BRITS could save almost £850 a year by making six simple changes to their home, a money saving expert has said.
Households around the UK are looking to save cash as they continue to feel the effects of the cost of living crisis.
One area of particular concern is with energy bills after prices have soared, in part due to pressures on the wholesale energy market and Vladimir Putin’s ongoing war in Ukraine.
While the Government has stepped in to help with the price guarantee cap prices have risen by 27 per cent since last month and people are still eager to slash costs by making improvements to their home.
Although the energy price guarantee capped households with average usage at £2,500 for the year, it however capped the amount someone can be charged per unit of gas and electricity.
The Government has made various cost of living payments to vulnerable groups, such as those on benefits and pensioners, as a way of softening the impact of price rises.
Families though are under immediate pressure to pay bills and experts have been giving their advice on what can be done.
A money saving expert says Brits can cut their yearly energy bills by a whopping £836.
Expert Ava Pope, from Low Energy Savings, has revealed six home improvements people can make to drastically reduce their energy bills.
She said if households turn all their appliances off rather than leaving them on standby for a whole year, families can save up to £40 a year.
Using a Nest Thermostat can slash yearly gas and electric costs by up to £187, based on average energy bill figures from Ofgem.
Ms Pope also recommends renewing the home insulation in the loft, which could save up to a sizeable £395 yearly.
In addition, getting someone to fit professional draught proofing can cut energy bills by up to £40 a year.
Other, smaller changes can help save the pennies.
Only using a washing machine at 30 degrees can cut a utility bill by £28, Ms Pope said.
Families who reduce the time in the shower to just four minutes can save £65 on their energy bill for the year.
The energy saving expert also said households need to “know and understand” their appliances to determine how they can make significant savings during the cost of living crisis.
She told Express.co.uk: “There are steps that people can take themselves to cut down on their energy bills, and with prices at an all-time high, there has never been a more important time to look at the ways in which you can reduce your household energy bills.
“There are many steps people can take to do this, and make much-needed savings in their household. The first step is to know and understand your appliances.
“A very simple and effective way of controlling your energy usage is to look at and understand your white goods energy ratings. Especially your fridge, freezer, dishwasher and washing machine.”
Ms Pope also advised people to invest in energy-efficient appliances which will help bring down the financial burden of sky-high energy bills in the long term.
She added: “Buying a new product with the most energy-efficient label can save you up to £145 a year compared to running an older model.
“While buying a new appliance can be expensive, that initial cost will save you money in the long run, as the £145 saving a year will soon mean the appliance has paid for itself.
“Using some energy during peak hours is unavoidable, such as running your fridge, or a security system that is left on, but there are certain tasks that can be postponed until off-peak hours.”
