Ofgem confirmed that the energy price cap is set to increase to £3,549 in October, with prices expected to soar even further by January 2023.
MORE: 10 genius ways to keep your house warm without paying for heating
The news will be devastating to families who have already been impacted by the cost-of-living crisis, and who may be concerned about how they can possibly afford to pay their bills at a time when inflation has also hit 10.1 percent.
However, there are some simple changes we can make at home that could possibly save hundreds of pounds – from turning off appliances to buying a new duvet. Yes, really! Read on for seven easy ways to save money at home…
Use a smart meter
© Photo: AlamyUsing a smart meter can help you track your spending
Keep track of how much energy you are using by installing a smart meter. These self-reading gas and electricity meters are available through many energy providers and can provide eye-opening data on how much energy you're using in pounds and pence, so it's easier to see how much you're spending.
DISCOVER: 7 best budget planning books to help save money during cost of living crisis
Turn appliances off standby mode
According to Matthew Currington, Technical Director of The Lighting Superstore, you could save approximately £35 a year simply by turning all appliances off standby mode when they're not in use. To save even more money, unplug them too, as they can still use energy when they are turned off but plugged in.
RELATED: 13 easy home hacks to slash your electricity bill now
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Put your heating on one degree lower
© Photo: AlamyTurning your heating down slightly can reduce your bills significantly
You could save up to ten percent of your heating bill by turning down your thermostat by just one degree. A setting somewhere between 18˚C and 21˚C should be adequate for most families, but keep adjusting your thermostat until you find a temperature you are happy with.
Change your bedding and duvet
Having different weight duvets for different seasons could be a surprisingly cost-effective way to bring your energy bills down in 2022, at minimal effort. Invest in a heavier 13.5 tog weight duvet for winter nights, and you could save as much as £633 compared to keeping the heating on overnight, according to Mattress Online. Meanwhile, opting for a lighter duvet or sheets in the summer months may negate the need to keep fans running overnight to help you sleep.
MORE: 8 hidden ways your house is draining your money
Silentnight Anti Allergy 13.5 tog double duvet, £24.80, Amazon
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Consolidate TV and internet providers
Signing up to receive TV and broadband connections from a single provider could save as much as £30 a month compared to using multiple companies. Uswitch can help you to find the best package for you.
Use LED lightbulbs
Air Filter experts, Filter King, recommend switching regular bulbs for LED bulbs. These are designed to save energy, and therefore last a lot longer, offering small savings that really add up. Better still, install a dimmer switch to turn the lights down so they are not always operating at full power when they aren't needed to.
Philips LED frosted light bulbs 6 pack, £16.15, Amazon
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Cancel unused subscription packages
After being lured in by initial opening offers, you may soon find yourself signed up to several subscription packages you don't really use. From TV and music streaming packages to premium delivery services for online retailers, conduct an audit and see if there are any you no longer need or could even combine to save money.
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