Bubble wrap on windows
-Credit: (Image: (Image: PA))


State pensioners are set to lose £600 this winter due to a combination of the Winter Fuel Payment being reduced for most pensioners and the end of the £300 Cost of Living Payments. Consequently, pensioners across the nation will be seeking ways to economise and lower their energy bills, particularly as the price cap is scheduled to rise by another £148 from October 1.

One heating expert has suggested that pensioners - though this advice applies to anyone of any age - could reduce their energy bills by utilising a roll of bubble wrap. As the balmy weather begins to wane and the colder nights return, state pensioners in particular may be concerned about operating the thermostat without their Winter Fuel Payment, reports The Express.

By employing a roll of bubble wrap, it's possible to inexpensively maintain a warmer house during the frosty winter months and recoup some of the lost £300. Mark McShane from Boiler Cover UK encouraged households to adopt this tip, stating: "Leaving your oven door open after cooking allows the residual heat to warm your kitchen, and using bubble wrap on windows can serve as an insulator, reducing heat loss.

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Website WF Plastic explains how this works: The website says: "Often used in green houses, bubble wrap can also be used on domestic windows to boost their insulation rating. This is a simple technique for insulating windows with bubble wrap packing material.

"Bubble wrap is often used to insulate greenhouse windows in the winter, but it also seems to work fine for windows in the house. You can use it with or without regular or insulating window shades. It also works for windows of irregular shape, which can be difficult to find insulating shades for. The view through the bubble wrapped window is fuzzy, so don't use it on windows where you need a clear view.

"But, it does let plenty of light through. People seem to like the medium to large size bubbles, but reports of smaller bubbles having the same insulating properties are common. The larger ones appear (from surface temperature measurements) to insulate a little better, and you still get a nice artistic effect looking out of them. The small bubble wrap totally obscures the view, but you still get plenty of light."

To set it up, just cut the bubble wrap to the window's dimensions using scissors, then mist the window with water from a spraying bottle. While the window's still damp, stick the bubble wrap directly onto the pane and smooth it out. Ensure that the bubbly side is facing the glass pane. It leaves neither mess nor marks when peeled off after winter has passed.