SHOPPERS are running to Dunelm for a gadget that heats up a room without the need for central heating.

Bargain hunters keen to keep bills in check this winter are snapping up the plug-in PTC heater, £18, from the retailer.

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This gadget delivers through an efficient ceramic heating element.

The LED display and digital thermostat provide precise control over the temperature, and you can set the timer and choose from two fan speed settings.

Best of all it only costs 13p hour to run if you are on an average electricity tariff, though the exact amount depends on your individual rate.

The reviews for the gadget are glowing.

One user said: “Good product, gives some decent heat out. Actually bought two of them. Well worth it.”

Another added: “Fabulous little heater, really pleased with this. Heats up my kitchen in no time.”

One user described the tool as “small and mighty”. The added: “Does the job for a small kitchen without any other heating source.”

It comes after it was confirmed the energy price cap would rise by 2% in October costing the average household more to heat their home.

There are plenty of other ways to help keep bills down and stay warm using gadgets that don’t cost too much to run.

For example, an electric throw can cost just 4p an hour – calculated using the average electricity unit rate in the UK for the period of 1 October to 31 December 2025 is 26.35 pence per kilowatt-hour.

Washing the blankets are usually easy too, as it is both machine washable and tumble dryer safe. 

You can buy these blankets for around £30 and they’re perfect for when you’re on the sofa watching TV and don’t need to warm up the entire home.

Or Amazon is selling a product for just 99p to help families hold off from putting the heating on.

The teeppo draft excluder for doors and windows is a practical addition ahead of the colder months.

The self-adhesive rubber foam offers a budget solution for keeping your home warm this winter.

It also helps to reduce dust, pests, noise, and heat in the summer.

What energy bill help is available?

There’s a number of different ways to get help paying your energy bills if you’re struggling to get by.

If you fall into debt, you can always approach your supplier to see if they can put you on a repayment plan before putting you on a prepayment meter.

This involves paying off what you owe in instalments over a set period.

If your supplier offers you a repayment plan you don’t think you can afford, speak to them again to see if you can negotiate a better deal.

Several energy firms have schemes available to customers struggling to cover their bills.

But eligibility criteria vary depending on the supplier and the amount you can get depends on your financial circumstances.

For example, British Gas or Scottish Gas customers struggling to pay their energy bills can get grants worth up to £2,000.

British Gas also offers help via its British Gas Energy Trust and Individuals Family Fund.

You don’t need to be a British Gas customer to apply for the second fund.

EDF, E.ON, Octopus Energy and Scottish Power all offer grants to struggling customers too.

Thousands of vulnerable households are missing out on extra help and protections by not signing up to the Priority Services Register (PSR).

The service helps support vulnerable households, such as those who are elderly or ill.

Some of the perks include being given advance warning of blackouts, free gas safety checks and extra support if you’re struggling.

Get in touch with your energy firm to see if you can apply.