Martin Lewis has urged people to follow his energy-saving advice amid blackout warnings.
The Money Saving Expert spoke on his popular ITV show - The Martin Lewis Money Show - on Tuesday night. He discussed the things people should be doing to cut down on energy use ahead of the coming cold months.
During the show a nine-point plan flashed up on the screen advising people how to cut down on their electricity and gas consumption. One appliance he regularly discussed was tumble dryers, and how expensive they were - over £1 per load of wet washing.
READ MORE - DWP issues urgent Warm Home Discount deadline warning to eligible claimants
Martin said to his viewers before explaining the plan: "Make your house as energy efficient as you possibly can. It's good for your pocket. Good for the environment and good for energy security which is at risk this winter.
"We do not want power cuts, so this is a social responsibility."
Martin's expert advice on how to cut down on your energy use IN FULL
- Reduce the temperature
Martin discussed his popular 'one-degree challenge' which tells people to turn their heating down by one degree to save ten per cent on their energy bills.
Mr Lewis said: Take my one degree challenge. The World Health Organisation says 18C is fine for healthy adults. Younger, older or ill you might need more.
"It's not for me to tell you what to do but I'd like you to try reducing one degree. Say you're at 21C, try reducing to 20C. That could save you around 10 per cent on your heating bill.
"If your heating is only kicking in at 15C and you’re heating to 21, only heating to 20C is actually a significant saving. Don't think 0 to 20 think 15 to 20."
Martin also said people should avoid turning up the thermostat when they are cold, as they should just wait for the heating to work.
He added: "Now look, your thermostat will get you up to the temperature you want. This is a panic reaction, I'm cold I'm going to put it up more. The thermostat dictates what the temperature is, don't turn it up just wait for it to get to the heat and then you won't need to pay too much more."
- Avoid tumble dryers
Tumble dryers are one of the most expensive appliances to operate, as Martin said it costs "over £1 a load" to dry your washing.
He suggested getting a dehumidifier to air the clothes in a much more cost-efficient way, which can save hundreds on your bills.
- New shower head
Fitting a free shower head from SaveWaterSaveMoney.co.uk could reduce your bills massively. Roughly 900,000 of these shower heads are being given away for nothing right now, so it is a good deal to jump on.
The shower head works by adding air into the water, meaning it spaces out the water that is being used - less water, lower price.
- Putting foil behind radiators
This one may sound like a bit of a wacky idea, but sticking tinfoil behind a radiator can help conserve heat and push it in the right direction.
Just remember to clear it before guests come over, or you may be getting some funny looks.
- Checking the energy settings on your TV
Many televisions have an eco setting, or a standby setting so you can use less energy. Believe it or not, plugged-in TVs are still costing you money, even when they are not in use.
So, an eco setting could offset the money paid towards your bills.
- Setting the temperature on your fridge
Fridges should not be lower than five degrees, and a freezer should not be lower than -18 degrees. Putting it lower than this can use up unwanted energy, and you'll have to defrost your freezer more often - sometimes wasting food inside.
- Use tactical curtains
During the day when the sun is occasionally shining, open the curtains and let it shine in - it can heat your home!
Close them at night and keep the heat inside. Felt lined curtains work even better. Cling film on windows can also save you money.
- Turn radiators down, but not off
Mr Lewis stated that turning down individual radiator controls can also help save money.
However, turning off radiators actually does more harm than good, as the heat should circulate around the entire home.
- Find that draught
Taking a quick scan of your house could often lead to finding draughts in nooks and crannies of rooms. Air escaping means loss of heat, resulting in spending more money to heat the home.
Sausage dog draft excluders as well as cling film on windows helps.
READ NEXT:
Experts share the foods you should include in your diet to help lose weight fast
I'm A Celeb's Olivia Attwood breaks silence after being forced to quit show
Mrs Hinch fans share '4p hack' to make yellow-stained pillows white again
ASDA shopper slashes weekly food shop to £5 by following 'golden rule'
Ant and Dec end I'm a Celebrity abruptly as tradition 'scrapped'
