It suddenly feels a lot cooler, which means for many of us, it’s time to reach for a trusty hot water bottle to keep toasty through winter. But if, like me, you’ve had your hot water bottle for many years, then you need to carry out this vital check before you fill it up.
Honestly, I couldn’t quite believe it when I first heard hot water bottles have an expiration date – I kind of thought they lasted forever! But experts have revealed they do, and ensuring yours isn’t ‘past it’ ensures that it is safe for you to use.
While it’s a no-brainer that you need to check the safety of your best electric heater orthe best oil-filled radiator, here’s how you can also check your hot water bottle to ensure it is still safe to use.
How to check if your hot water bottle has expired
‘Hot water bottles need to be replaced more often than you expect – typically every 2 to 3 years. After they’ve expired, the rubber or PVC can begin degrading, cracking or leaking and put users at significant risk of burns,’ explains Gareth Lloyd Jones, sustainability expert and Managing Director at HIPPO.
‘Hot water bottles are always marked with their manufacturing date, displayed as a daisy wheel symbol, typically on the neck. This is how you can tell when they have expired. The central number references the year of manufacture, the 12 segments represent the months of the year, and the dots within them tell you which week of the month it was made.’
(Image credit: Future PLC/ David Brittain)
So, any hot water bottles made today (17 November 2025) will have ‘25’ in the centre and 11 of 12 segments will be filled with three dots to show it was made on the third week of the 11th month.
If you find your hot water bottle is more than two to three years old, then I’m afraid it is time to replace it. This is because the material can weaken over time, potentially leading to leaks and bursts, which could further injure you or a loved one. And honestly, a burn isn’t worth the risk, seeing as you can replace a hot water bottle quite cheaply – I’ve got my eye on this gorgeous £10 Pink Hot Water Bottle from Dunelm.
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If your hot water bottle is expired, you should check via your local council’s website to see if it is recyclable. If not, dispose of it in your household waste.
What to use instead
I’m not saying don’t use hot water bottles. I still don’t think I could live without mine – it’s such an easy and affordable way to keep warm. But it is also worth considering other heating options that come with a longer shelf life.
(Image credit: Future PLC/ Simon Bevan)
‘To cut down on waste, there are many hot water bottle alternatives that last longer than 3 years. Microwavable heat pads contain natural ingredients such as wheat, which can be easily heated up in the microwave,’ suggests Garath.
And if you need any help deciding, I’ve rounded up some long-lasting alternatives.
Requiring no boiling water at all, this heat pad switches on at the turn of a button. Plus, it automatically switches off after 90 minutes so you don’t have to worry about accidentally leaving it running.
Dunelm
Rainbow Microwaveable Hottie
Featuring a design to put a smile on your face, all you need to do to heat up this hot water bottle alternative is stick it in the microwave for a few minutes.
Warmies
Warmies Microwavable Heat Pad
With the right care, Warmies says this pad will last you years. It just needs warming for 60 seconds in the microwave, and not only will it keep you toasty, but it also emits a relaxing lavender scent.
Well, you learn something new everyday! Please bear with me while I check my hot water bottle’s expiry date…
If, like me, the approaching winter season makes you grimace at the thought of high heating bills, then making your home more energy efficient can help.
Switching to a heat pump can be a key factor in making your home more eco-friendly, while lowering your bills at the same time. And now you can buy one through IKEA. Yep, you read that right. IKEA has partnered with a fellow Swedish company, heat pump provider Aira, to provide this technology to its customers.
But buying a heat pump is a very different experience from buying a Billy bookcase, so this is everything you need to know about how the process works.
What kind of heat pump is IKEA selling?
The IKEA x Aira partnership is offering air-to-water heat pumps to it’s customers. Air-source heat pumps take the heat from the ambient air around the pump and uses it to provide heating and hot water in the home.
They’re relatively easy to install, low maintenance and, when you compare a heat pump with a gas boiler, are more energy efficient. Depending on your pump, it can be controlled using a simple remote control or an app on your phone.
Previously only available in other parts of Europe, the IKEA X Aira heat pumps are now available to those who live in the UK.
