By Mark Duell for MailOnline
Published: 10:36 EDT, 7 October 2022 | Updated: 15:31 EDT, 7 October 2022
With fears continuing over heightened energy bills this winter, the Government is resisting calls to encourage people to reduce their use of gas and electricity.
But there are plenty of methods you can try at home to cut costs - from turning down your boiler flow temperature to avoiding using the tumble drier.
It comes amid warnings of a heightened risk of blackouts in the coming months, the prospect for which still remains 'unlikely' according to the National Grid.
Liz Truss has said increasing energy production in the UK is necessary to prevent further crises as she tried to reassure Britons that 'we will get through this winter'.
To help alleviate fears, experts at Octopus have provided a series of eight top tips for homeowners that they say could save people an estimated £488 a year.
The energy firm says its tips helped customers save more than £5million on their bills last winter. Here, we take a look at what it says you could do to cut your bills:
Octopus advises that the default boiler flow level which sets the temperature of water when it leaves the unit is normally too high, and can be reduced.
Experts say you should turn down a combi boiler to 50C for heating and 55C for hot water, which could save £70 per year.
For a boiler and a hot water cylinder, the boiler flow temperature should be just over 60C for heating and hot water, and 60C for the hot water cylinder.
DON'T USE YOUR TUMBLE DRIER
The Energy Savings Trust advises that air drying your clothes on a washing line or clothes horse could save you £60 a year instead of using a tumble drier.
You could save £45 a year by avoiding wasting energy by plugging gaps around doors and windows that could cause drafts, Octopus says. You can find draughts using the back of your hand, or with a thermal camera.
Using your thermostat as an on/off switch or boost for energy can cause more gas to be wasted.
Octopus advises that you should set it and leave it on when it's required - leaving it between 18C and 21C. It says turning down the temperature by 1C could save you £128 a year.
A typical household could save £70 a year by reducing the time spent in the shower to four minutes.
Changing to LED lightbulbs when its time to replace bulbs can saved between £5 to £13 per bulb per year, according to the Energy Savings Trust. Experts say another £20 per year can be saved by ensuring you switch off the lights when you leave the room.
INSULATE YOUR HOT WATER TANK
Experts say an 80mm-thick jacket for your hot water cylinder could save £35 a year. A foam tube can also be used to insulate exposed hot water pipes.
Pulling your curtains before it gets dark can also help your home retain more heat with less energy.
TOTAL POTENTIAL ENERGY BILL SAVINGS: £488
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