I spend £167 on heating in winter thanks to £12 Lidl middle aisle buy

A man who only spends £167 on his heating throughout the entirety of winter has revealed that his low bill is down to a £12 bargain item from the middle aisle of Lidl. 

Ben John, 38, who lives in Bournemouth, Dorset, moved into a caravan six years ago after becoming 'bored' of living in a house.

The music student admitted that - while the home can get extremely cold - he has found ways to keep it warm in winter. 

Ben revealed that he gets most of his heat from a diesel heater which he keeps running on a low setting through the winter months.  

This sees his electric bills come to a total of just £100 in winter, plus a mere £67 on diesel for heating despite running the heater constantly. 

However, there is a key reason why he can afford to keep the heater on such a low setting when the weather is chilly. 

He said this is thanks to his a £12 off-brand Oodie from the central aisle of popular budget supermarket Lidl. 

He also has an assortment of blankets and dressing gowns that keep him cosy and help to minimise his expenditure on heating. 

Ben said: 'The diesel heater stays on constantly and its cheaper than electric - if I had electric on it would cost a fortune!

'I always keep it on the lowest setting though, to save money - and layer up. 

'Slipper socks are great because they're nice and warm, and I have lots of fleecy dressing gowns.

'And then my 'Oodie' is like a big duvet - me the dog and the cat get all snuggled up on together in winter. 

'And the electric blanket costs pence to run. If I keep the door shut, it can get quite toasty!' 

He also explained that, in order to live in a caravan full time, he has to have a dehumidifier with a five litre capacity running permanently to prevent his carpet getting damp - which fills up daily. 

Ben said that, over the festive period, he decorates his van with Christmas lights around it. 

Last year, he even arranged a Christmas party in his home with another van-dwelling friend who lives opposite him. 

This year, however, he will spend Christmas Day at his neighbour's and she will be catering for him.

He said: 'It's generally quite festive on site - people all get their lights up. 

'I have them up outside, it's a nice vibe and a community feel.'