An IKEA spokesperson told me: ‘IKEA’s collaboration with Aira aims to simplify how customers access renewable energy options. Finding the right heat pump can be complex, so we wanted to make it easier for customers to switch to renewable energy in their homes.
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‘We carefully selected a heat pump provider that aligns with IKEA values, ensuring customers not only trust the provider but also enjoy a seamless, all-in-one service that covers everything needed for a smooth transition to energy-efficient solutions.
‘The service includes expert advice, professional installation, and extended guarantees, offering our customers peace of mind.’
How do you buy a heat pump from IKEA?
Buying a heat pump can be a complex process, as the right choice depends on the type of home you have, how many people are in your household and whereabouts you live. And so it’s important to get expert input to make the right decision.
To buy a heat pump from IKEA, you will need to follow 3 simple steps:
Fill out your details on an online form. You’ll then be contacted by one of Aira’s Clean Energy Consultants who will ask a few questions about your home and arrange your free, no-obligation home energy assessment.
An Aira expert will visit your home to assess it’s needs and heat pump suitability, and provide you with a quote. The quote will include both purchasing the heat pump and the installation. You’ll also be able to double check whether you need planning permission for a heat pump or not.
Your heat pump will then be installed (and they’ll even remove your old boiler). You can also ask for tips on how to hide your heat pump in a way that is safe and doesn’t impact the unit’s functionality.
Better still, switch to an Aira heat pump through IKEA and you’ll receive a £250 IKEA voucher that you can spend instore and online. (You’ll need to be an IKEA Family member to redeem your voucher, but it’s free to sign up if you aren’t already registered).
Can you buy an IKEA heat pump in store?
No IKEA heat pumps won’t be available to purchase in store. Instead you’ll need to go through the IKEA website, submit your details and get a bespoke quote from one of Aira’s experts.
This is down to everyone’s home being different, so there’s not necessarily a one-size-fits-all heat pump.
How much does an IKEA heat pump cost?
The cost of a heat pump will depend on the specification of heat pump you need, and this is no different with IKEA heat pumps. The price will be determined following your home assessment.
The clocks have gone back, and the colder months have arrived, making now a key time to invest in heating appliances for a more comfortable home. And if you’re looking for a bargain, I have a great one as Lidl is selling an oil-filled radiator for under £30.
The best oil-filled radiators are a must-have for their impressive heat output, impeccable heat retention, and steady distribution of warmth, which helps keep you nice and toasty all winter, without having a damaging impact on your electricity bills.
The Lidl oil-filled radiator is available in sleek black and white colourways. It has seven fins giving it a large surface area for heating and it has three different heat settings.
VonHaus
VonHaus Oil Filled Radiator
This small oil-filled radiator only offers one 800W heat setting but it is powerful enough to heat a small room in just 10 minutes – ideal if you’re looking for something to keep you warm while working from home.
While Lidl has a few more of the best electric heaters on sale, too, it is the oil-filled radiator that I am most excited about. Oil-filled radiators are one of the cheapest electric heaters to run, costing anything between 14p and 68p per hour to run.
While oil-filled radiators are largely considered to be energy efficient, other factors, such as poor insulation, should also be considered, as this can impact how well a room heats/ how long it takes to heat. Because of this, it can take longer to heat a room and cost more – something to be wary of if you plan to use an oil-filled radiator overnight.
The Lidl Tronic Oil-Filled Radiator has three heat settings and a large heating area with seven fins. This means it should be able to heat a large room efficiently, and with different settings to choose from, you can opt for a temperature that feels comfortable.
The Lidl oil-filled radiator is most similar to the VonHaus Oil Filled Radiator (£32.99 at Amazon), which is Ideal Home’s best-rated budget oil-filled radiator. It has six fins compared to Lidl’s seven, and only has one heat setting, but it is lightweight, portable and does the job well.
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(Image credit: Lidl)
‘Oil-filled radiators may not be as attractive as more modern electric heaters, but there’s a reason why they’re still so popular. They’re one of the cheapest heaters to run, and their heat retention is second to none. So, you can make the most of some free heat even when they’re turned off, which is always a bonus with energy bills on the up,’ says Lauren Bradbury, content editor at Ideal Home.
