Top tips for gas and electricity savings

With the weekend seeing much if the UK struck by storms and gales, many households may have been glad to switch on their central heating and snuggle up.

However, some Britons may still be concerned about how they will meet the cost of staying warm this winter by forking out to pay their gas and electricity bills.

But by taking a number of simple steps designed to help them improve their home energy efficiency, people could find that they are soon enjoying a warm home, without the pressure of high gas and electricity bills.

Switch to get a better deal

"Looking at the weather report for this week has reaffirmed to me that winter is definitely on its way. It's freezing outside! And of course, with cold weather comes high heating bills as we attempt to keep warm," says Love Money's Alison Hunt.

In order to counteract high home energy bills, Ms Hunt states that one of the first things she will be doing is to switch gas and electricity suppliers.

She explains that the process can take between four and six weeks, meaning that now is the perfect time to take advantage of new deals in order to feel the benefits of the low gas and electricity bills during the coldest months of the year - typically December and January.

Reduce bills further

Ms Hunt explains that even once a household has decided to switch gas or electricity provider, there are still ways that they can lower their home energy bills.

Among these, she recommends having a gas boiler serviced in order to ensure it is working to the best of its abilities once the winter sets in.

Such action could lower the risk of people being left with no home heating should their boiler pack up.

Ms Hunt also advises turning down the thermostat.

Indeed, the Energy Saving Trust claims that turning down a thermostat by just one degree Celsius could see households netting an annual £60 saving on their energy bills.

And the trust also states that home energy efficiency - such as taking a shower instead of a bath and only heating rooms when they are occupied - can also help to not only reduce gas and electricity bills, but also a property's carbon footprint.