With snow falling across many parts of the country, it's no longer possible for many households to avoid switching their heating on without compromising their health - despite many people trying hard to cut down amid the rising cost of living.
But according to experts, there are a range of small tweaks people can make to ensure that they are making the most of their heating when they do have to turn up the thermostat at home. Sunny Solanki, an engineer from British Gas, spoke to The Express about the "little things" every household can do that could make a "big difference" when it comes to cutting down on their energy bills.
"Most of the questions that I get asked is, what's the best way to run the heating? Or what's the best way to save a little bit?" he revealed. "It's quite simple.
READ MORE: Warning over four radiator mistakes that could add hundreds to your energy bill
"If you've got your heating on, put draught excluders under doors when the heat is on," the engineer advised. "Also, drawing blinds and curtains, because you lose a lot of heat through your windows and things which a lot of people just don't think about."
Another simple tip that can make a big difference, Mr Solanki said, is ensuring you keep furniture away from heat sources. "If you've got the sofa right against the radiator, it's blocking off the heat, it's not able to then heat the room," he pointed out.
"You can get a big piece of cardboard, wrap it in some foil and put it behind your radiator," the expert went on. "That helps stop the heat getting lost through into the walls rather than into the room, which is what you want."
With temperatures plummeting below zero, one of the main risks that British Gas are warning households of this winter is frozen pipes, which can prevent them from being able to heat their homes. Among the warning signs that your pipes may be freezing up are gurgling sounds coming from your central heating, your boiler not turning on or no water coming out of taps - insulating your pipes can help to stop this from happening, Mr Solanki advised.
The engineer said that blocking draughts, keeping radiators clear and trying out simple hacks such as putting foil behind the radiator can help to cut up to £145 a year off heating bills. "It's not a lot of work and it's not expensive things that we're talking about here either," he said.
The expert added that ensuring your home is as energy efficient as possible can help to save money in the long run too. "We've always given people the best advice on efficiency in their house, whether it be thermostatic radiator valves, Smart Controls, newer boilers, power flushing, or getting the boiler serviced," he said.
READ NEXT:
Martin Lewis urges people to try dehumidifier instead of tumble dryer to dry clothes
Dunelm shoppers rave over 'brilliant' £14 portable heater that works quickly and is 'great value'
Heating on all the time or not? Martin Lewis answers age-old question
Dad shares little-known device that's a 'game changer' for getting rid of damp and mould for good