‘At £29.99, you can’t really get much cheaper than the Lidl oil-filled radiator, either. With 7 fins, it should effectively distribute heat across larger areas, and the three heat settings allow you to customise the heat output to suit your comfort. Plus, if you choose to use the lowest heat setting, it’ll cost you even less to run!’
At such a bargain price, I can’t imagine this heater will be on the shelves for long, so if you miss out on the chance to pick one up, or you don’t have a Lidl local to you, here are three more well-reviewed options.
Pro Breeze 2500W Oil Filled Radiator with 11 Fins
This is Ideal Home’s best-rated oil-filled radiator. It makes fast work of warming a large space, with three temperature settings, a thermostat and a timer to manage the heat output.
De’Longhi 2500W Dragon 4 Oil Filled Radiator
This is the most powerful oil-filled radiator we’ve tested. It has a 2500W heat output, meaning it makes light work of large and draughty rooms.
De’Longhi TRNS0505M 500W Oil Filled Radiator
If you only have a small space to heat, then the 500W De’Longhi TRNS0505M offers a super-low running cost. It’s small, compact, lightweight, and very easy to use.
Oil-filled radiators are cost-effective and a handy tool for keeping you warm all winter. Will you be investing in one?
Heating experts have revealed that installing a radiator shelf can have a positive impact on your energy bills and heat your home more efficiently, despite the common misconception that these shelves have the opposite effect.
There’s no getting away from the fact that bills are increasing, and we all want to save energy at home. There are plenty of ways to ensure your heating is working as efficiently as it can be, from scheduling a boiler service to knowing how to bleed a radiator. But one thing you may not know is that a radiator shelf can be helpful, too.
According to the pros, a radiator shelf can help redirect heat into a room, which is especially helpful if a radiator is positioned below a window. This is everything you need to know.
What are the benefits of installing a radiator shelf?
You’ll probably be aware of the radiator shelf as an aesthetic addition or storage solution for your home. They’re often found within small hallways or living rooms as a clever way to make the most out of your space. But aesthetics aside, these shelves can have a positive effect on heating your home.
(Image credit: Future PLC / Caroline Mardon)
‘Building a shelf above and in line with your radiator is one way to increase warm air circulation throughout a space as it redirects the air forward into the room, rather than rising up to the ceiling and dispersing,’ explains Stephen Hankinson, Heating Expert at Electric Radiators Direct.
‘This can lead to quicker, more even heating, reducing the demand on your boiler or heating system. As a result, the room reaches a comfortable temperature faster, meaning your heating doesn’t have to work as hard or for as long, helping to lower your overall energy consumption and cut down on heating bills.’
Not only this, but a radiator shelf can also prevent heat damage to your walls and furniture, and expensive items such as your TV.
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‘If you’ve got a flat-screen TV mounted above your radiator, a shelf isn’t just a ‘nice-to-have’, it’s essential. Rising heat can be damaging to the electrics and screen over time, potentially shortening the lifespan of your TV. A well-placed radiator shelf helps deflect that warmth away, offering crucial protection,’ says Nick Duggan, managing director of The Radiator Centre.
‘From a design perspective, a radiator shelf transforms a purely practical fixture into a considered part of the room. It creates a smart visual line, breaks up blank wall space and offers a handy surface for styling with home accessories.’
(Image credit: Future PLC / Caroline Mardon)
While radiator shelves serve both functional and aesthetic purposes, there is the belief that they can make a radiator work less efficiently. A shelf positioned too close to the radiator can indeed restrict the heat flow, and therefore efficiency, of a radiator. However, a well-positioned shelf will improve it.
‘There are no hard rules for this modification, however, as a general rule, leave at least 10 to 15cm between your radiator and the bottom-most shelf to allow for convection heat to distribute around the room. As well as this, ensure heat-resistant materials such as solid wood are used for your shelf to avoid heat damage or warping,’ says Stephen.
