Expert lists a dozen ways to prepare for colder weather that could save you money

As millions of households grapple with soaring energy bills, the approaching colder weather is set to exacerbate the cost of living crisis. People will be awaiting guidance from new prime minister Liz Truss, who is thought to be holding talks with energy company executives.

Although Ms Truss is thought to be eyeing up an energy price freeze to tackle spiralling energy costs, help with bills could take time to enact. Toolstation, has shared some advice that could see people get winter-ready now.

The retailer of tools and building materials carried out a survey which discovered measures that households are preparing to take to prepare for the upcoming colder months. The survey found that 45% will be swapping their old halogen bulbs for LED bulbs, 23% are planning on installing smart home technology and 21% will be installing draught excluders.

Another 19% are planning on insulating their loft, while 10% are going to be lagging pipes. The research comes as Toolstation asked tradespeople to share their best hacks and shortcuts for what households can do to avoid expensive bills this autumn and winter.

When asked what measures people could take, tradespeople came up with advice covering the entire house. Here are the best hacks that could save you money this coming winter.

Experts have shared ways you could save money on your energy bills this winter (Shared Content Unit)

Top 12 ways you can save money on your energy bills

1. Reduce the energy wattage of your lighting. If you are using security lighting, swap halogen bulbs for LED ones.
2. Put foil behind your radiators.
3. If you have multi-light fittings, consider taking some of the bulbs out.
4. Try putting thermal curtains in front of any external doors. This will keep heat inside.
5. If you can’t find the source of a draught, light a candle and hold it in front of the door or window. Move it around the edge of the frame and the flame will flicker at the point where the draught is coming in.
6. Check the flow rate of your boiler. It doesn’t need to be more than 55 degrees.
7. If you find the radiator symbol on your boiler, turn it down - you can find out what it looks like in your operating manual too. For every 10 degrees you reduce your flow rate, you could save between six to eight per cent on your bills.
8. If you add cold water when you use the hot tap you can adjust it on your boiler by checking for the hot water symbol on your boiler, which is usually a tap symbol. For every 10 degrees lowered you could save three to five per cent on your bills.
9. Concentrate on getting the best out of your heating. Make sure you lose as little heat as possible and have good insulation. Try to only heat when you need to, with good smart controls.
10. Make sure all your windows are sealed around the frames and that there are no gaps for drafts; also replace any blown glass in your windows or doors.
11. Invest in insulation if you can afford it. On a terraced house this could involve fitting double glazed windows, insulating your loft, front and back walls and fitting draught excluders.
12. Instead of turning your thermostat down to save money find a constant temperature and keep it there.

Toolstation spokesperson Greg Richardson said: “With soaring energy bills it is no surprise that people are turning to tackling energy and cost-saving measures instead. Investing time and money in these measures now, means that many will be better prepared to weather what promises to be a challenging autumn and winter.”