Heating hacks and smart tech soars as energy bills rise

• John Lewis customers are seeking out new ways to stay warm at home and reduce energy use 
• Sales of hot water bottles, draught excluders and electric blankets are on the rise  
• Smart technology is also proving popular with customers looking to monitor energy use 

From low tech to high tech, the nation is on the search for ways to stay warm and reduce energy bills this winter. 

Sales of the humble hot water bottle at John Lewis have grown by 219% compared to this time last year, with sales of draught excluders up 125%.

Heated bedding is also in hot demand as customers look to keep cosy as an alternative to putting the central heating on. Sales of electric blankets are already up more than 100% year-on-year, and sales of quilts, blankets and throws are soaring, up 39% on last year. 

Other popular heating hacks include: 

• 10.5 tog duvets - sales up 21% compared to last year. We’ll also be launching even thicker 15 tog ANYDAY duvets in the coming weeks 
• Brushed cotton bed linen, which is brushed after weaving to give an extra warm feel - sales up 22% compared to last year
• Thermal-lined and blackout curtains - sales up 17% compared to last year

We’re also seeing more customers investing in smart tech as a way of keeping track of energy use to lower their bills. Sales of smart thermostats and smart plugs are up 38% and 52% respectively week-on-week. Both allow you to control devices remotely, turning them off and on when needed so you can conserve energy. 

Nicola Waller, Head of Home Furnishings at John Lewis, said: “Our customers are snapping up products that’ll keep them warm without upping their energy bills.

“From high tech electricals that monitor energy use, to more traditional methods our grandparents would have used like draught excluders and hot water bottles - customers clearly want to be prepared for the winter ahead.”