If you are still uh-hmming and ahhing about investing in a radiator shelf, here are three stylish options to help you get the ball rolling.
A wooden shelf is a timless choice, providing both classic and rustic appeal.
Scallop Wooden Border
This scalloped butter yellow shelf is both practical and perfectly on-trend, too.
Argos Home Loft Living Radiator Table – Oak
Subtle and sleek, this stylish radiator shelf will blend seamlessly into your interiors.
When positioned correctly, a radiator shelf can be both functional and stylish, improving the appearance of your room decor while also contributing to an efficient heating system.
Feeling the chill? Don’t worry, Aldi will soon be stocking its Specialbuys aisle with a whole host of winter warmers – including the Oscillating Ceramic Tower Heater, priced at just £24.99.
If you’ve yet to invest in one of the best electric heaters or you’re simply looking to add another to your collection so you can avoid turning on your central heating for as long as possible, you might already know that this price is an absolute steal. And if you want to ‘heat the human and not the home’, it’s chock-full of features to help you stay warm on a budget.
However, as is (sadly) the case with Aldi, this Specialbuy won’t stick around. Once these heaters are gone, they’re gone – and my insider information suggests that this won’t take long at all.
(Image credit: Aldi)
Launching in Aldi stores from 23rd October, with even more cold-busting products arriving on the 26th, the Oscillating Ceramic Tower Heater is ideal for whole-room heating, as its oscillating function spreads warmth throughout the entire space. Costing approximately 53p per hour to run, it’s also a little below the average cost to run an electric heater.
And while it might not be the cheapest electric heater to run, and it’s always going to be cheaper to use central heating than using an electric heater, the beauty of Aldi’s Oscillating Ceramic Tower Heater is that the initial upfront cost is way more affordable than alternatives on the market.
(Image credit: Future PLC/Darren Chung)
When you’re feeling the chill, you can also use the ceramic heater to follow Martin Lewis’ advice to ‘heat the human, not the home.’ This means you won’t waste energy heating the whole house, including rooms you’re not using.
But this tower heater isn’t the only winter-warming offering coming to Aldi’s middle aisle. If you have smaller rooms (or a smaller budget), a £14.99 Ceramic Personal Heater will also be on sale from the 23rd October. While not as powerful as the larger model, it’s ideal for those who just want to take the chill off their space, and costs just 32p per hour to run.
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For those who don’t want to plug in any extra appliances, Aldi will also be stocking the £9.99 Superfoil Radiator Reflector from Thursday. We’re huge fans of radiator reflectors at Ideal Home, and our Renovation Editor, Sarah, even slashed her energy bills by 20% by placing foil just like this one behind her radiators.
(Image credit: Future PLC)
After all, it bounces (or ‘reflects’) the heat from your radiators back into the room, instead of allowing it to leak out of external walls or cracks. It’s also a doddle to use, and doesn’t require any fancy installation.
And while I’m a little sad that Aldi won’t be bringing back the oil-filled radiator it sold last year, I’m confident that these new winter warmers will help you maintain a cosy, cost-effective home. I imagine the heater will set out fast, though, so I’d get down to the middle aisle as soon as you can.
Dreo Fan Space Heater
Although it’s slightly more expensive than the Aldi heater, I couldn’t recommend this one more. It has three speed settings to maintain your desired temperature between 5-35°C, and is extremely quick to heat up. It’s also nice and compact, so won’t take up too much space.
Blostm Radiator Insulation Foil
If you can’t get to Aldi to pick up some radiator reflector foil, it’s not hard to find it on Amazon. This one is a bestseller and comes with adhesive pads to help you get the most out of it. There should also be enough here to install behind 3+ standard size radiators.
Russell Hobbs 700W Ceramic Plug In Heater
Another heater I seriously rate is this plug-in model. It’s extremely affordable, and while it won’t suit larger rooms, it offers more than enough power to take the chill off smaller rooms. As if that wasn’t enough, it’s also extremely energy efficient.
Remember, when it’s gone… it’s gone! So, get yourself down to Aldi for this cost-effective heater before everyone else does.
