With sky-high energy prices and cold weather, which means that the heating is likely getting a good amount of use, people may be looking for ways to save money on bills.
One way to reduce energy bills without having to cut back consumption is by avoiding some of the most common mistakes which could set people back a 'considerable' amount of money.
As reported by the Express, small slip ups which may seem like they won't add too much to your bills could end up costing you a significant sum if made often enough.
Stephen Hankinson, Managing Director at Electric Radiators Direct explained that: "Identifying any potential bad habits that may seem insignificant, but could actually be adding considerable amounts to your final bill at the end of the year."
He continued: "One of the hardest things about winter is the cold mornings, and many of us tend to set the thermostat a little higher to avoid the discomfort of getting out of a warm bed and into a cold room.
"But the cost of doing this can really add up quickly if you’re not careful. According to research, lowering your central heating thermostat setting by one degree, from 19 to 18, could lead to a 1,530 kWh saving per household per year.
"At current prices this could be a saving of around £140 on your energy bill."
Forgetting to turn the heating off is another common mistake that could be easily avoided to help households save money, according to the expert.
"Aside from remembering to switch off the heating when you leave, smart solutions such as smart thermostats can come in handy too,” Stephen suggested.
"Smart thermostats connect your heating system to the internet, allowing you to change the temperature or switch your heating off on your smartphone or other device when you're out and about.
The expert explained that smart devices could potentially save you between 14 percent and 31 percent in energy costs, which means the average household could knock around £560 off their bill in a year.
"Factoring in the upfront cost, you may start seeing some savings after around four months, so you may want to consider the investment for the long-term benefit if you can,” the expert added.
Another potential bad habit some people might be making is washing clothes at high temperatures.
Stephen said: “Many are aware of that our washing machines and other electrical appliances can use quite a bit of energy, but did you know that if you start washing your clothes at 40 degrees or lower, you may be able to save about 70 kWh per year, or about £23 a year on your bills?”
outdated appliances could also be adding to a household’s bill unnecessarily, the expert explained, as they use more energy.
"Keeping hold of old washing machines or other appliances that are not as energy efficient as modern alternatives may end up costing you significantly in the long run," Stephen said. "For instance, running an outdated refrigerator might cost you up to 1,000 kWh per year, which, based on current prices, equates to up to £340."
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